Automatic handling of mis-delivered items in computerized parcel locker systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parcel locker systems face issues with misdelivery of parcels to incorrect lockers and recipients, misuse by users, and inefficiencies in parcel assignment due to incorrect user interactions and hardware failures.
Innovation Solution
The system employs sensors to verify parcel presence in assigned lockers, reassigns parcels to correct lockers, and includes user and manager interfaces to correct misdeliveries and sensor failures, using a controller to manage locker operations and communicate with remote systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional parcel locker systems rely on manual courier placement and basic locker assignment, then the system is simple to operate, but misdelivery to incorrect lockers occurs and delivery accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively detecting potential misdeliveries through sensor verification before finalizing the delivery status. Weight sensors and computer vision systems check parcel presence and correctness in advance, allowing the system to identify and correct misdeliveries before they are confirmed, thus improving delivery accuracy without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor locker contents, weight changes, and parcel presence. This feedback mechanism allows real-time verification of correct parcel placement and triggers automated reassignment protocols when misdelivery is detected, significantly improving delivery accuracy while managing complexity through automated control algorithms
2Reliability
If the system implements automated sensor verification and parcel reassignment, then misdelivery detection improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where automated sensors and computer vision systems independently verify parcel delivery correctness without human intervention. The system autonomously detects misdeliveries, triggers reassignment protocols, and manages correction workflows automatically, enhancing reliability while containing complexity through self-managing algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
Manual verification processes are replaced with automated sensor systems, weight detection, and computer vision technology. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with electronic sensing and automated control improves system reliability by eliminating human error while managing complexity through integrated software control
3Ease of operation
If multiple lockers are kept open for simultaneous access, then user convenience improves, but misdelivery risk increases due to courier confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from door sensors, weight sensors, and parcel tracking to monitor which lockers are open and their current status. This feedback enables dynamic management of open lockers and provides continuous verification to prevent misdelivery, allowing multiple lockers to remain accessible while maintaining delivery accuracy through automated monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification checks before finalizing deliveries to lockers that are open simultaneously. Weight sensors and vision systems verify correct parcel placement in advance, and the system proactively identifies potential misdeliveries among multiple open lockers, ensuring accuracy is maintained despite concurrent access by multiple users
4Measurement precision
If the system proactively detects and corrects misdeliveries, then delivery accuracy improves, but loss of time occurs due to reassignment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system rapidly processes misdelivery detection and reassignment operations to minimize time loss. Automated sensors immediately identify misdeliveries, and the system quickly executes reassignment protocols by transferring parcels to correct lockers, rushing through the correction process to minimize disruption and time loss while maintaining high delivery accuracy
Data Source
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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. The parcel locker system includes routines that allow for automatic processing of parcels delivered to an incorrect locker, missing parcels, objects other than delivered parcels placed into the lockers, and the like. The routines also allow for automated and semi-automated management, servicing, and use of the lockers, for example to indicate to a courier or other user which lockers are available for delivery and which contain delivered parcels.