WO2018033619A1

WO2018033619A1 - Method and mailing information system for delivering postal items

Info

Publication number: WO2018033619A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/070919
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank N. WÄCHTLER
Original assignee: Addywhere Gmbh I. Gr.
Priority date: 2016-08-18
Filing date: 2017-08-18
Publication date: 2018-02-22
Also published as: DE102016115388A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a mailing information system for delivering postal items (P), in particular packages. The postal item (P) is transported from a sender (A) to a receiver (E) by means of a transport network (T) in order to be delivered, and mailing data and/or transport data of the postal item (P) is stored in at least one mailing information system (S) in order to carry out the transport and/or the delivery. The postal item is addressed to a pickup station (A) selected by the receiver (E) in order to be received by the receiver (E) and is transported to the pickup station by means of the transport network (T), and the postal item (P) is received by the pickup station (A) and/or by personnel of the pickup station (A). The invention is characterized in that the postal item (P) to be sent is provided with a mailing identifier in order to identify the postal item (P), and the legitimization of the receiver (E) is checked by means of the mailing information system (S) when the postal item (P) is picked up at the pickup station (A) using the mailing identifier entered during the pickup process and a release identifier known to the receiver (E).

Description

Method and shipment information system for

Delivery of mailings Description

The invention relates to a method for delivering mailpieces according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a mailing information system for delivering mailpieces according to the preamble of claim 15.

The mailing of mail, in particular through the mail order of consignments and mainly in the form of parcels, has increased significantly in recent years. As a rule, shipping is commissioned by the consignor and then addressed to the consignee. The commissioned transport network, so in particular a delivery service for mailings such as a parcel service then take over the shipment from the sender and deliver it to the recipient. The problem for the recipient is that the mailings are typically delivered only during normal business hours. This usually takes place at times of the day when the working population is not at home, so that packets addressed according to home can not be accepted by the recipient. Usually, however, the logistics company needs a receipt for the actual delivery, so that then a re-delivery is tried, which is often also not successful.

Also, substitute deliveries to centrally located distribution centers or so-called parcel shops typically lead to long distances at the parcel receivers. In addition, the opening hours are based on such Centers and shops usually turn on the usual business hours. Thus, it often comes to delays in delivery.

Electronically controlled parcel stations of a parcel service as pick-up stations for the receivers with a multiplicity of compartments solve the problem also at most for transmissions, which are transported by this one enterprise. In addition, these sometimes long paths are covered, which contradicts the basic idea that the mail item in the sphere of activity of the recipient, ie in particular home, is transported.

It is an object of the invention to eliminate the disadvantages described. In particular, a possibility is to be created to enable the recipient of a mail item to have the fastest possible delivery with the shortest possible paths.

A method with the measures of claim 1 solves this problem. Accordingly, the mail item is transported by means of a transport network and / or a transport service provider from a sender to a recipient for delivery. In this case, shipment data and / or transport data of the mailpiece for handling the transport and / or delivery are stored in at least one shipment information system. The shipment information system can be formed, for example, from one or more computers. The mail item is addressed for receipt by the recipient to a pickup station selected by the recipient and transported by the transport network to this. The mail item is accepted by the pick-up station and / or by personnel of the pick-up station. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the item of mail for shipment is provided with a delivery identifier or delivery identifier for identification of the item of mail. On the basis of the input when picking the consignment identifier and the receiver known release identifier then the legitimacy of the recipient in the collection of the mail item at the pickup station by means of the shipment information system is checked. Such a method offers the advantage that the verification of legitimacy is not the responsibility of the pick-up station itself, but the consignment information system. This allows for the requirements the pickup station will be kept low. The release identifier is typically only known to the authorized recipient, while the mailing identifier is noted on the mailpiece. However, it can be checked for correctness by the shipment information system. Preferably, it is characteristic of the mailing information system that the mailing code is unique and should only be valid for one pickup station. A check may be made as to whether the shipment code for the pickup station has been generated. For the sake of simplicity, it can be dispensed with. This also applies to a blocking possibility of the shipment code for other than the selected pickup station.

When the mail item is picked up by the recipient at the pick-up station, the release code is preferably transmitted to the mailing information system together with the mailing ID. Thus, the legitimacy of the recipient can be checked during collection by the shipment information system and released if necessary. For this purpose, the release identifier is stored in the shipment information system or at least a checksum, such as a hash value, the same, which can be checked against the shipment identifier of the specific mail item. The consignment code can preferably be confirmed again after ordering at the consignor. For reasons of efficiency, however, this can also be dispensed with.

Further preferably, the consignment information system informs the consignment information system of the received mail item on the part of the pickup station. This means that the pick-up station or the staff of the pick-up station transmits their mailing ID to the mailing information system upon receipt of the mailpiece. This confirms the input. In addition, a pickup is made possible by the recipient.

The recipient is preferably notified of the receipt of the mail item in the pick-up station. Thus, the recipient learns that the mailpiece is ready for collection. So a timely pickup can be ensured. The consignment information system is informed of the release identifier by the recipient before shipment. Alternatively, the release identifier generated by the shipment information system can be communicated to the recipient. In particular, the release identifier is transmitted to the recipient. This is preferably done at the request of the pick-up station and / or the staff of the pick-up station and / or the recipient. Only with the release identifier, the recipient can pick up the mail. For example, a PIN code (personal identification number) or even transaction numbers (TAN) to be used serve as a release identifier. For release but other means may be used, such as unique personal characteristics, such as fingerprints or the like, or even smart cards, RFID chips or the like. The shipment information system can in particular work independently of the transport service provider or the transport network or even be set up for only one or more service providers. This can be done independent of the service provider identification of the recipient, since the delivery process is only coupled to the shipment information system with the registered pickup stations. Thus, in the shipment information system, only the data required for handling the delivery can be present. The transport data can be present in particular in a separate system of the respective transport service provider. It may also be provided the possibility of so-called tracking of broadcasts, so to monitor the same. The respective transport network can provide information about the current processing state or the position of the shipment. The shipment information system can also record this information and pass it on to the users, for example to online shops, shippers as well as to recipients of broadcasts. Thus, special interfaces for connecting the computer systems may be provided by service providers as well as websites for the information of customers. A regularly opened at least partially at the delivery times of the delivery service locality is preferably specified and / or used as a pickup station. This may preferably be a typically publicly accessible location, such as a restaurant, cafe, gas station, shop, office, administration or the like. In principle, the pick-up stations are typically freely selectable. However, they must be stored in the system or deposited. This makes it possible to pick up a mail item delivered in the immediate vicinity of the recipient or in his usually visited locations, but also at any other locations. For example, in the evening visited shop, the corner bar or the restaurant for lunch, a delivered there package can be picked up, if this location offers this service. In particular, the pick-up stations can also specify a restriction with regard to deliveries that can be stored there, in particular their number and / or their maximum volumes or weights. Upon reaching or exceeding such values or restrictions stored in the system, further requests to the system for the deposit of a shipment in the pickup station can then be rejected. Alternatively, a special parcel station may be provided for the deposit of the shipment. Such a parcel station is usually equipped with an electronic locking system. With such a closure system, a flap or other opening can be opened and closed. An opening and closing then takes place, for example, by entering appropriate codes. For this purpose, a keyboard, a radio link or any other input device may be provided, for example a fingerprint reader, a barcode or barcode scanner or also a text recognition device (for example Optical Character Recognition - OCR). In particular, the pick-up station as a parcel station can be a public facility. In this case, one or more corresponding compartments may be provided for the deposit of the items. These can then be opened and closed independently, in particular. A control system can be provided for sorting consignments and / or for releasing individual compartments. The case of a so-called private parcel station is conceivable. Such a parcel box is then preferably in the vicinity of your own apartment, Workplace or similar arranged. Such a private parcel station serves to be able to receive the programs directed to a recipient in his absence. An opening for the introduction of programs can then be done electronically in the manner described. To remove the mailings, an electronic locking system can also be used. Alternatively or additionally, however, it is also possible to provide a classic lock or a further access for the receiver. Thus, for example, in the manner of a mailbox take a removal. After first registration of the recipient on the shipment information system, activation of the recipient is preferably carried out only after verification of essential personal data of the recipient, for example, data such as name, address, date of birth, e-mail address and so on. For this purpose, in particular an external review can be completed, preferably by trustworthy institutions. For example, an identification process can be carried out by post (postal identification), banks and / or other service providers. Preferably, a so-called 1-cent transfer can take place. In this case, a small amount, typically 1 euro cent, is transferred to the bank account of the recipient and provided with a special test code. As access to bank accounts is generally well secured, a high degree of security can be guaranteed when activating a recipient.

Preferably, a letter and / or number sequence is used as a release identifier and / or as a code for access to one of the pick-up stations or other storage locations. In particular, as multi-digit, preferably at least four-digit letter and / or number sequences, more preferably as a so-called PIN code or as a TAN code used. These are usually very noticeable and yet offer enough variation possibilities with regard to safety aspects. Numeric or even alphanumeric sequences are preferred because they are easy to read and reproducible. If appropriate, checksums can also be contained in the respective code or in the respective sequence. The release identifier and / or the mailing identifier are / is preferably specified or generated by the recipient or the mailing information system. The recipient can thus specify a release identifier or shipment identifier desired by him. In this case, restrictions on the complexity of the release identifier can preferably be specified on the part of the shipment information system, in particular in order to prevent simple guessing by third parties and / or to have sufficient possibilities of variation in the transmission identifier available. Preferably, the transmission or notification of the release identifier and / or the transmission identifier is carried out by electronic means. Further preferably, an internet-based transmission of the shipment data and / or the shipment identifier and / or the release identifier, preferably by web portal, by e-mail, by Kurnachrichtendienst, via the Internet, via app or similar manner. This allows a quick and practically everywhere available control of the shipping process.

The shipment information system preferably has a user interface. This is served in particular in the form of a web portal and / or an app. It may additionally or alternatively be designed and / or operated as an independent terminal and / or device. As a supplement to the address coding, at least one online marketplace can also be operated and / or connected via the portal of the mailing information system. These can be followed by the individual pick-up stations.

The mailing identifier is attached in particular in an address field of the mailing serving as identification means. Alternatively, the mailing ID can also be applied or attached elsewhere on the mailpiece. In this way, the addressing in the present dispatch system can be detected in a simple manner, in particular by the pickup station. In the simplest case, the mailing identifier can be an identifier applied in writing, in particular as a combination of digits and / or letters, that is to say preferably a character string. The mailing identifier is preferably printed, written down and / or glued. The shipment identifier is preferably at least one numeric and / or alphanumeric string. In this case, moreover, at least one check code can be contained, for example a checksum. Thus, the correctness of the shipment identifier can be checked out of itself, for example, to be able to determine read errors or input errors.

Particularly preferably, at least one electronically, preferably non-contact, readable identification means is attached to or connected to the mailpiece. Preferably, it is a radio-readable identification means, such as an RFI D tag (Radio Frequency Identification Device). Also optically readable means, such as barcodes, point codes or the like, come as an identification means into consideration. The mailing identifier is preferably stored in the identification means machine-readable. This allows a machine and / or contactless reading of the shipment data, in particular the shipment identifier. The identification means described here can be provided in addition to the classical address field. In particular, an automatic detection and / or detection of the shipment identifier can take place. Optionally, an automatic detection of the release identifier may be provided, for example by means of a chip card, magnetic card or the like.

In addition, the object described above is achieved by a mailing information system for delivering mailpieces having the features of claim 15. The mailing information system can be designed in particular as or with a computer system and / or computer program product. The shipment information system is configured to carry out a method according to the above descriptions.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In these the figures show different steps of the shipping process: 1 the notification of the shipping data from the recipient to the shipment information system,

2 the transport of the mail item to the pick-up station by the transport company,

3 the notification of the receipt of the mail item from the pick-up station to the mailing information system and the notification of the recipient,

4 shows the legitimization of the recipient for picking up the mailpiece by the mailing information system, and

5 shows the publication of the mail item to the recipient.

The figures show an inventive method for the delivery of mail by means of a shipment information system S.

In this case, a mail item P is sent from a sender V to a recipient E. The actual transport is carried out by a transport company or a transport network T. The latter is symbolized by a vehicle in the form of a lorry.

However, the mail piece P as a package is not delivered by the transport network T at the recipient E itself, but at a pick-up station A. This pick-up station A is symbolized as well as the shipper V by a stylized house.

In Fig. 1, the addressing of the mail piece P is shown. The recipient E as the client comes into contact with the shipment information system S or the shipper V to initiate the shipment.

The consignor V enters in the address field of the item P a consignment ID, which is given here by way of example with "12345". This consignment identifier 12345 serves to identify the actual recipient of the mail item P. In addition, the recipient of the mail item P is the addressee Address or address of pick-up station A registered, symbolized here with "A".

Furthermore, a release identifier is here tuned as "26GU" between receiver E and mailing information system S. This release identifier 26GU is used, for example, as a secret password for issuing the mail item P in the pick-up station A. The release identifier 26GU is given here by the recipient E to the mail information system S. Alternatively, a release identifier could also be generated by the shipment information system S.

In FIG. 2, the transport of the mail item P by means of the transporter T to the picking station A is shown. FIG. 3 shows the situation in which the item of mail P has already been received in the pick-up station A. Then, the pick-up station A reports this reception to the mail information system S by sending the mailing ID 12345 to it. The receiver E is then notified by the broadcast information system S of the input of the program P. This can be done for example by e-mail or other electronic media, such as by short message (SMS, MMS) or by means of an app, such as a smartphone.

FIG. 4 shows the verification of the legitimacy of the receiver E with respect to the shipment information system S. For this purpose, either the pick-up station A or the receiver E itself transmits the item ID 12345 to the item information system S. Accompanying this, the recipient E also transfers the secret release code 26GU to the shipment information system S. Thus, the mailing information system S can check the authorization of the recipient E to pick up the mail item P.

In the case of release, the mail item P is issued from the pick-up station A to the receiver E. This is with the statement "P>E" in the Shipment information system S indicated. Otherwise, the publication will be refused.

Finally, FIG. 5 shows the delivery of the mail item P to the recipient E, which thus leaves the pick-up station A.

Instead of the release identifier 26GU and the transmission identifier 12345 mentioned here by way of example, virtually any other identifier can also be used in real use. These serve only as examples.

In particular, time windows for the possibility of picking up a mail item P can also be defined. For example, the release can be denied if certain time windows are left, ie if storage periods are exceeded, for example. However, this can be adapted in individual cases to the specific circumstances.

In the case of a personal pick-up station A, such as a private parcel box at home or even a public parcel station for multiple recipients, the described system can also be used. For example, neighbors can join forces to operate a common pick-up station A, in particular as a parcel box.

In any case, the recipient E selects the public parcel station or, for example, his private address via the portal as the address of the pick-up station A. In this case, the corresponding private parcel box or the parcel station as pick-up station A must then typically already be stored in the system beforehand.

Also in this case, a code is generated via the system, which is also entered in the address field. This is in particular an alphanumeric code that is readily readable for both human and machine, ie in particular the consignment identifier already described above.

If such a cooperation is provided, the package service to the parcel service or the transport network by the Consignor the address in the own system of the parcel service transferred. This is in particular the address of the recipient or the pick-up station. The code, in particular the mailing ID, is thereby recognized in particular automatically as the code of the system described here. The system of the parcel service then sends back an indication to the information system that the code has been used.

Now, the parcel service receives as a transport network T an automatic message with a unique PIN code with which the transport network T. This can this and in particular the corresponding parcel carrier, the mail P in the pick-up station A, ie the selected parcel box or in the public parcel station, by opening it. It may be a mechanical or electronic locking system that can be opened by means of this PIN. In general, instead of the PIN, the release identifier already described above can also be used, for example.

To confirm the delivery of the corresponding Paketbote the corresponding transport network T his personal PIN at the box or the station. Then the box or the station is locked again. The receiver E is then informed about the delivery of the mail P. The pick-up station A can no longer be opened by the parcel service or the transport network T, but only by the recipient E.

A pickup of the item P by the recipient E then takes place either in the case of a personal parcel box with the help of his personal PIN. However, this can in particular be used once, or it can be changed several times and then optionally by the parcel customer, in particular online.

Also, other types of mechanical or electronic locking systems may be provided at the picking station A. For picking up at a public pick-up station A, in particular a public parcel station, the customer E preferably receives a one-time subscription or a pick-up PIN. This will open the public system. It can then be automatically closed again.

In each of the cases described above, for example, the transport network T can be informed about unsent mailpieces P, for example in the usual way after seven working days. Then the corresponding packets P can be sent back to the sender V.

As described above, as another variant for opening the parcel box or the parcel station or, in general, the pick-up station A, other identification means such as RFI D tags, magnetic stripe cards, chip cards, ID cards can also be used. This also applies to personal features such as fingerprints, eye characteristics , especially fundus or iris, the face.

It may be preferably provided in each case corresponding readers or image recognition means. The variants described here are, in particular, alternative methods for using a PIN and / or TAN. They can be provided in principle for each of the cases described above and also all other solutions according to the invention. Both the PIN or the release identifier as well as the mailing ID can be numeric or alphanumeric in particular. Checksums and / or check codes may be provided and / or included. In addition, machine-readable one- and / or two-dimensional line and / or point codes can be provided, for example QR codes.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

V Shipper

E receiver

P mailing

S Shipment Information System

T transport company

A pick-up station

12345 shipment ID (example)

26GU release identifier (example)

Claims

claims

1. A method for the delivery of mail items (P), in particular parcels, wherein the mail item (P) by means of a transport network (T) by a sender (A) for delivery to a receiver (E) is transported, wherein shipment data and / or transport data the mail item (P) for handling the transport and / or delivery in at least one shipment information system (S) are deposited, wherein the mailpiece for receipt by the recipient (E) addressed to a by the receiver (E) pick-up station (A) and addressed by the transport network (T) is transported to the latter, wherein the mail item (P) is received by the pick-up station (A) and / or by personnel of the pick-up station (A), characterized in that the mail item (P) for shipment with a mailing ID for Identification of the mail item (P) is provided, wherein on the basis of the input when picking the delivery identifier and the receiver (E) known release identifier d he legitimacy of the recipient (E) in the collection of the mail item (P) at the pickup station (A) by means of the shipment information system (S) is checked.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the release identifier upon collection of the mail item (P) by the receiver (E) at the pickup station (A) is transmitted together with the mailing ID to the mail information system (S), so that the legitimacy of Receiver (E) can be checked during collection by the shipment information system (S) and possibly released.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the consignment information system (S) from the pick-up station (A) the consignment identifier of the received mail item (P) is communicated.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiver (E) via the entrance of the mail item (P) in the pickup station (A) is notified.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the consignment information system (S) the release identifier is communicated by the recipient (E) before shipping, or that the release information generated by the shipment information system (S) is communicated to the recipient (E), / / or that the release identifier is transmitted to the receiver (E), preferably at the request of the pick-up station (A) and / or the staff of the pick-up station (A) and / or the receiver (E).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shipment information system (S) independently of the transport service provider or by the transport network (T) works, and it may preferably be set up only for one or more service providers.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a regularly at least partially open at the delivery times of the delivery service locality is specified as a pickup station (A), preferably a publicly accessible place, such as a restaurant, a cafe, a gas station, a Loading, an office, a management or the like, and / or that a public pick-up station or a private pick-up station, for example a parcel station, is specified and / or used.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after initial registration of the recipient (E) on the shipment information system (S) after verification of essential personal data of the recipient (E) activation of the receiver (E) is performed by external verification.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a letter and / or sequence of numbers is used as a release identifier, in particular as a multi-digit, preferably at least four-digit letter and / or number sequence, more preferably as a so-called PIN code and / or TAN code, wherein the release identifier is preferably numeric and / or alphanumeric character strings.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release identifier and / or the shipment identifier from the receiver (E) or from the shipment information system (S) is predetermined or generated.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission or notification of the release code and / or the mailing ID is carried out by electronic means, wherein preferably an internet-based transmission of the mailing data and / or the mailing ID and / or the release code is carried out, preferably by Web portal, by e-mail, by Kurnachrichtendienst, via the Internet, via App or similar.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the broadcast information system (S) has a user interface, which is preferably operated in the form of a web portal and / or an app and / or formed as an independent terminal, preferably a connection of online shops and / or marketplaces can be provided.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mailing identifier is mounted in an address field serving as identification means of the mail piece (P), wherein the mailing identifier is preferably a numeric and / or alphanumeric character strings, which further preferably at least may contain a test code.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one electronically, preferably contact-free readable identification means attached to the mail item (P) or is connected to this, preferably an RFI D tag, wherein preferably the mailing ID is stored in the identification means, preferably machine-readable, and / or that an automatic detection of the mailing ID and / or the release ID is provided.

15. A shipment information system for delivering mailpieces (P), in particular as or with a computer system and / or computer program product, for carrying out or carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims.