A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GRANTING ACCESS TO A PARCEL LOCKER USING A SMART TAG CONNECTED TO A PARCEL

Abstract

 A method (100) comprising steps of
- receiving (400), at a parcel locker (10), a request token (90) from a smart tag (20) connected to a parcel (70) for access to a compartment (12) of the parcel locker (10), the request token (90) comprising an identifier of the compartment (12) transmitted to the smart tag (20) by a backend system (30) via a third-party device (80), wherein the compartment (12) has been determined by the backend system (30) from a plurality of compartments (12) of the parcel locker (10);
- granting (500) access to the compartment (12) as a function of the request token (90).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for granting access to a compartment of a parcel locker using a smart tag.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus such as a smart tag capable of performing the method.

Background of the Invention

[0003] There is a constant effort to reduce last mile delivery costs of parcels. Parcel lockers such as battery-operated parcel lockers or hard-wired parcel lockers has in recent years been used to reduce the last mile costs. The parcel locker has a plurality of compartments each with a lock unit controlled by a locker controller which controls the lock units as a function of instructions received by a backend system.

[0004] At the moment, the courier is required to scan a tag of the parcel before transmitting a request to the parcel locker to open a specific compartment. This step is performed such that a parcel is not placed in the wrong compartment as this would be detrimental to the entire system.

[0005] The steps required to achieve high reliability is time inefficient but necessary in order to achieve reliability. However, it would be preferred if time used to fill the parcel lockers could be reduced.

Object of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a method for faster handling of parcels when placing parcels in a parcel locker.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a smart tag enabling the method for faster handling of parcels when placing parcels in a parcel locker.

Description of the Invention

[0008] An object of the invention is achieved by a method comprising steps of

• receiving, at a parcel locker, a request token from a smart tag connected to a parcel for access to a compartment of the parcel locker, the request token comprising an identifier of the compartment transmitted to the smart tag by a backend system via a third-party device, wherein the compartment has been determined by the backend system from a plurality of compartments of the parcel locker;
• granting access to the compartment as a function of the request token.

[0009] Thereby, a person being either a courier or a private person or an employee of a parcel shop can open the parcel locker simply using a smart tag connected to a parcel. Thereby, the person can in a faster way place the parcel in the parcel locker. The speed increases with the number of parcels as the person is not required to handle a PDA or a third-party device in between delivery of parcels. Thus, the effect will typically be greatest for a courier. It is important to note that the mentioned third-party device can be any device capable of communicating with the smart tag thus the request could be transferred to the smart tag at the time that the parcel was packed or be transferred to the smart tag during automated handling at a central handling system or be transferred during transportation by the courier or at any other time. The parcel locker will handle the request token in the same way as a request token sent by a third-party device such as a smart phone.

[0010] The parcel locker may be a parcel locker such as a lean locker sold by SwipBox under the trademark name of Infinity. The parcel locker may preferably communicate via wireless solutions such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, Bluetooth Low-Energy, NFC or other energy efficient local wireless networks. The parcel locker may even communicate with high energy consuming wireless solutions such as WiFi or via USB or ethernet or similar although it would be less efficient than the mentioned preferred solutions with respect to power and time.

[0011] The meaning of smart tag connected to a parcel should be interpreted broadly. The smart tag may be positioned inside the parcel and thereby the smart tag is connected to the parcel even if the smart tag is loosely dropped into the parcel. In other embodiments the smart tag is securely connected to an outer surface of the parcel such that if the smart tag comprises a display, then the display is visible.

[0012] The term parcel shall be understood to include packaging.

[0013] An object of the invention is achieved by a method comprising steps of

• receiving, at a smart tag connected to a parcel, an identifier of a compartment of a parcel locker from a backend system via a third-party device, wherein the compartment has been determined by the backend system from a plurality of compartments of the parcel locker,
• transmitting a request token for access to the compartment from the smart tag to the parcel locker, wherein the request token comprises the identifier of the compartment.

[0014] The step of receiving can be performed at any time prior to the step of transmitting. The step of receiving could be performed moments after the parcel connected to the smart tag has been filed with the item to be sent.

[0015] The step of receiving could be performed as the parcel with smart tag is transferred to a delivery service. This could be from the moment an internet shop transfers the parcel with the smart tag to the delivery service.

[0016] The step of receiving could be performed during the handling at the delivery service from receiving the parcel with the smart tag to the moment where the courier is at the parcel locker or at a parcel shop with parcel lockers.

[0017] The step of receiving could be performed by a parcel shop with parcel lockers before the parcels with smart tags are moved to compartments of the parcel locker.

[0018] The step of receiving could be performed by a private person who has placed an item in a parcel with a smart tag, wherein the parcel is prepared to be placed in a compartment of a parcel locker for pickup by another private person or courier.

[0019] The backend system keeps track of all parcels and parcel lockers including whether a compartment is full or empty. Thus, the assigning of a parcel is controlled by the backend system to avoid double bookings.

[0020] The smart tag does not have any long-range communication means thus the smart tag cannot communicate with the backend system directly. Thus, a third-party device is used to send the identifier of a compartment of a parcel locker to the smart tag. The third-party device can be any device capable of communicating with both the smart tag and the backend system; thus, third-party device should be interpreted broadly. The third-party device can be a unit placed at a conveyer communicating with smart tags connected to parcels as the parcels are conveyed past the unit. The third-party device can be a portable smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet or a laptop. The third-party device may be a unit installed in the delivery truck wherein the step of receiving is performed while the smart tag is close to the unit of the delivery truck.

[0021] Furthermore, throughout this application the feature third party device will be mentioned many times and it is important to understand that the third-party device does not need to be the same third-party device. Thus, a first step or action can be performed by one third-party device and the next step of action can then be performed by the same third-party device or a different third-party device.

[0022] An object of the invention is achieved by a method comprising steps of

• determining, at a backend system, a compartment from a plurality of compartments of a parcel locker;
• transmitting an identifier of the compartment to a smart tag connected to a parcel via a third-party device, wherein the smart tag is configured to transmit a request token for access to the compartment to the parcel locker, the request token comprising the identifier of the compartment.

[0023] The step of determining ensures that there is no double booking of compartments.

[0024] The step of transmitting is performed through the third-party device as there is no direct communication path between the backend system and the smart tag. Thereby, the smart tag is capable of opening the compartment of the parcel into which the parcel locker should be placed for pickup.

[0025] The step of transmitting an identifier of the compartment to a smart tag via the third-party device does not need to happen in a single session. Thus, the identifier of the compartment can be sent to the third-party device and the user may at a later stage choose to further transmit the identifier of the compartment to the smart tag resulting in the identifier of the compartment being transmitted to the smart tag as descried in the claims. This enables that the transmitting from the third-party device can be performed at times wherein the third-party is not in communication with the backend system as there may be no coverage.

[0026] An object of the invention is achieved by a method comprising steps of

• receiving, at a third-party device, an identifier of a compartment of a parcel locker from a backend system, wherein the compartment has been determined by the backend system from a plurality of compartments of the parcel locker,
• transmitting a request token for access to the compartment from the third-party device to the parcel locker, wherein the request token comprises the identifier of the compartment, wherein the step of transmitting is performed as a function of passing a proximity check, wherein the proximity check is performed between a smart tag connected to a parcel and the third-party device.

[0027] Thereby, another method for sending a request token to a parcel locker is provided such that the person handling parcels can place the third-party device near or at the smart tag and thereby causing the third-party device to transmit the request token to the parcel locker. The parcel locker will then perform a step of receiving the request token followed by a step of granting access to the compartment as a function of the request token.

[0028] The proximity check may be passed if the distance between smart tag and third-party device is less than 1 m or preferably less than 0.5 m or more preferably less than 0.3 m or less than 0.1 m.

[0029] In an aspect, the method may comprise

• a proximity check between the smart tag and the parcel locker, wherein the step of transmitting a request token is performed as a function of passing the proximity check; or
• a proximity check between the smart tag and a third-party device, wherein the step of transmitting a request token is performed as a function of passing the proximity check.

[0030] Depending on the protocol for communication used, it may require that there is a proximity check to ensure that a compartment is not opened just because the smart tag is close to a parcel locker. A courier may drive past a parcel locker where parcels must be delivered at a later time; it would not be beneficial if the compartments are opened as the courier drives by the parcel locker.

[0031] The proximity check can be performed using an NFC check or using the BLE (Bluetooth Low-Energy) protocol which can be used to perform a proximity check, there may be other methods of performing a proximity check. The BLE may be BLE 5.0 which is capable of performing proximity check. The proximity check can be performed and calculated based on RSSI signal strength.

[0032] This also ensures that a courier who has to deliver for example 10 parcels can place a parcel in a compartment one at a time without ten compartments opening at the same time and without knowledge of which parcel going into which compartment. This could be partly solved by the parcel locker being programmed to only opening one compartment at a time, however the courier would still need to find which of the 10 parcels should be placed in the specific compartment.

[0033] However, the proximity check can be performed at a distance where the courier takes one of the ten parcels and places the parcel close to or near the parcel locker and as a consequence of the method, the compartment associated with the parcel and smart tag will open. The courier may then place the parcel with the smart tag in the parcel locker. Then the courier can pick up a random parcel of the remaining nine parcels and repeat the steps. This does not need to be performed by a courier. It could be performed by a private person having one or more parcels to be placed in one or more compartments. It could be performed by an employee of a parcel shop, where the employee has one or more parcels to be placed in one or more compartments.

[0034] The proximity check between the smart tag and a third-party device, wherein the step of transmitting a request token is performed as a function of passing the proximity check may also be performed and save time compared to the prior art. Here, the smart tag is brough into vicinity of the third-party device which causes either the third-party device to transmit the request token or causes the smart tag to transmit the request token. In the first embodiment the third-party device may never have sent the request token to the smart tag but kept the request token stored on the third-party device.

[0035] Thus, the proximity check will simplify the handling as only parcels close to the parcel locker can open the compartments. This means that the person handling does not need to think or check the parcel but simply place the parcel with the smart tag close to the parcel locker.

[0036] In an aspect, the proximity check may be passed if the distance between smart tag and parcel locker is less than 3 m or less than 2 m or preferably less than 1 m or more preferably less than 0.5 m; or
wherein the proximity check may be passed if the distance between smart tag and third-party device is less than 1 m or preferably less than 0.5 m or more preferably less than 0.3 m or less than 0.1 m.

[0037] The mentioned ranges will all work however in many cases a courier will place the truck closer than 3 m or even 2 m to the parcel locker. Therefore, the ranges less than 1 m or less than 0.5 m are preferred. These ranges will not disturb the person delivering a parcel with a smart tag since the parcel must be placed into a compartment which is at the parcel locker.

[0038] The distance measured will for Bluetooth be measured relative to the antenna which can be placed at many different places such as in the top, middle or bottom of the parcel locker or other places.

[0039] In the embodiments, where the proximity check is performed between the smart tag and third-party device then the distance should be shorter than the other embodiment as the courier or employee of a manned service point will typically have a handheld third-party device which the courier or the employee will carry and therefore the distance may by accident get below the proximity check distance which then causes a compartment of the parcel locker to open. This is avoided by reducing the distance to more preferably than 0.3 m or less than 0.1 m.

[0040] In an aspect, the method may comprise a step of generating, at the backend system, an authentication challenge comprising or being based on time-dependent and/or random or pseudo-random information, and

• receiving, at the smart tag via a third-party device, the authentication challenge and a correct response to the authentication challenge, wherein the authentication challenge being transmitted from the smart tag to the parcel locker,
• receiving, at the parcel locker, the authentication challenge and generating a response as a function of a digital key stored at the parcel locker, and transmitting the response to the smart tag,
• receiving, at the smart tag, the response and performing the step of transmitting the request token as a function of the response being the correct response.

[0041] The authentication challenge prevents man-in-the-middle attack since the digital key stored on the parcel locker is not public as a condition for transmitting the request token to the parcel locker is passing of the authentication challenge.

[0042] In an aspect, two or more parcels with smart tags may be placed in two or more compartments during a single delivery session. A delivery session may be a courier, a private person or employee of a parcel shop which is placing two or more parcels in two or more compartments. This can be performed faster relative to the prior art solution using a third-party device as the parcel can communicate with the parcel locker. The effect is greater as the number of parcels increase.

[0043] In an aspect, the backend system may transmit two or more identifiers to two or more smart tags via a third-party device. This may be performed in a single session where the courier transfers all identifiers to the two or more smart tags via a third-party device such that the parcels may afterwards be placed in the various compartments without further need for the third-party device.

[0044] In an aspect, the smart tag may comprise a visual and/or audible beacon being activated when the smart tag receives the identifier or receives instruction from a third-party device.

[0045] Thereby, it becomes obvious for a person handling more than two parcels with a smart tag which parcels should be moved to parcel locker. This effect is greatest if the person must place for example 10 parcels in a parcel locker out of 30 parcels, then the 10 parcels to be moved will have a smart tag with a visual and/or audible beacon. The ten parcels can then be moved and placed in the respective compartments.

[0046] If the method comprises a proximity check, then the person can take a parcel with a smart tag wherein the beacon is activated and then place the smart tag near the parcel locker such that the respective compartment is opened. Thereby, the person would not require looking at any list nor confirm delivery while filling parcel locker as this can be performed after all the parcels has been delivered to the parcel locker.

[0047] In an aspect, the method may comprise steps of

• transmitting, from the parcel locker, a synchronisation token to the backend system via a third-party device, the synchronisation token comprising a unique service point ID and unique parcel ID;
• receiving, at the backend system, the synchronisation token from the parcel locker via the third-party device,
• synchronising the backend system as a function of the synchronisation token.

[0048] The synchronisation cannot happen by communication with the smart tag only as the smart tag cannot communicate with the backend system directly. Thus, a third-party device is used as the carrier of the synchronisation token to the backend system. If a person or courier has delivered parcels to a parcel locker, then a third-party device belonging to the person or courier may be used in the method or the next person collecting a parcel form the parcel locker may have a smart phone which is then used as the synchronisation token. This is described in greater detail in published European patent applications EP3756152 and/or EP3755187.

[0049] The step of transmitting, from the parcel locker, a synchronisation token to the backend system via a third-party device, the synchronisation token comprising a unique service point ID and unique parcel ID may include the parcel locker sending a synchronisation token to a smart tag of a parcel wherein the synchronisation token is sent to a third-party device from the smart tag and then to the backend system.

[0050] In some cases, the parcel locker comprises a modem, or 2G, or 3G, or 4G, or 5G, or similar long-range wireless communication, or coupled to a local WiFi or ethernet or similar solutions. In this case the parcel locker simply communicates directly with the backend system, however a synchronisation token is still sent to the backend system.

[0051] In an aspect, the method may comprise

• transmitting, from the backend system, an acknowledgment token to the parcel locker via a third-party device, the acknowledgment token comprising a confirmation of receiving the synchronisation token;
• receiving, at the parcel locker, the acknowledgment token from the parcel locker via a third-party device;
• stopping the step of transmitting of the synchronisation token as a function of the received acknowledgment token.

[0052] The receiving, at the parcel locker, of the acknowledgment token from the parcel locker via a third-party device may be via a smart tag connected to a smart tag, where the acknowledgment token was transmitted from the third-party device to the smart tag.

[0053] How an acknowledgment token is sent is described in published European patent applications EP3756152 and EP3755187.

[0054] Again, in some cases, the parcel locker comprises a modem, or 2G, or 3G, or 4G, or 5G, or similar long-range wireless communication, or coupled to a local WiFi or ethernet or similar solutions. In this case the parcel locker simply communicates directly with the backend system, however an acknowledgment token is still sent to the parcel locker.

[0055] In an aspect, the step of transmitting and the step of receiving at the smart tag and the parcel locker may be performed using Bluetooth and/or Bluetooth Low-Energy and/or ZigBee and/or NFC.

[0056] These protocols are energy efficient and thus they may be used for battery-powered parcel lockers, however they may even be used for hard wired parcel lockers.

[0057] An object of the invention is achieved by a computer program product when executed by a processor causes an apparatus to perform the steps of the method according to anyone of the preceding embodiments or according to anyone or more of claims 1-12.

[0058] An object of the invention is achieved by a computer-readable memory having stored thereon the computer program product previously mentioned or according to claim 13.

[0059] An object of the invention is achieved by an apparatus or system configured to perform and/or control the method according to anyone of the preceding embodiments or according to anyone or more of claims 1-12.

[0060] An object of the invention is achieved by a smart tag to be attached to a parcel or a parcel comprising a smart tag. The smart tag comprising

• a short-range communication unit comprising a tag antenna for short-range communication with a third-party device or a parcel locker; and
• a tag energy storage for powering the smart tag; and
• a tag controller comprising at least one tag processor and at least one tag memory that includes program code, wherein the tag memory and the program code is configured to cause the tag processor to send an identifier of the compartment to a parcel locker.

[0061] The tag memory of the smart tag controller may have stored thereon an identifier of the compartment to a parcel locker and/or a synchronisation token and/or authentication challenge. The parcel with the smart tag is often moved thus it is very likely that the smart tag will at some point be moved to a place wherein a third-party device communicating with the smart tag will also be able to send the synchronisation token to the backend system.

[0062] The memory and the program code may be configured to cause the processor to perform the method according to anyone of the preceding embodiments or according to anyone or more of claims 1-12.

[0063] The short-range communication unit may be Bluetooth and/or Bluetooth Low-Energy and/or ZigBee and/or NFC.

[0064] The smart tag may comprise a display for displaying information. The display may be an E-ink display as an E-ink display is a bi-stable system which is very energy efficient.

[0065] The smart tag may comprise a visual and/or audible beacon, wherein the memory and the program code is configured to cause the processor to active the visual and/or audible beacon when the smart tag receives the identifier and/or receives instruction from a third-party device. Thereby, it will be simple to identify which smart tag and parcel that must be moved to a parcel locker.

[0066] The tag energy storage may be a battery or batteries. In some embodiments the smart tag is configured to be powered via NFC and here the tag energy storage may be a capacitor for temporary storage of electric energy.

[0067] The tag memory and the program code may be configured to cause the tag processor to send an authentication challenge comprising or being based on time-dependent and/or random or pseudo-random information.

[0068] An object of the invention is achieved by a parcel locker for distribution of packages, wherein the parcel locker comprises

• a plurality of compartments including gates with lock units for controlling access to the compartments,
• a short-range communication unit comprising a locker antenna for short-range communication with a third-party device,
• a locker controller comprising at least one locker processor and at least one locker memory that includes program code, wherein the locker memory and the program code is configured to cause the locker processor to instruct one or more of the lock units to open as function of a request token received from a smart tag and optionally from a third-party device.

[0069] The locker memory and the program code may further be configured to cause the processor to instruct short-range communication unit to transmit a synchronisation token to a smart tag and/or optionally to a third-party device.

[0070] The parcel locker may further comprise first energy storage for powering the parcel locker such that the parcel locker can be off grid. The first energy storage may be a battery or battery pack or a fuel cell and a hydrogen storage or methane storage.

[0071] The locker memory of the parcel locker may have stored thereon a digital key enabling the program code to cause the processor to send a correct response when receiving an authentication challenge.

Description of the Drawing

[0072] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the figures, whereon:

Fig. 1 illustrates communication between a smart tag and a parcel locker;

Fig. 2 illustrates a smart tag to be attached to or placed inside a parcel;

Fig. 3 illustrates communication between a backend system and a smart tag, and between a smart tag and a parcel locker, and between a parcel locker and a backend system;

Fig. 4 illustrates a courier at a parcel locker or an employee at a manned service point;

Fig. 5 illustrates a third-party device transmitting the request token as a function of a passed proximity check;

Fig. 6 illustrates methods according to the invention; and

Fig. 7 illustrates another method according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0073] 

Item	No
Parcel locker	10
Compartment	12
Locker antenna	14
Smart tag	20
Visual and/or audible beacon	22
Tag energy storage	23
Tag controller	24
Tag processor	26
Tag antenna	27
Tag memory	28
Tag display	29
Backend system	30
Parcel	70
Third-party device	80
Request token	90
Authentication challenge	92
Synchronisation token	94
Acknowledgment token	96
Method	100, 200, 300, 1100
Receiving	400
Granting	500
Transmitting	600
Determining	700
Proximity check	800
Synchronising	900
Stopping	1000

[0074] Fig. 1 illustrates communication between a smart tag 20 and a parcel locker 10. The parcel locker comprises a plurality of compartments 12. The parcel locker 10 will not be discussed in detail as the parcel locker could be any known parcel locker 10 capable of communicating via wired or wireless communication protocols. The shown parcel 10 comprises a locker antenna 14 for wireless communication such as Bluetooth and/or Bluetooth Low-Energy and/or ZigBee and/or NFC. Bluetooth Low-Energy is preferred relative to Bluetooth for battery-parcel lockers due to the lower energy consumption.

[0075] The wireless communication may include producing a sound part, which sound part include instructions to the parcel locker - the parcel locker 10 including a microphone for recording the sound part.

[0076] The compartments 12 including gates with lock units for controlling access to the compartments. The parcel locker 10 comprises a not shown locker controller comprising at least one locker processor and at least one locker memory that includes program code, wherein the locker memory and the program code is configured to cause the locker processor to instruct one or more of the lock units to open as function of one or more request tokens 92 received from a smart tag 20 and optionally from a third-party device 80.

[0077] The shown parcel 70 has a smart tag 20 on a top side of the parcel 70, however the smart tag 20 could be placed inside the parcel 70 for the embodiments where the smart tag 20 uses wireless communication.

[0078] As shown the smart tag 20 perform a step of transmitting 600 a request token 90 for access to the compartment 12 from the smart tag 20 to the parcel locker 10. The request token 90 comprises the identifier of the compartment 12. The parcel locker 10 performs a step of receiving 400 request token 90 from the smart tag 20 for access to the compartment 12 of the parcel locker 10. Then the parcel locker 10 performs a step of granting 500 access to the compartment 12 as a function of the request token 90. This can be performed by unlocking the lock unit keeping the gate of the compartment locked. The smart tag 20 may perform steps of challenging the parcel locker in order to prevent man-in-the-middle attack. The not shown backend system have generated an authentication challenge 92 comprising or being based on time-dependent and/or random or pseudo-random information. The authentication challenge 92 has been sent to the smart tag and stored on the tag memory this may be done at the same time as the request token 90 is sent to the smart tag 20 but the authentication challenge 92 can be sent at other times. The authentication challenge 92 is forwarded along with a correct response to the authentication challenge 92, which only the parcel locker 10 is capable of computing due to a digital key stored at the parcel locker 10. The digital key is stored on a locker memory of the parcel locker 10.

[0079] The smart tag 20 will in this case only forward the request token 90 if a correct response is received from the parcel locker 10 as otherwise it will likely be a man-in-the-middle attack.

[0080] Fig. 2 illustrates a smart tag 20 to be attached to or placed inside a parcel 70. The smart tag 20 comprises a tag controller 35 comprising at least one tag processor 26, at least one tag memory 28 and a tag antenna 27 for communicating wirelessly with a third-party device 80 and/or parcel locker 70. In theory, the tag antenna 27 could communicate with other tag antennas 27 which is relevant for ZigBee. The tag antenna 27 enables that the smart tag 20 can perform steps of receiving 400 and transmitting 600. In some embodiments the tag antenna 27 can be replaced by a USB socket for wired communication or a wired communication unit. In other embodiments the smart tag 20 may additionally to the tag antenna 27 have a USB socket for wired communication or a wired communication unit.

[0081] The at least one tag memory 28 in this embodiment has stored thereon a request token 90. The at least one tag memory 28 could for some embodiments have stored thereon an authentication challenge 92 and the correct response and/or a synchronisation token 94 for synchronisation of the parcel locker 10 and the backend system 30 and/or acknowledgment token 96 for synchronisation of the parcel locker 10 and the backend system 30.

[0082] The smart tag 20 may comprise a visual and/or audible beacon 22 to be activated such that a delivery person can identify the parcel or the parcels to be placed inside a parcel locker 10 quicker compared to the prior art. The visual part of the beacon 22 may be one or more light emitting diodes which may have one or more colours.

[0083] The smart tag 20 may comprise a tag display 29 for displaying information such as a bar code and/or address and/or recipient data and/or other information. The tag display 29 will in most cases be bi-stable display such as an E-ink display as such display is energy efficient.

[0084] The smart tag 20 may comprise tag energy storage 23 for powering the smart tag 20. The tag energy storage 23 may be a battery or battery pack or a capacitor.

[0085] Fig. 3 illustrates communication between a backend system 30 and a smart tag 20, and between a smart tag 20 and a parcel locker 10, and between a parcel locker 10 and a backend system 30. This communication between the parcel locker 10, the smart tag 20, and the backend system 30 is performed via a third-party device 80,80',80", which can be any kind of a third-party device 80, 80', 80" such as a smartphone, tablet or another device capable of communication to the respective units. The third-party device 80,80',80" performing this communication can be different third-party devices 80, 80',80" or be the same third-party device 80, 80',80".

[0086] The backend system 30 transmits 600 a request token 90 to a third-party device 80 which receives 400 the request token 90. The third-party device 80 transmits 600 the request token 90 to the smart tag 20 connected to the parcel 70. Although not shown, this could include an authentication challenge 92 and the correct response to the authentication challenge 92. The request token 90 and optionally the authentication challenge 92 and correct response is stored on a tag memory 28. However, the backend may in some embodiments only transmit an identifier of a compartment 12 of a parcel locker 10 to be opened for storing a parcel 70, in this case the smart tag 20 forms the request token 90 for sending to the parcel locker 10.

[0087] The smart tag 20 may when getting in communication range of the parcel locker 10 transmit 600 the request token 90 to the parcel locker 10. The parcel locker 10 receives 400 the request token 90 and the parcel locker 10 performs a step of granting 500 access to the compartment 12 as a function of the request token 90. In another embodiment, the smart tag 20 transmits 600 the request token 90 to the parcel locker 10 via a smart device 80'. In this case, the parcel locker 10 receives 400 the request token 90 from the third-party device 80' and the parcel locker 10 performs a step of granting 500 access to the compartment 12 as a function of the request token 90. This is possible although it requires more communication steps.

[0088] The smart tag 20 may start transmitting 600 the request token 90 due to instructions sent by a third-party device 80 which requests the smart tag 20 to transmit the request token 90 thereby it is prevented that the smart tag 20 opens a compartment 12 of a parcel locker 10 just because a courier drives by the parcel locker 10.

[0089] In another embodiment there may be a step of performing a proximity check 800 between the smart tag 20 and the parcel locker 10 prior to the step of transmitting the request token 90, thereby it is prevented that the smart tag 20 opens a compartment 12 of a parcel locker 10just because a courier drives by the parcel locker 10. The proximity check 800 may be passed if the distance between smart tag 20 and parcel locker 10 is less than 3 m or less than 2 m or preferably less than 1 m or more preferably less than 0.5 m.

[0090] Afterwards, the parcel locker 10 and the backend system 30 perform steps for synchronisation. This may be similar to the steps or acts described in EP3756152 and/or EP3755187.

[0091] The parcel locker 10 performs a step of transmitting 600 a synchronisation token 94 to the backend system 30 via a third-party device 80", the synchronisation token 94 comprising a unique service point ID and unique parcel ID. The backend system 30 performs a step of receiving 400 the synchronisation token 94 from the parcel locker 10 via the third-party device 80" and the backend system 30 performs a step of synchronising 900 the backend system 30 as a function of the synchronisation token 94.

[0092] The backend system 30 will after receiving the synchronisation token 94 perform a step of transmitting an acknowledgment token 96 to the parcel locker 10 via a third-party device 80" comprising a confirmation of receiving the synchronisation token 94.

[0093] The parcel locker 10 performs a step of receiving 400 the acknowledgment token 96 from the parcel locker 10 via a third-party device 80". The parcel locker will continue to perform the step of transmitting 600 the synchronisation token 94 to the backend system 30 through various different third-party devices 80 until the parcel locker 10 receives 400 the acknowledgment token 96. The parcel locker then performs a step of stopping 1000 the step of transmitting 600 the synchronisation token 94 as a function of the received acknowledgment token 96.

[0094] Fig. 4 illustrates a courier at a parcel locker 10 or an employee at a manned service point.

[0095] The parcels 70 to be delivered to the shown parcel locker 10 may activate a visual and/or audible beacon 22 (not shown) forming part of the smart tag 20 as a function of the smart tag 20 receiving

• an identifier of the compartment 12 of the parcel locker 10 wherein the specific parcel 70 is to be placed; or
• an instruction from the third-party device 80.

[0096] In the case of the figure illustrating a courier being at a parcel locker 10, then the third-party device 80 of the courier can be used for transmitting 600 the request token 90 from the backend system 30 to the parcels 70. The parcels 70 are shown in a box which could the back of a truck belonging to the courier. The figure shows as an example twelve parcels 70, however there may be more or less parcels 70. At the specific parcel locker 10, the courier may be required to transfer six parcels 70 to the parcel locker 10. The courier may then activate the visual and/or audible beacon 22 of these six parcels 70 to be transferred and this will make the transfer of parcels 70 more efficient as the courier can find the relevant parcels 70 quicker compared to the prior art. The courier then picks up a parcel 70 which causes a compartment 12 of the parcel locker 10 to open and the courier places the parcel 70 into the compartment and closes a gate of the compartment 12. Thereby, the transfer is performed with limited interaction from the courier. After each transfer or after all transfers the parcel locker 10 may perform a step of synchronisation with the backend system 30 via the third-party device 80. This synchronisation may be performed as discussed in figure 4. In other embodiments, where the smart tag 20 does not comprise the visual and/or audible beacon 22 then the courier would have to do a search for the correct parcel 70 however the transfer to the parcel locker 10 will still be faster compared to the prior art.

[0097] In the case of the figure illustrating an employee at a manned service point, then the third-party device 80 of the employee can be used for transmitting 600 the request token 90 from the backend system 30 to the parcels 70. The parcels 70 are shown in a box which could be a local storage of the manned service point. The figure shows as an example twelve parcels 70 however there may be more or less parcels 70. At the manned service point, the employee may be required to transfer six parcels 70 to the parcel locker 10 as six of the compartments 12 are empty. The employee may then active the visual and/or audible beacon 22 of these six parcels 70 to be transferred and this will make the transfer of parcels 70 more efficient as the courier can find the relevant parcels 70 quicker compared to the prior art. The employee then picks up a parcel 70 which causes a compartment 12 of the parcel locker 10 to open and the employee places the parcel 70 into the compartment and closes a gate of the compartment 12. Thereby, the transfer is performed with limited interaction from the employee. After each transfer or after all transfers the parcel locker 10 may perform a step of synchronisation with the backend system 30 via the third-party device 80. This synchronisation may be performed as discussed in figure 4. In other embodiments, where the smart tag 20 does not comprise the visual and/or audible beacon 22 then the employee would have to do a search for the correct parcel 70 however the transfer to the parcel locker 10 will still be faster compared to the prior art. The shown backend system 30 may be a pseudo-backend system 30 which only synchronises the manned service point and the pseudo-backend system 30 may be in communication with a global backend system 30 as this allows the manned service point to function even if communication to the global backend system 30 is lost for a period of time.

[0098] Fig. 5 illustrates another embodiment for a method of opening a compartment 12 of a parcel locker 10 as a function of a proximity check between a third-party device 80 and a parcel locker 10. Steps of synchronisation is not shown as this may be similar to the embodiment disclosed in figure 3.

[0099] The backend system 30 transmits 600 a request token 90 to a third-party device 80 which receives 400 the request token 90. In one embodiment, the third-party device 80 does not transmit 600 the request token 90 but instead stores the request token 90 on the third-party device 80 and in another embodiment the third-party device 80 transmits 600 the request token 90 to the smart tag 20 connected to the parcel 70. Although not shown both embodiments could include an authentication challenge 92 and the correct response to the authentication challenge 92. The request token 90 and optionally the authentication challenge 92 and correct response is stored on a memory of the smart device 80 or a tag memory 28 of the smart tag 20. However, the backend system 30 may in some embodiments only transmit an identifier of a compartment 12 of a parcel locker 10 to be opened for storing a parcel 70, in this case the smart tag 20 or smart device 80 forms the request token 90 before transmitting to the parcel locker 10.

[0100] A proximity check 800 is performed between the smart device 80 and the smart tag 20 and if the proximity check 800 is passed i.e. distance between the smart device 80 and the smart tag 20 is below a threshold, then in one embodiment third-party device 80 transmits 600 the request token 90 to the parcel locker 10 and in the other embodiment the smart tag 20 transmits 600 the request token 90 to the parcel locker 10. In both embodiments, the parcel locker 10 receives 400 the request token 90 and the parcel locker 10 performs a step of granting 500 access to the compartment 12 as a function of the request token 90.

[0101] The proximity check 800 is passed for both embodiments if the distance between smart tag 20 and parcel locker 10 is less than 1 m or preferably less than 0.5 m or more preferably less than 0.3 m or less than 0.1 m. The distance is smaller than for the embodiment where the proximity check 800 is between the smart tag 20 and the parcel locker 10 because the third party device 80 will often get close to the smart tags 20 and it could otherwise cause one or more compartments 12 to be unlocked by accident.

[0102] Fig. 6 illustrates the methods 100, 200, 300 according to the invention.

[0103] Figure 6A illustrates a method 100 comprising steps of

• receiving 400, at a parcel locker 10, a request token 90 from a smart tag 20 connected to a parcel 70 for access to a compartment 12 of the parcel locker 10, the request token 90 comprising an identifier of the compartment 12 transmitted to the smart tag 20 by a backend system 30 via a third-party device 80, wherein the compartment 12 has been determined by the backend system 30 from a plurality of compartments 12 of the parcel locker 10;
• granting 500 access to the compartment 12 as a function of the request token 90.

[0104] Figure 6B illustrates a method 200 comprising steps of

• receiving 400, at a smart tag 20 connected to a parcel 10, an identifier of a compartment 12 of a parcel locker 10 from a backend system 30 via a third-party device 80, wherein the compartment 12 has been determined by the backend system 30 from a plurality of compartments 12 of the parcel locker 10,
• transmitting 600 a request token 90 for access to the compartment 12 from the smart tag 20 to the parcel locker 10, wherein the request token 90 comprises the identifier of the compartment 12.

[0105] Figure 6C illustrates a method 300 comprising steps of

• determining 700, at a backend system 30, a compartment 12 from a plurality of compartments of a parcel locker 10;
• transmitting 600 an identifier of the compartment 12 to a smart tag 20 connected to a parcel 10 via a third-party device 80, wherein the smart tag 20 is configured to transmit a request token 90 for access to the compartment 12 to the parcel locker 10. The request token 90 comprises the identifier of the compartment 12.

[0106] Fig. 7 illustrates another method 1100 according to the invention. The method 1100 comprising steps of

• receiving 400, at a third-party device 80, an identifier of a compartment 12 of a parcel locker 10 from a backend system 30, wherein the compartment 12 has been determined by the backend system 30 from a plurality of compartments 12 of the parcel locker 10,
• transmitting 600 a request token 90 for access to the compartment 12 from the third-party device 80 to the parcel locker 10, wherein the request token 90 comprises the identifier of the compartment 12, wherein the step of transmitting 600 is performed as a function of passing a proximity check 800, wherein the proximity check 800 is performed between a smart tag 20 connected to a parcel 70 and the third-party device 80.

Claims

1. A method (100) comprising steps of

- receiving (400), at a parcel locker (10), a request token (90) from a smart tag (20) connected to a parcel (70) for access to a compartment (12) of the parcel locker (10), the request token (90) comprising an identifier of the compartment (12) transmitted to the smart tag (20) by a backend system (30) via a third-party device (80), wherein the compartment (12) has been determined by the backend system (30) from a plurality of compartments (12) of the parcel locker (10);

- granting (500) access to the compartment (12) as a function of the request token (90).

2. A method (200) comprising steps of

- receiving (400), at a smart tag (20) connected to a parcel (10), an identifier of a compartment (12) of a parcel locker (10) from a backend system (30) via a third-party device (80), wherein the compartment (12) has been determined by the backend system (30) from a plurality of compartments (12) of the parcel locker (10),

- transmitting (600) a request token (90) for access to the compartment (12) from the smart tag (20) to the parcel locker (10), wherein the request token (90) comprises the identifier of the compartment (12).

3. A method (300) comprising steps of

- determining (700), at a backend system (30), a compartment (12) from a plurality of compartments of a parcel locker (10);

- transmitting (600) an identifier of the compartment (12) to a smart tag (20) connected to a parcel (10) via a third-party device (80), wherein the smart tag (20) is configured to transmit a request token (90) for access to the compartment (12) to the parcel locker (10), the request token (90) comprising the identifier of the compartment (12).

4. A method (1100) comprising steps of

- receiving (400), at a third-party device (80), an identifier of a compartment (12) of a parcel locker (10) from a backend system (30), wherein the compartment (12) has been determined by the backend system (30) from a plurality of compartments (12) of the parcel locker (10),

- transmitting (600) a request token (90) for access to the compartment (12) from the third-party device (80) to the parcel locker (10), wherein the request token (90) comprises the identifier of the compartment (12), wherein the step of transmitting (600) is performed as a function of passing a proximity check (800), wherein the proximity check (800) is performed between a smart tag (20) connected to a parcel (70) and the third-party device (80).

5. A method (100, 200, 300) according to anyone of claims 1-3, wherein the method (100, 200, 300) comprises

- a proximity check (800) between the smart tag (20) and the parcel locker (10), wherein the step of transmitting (600) a request token (90) is performed as a function of passing the proximity check (800) or

- a proximity check (800) between the smart tag (20) and a third-party device (80), wherein the step of transmitting (600) a request token (90) is performed as a function of passing the proximity check (800).

6. A method (100, 200, 300, 1100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the proximity check (800) is passed if the distance between smart tag (20) and parcel locker (10) is less than 3 m or less than 2 m or preferably less than 1 m or more preferably less than 0.5 m or
wherein the proximity check (800) is passed if the distance between smart tag (20) and third-party device (80) is less than 1 m or preferably less than 0.5 m or more preferably less than 0.3 m or less than 0.1 m.

7. A method (100, 200, 300, 1100) according to anyone of claims 1-6, wherein the method comprises a step of generating, at the backend system (30), an authentication challenge (92) comprising or being based on time-dependent and/or random or pseudo-random information, and

- receiving (400), at the smart tag (20) via a third-party device (80), the authentication challenge (92) and a correct response to the authentication challenge (92), wherein the authentication challenge being transmitted from the smart tag (20) to the parcel locker (10),

- receiving (400), at the parcel locker (10), the authentication challenge (92) and generating a response as a function of a digital key stored at the parcel locker (10), and transmitting the response to the smart tag (20),

- receiving (400), at the smart tag (20), the response and performing the step of transmitting (600) the request token (90) as a function of the response being the correct response.

8. A method (100, 200, 300, 1100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein two or more parcels (10) with smart tags (20) are placed in two or more compartments (12) during a single delivery session.

9. A method (100, 200, 300, 1100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the smart tag (20) comprises a visual and/or audible beacon (22) being activated when the smart tag (20) receives the identifier or receives instruction from a third-party device (80).

10. A method (100, 200, 300, 1100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100, 200, 300, 1100) comprises steps of

- transmitting (600), from the parcel locker (10), a synchronisation token (94) to the backend system (30) via a third-party device (80), the synchronisation token (94) comprising a unique service point ID and unique parcel ID;

- receiving (400), at the backend system (30), the synchronisation token (94) from the parcel locker (10) via the third-party device (80),

- synchronising (900) the backend system (30) as a function of the synchronisation token (94).

11. A method (100, 200, 300, 1100) according to claim 10, wherein the method (100, 200, 300) comprises

- transmitting (600), from the backend system (30), an acknowledgment token (96) to the parcel locker (10) via a third-party device (80), the acknowledgment token (96) comprising a confirmation of receiving the synchronisation token (94);

- receiving (400), at the parcel locker (10), the acknowledgment token (96) from the parcel locker (10) via a third-party device (80);

- stopping (1000) the step of transmitting (600) the synchronisation token (94) as a function of the received acknowledgment token (96).

12. A method (100, 200, 300, 1100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the step of transmitting (600) and the step of receiving (400) at the smart tag (30) and the parcel locker (10) is performed using Bluetooth and/or Bluetooth Low-Energy and/or ZigBee and/or NFC.

13. A computer program product when executed by a processor causes an apparatus to perform the steps of the method according to anyone of the preceding claims.

14. A computer-readable memory having stored thereon the computer program product according to claim 13.

15. An apparatus or system configured to perform and/or control the method according to any of the claims 1-12.

Drawing