• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    This invention relates to a system for dispensing and returning objects comprising: - a storage and control device configured to be arranged on an inside of a wall; - a user interaction device configured to be arranged on an outside of a wall; - a first chute extending through the wall between the storage and control device and the user interaction device allowing objects to travel from the storage and control device to the user interaction device to dispense an object; and - a second chute extending through the wall between the user interaction device and the storage and control device allowing objects to travel from the user interaction device to the storage and control device upon returning of an object, wherein the storage and control device comprises a storage unit for holding the objects and a control unit for controlling the release of an object in order to provide the object to the first chute, wherein the user interaction device comprises an interface unit allowing user input, a compartment for receiving objects from the first chute and a return unit configured to receive an object and provide the object to the second chute, and wherein the control unit is in communication with the interface unit to control the release of an object based on user input provided via the interface unit.
    公开号:NL2022000A
    申请号:NL2022000
    申请日:2018-11-14
    公开日:2019-05-17
    发明作者:Beukema Liebertus
    申请人:Verhuurt Het Holding B V；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    TITLE OF THE INVENTION
    System and method for dispensing and returning objects
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    The invention relates to a system for dispensing and returning objects, e.g. keys. Systems for dispensing and returning objects are known for providing the key of a specific vehicle to a user, e.g. in the scope of vehicle rental services. A known prior art system is disclosed in US patent publication no. US2017/178440A1.
    The disclosed system comprises a rotatable storage with a plurality of cells, wherein a cell is accessible via an access door. A drawback of such system is that the system has multiple weak points of potential access making the system not very secure. Further, the structure can attract the attention of possible ill-intentioned people who will recognize that valuable keys or other objects are present right after the access door.
    BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    In view of the above it is an object of the invention to provide a secure system for dispensing and returning objects.
    According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for dispensing and returning objects comprising: a storage and control device configured to be arranged on an inside of a wall; a user interaction device configured to be arranged on an outside of a wall; a first chute extending through the wall between the storage and control device and the user interaction device allowing objects to travel from the storage and control device to the user interaction device to dispense an object; and a second chute extending through the wall between the user interaction device and the storage and control device allowing objects to travel from the user interaction device to the storage and control device upon returning of an object, wherein the storage and control device comprises a storage unit for holding the objects and a control unit for controlling the release of an object in order to provide the object to the first chute, wherein the user interaction device comprises an interface unit allowing user input, a compartment for receiving objects from the first chute and a return unit configured to receive an object and provide the object to the second chute, and wherein the control unit is in communication with the interface unit to control the release of an object based on user input provided via the interface unit.
    An advantage of the system according to the first aspect of the invention is that separate devices are used for storing the objects and the interaction with a user. As a result of that only one or more relatively small holes have to be made in the wall for forming the first and second chute. Additionally, the distance between storage unit and user interaction device is relatively large making it difficult for ill-intentioned people to reach the objects via the user interaction device. As a result, a more secure system is obtained.
    In an embodiment, the storage unit includes an access panel which is moveable between an open position allowing access to the storage unit for handling and manipulating objects, and a closed position in which access to the storage unit is prevented, wherein in the open position a portion of the access panel blocks a passageway in or to the first chute, and wherein in the closed position said passageway is free.
    In an embodiment, the storage unit comprises a plurality of locks configured to have a lock state and a release state, wherein in the lock state an object engaged with the lock is held by the lock and prevented from disengaging, wherein in the release state an object is releasable from the lock, wherein the control unit is in communication with the plurality of locks and configured to set the locks in lock state or release state, and wherein the plurality of locks are configured such that when the lock is brought in release state by the control unit the corresponding object held by the lock is released as a result of gravitational forces acting on the object.
    In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of locks, preferably each lock is configured such that when a lock is in the lock state it is possible to introduce an object into the lock. After introducing the object into the lock, disengagement is possible, preferably only possible by bringing the lock in the release state. As a result thereof it may be easy to introduce objects in the storage unit.
    In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of locks, preferably each lock is configured to be in the lock state in absence of a signal, wherein said lock is configured to require a signal to be transmitted to the lock to set the lock in release state. An advantage thereof is that in case power is cut or low, the objects are not automatically released, so that cutting power to the system by an ill-intentioned person will not help this person in getting the objects easier.
    In an embodiment, the return unit is moveable between an open position to receive an object and a closed position to provide the received object to the second chute.
    In an embodiment, the user interaction device comprises an actuation system, preferably controllable by the control unit, to move the return unit between the open position and the closed position.
    In an embodiment, the storage and control device comprises a space, wherein the second chute is arranged between the return unit of the user interaction device and the space of the storage and control device to deliver the returned objects to the space.
    In an embodiment, the objects comprise identification means, preferably wireless identification means, such as RFID tags, bar codes, QR codes or the like, wherein the system comprises a recognition unit configured to interact with the identification means to identify the objects received by the return unit.
    According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for dispensing and returning objects, comprising a storage unit for holding objects and a chute, wherein the storage unit includes an access panel which is moveable between an open position allowing access to the storage unit for handling and manipulating objects, and a closed position in which access to the storage unit is prevented, wherein in the open position a portion of the access panel blocks a passageway in or to the chute, and wherein in the closed position the passageway is free.
    An advantage of the system according to the second aspect of the invention is that when an operator is handling and manipulating objects in the storage unit, an object is prevented from traveling down the chute when the object is inadvertently dropped or when the object is positioned on the access panel.
    In an embodiment, the storage unit comprises a plurality of locks configured to have a lock state and a release state, wherein in the lock state an object engaged with the lock is held by the lock and prevented from disengaging, wherein in the release state an object is releasable from the lock, wherein the control unit is in communication with the plurality of locks and configured to set the locks in lock state or release state, and wherein the plurality of locks are configured such that when the lock is brought in release state by the control unit the corresponding object held by the lock is released as a result of gravitational forces acting on the object.
    According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for dispensing and returning objects, comprising a storage unit for holding objects and a control unit for controlling the release of an object, wherein the storage unit comprises a plurality of locks configured to have a lock state and a release state, wherein in the lock state an object engaged with the lock is held by the lock and prevented from disengaging, wherein in the release state an object is releasable from the lock, wherein the control unit is in communication with the plurality of locks and configured to set the locks in lock state or release state, and wherein the plurality of locks are configured such that when the lock is brought in release state by the control unit the corresponding object held by the lock is released as a result of gravitational forces acting on the object.
    An advantage of the system according to the third aspect of the invention is that when an ill-intentioned person is able to get access to the storage unit, the objects cannot be removed easily due to the locks. However, at the same time the locks provide a simple and easy to control release mechanism.
    In an embodiment, applicable to all aspects of the invention, the objects are keys, preferably keys including a key ring, which key ring is able to engage with locks in the storage unit.
    In an embodiment, applicable to all aspects of the invention, the object, e.g. the key, is provided with identification means, preferably wireless identification means such as RFID tags, allowing to identify the key. Hence, when the key is returned, the system may be able to determine which key is returned allowing to check if a key is returned and if this is the correct/expected key.
    According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method using a system according to the third aspect of the invention, comprising the following steps: a) providing an object to be held by a lock in lock state; and b) transmitting a signal from the control unit to said lock to put the lock in release state.
    In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of receiving user input via the user interface, which user input corresponds to an object to be dispensed, wherein the control unit transmits the signal to the lock holding said object to be dispensed.
    According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method using a system according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising the following steps: a) receiving user input via the user interface, which user input corresponds to an object to be returned; b) moving the return unit to an open position to receive the object; c) moving the return unit to a closed position to provide the object to the second chute.
    In an embodiment, the method includes the step of identifying the object received by the return unit and accepting the received object when the identity of the received object corresponds to the identity of the object to be returned.
    In case the identity does not match with the expected identity, which also includes the possibility that no identity can be determined, the object may not be accepted by the return unit.
    It is explicitly noted here that features and embodiments as described in relation to one aspect of the invention may readily be applied to another aspect of the invention as well, when technically possible to avoid the unduly repetition of similar features and embodiments.
    Although use is made of words like ‘return’ and ‘returning’, which may suggest that an object always needs to be dispensed first before being returned, the invention also applies to a situation in which the object is provided, i.e. returned, first to the system and subsequently dispensed, e.g. as used at dealers for maintenance or repair, where a user may provide a key of his car for maintenance or repair to the system and is also able to obtain his key again via the system by dispensing of the key. Similar to the rental application, there is no need for an operator and objects can be dispensed and returned outside normal office hours. It is also possible that a key is dispensed at one system and returned at another system as is common in rental services where a car may be rented at one location and returned at another location.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    The invention will now be described in a non-limiting way with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like parts are indicated by like reference symbols and in which:
    Fig. 1 schematically depicts a cross-sectional side view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention;
    Fig. 2 schematically depicts a front view of the storage and control device of the system of Fig. 1; and
    Fig. 3 schematically depicts a front view of the user interaction device of the system of Fig. 1.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    Figs. 1 to 3 schematically depict a system 100 for dispensing and returning objects K, K’ in this case keys K, K’, according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a storage and control device 200 and a user interaction device 300. Fig. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of the system 100, Fig. 2 depicts a front view of the storage and control device 200 of the system 100, and Fig. 3 depicts a front view of the user interaction device 300 of the system 100.
    The storage and control device 200 is arranged on an inside of a wall W and the user interaction device 300 is arranged on an outside of the wall W. Hence, the storage and control device 200 and the user interaction device 300 are arranged at opposite sides of the wall W. The storage and control device 200 and/or the user interaction device 300 may be wall mounted as depicted in this example, but may also be supported from the floor or ceiling.
    The storage and control device 200 comprises a storage unit 210, a control unit 220, a communications unit 230 and a power supply 240. The storage and control device 200 is operable and preferably only accessible to the party which makes the objects available for dispensing and to which the objects are returned. This party may for instance be a rental company or car dealer/garage. The user interaction device is intended to be used by parties, i.e. users, for instance consumers that want to obtain an object and/or return an object. People at the storage and control device 200 side will be referred to as operators while people at the user interaction device 300 side will be referred to as user.
    The storage unit 210 is configured to hold the keys K and comprises a plurality of locks 211 configured to have a lock state and a release state, wherein in the lock state a key K engaged with the lock 211 is held by the lock and prevented from disengaging, and wherein in the release state a key K is releasable from the lock 211. Keys that can be dispensed are referred to using the reference symbol K while keys that are returned or about to be returned are referred to using the reference symbol K’.
    The control unit 220 is configured to control the storage unit 210 for the controlled release of a key K. The control unit 220 is therefore in communication with the plurality of locks 211 and configured to set the locks 211 in lock state or release state.
    The communication unit 230 may be configured to allow external access to the control unit 220 to remotely set or adjust the control unit 220 by an operator. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 230 allows to provide input to the control unit 220 by an operator on site, e.g. when introducing the keys K in the locks 211, and assigning unique user inputs to the different locks/keys. The communication unit 230 may thus be provided with a keyboard, touch screen, mouse and/or other input device.
    The power supply 240 is configured to provide power to the entire system, including the user interaction device 300 described in more detail below. To this end, the power supply 240 may be connected to the mains or any other power source. The power supply 240 may comprise or be connected to the mains via a battery enabling continued operation for a predetermined time period when power to the power supply 240 is cut.
    The user interaction device 300 comprises an interface unit 310, a compartment 320 and a return unit 330.
    The interface unit 310 may comprise a keypad, keyboard, screen, touchscreen, mouse, mouse wheel, knobs, buttons, joysticks or any other kind of input device to allow a user to provide user input to the system.
    In a simple configuration, the interface unit 310 comprises a keypad allowing to input any of the numbers 0-9, so that by inputting an unique sequence of numbers, a so-called pin, the control device is able to determine which key should be dispensed and releases said key from the storage unit 210.
    In a more complex configuration, the interface unit 310 comprises a screen to provide e.g. visual information and feedback to the user, and a payment module allowing for instance to authenticate the user, determine the required actions for the system and allowing to make a payment.
    For authentication, the interface unit 310 may comprise a scanner or camera to make scans or electronic copies of ID’s, faces or other documents. Facial recognition software may for instance be provided to authenticate a user, but other authentication methods are also possible, including but not limited to a pass word, iris scan, finger print scan, etc.
    The compartment 320 is a space in the user interaction device 300 where a key K is dispensed to. The compartment 320 may be open to allow a user easy access to the compartment and thus to the dispensed key K, but may also be provided with an access door 321. This access door may be configured to be always openable and in that case is beneficial to keep dirt out of the compartment, but may also be lockable, so that the control unit 220 is able to open and close the compartment providing additional security as the compartment is now only accessible when the access door 321 is opened by the system 100. A first chute is provided between the storage unit 210 and the compartment 320. The first chute is in this embodiment formed by a first plate element 251, a second plate element 252 and a hole or tube 253 extending through the wall W. When a key K is released by the control unit 220, gravity will urge the key K to travel along the first chute from the storage unit 210 to the compartment 321 as indicated by arrow 254.
    The return unit 330 is configured to receive a key K’ to be returned and to provide the key K’ to a second chute, in this embodiment formed by a hole or tube 255 extending through the wall W, so that the key K’ travels from the return unit 330 to a space 260 below the second plate element 252.
    In this embodiment, the return unit 330 is embodied as a drawer moveable between a closed position as depicted in solid lines in Fig. 2 and an open position as depicted in broken lines in Fig. 2. The open position allows to position a key K’ in the return unit 330.
    In this embodiment, by moving the return unit 330 to the closed position, a bottom 331 of the return unit 330 or at least a portion thereof may be brought into an inclined position as depicted in Fig. 2 thereby forming a ramp for the K’ so that gravity will urge the key K’ to travel along the second chute to the storage and control device 200, i.e. the space 260.
    The return unit may be manually driven, so that a user will manually have to move the return unit 330 between the open and closed position, but preferably, the return unit 330 is actively controlled. The control unit 220 may then be connected to an actuation system (not shown) configured to move the return unit 330. When the control unit 330 is provided with information, e.g. user input that a key K’ is about to be returned, the control unit 330 drives the actuation system to move the return unit 330 from the closed position to the open position to allow a user to position a key K’ in the return unit 330. Subsequently, after a predetermined time period and/or after corresponding user input, the control unit 330 drives the actuation system to move the return unit 330 (including key K’) from the open position to the closed position.
    In an embodiment, the user interaction device 300 comprises a recognition unit 340, and the keys K, K’ are provided with identification means, wherein the recognition unit 340 is configured to identify the key K’ in the return unit 330 by interacting, preferably wirelessly, with the identification means in the key K’.
    To dispense a key K, the key K first needs to be positioned in the storage unit 210 requiring access to the storage unit 210. The storage and control device 200 in this embodiment comprises an access panel 270 which is moveable, in this embodiment rotatable, about a rotation axis 271 between an open position as indicated in dashed lines in Fig. 1 and a closed position as indicated in solid lines in Fig. 1. Rotation of the access panel 270 about the rotation axis 271 between the open and closed positions is further indicated using arrow 272.
    In the open position, a portion 270a, in this case a lower portion 270a extends between the rotation axis 271 and an edge 251a thereby blocking the corresponding passageway in the first chute. When the access panel 270 is in the open position as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 1, keys can be positioned on the access panel 270 before being inserted in the locks 211. When a key K is accidentally dropped during handling or manipulation of the key K, the lower portion 270a blocking the passageway in the first chute prevents the key K from traveling towards the compartment 321.
    In the closed position, the passageway is free and the access panel prevents access to the storage unit and first chute from the outside.
    Keys K’ returned to the system and thus begin dropped in the space 260 can be recovered by an operator by removing access panel 280.
    The access panels 270 and 280 are only depicted in Fig. 1 and omitted in Fig. 2 for clarity reasons.
    Although not shown, the interface unit may be provided with communication means, e.g. a camera, microphone and/or speaker allowing communication between a user and an operator when a user needs help in getting an object dispensed or returned.
    It is noted here that although the first and second chute in the shown example cross each other seen in side view of Fig. 1, there is also an embodiment possible in which the first and second chute are provided above each other instead of next to each other. This can for instance be implemented by arranging the return unit below the compartment.
    权利要求:
    Claims (14)
    [1]
    A system (100) for delivering and returning objects (K, K '), comprising: a storage and control device (200) arranged to be mounted on an inside of a wall (W); a user interaction device (300) arranged to be mounted on an outside of a wall; a first slide that extends through the wall between the storage and control device and the user interaction device to enable objects to pass from the storage and control device to the user interaction device to deliver an object; and a second slide that extends through the wall between the user interaction device and the storage and control device to allow objects from the user interaction device to go to the storage and control device after returning an object, the storage and control device comprises a storage unit (210) for holding the objects and a control unit (220) for controlling the delivery of an object to supply the object to the first slide, the user interaction device comprising an interface unit (310) which allows user input, a compartment (320) for receiving objects from the first slide and a return unit (330) arranged to receive an object and supply the object to the second slide, and wherein the control unit is connected to the interface unit to control the delivery of an object based on user input provided via the interface unit hedgehogs.
    [2]
    The system of claim 2, further comprising an access panel movable between an open position in which access to the storage unit for managing and manipulating objects is possible, and a closed position in which access to the storage unit is prevented, wherein in the open position a portion of the access panel blocks a passage in or to the first slide, and wherein this passage is free in the closed position.
    [3]
    The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage unit comprises a plurality of locks adapted to have a closed state and a release state, wherein in the closed state an object coupled to a lock is held by the lock and cannot disconnect, wherein in the release state an object is removable from the lock, wherein the control unit is connected to the plurality of locks and is arranged to put the locks in the closed state or release state, and wherein the plurality of locks are arranged so that when the lock is brought into the release state by the control unit, the corresponding object held by the lock is released due to gravitational forces acting on the object.
    [4]
    The system of claim 3, wherein a lock is arranged such that when the lock is in the closed state, it is possible to introduce an object into the lock.
    [5]
    The system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the lock is arranged to be in the closed state in the absence of a signal, and wherein the lock is arranged to have a signal sent to the lock to lock the lock in to bring the release state.
    [6]
    The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the objects are keys.
    [7]
    The system according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the objects are keys, and wherein the keys comprise a key ring, the key ring being able to connect to the locks in the storage unit.
    [8]
    The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the object is provided with identification means, and wherein the system comprises a recognition unit (340) adapted to work with the identification means to identify the object when it is received by the return unit.
    [9]
    The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the return unit is movable between an open position to receive an object and a closed position to provide the received object to the second slide.
    [10]
    The system of claim 9, wherein the user interaction device comprises an actuation system to move the return unit between the open position and the closed position.
    [11]
    A method using a system according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an object to be held by a lock in the closed state; and b) sending a signal from the control unit to the lock to bring the lock into the release state.
    [12]
    A method according to claim 11, wherein the method comprises the step of receiving user input via the user interface, the user input corresponding to an object to be delivered, the control unit sending a signal to the slot that the object to be delivered are being held.
    [13]
    A method using a system according to claim 3, the method comprising the steps of: a) receiving user input through the user interface, the user input corresponding to an object to be returned; b) moving the return unit to an open position to receive the object; and c) moving the return unit to a closed position to feed the object to the second slide.
    [14]
    A method according to claim 13, wherein the method comprises the step of identifying the object received by the return unit and accepting the received object when the identity of the received object matches the identity of the object to be returned to become.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    NL2022000B1|2021-05-17|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    NL2019910|2017-11-14|
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