Automated Parcel Locker QR Code Delivery System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parcel locker systems are inefficient when handling multiple parcels, especially in scenarios where network connections are unreliable or unavailable, and require manual entry of recipient information by couriers for each parcel.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an automated parcel locker system that uses a scannable optical code, such as a QR code, to exchange data bi-directionally between the courier and the parcel locker system, allowing for efficient delivery of multiple parcels by linking a courier's access credentials and a package manifest directly to the QR code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual entry of recipient information is required for each parcel, then delivery accuracy can be maintained, but delivery efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with automated optical scanning systems. Couriers scan machine-readable codes (barcodes, QR codes) on parcels using handheld scanners or fixed scanners at locker stations, automatically capturing recipient information and locker assignments. This substitutes manual typing with automated optical recognition, dramatically improving delivery efficiency while maintaining accuracy through systematic validation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service delivery processing where the parcel information and recipient data are automatically captured and processed without requiring courier intervention for data entry. The machine-readable codes contain encoded information that the system automatically reads, validates, and processes, allowing the delivery process to serve itself rather than requiring manual input for each parcel.
2Reliability
If network connection is required for real-time data exchange, then system reliability can be improved, but system availability deteriorates in areas with poor connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by encoding all necessary delivery information, recipient data, and locker assignments directly into machine-readable codes before delivery. This pre-encoding ensures that even without real-time network connectivity, the courier system can independently process deliveries by reading and validating the pre-stored information in the codes, maintaining operational availability in remote areas while ensuring data accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine-readable codes serve as intermediaries that carry delivery information independently of network connections. Instead of requiring direct real-time communication between the courier device and central system, the coded information acts as a self-contained mediator that enables data exchange functionality offline, bridging the gap between system reliability requirements and operational availability needs.
3Measurement precision
If multiple parcels are processed individually, then delivery accuracy can be maintained, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual parcel processing steps into a unified batch processing system. The courier scans machine-readable codes on multiple parcels in sequence, and the system processes all scanned parcels together in a single transaction, validating recipient information and assigning lockers for multiple parcels simultaneously. This combining approach maintains delivery accuracy through systematic validation while dramatically reducing total processing time compared to handling each parcel separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous processing of multiple parcels without interruption or reset between items. As the courier scans codes on successive parcels, the system continuously validates information, checks recipient eligibility, and assigns lockers in an unbroken workflow. This continuous action eliminates the start-stop pattern of individual processing, maintaining precision through consistent validation while minimizing time loss through uninterrupted operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated computerized parcel locker system is provided, which includes multiple lockers in a common housing, each having one or more sensors that indicate whether an item is present in the locker, the status of the locker door, and the like. Systems and processes for efficient delivery of multiple parcels in a single package manifest are provided, which allow the system to instruct a courier to deliver each parcel to a specific locker in the system. The package manifest may allow for the set of parcels to be treated as a single delivery, while still using individual package recipient information to properly route parcels to intended recipients.