WO2012087248A1

WO2012087248A1 - Automated self-storage system

Info

Publication number: WO2012087248A1
Application number: PCT/SK2011/050014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Miloš KMEŤKO
Original assignee: Kmetko Milos
Priority date: 2010-12-23
Filing date: 2011-10-10
Publication date: 2012-06-28
Also published as: SK1712010A3

Abstract

An automated self-storage system is an information- and communication-technology based system consisting of individually relocatable storage units (1), storage repositories (2), user devices (4), and servers (3). A storage unit (1) is equipped with the means (5) for docking the storage unit in a storage repository (2), allowing a storage unit to be placed in a storage repository temporarily and independently from other storage units. A storage repository (2) is a device (usually available in a public place), whose purpose is to prevent uncontrolled removal of storage units. A server (3) is used for system management. A user device (4) serves for user (8) access to functions of the system. A storage unit (1) can be placed at any compatible storage repository (2) for any time period. Users can share information needed to handle storage units, and this way use the system for different purposes encompassing the temporary storing of objects.

Description

AUTOMATED SELF-STORAGE SYSTEM

The present solution relates to a secure storage of belongings, particularly at public areas. More specifically, the solution is an information- and communication-technology based system of detachable and movable storage units arranged into storage repositories.

People occasionally need temporary storage for their luggage, and often times they have no means of doing it safely. This typically occurs when travelling by public transportation. There are usually established different luggage repositories or luggage lockers in public places, mainly in traffic nodes, for this reason.

With the growing volume of Internet shopping, the demand for transportation of goods from an Internet distributor to an individual consumer is increasing. Current courier services, used in irregular supply of goods ordered via Internet, require a high degree of coordination and personal contact with customers. The problem is more visible with an increasing volume of services, which in turn leads to an effort to find solutions. A variety of solutions proposing to use various publicly available mailboxes or containers and various information and communication technologies to improve the synchronization process between delivery services and customers are described in U.S. patents and patent applications: US6323782 - Unattended item delivery system, US7068149 - System and method for facilitating delivery and return service , US7742928 - System for resolving distressed shipments, US7815112 - Secure parcel delivery in the absence of the intended recipient, US20020116289 - Locker mobile pickup station, US20030231112 - Secure parcel delivery with electronic notification and approval, US20070296579 - Method for delivering and retrieving return deliveries to and from an electronic parcel deposit box facility.

An automated storage system comprising a plurality of self-storage facilities, which are collectively networked to a central command center accessible via Internet allowing customers to undertake various self-storage related transactions without the need for an attendant, is described in U.S. patent US5946660 - Automated storage system.

In the context of reflections on the integration of an automated short term car rental into intermodal passenger transportation, new requirements have emerged for the temporary storage of personal belongings at public places. Intermodal passenger transportation means more than one mode of transportation is used while traveling between two places. The mass inclusion of passenger rental cars into intermodal transportation systems creates an opportunity to achieve so-called 'car-like mobility'. This trend has increased in recent years. Commonly used cars provide also important utility of storing personal belongings while parking. However, this utility is provided neither by shared cars nor by mass transportation. To achieve the mentioned car-like mobility using intermodal transportation, it is necessary to provide storage of personal belongings. As the passenger uses different conveyances or uses no conveyance in different phases of intermodal transportation, the problem can be solved only by some self-storage system outside those conveyances. A passenger should be minimally burdened with the system, and the system should be flexible enough in its operations to enable reloading items in real time. The current technology evidently does not provide appropriate solution that would adequately cover such requirements - for instance the solution disclosed in the patet US5946660 (Automated storage system) does not provide necessary dynamics for such a task.

The substance of the presented solution of automated self-storage system becomes apparent in comparison to the classic unattended luggage storage, well-known from public transportation stations, shopping centers, and so forth; the traditional system usually consists of a group of separated storage units that are non-detachably connected to each other, thus forming a solid storage block. Functions of a single storage unit in such arrangement are limited by the impossibility of moving the storage unit.

The new solution lies in the concept that a mechanical connection of storage units into a block is not permanent. Any storage unit is incorporated into the block temporarily, for a necessary but limited time. The permanent mechanical connection is replaced by a temporary connection - docking. The mechanical construction dedicated to hold a storage unit in place will be called a storage repository.

Assuming there is design compatibility of docking interfaces between storage units and storage repositories, any storage unit can be docked in any storage repository. In a case where someone needs to repeatedly store and move his personal belongings, for instance in intermodal transportation, it is not necessary to take them off from a storage unit at one place and then store them in another storage unit at the next place. Simply, the whole storage unit is moved to the next place together with all the stuff in it. The task of the storage unit is to protect stored articles from unauthorized access. To the extent of how the storage unit performs this task, the protection of personal belongings during storage and transportation is reduced to the protection against losing the storage unit. This is a substantial simplification, allowing the system to provide required flexibility for reloading personal belongings in intermodal passenger transportation.

Above mentioned flexibility of the self-storage system can be utilized also in some another areas, as for instance within package delivery services.

The role of a storage repository is to keep storage units safely docked at a site and prevent their unauthorized undocking. Storage repositories are therefore structurally and physically relatively simple devices that can be efficiently located where it would be economically inappropriate to house fixed storage units. This creates a precondition to establish a sufficiently dense network of storage repositories required by the system of intermodal transportation, or by some advanced unattended delivery system.

The dimensions of storage units are not limited by the system. The storage unit can have a form of regular mail envelope as well as a form of 40 foot transport container. Different sizes and designs of storage units can require different docking mechanisms and different storage repository mechanical constructions. The docking mechanisms must be mechanically compatible to fit each to other to allow for docking of the storage unit in the storage repository. However, different docking mechanisms can be used in the same storage repository to obtain higher usability. When implementing, it must be noted that a docking mechanism has active and passive sides, and the active side is the side that locks the docking connection.

The mechanical construction of storage units and storage repositories and the location of storage repositories are also affected by safety requirements. Such requirements can lead to the need for specially constructed storage units and storage repositories that meet more stringent safety requirements. Storage units and storage repositories can therefore exist as variants with different operating costs and operational safety standards. Mechanical solutions take into account the safety and economy of storage and transportation, which can result in requirements such as mechanical strength, stacking, compatibility with usual dimensions of already established transportation systems and the like.

The proposed self-storage system is primarily intended for use in situations involving a large number of storage units and storage repositories, and where interconnections to other systems are considered. Therefore, the use of actual information and communication technologies is an intrinsic part of effective system implementation. Additionally, only a certain degree of development of these technologies, particularly the prevalence of mobile data communications and asymmetric encryption, brought about the possibility of its effective implementation. Without mobile data communication the system would not provide sufficient flexibility and economic efficiency. Without asymmetric encryption or some other similar instrument, it would be impossible to achieve the necessary resistance against system misuse.

The core of the system consists of one or more servers, whose task is to record information about storage units, storage repositories, users and on-going operations and, based on recorded data, to control system activity. Common communication capabilities are used for communication within the system, as for instance data transfers of cable transmission operators or mobile operators. Servers ensure the integrity of the system. As a typical server, some suitably equipped web server can be considered.

Each storage unit is equipped with electronics, which are involved in the management and status monitoring of the storage unit, and in the communication within the system. This electronic structure is characterized by varying degrees of complexity - depending on the more detailed purpose of a given type of storage unit. Power for electronics is usually provided by a power source that is part of the storage unit. In some special cases, the storage unit can be without a power source, and the power is supplied by contact or contactless manner from the storage repository, the user device, or a separate external power source. The main task of the electronics is to participate in the controlling of locks on the storage unit door and on the storage unit docking mechanism. Electronics are also involved in evaluating signals from sensors, as for instance, the sensor detecting the lock position or the sensor detecting the storage unit closure. Depending on the more detailed purpose of a storage unit, electronics can perform more complex tasks, such as, for instance, determining a geographical location of the storage unit or the nature of movement of the storage unit. For the communication within the system there are usually wireless means for communication over a short distance of the order of tens of meters in a storage unit. In this case, a user device or a storage repository serves as an access point that mediates data connection to the server; a storage unit may, if necessary, be equipped with a data connection to a cellular network and communicate with the server without the mentioned mediation. This is particularly important in a configuration where the storage repository is a completely passive mechanism without electronics, which from a systemic perspective requires complete autonomy of the storage unit. On the opposite side of the complexity spectrum, there is, for instance, the radio-frequency identification chip (RFID). In this case, the active function of docking must be provided by the storage repository, and the means for storage unit locking is unlikely to have an electronic nature.

The simplest variation of a storage repository is represented by a simple mechanical construction allowing the active docking mechanism of the storage unit to lock itself at this mechanical construction. The mechanical construction must be mounted on a solid foundation in a manner preventing the storage repository from uncontrolled movement. Storage units using such a simple storage repository must be self-sufficient regarding the power source and the communication with servers.

If the storage repository is equipped with electronics, the role of the electronics is mainly to assist in management and monitoring of the status of storage units docked in the storage repository, and to be involved in the communication within the system. For storage units that are equipped with only such means of communication that systemically do not allow direct data transfers with the server, the storage repository usually represents mediatory means for accessing the server. The storage repository can also be equipped with additional means to protect unauthorized access to storage units. Protection may include, for example, a special cover that must be uncovered to get access to storage units, or it may be a separate entrance into an enclosed space of the storage repository. The control of such access to the storage units is also part of the functionality of the storage repository's electronics. In addition to stationary storage repositories, mobile storage repositories can also be used, for example, if the storage unit docking is part of transportation. In such a case, monitoring of the geographical position and reporting this to a given server is also part of the electronics functionality of a given storage repository. The storage repository can also provide electricity to storage units while they are docked in the storage repository. This electricity can be used to power the electronics of a storage unit that has no other power supply, as well as for charging the power supply of storage units with their own source of energy. For reasons of reliability, contactless energy transfer is considered, for instance the electromagnetic induction. The means for power transfer can be used simultaneously to check the presence of a particular storage unit in a particular storage repository. Since contactless transfer of the power is effective only for a very short distance, using the same channel to transmit data used for the mutual identification of a storage unit and a storage repository will reliably confirm the physical proximity of the storage unit and the storage repository.

A user device is a means for user communication within the system. The role of the user device can be played by virtually any suitably equipped computer. This can typically be a cell phone or a personal computer that runs an application enabling data interconnection with a server and provides tools for communication with the server. User devices may further include an application that mediates data connection between storage units and servers.

Fig. 1 shows storage units separately and in a storage repository with a preview of docking.

Fig. 2 shows relationships within the proposed system and the communication allowing its full exploitation.

Fig. 3 shows a detailed example of docking mechanisms of a storage unit and a storage repository.

Reference Signs List

1 - Storage unit

2 - Storage repository

3 - Server

4 - User device

5 - Means for storage unit docking in storage repository

6 - Undocked storage unit

7 - Docked storage unit

8 - User

9 - Block of electronics of storage repository

10 - Block of electronics of storage unit

11 - Access point for Wi-Fi communication

12 - Mobile operator network

13 - Internet

14 - Storage unit handle

15 - Storage unit lid

16 - Lock

17 - Upper docking rail

18 - Lower docking rail

19 - Primary winding of inductive power

20 - Secondary winding of inductive power

21 - Stand

22 - Storage unit case

23 - Jaws

24 - Spring

25 - Safety catch

26 - Docking hooks

WIFI - wire-fire - wireless data communication technology

BT - Bluetooth - wireless data communication technology

MT - Mobile telecommunication network

The best example of an invention embodiment is a system that replaces the storage function of a shared car. If using of particular car is not permanently limited to a very little number of users it cannot meet its storage function. An example of unlimited number of users of particular car is, for instance, a short-term car rental within intermodal passenger transportation. However, the storage function can be provided by an external system. By using a relocatable storage unit 1 as either an undocked storage unit 6 or as in a storage repository 2 docked storage unit 7, the required flexibility in handling of the storage unit, and thus of the objects deposited in it, is achieved.

The size of a storage unit 1 depends on that it is storing articles that otherwise are normally stored in a car. These are belongings such as various small purchases, occupation related items, items used in hobbies, and the like. All of these objects must also fit into the car and, if this alternative storage method is used, there must be a possibility to store them in the car in one or more storage units if the required flexibility is to be achieved. Next, the storage unit must also meet the assumption of a simple hand movement to the next means of transportation or to the chosen storage repository. These requirements are nearly met by sets of travel cases that are generally sold in retail outlets and are often used as travel luggage when travelling. Therefore, storage units for the considered system, with their dimensions and arrangement of transport elements, such as wheels and handles, can be directly based on such travel cases. The smallest storage unit can for instance match the maximal dimensions of an on-board luggage case, as stated by general requirements in air transportation. This storage unit thus can be directly used as part of on-board luggage. The largest storage unit should still allow for comfortable placement in vehicles currently used in a given system of intermodal transportation. The system can also offer a storage unit for oversized items, such as skis, that cannot be placed inside cars but may be carried by some cars equipped with an appropriate roof rack.

The storage unit case 22 is made of durable material and is equipped with wheels and, depending on the size, with one or more handles 14. The handle can be eventually telescopic. Compared to the mentioned travel case model, said storage unit is equipped with means 5 for docking of a storage unit in a storage repository. The storage unit lid 15 is equipped with a lock 16 with a catch. Next there are signal diodes placed in the storage unit case 22, indicating the status of a storage unit, like the locked/unlocked lid or the docked/undocked storage unit, for some time after the event. There is a block 10 of electronics of storage unit inside the storage unit. This block contains all necessary electronics, a power supply, a docking jaw lock, and an induction power receiver. A secondary winding 20 of the inductive power receiver is incorporated into the storage unit case 22.

A storage repository 2 is a structure consisting of a reasonably mechanically stiff stand 21, on which an upper docking rail 17, a lower docking rail 18, and the primary winding 19 of inductive power are located. Another part of the storage repository is a block 9 of electronics of storage repository consisting of control and communication units, an induction power source for storage units and the storage repository's own backup power source. The backup power source can play a role of the main power source at places where no electric power network is accessible. Depending on circumstances, this basic construction of the storage repository is fitted by appropriate housing, thus increasing the safety of storage unit repositioning.

Storage unit dimensions allow the active docking side to be on the storage unit. Docking takes place by placing the storage unit 1, by hand, into the storage repository 2 so that first the docking hooks 26 are hooked over the lower docking rail 18 and next the docking jaw lock meshes over the upper docking rail 17 by its jaws 23. The jaws 23 are pressed against each other by the spring 24 into engagement over the rail 17. The spring pressure is sufficient to achieve the proper engagement of jaws 23 in the locked position and to maintain the position against the strength of a fully loaded storage unit 1. Locking is managed by the block 10 of electronics of storage unit and is achieved by inserting a safety catch 25 between jaws 23 of the lock by an electromagnet. Positions of jaws 23 and safety catch 25 are checked by sensors.

A block 9 of electronics of the storage repository includes its own control unit and is equipped with necessary communication interfaces, such as wire-fire WIFI, Bluetooth BT, and a mobile telecommunication network MT for a communication within the system, that is to say with the server 3 and storage units 1 placed in its proximity. A connection to the Internet 13 is used for communication with the server 3. The connection to the Internet is created, by availability, or through an access point 11 for Wi-Fi communication or through a mobile operator network 12. The Bluetooth technology BT is used for the communication with storage units 1. An inductive power means, with primary winding 19 and secondary winding 20 that are used as antennas to transmit identification data from the storage repository 2 to storage units 1, is also used for communication with storage units 1 for storage unit vicinity verification. Upon instruction form the server 3, a control unit of the storage repository, contained in the block 9 of electronics of the storage repository, broadcasts a given mark into primary winding 19 of inductive power. Docked storage units 7 accept the mark by their secondary winding 20 of inductive power, process it and send to the server 3, and so identify the storage repository 2 in which they are located.

A storage unit can be visible or invisible to the control system. To be visible, the storage unit must be connected via Bluetooth BT with the device connected to Internet 13. Moreover, the program realizing interconnection between the storage unit 1 and the server 3 must run at the device. Such a device is usually a block 9 of electronics of the storage repository. Such a device is also a mobile phone in the role of a user device 4 that is the basic device helping users 8 to exploit system functions. However, such a device could be any other electronic device meeting said conditions. While a storage unit 1 is visible to the control system, the state of the storage unit can be changed; storage unit states include unused, unlocked, locked, docked, and ready to undock.

A storage unit in the state of being unused is a storage unit 1 that is ready for rent. After renting the storage unit it is in the docked state and is dedicated to a particular user 8. That user is the only person who is eligible to lock or unlock the storage unit 1. A locked storage unit is automatically ready for docking. Three parallel conditions must be met for docking: 1 - the storage unit 1 communicates with the system through Bluetooth BT of a given storage repository 2, 2 - the storage repository 2 confirms a vicinity of the storage unit 1 by signalization through the power inductive receiver, and 3 - a subsequent stretch and engagement of jaws 23 of the docking shoe lock has taken place. These conditions are met by correct placement of the locked storage unit 1 into the storage repository 2. A safety catch 25 is immediately inserted between jaws 23 of the docking shoe lock, and the storage unit state is changed to docked, what is shortly indicated by diodes on the storage unit. An attempt to dock an unlocked storage unit just leads to short signalling of the unlocked state of storage unit. The docked storage unit 7 can be undocked only by an authorised user 8 that is connected to the server 3. After receiving an instruction to undock the docked storage unit 7, the docking shoe jaws 23 are released and the state of ready to undock is indicated. If the storage unit is not taken from the storage repository within a given time, the docking shoe jaws 23 are locked again and the state of docked storage unit is signalled.

A server 3 is implemented as a web server on the Internet 13. In storage repositories 2 and storage units 1, there are running applications that automatically communicate with the server 3. A secured communication is under way in the system. Storage repositories 2 and storage units 1 are using appropriate hardware and software for secured communication and they must be registered in the system before use. Those who seek to use the system must be registered as users 8 prior the system use. A user can acquire various relationships to storage units 1 and can then further share or transfer these relationships to other users. For instance, a user can rent a storage unit from the system. This way he creates a rental relationship with the storage unit. This rental relationship between the user 8 and the storage unit 1 lasts until the user returns the storage unit back to the system or until another user takes over the rental. While the rental relation lasts, all obligations from using the storage unit that are not covered by another user go at the renter's expense. The renter has all rights to the storage unit. Another relation that a user 8 can acquire to a storage unit 1 is a holding relation. A user is the storage unit holder if he is listed in the system as the user who has the storage unit in his possession. A user becomes the holder of storage unit by authorized acquirement of the storage unit from a storage repository 2, or by a takeover the holding relation from a different user. The holding of a storage unit 1 ceases by a converse procedure.

The responsibility for a storage unit as a whole is assumed by the subject that is holding the storage unit. It is the user 8 that is listed in the system as a holder of a given storage unit in the case the undocked storage unit 6, and in the case of a docked storage unit 7 it is an operator of the storage repository in which a given storage unit is docked.

The evidence of use of the system runs automatically. The system according to the needs provides users 8 by information on how they use the system. Based on the recorded data, individual entities are invoiced for using the system.

By having the possibility of a user to acquire different relationships to storage units, and to share or transfer them to other users, there is an option of a large practical application of the described system for purposes different then is the mere storage. This dynamic creates the opportunity for third parties to build useful extensions to the system that provide services beyond the range of storage. The self-storage itself it is not the direct aim of such services, but only a means of providing the services. When structured this way, the system allows users to arrange for transportation of a storage unit from one storage repository to another storage repository, or asynchronously hand over or send stored articles to someone else. This way, the system can also significantly contribute to the solution of the problem of synchronization of a deliverer and a customer in the context of Internet retail sales, whereas an asynchronous delivery service eliminates this problem entirely.

Claims

A self-storage system comprising of:

a) separately relocatable storage units, each equipped with means for locking it in closed state, with means for docking it at a storage repository, and with a computational and communication means,

b) storage repositories, each equipped with means for docking at least of one storage unit,

c) at least one server equipped with a computational and communication means,

d) user devices equipped with a computational and communication means,

e) docking of a given storage unit in a given storage repository,

f) data interconnection between computational and communication means encompassed in different components of the system.
The system of claim 1 wherein at least one storage repository comprises a computational and communication means.
The system of claim 1 wherein at least one computational and communication means comprises means for a wireless communication and means for exploitation of an asymmetric encryption.
The system of claim 1 wherein at least one computational and communication means comprises means for determining its own geographical position.
The system of claim 2 wherein at least one storage unit and at least one storage repository comprise means for contactless transfer of electric power between the storage repository and the storage unit.
The system of claim 2 comprising means for determining the presence of a given storage unit in a given storage repository at least for one particular case.