Intelligent Locker System for Mailcenter Package Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mailcenters face challenges in processing and distributing large numbers of packages due to their design for traditional letter mail, with issues including unsuitable delivery times, labor costs for extended hours, and customer inconvenience, especially for those with busy lifestyles.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an intelligent package processing system that includes package storage lockers accessible 24/7, automated processing workstations, and a mail service controller to manage package routing, tracking, and customer notifications, allowing customers to retrieve packages at their convenience and optimizing space and resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the mailcenter expands its hours of operation to accommodate customers with busy lifestyles, then customer convenience is improved, but labor costs increase due to the high cost of staffing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer convenienceVSAvoidlabor cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated package processing where machines perform scanning, sorting, and routing functions that previously required human staff. The automated locker system allows customers to retrieve packages independently without staff assistance, enabling the mailcenter to operate effectively during off-hours without incurring additional labor costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations by staff are replaced with automated mechanical systems including package scanners, sorters, and robotic locker management. This substitution eliminates the need for human labor during extended hours while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If the mailcenter uses conventional pickup windows with specific operating hours, then staffing requirements are reduced, but customer convenience deteriorates due to limited access times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaffing costVSAvoidcustomer convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static operating hours to dynamic on-demand access. The automated lockers can be accessed at any time during the mailcenter's operational period, and the system dynamically assigns lockers to packages and manages customer access in real-time based on package arrival and customer availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If the mailcenter processes and stores large numbers of packages, then service capacity is improved, but space utilization deteriorates due to design optimized for traditional letter mail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage volumeVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage space is divided into numerous individual automated lockers rather than large open storage areas. Each locker is a discrete unit that can be independently assigned to specific packages, maximizing space utilization and enabling efficient retrieval without requiring large open spaces designed for traditional mail handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from two-dimensional horizontal storage layouts to three-dimensional vertical locker arrays. This dimensional change dramatically increases storage capacity within the same footprint, allowing the mailcenter to accommodate large volumes of packages without expanding the building footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Device complexity

If the mailcenter requires customers to visit during business hours for package retrieval, then operational complexity is reduced, but customer convenience deteriorates for those with busy schedules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational complexityVSAvoidcustomer convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated notification and tracking where customers receive real-time updates about their package status and locker assignments. This feedback loop eliminates the need for customers to physically visit during business hours to inquire about their packages, as the system proactively provides all necessary information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10748112B2Intelligent use of lockers in mailcenter package processing system

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

Tools (e.g., systems, apparatuses, methodologies, computer programs, etc.) including intelligent provisions enable a mail center to process packages at a mailcenter. Such processing may include extracting information from the package (via image processing), and then, when appropriate, assigning such package for pickup at a package storage locker. The package storage locker is preferably an intelligent locker that can be electronically controlled and can be integrated in the electronic mailcenter service system.