Claims:
WE CLAIM:
1. A computer implemented system (100) to find and locate packages in a defined space, wherein each of said package have a pre-determined package ID, said system (100) comprising:
• a plurality of visual identifiers (102) secured at pre-defined locations throughout said defined space;
• removable tags (104) securable to each of said packages in a one-to-one correspondence and temporarily resident inside said defined space, said removable tags (104) comprising an alerting module (322) configured to be activated remotely;
• an electronic device (200) loaded with an application, each of said electronic device (200) in possession of a user within said defined space and desirous of locating said pre-determined package, wherein each of said electronic device (200) comprises:
o a user interface (202) configured to:
o provide said package ID, tag number and location information associated with said package; and
o facilitate said associated user to select said package to be located,
o a scanning module (204) configured to scan said visual identifiers (102),
• a server (300) communicatively coupled with said electronic devices (200) and said tag (104), said server (300) comprising:
o a repository (302) configured to store a pre-determined set of shortest route creation rules, a first lookup table having a list of said visual identifiers and location coordinates corresponding to each of said visual identifiers, and a second lookup table having a list of said packages, and said package ID, a tag number and location information associated with each of said package;
o a location detector (304) configured to receive said scanned visual identifier (102), and further configured to cooperate with said repository (302) to determine present location coordinates of said associated user based on said scanned visual identifier (102) and said first lookup table;
o a first crawler and extractor (306) configured to cooperate with said repository (302) to crawl said second lookup table to extract said location information corresponding to said selected package; and
o a shortest route creator (308) configured to cooperate with said repository (302), said location detector (304) and said first crawler and extractor (306) to create a shortest route based on said present location coordinates of said user, said extracted location information and said pre-determined shortest route creation rules, said shortest route creator (308) configured to transmit said shortest route to said electronic device (200), and further configured to generate and transmit a tag signal to said tag (104) associated with said extracted location information
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said location detector (304) comprises:
• a decoder (310) configured to receive said scanned visual identifier, and further configured to decode said scanned visual identifier (102); and
• a second crawler and extractor (314) configured to cooperate with said decoder (310) and said repository (302) to crawl said first lookup table to extract said location coordinates corresponding to said decoded visual identifier,
wherein said decoder (310) and said second crawler and extractor (314) are implemented using one or more processor(s).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shortest route creator (308) comprises:
• a route creator (316) configured to cooperate with said repository (302), said location detector (304) and said first crawler and extractor (306) to create said shortest route based on said location coordinates, said extracted location information and said pre-determined shortest route creation rules, and further configured to transmit said shortest route to said electronic device (200); and
• a signal generator (318) configured to generate and transmit said tag signal to said tag (104) based on said location information,
wherein said route creator (316) and said signal generator (318) are implemented using one or more processor(s).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tag (104) includes a communication module (320) configured to receive said tag signal from said server (300), wherein said alerting module (322) is configured to cooperate with said communication module (320) to receive said tag signal, and further configured to provide visual and/or audible alert upon receiving said tag signal.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic device (200) facilitates said user to scan at least one product and is further configured to receive information associated to said product from said server (300).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said scanning module (204) comprises at least one image capturing unit.
7. A method (400) to find and locate packages of products in a defined space, said method comprises the following steps:
• securing (402), a plurality of visual identifiers (102), at pre-defined locations throughout said defined space;
• securing (404), removable tags (104), on each of said package in a one-to-one correspondence and temporarily resident inside said defined space wherein each tag (104) comprises an alerting module (322) configured to be activated remotely;
• associating (406), by an electronic device (200) loaded with an application, each of said electronic device (200) in possession of a user within said defined space and desirous of locating a pre-determined package;
• providing (408), by a user interface (202), package ID, tag number and location information associated with said package;
• selecting (410), by said user interface (202), said package to be located by said user;
• scanning (412), by a scanning module (204), said visual identifier (102);
• storing (414), by a repository (302), store a pre-determined set of shortest route creation rules, a first lookup table having a list of said visual identifiers and location coordinates corresponding to each of said visual identifiers, and a second lookup table having a list of said packages, and a package ID, a tag number and location information associated with each of said package;
• receiving (416), by a location detector (304), said scanned visual identifier (102) and further configured to determine present location coordinates of said associated user based on said scanned visual identifier (102) and said first lookup table;
• crawling (418), by a first crawler and extractor (306), said second lookup table to extract said location information corresponding to the selected package;
• creating (420), by a shortest route creator (308), a shortest route based on said present location of said user, said extracted location information and said pre-determined shortest route creation rules;
• transmitting (422), by said shortest route creator (308), said shortest route to said electronic device (200); and
• generating and transmitting (424), by said shortest route creator (308), said tag signal to said tag (104) associated with the extracted location information.
8. The method (400) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step of remotely activating said alerting module (322) includes the sub-steps of:
• receiving a tag signal, by a communication module (320) of said tag (104), transmitted by said server (300);
• cooperating with said communication module (320), by said alerting module (322), to receive said tag signal; and
• providing visual and/or audible alerts based on said received tag signal.
, Description:FIELD
The present invention relates to the field of finding and locating a package in a defined space.
BACKGROUND
In the age of online shopping, the retailers are required to provide better consumer experience and respond to ever-fiercer competition in bricks-and-mortar outlets. The rapid increase of sales over the years has resulted in an overload in retail management. The number of products are increasing with the advancement in the technology. The major impediment of retail store is the inconvenience in finding the specific product. Further, the time taken by the employee to find any product in the retail outlet is high, in case the product is not arranged properly. Moreover, the packages ordered online by consumers and to be delivered in person, are prepared by the employees of the retail outlet. To find and locate these packages out of many other packages is difficult and time consuming for the employees. The employees may get busy in finding the same, leading to inefficiency and bad consumer experience
There is, therefore a need for a computer implemented system to find and locate packages in a defined space that alleviates the above mentioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is a computer implemented system to find and locate packages in a defined space.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that provides a better user experience.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that keeps the employees aware of the location of the packages.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that increases the efficiency of the employee.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that saves time.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that provides a shortest route to reach the package.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that displays the present location of the employees along with other employees that helps in managing and dividing the tasks.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a computer implemented system to find and locate packages in a defined space wherein each of the package have a pre-determined package ID. The system comprises a plurality of visual identifier, removable tags, an electronic device with application loaded, and a server.
The visual identifier is secured at pre-defined locations throughout the defined space
The removable tags securable to each of the packages in a one-to-one correspondence and temporarily resident inside the defined space. The tag comprises an alerting module configured to be activated remotely and a communication module configured to receive the tag signal from the server, wherein the alerting module is configured to cooperate with the communication module to receive the tag signal, and is further configured to provide visual and/or audible alert upon receiving the tag signal.
The electronic device is loaded with an application, each of the electronic device is in possession of a user within the defined space and desirous of locating a pre-determined package. The electronic devices comprise a user interface and a scanning module.
The user interface is configured to:
• provide the package ID, tag number and location information associated with the package; and
• facilitate the associated user to select the package to be located.
The scanning module is configured to scan the visual identifier.
In an embodiment, the scanning module comprises at least one image capturing module.
In another embodiment, the electronic device facilitates the user to scan at least one product and is further configured to receive information associated to the product from the server.
The server is communicatively coupled with the electronic devices and the tag. The server comprises a repository, a location detector, a first crawler and extractor, and a shortest route creator.
The repository is configured to store a pre-determined set of shortest route creation rules, a first lookup table having a list of the visual identifiers and location coordinates corresponding to each of the visual identifiers, and a second lookup table having a list of the packages, and a package ID, a tag number and location information associated with each of the package.
The location detector is configured to receive the scanned visual identifier, and is further configured to cooperate with the repository to determine present location coordinates of the associated user based on the scanned visual identifier and the first lookup table.
The location detector comprises a decoder and a second crawler and extractor.
The decoder is configured to receive the scanned visual identifier, and is further configured to decode the scanned visual identifier.
The second crawler and extractor is configured to cooperate with the decoder and the repository to crawl the first lookup table to extract the location coordinates corresponding to the decoded visual identifier,
The decoder and the second crawler and extractor are implemented using one or more processor(s).
The first crawler and extractor is configured to cooperate with the repository to crawl the second lookup table to extract the location information corresponding to the selected package.
The shortest route creator is configured to cooperate with the repository, the location detector and the first crawler and extractor to create a shortest route based on the present location of the user, the extracted location information and the pre-determined shortest route creation rules. The shortest route creator is configured to transmit the shortest route to the electronic device, and is further configured to generate and transmit the tag signal to the tag associated with extracted location information.
The shortest route creator comprises a route creator and a signal generator.
The route creator is configured to cooperate with the repository, the location detector and the first crawler and extractor to create the shortest route based on the location coordinates, the extracted location information and the pre-determined shortest route creation rules, and is further configured to transmit the shortest route to the electronic device.
The signal generator is configured to generate and transmit the tag signal to the tag based on the extracted location information.
The route creator and the signal generator are implemented using one or more processor(s).
The step of remotely activating the alerting module includes the sub-steps of:
• receiving a tag signal, by a communication module of the tag, transmitted by the server;
• cooperating with the communication module, by the alerting module, to receive the tag signal; and
• providing visual and/or audible alerts based on the received tag signal.
The present disclosure envisages a method to find and locate packages in a defined space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A computer implemented system to find and locate packages in a defined space of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a computer implemented system to find and locate packages in a defined space;
Figures 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate a flow diagram for a method to find and locate packages in a defined space; and
Figure 3a and 3b illustrates the schematic diagrams of the computer implemented system to find and locate packages in a defined space.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 System
102 Visual identifier
104 Tag
200 Electronic device
202 User interface
204 Scanning module
300 Server
302 Repository
304 Location detector
306 First Crawler and extractor
308 Shortest route creator
310 Decoder
314 Second Crawler and extractor
316 Route creator
318 Signal generator
320 Communication module
322 Alerting module

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
A computer implemented system to find and locate packages in a defined space of the present disclosure, is described with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 3b.

The present disclosure discloses a computer implemented system (100) to find and locate packages in a defined space wherein each of the package have a pre-determined package ID. The system (100) comprises a plurality of visual identifier (102), removable tags (104), an application loaded electronic devices (200), and a server (300).
The visual identifiers (102) is secured at pre-defined locations throughout the defined space. In an embodiment, the visual identifier (102) is selected from the group, but not limited to, a two dimensional barcode, a three dimensional barcode, a numeric only barcode, and a Universal Product Codes (UPC).
The removable tags (104) are securable to each of the packages in a one-to-one correspondence and temporarily resident inside the defined space. The tag (104) comprises an alerting module (322) configured to be activated remotely and a communication module (320) configured to receive the tag signal from the server (300). The alerting module (322) is configured to cooperate with the communication module (320) to receive the tag signal, and is further configured to provide visual and/or audible alert upon receiving the tag signal.
The electronic device (200) is loaded with an application, and each of the electronic device (200) is in possession of a user within the defined space desirous of locating a pre-determined package. The electronic device (200) comprises a user interface (202) and a scanning module (204).
The user interface (202) is configured to:
• provide the package ID, tag number and location information associated with the package; and
• facilitate the associated user to select the package to be located.
The scanning module (204) is configured to scan the visual identifier (102).
In an embodiment, the scanning module (204) comprises at least one image capturing module.
In yet another embodiment, the electronic device (200) facilitates the user to select the package ID of the package to be found. In still another embodiment, the electronic device (200) facilitates the user to scan at least one product and is further configured to receive information associated to the product from the server (300).
The server (300) is communicatively coupled with the electronic devices (200) and the tag (104). The server (300) comprises a repository (302), a location detector (304), a first crawler and extractor (306), and a shortest route creator (308).
The repository (302) is configured to store a pre-determined set of shortest route creation rules, a first lookup table having a list of the visual identifiers and location coordinates corresponding to each of the visual identifiers, and a second lookup table having a list of the packages, and a package ID, a tag number and location information associated with each of the package.
The location detector (304) is configured to receive the scanned visual identifier (102), and is further configured to cooperate with the repository (302) to determine present location coordinates of the associated user based on the scanned visual identifier (102) and the first lookup table.
The location detector (304) comprises a decoder (310) and a second crawler and extractor (314).
The decoder (310) is configured to receive the scanned visual identifier, and is further configured to decode the scanned visual identifier (102).
The second crawler and extractor (314) is configured to cooperate with the decoder (310) and the repository (302) to crawl the first lookup table to extract the location coordinates corresponding to the decoded visual identifier.
The decoder (310) and the second crawler and extractor (314) are implemented using one or more processor(s).
The first crawler and extractor (306) is configured to cooperate with the repository (302) to crawl the second lookup table to extract the location information corresponding to the selected package.
The shortest route creator (308) is configured to cooperate with the repository (302), the location detector (304) and the first crawler and extractor (306) to create a shortest route based on the present location coordinates of the user, extracted location information and the pre-determined shortest route creation rules. The shortest route creator (308) is configured to transmit the shortest route to the electronic device (200), and is further configured to generate and transmit the tag signal to the tag (104) based on the extracted location coordinates of the tag number.
The shortest route creator (308) comprises a route creator (316) and a signal generator (318).
The route creator (316) is configured to cooperate with the repository (302), the location detector (304) and the first crawler and extractor (306) to create the shortest route based on the location coordinates, the extracted location information and the pre-determined shortest route creation rules, and is further configured to transmit the shortest route to the electronic device (200).
The signal generator (318) is configured to generate and transmit the tag signal to the tag based on the location information.
In an embodiment, the shortest route creator (308) uses modified shortest path rules to create a route from user’s live location while heading towards the location of the package using the electronic device (200). In another embodiment, the modified shortest path rules are simple, reliable and provides efficient utilization of time. Also, calculating shortest path allows significant utilization of time and energy while finding right place for the package.
The route creator (316) and the signal generator (318) are implemented using one or more processor(s).
The processor may be a general-purpose processor, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), and/or the like. The processor may be configured to retrieve data from and/or write data to the memory. The memory can be for example, a random access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a hard drive, a database, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a floppy disk, cloud storage, and/or so forth.
In an embodiment, the user can be an employee of the defined space. In another embodiment the defined space can be selected from a group consisting of, but not limited to, a warehouse, a retail outlet, and a shopping mall.
In another embodiment, the electronic device (200) facilitate the user to view the position of other users in the defined space.
The tags (104) consume less energy and will provide lesser time to arrange things in an effective way, and simple, highly customizable and provides low-latency support. The alerting module (322) consumes less power thereby increasing the robustness of the system.
In an operative embodiment (referring to figures 3a and 3b), when the customers place orders online, the users of the retail store prepare the packages pertaining to each of the orders and attach a unique removable tag (104) to each of the prepared package. Each of the tag (104) comprise an alerting module (322). All the packages are stored on different shelves of the retail store. The users store the list of the packages, package IDs, tag numbers and location associated with each package in the repository (302). When a customer comes to collect the ordered package, the user selects the package to be found on the electronic device (200). Further, the user scans a visual identifier (102) to ascertain his/her own location via the electronic device (200). The server (300) locates the user with the decoded information of the scanned visual identifier (102). The server (300) creates a shortest route between the location coordinates of the user and the location information of the package. The shortest route is transmitted to the electronic device (200) of the user. Moreover, the server (300) generates and transmits a tag signal to the tag (104) subsequent to which the alerting module (322) of the tag (104) is remotely activated to provide visual and/or audible alert to the user, thereby locating the package easily.
The system (100) improves the user’s efficiency while arranging things and minimizes the finding time for user.
The system (100) provides the predictive analysis on the user’s visit pattern. Also, the efficiency of the user can be calculated based on analyzing the work pattern followed.
Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c illustrate a flow diagram for a method (400) to find and locate packages in a defined space.
The steps include:
• Step 402: securing (402), a plurality of visual identifiers (102), at pre-defined locations throughout the defined space;
• Step 404: securing (404), removable tags (104), on each of the package in a one-to-one correspondence and temporarily resident inside the defined space wherein each tag (104) comprises an alerting module (322) configured to be activated remotely;
• Step 406: associating (406), by an electronic device (200) loaded with an application, each of the electronic device (200) in possession of a user within the defined space and desirous of locating a pre-determined package;
• Step 408: providing (408), by a user interface (202), the package ID, tag number and location information associated with the package;
• Step 410: selecting (410), by the user interface (202), the package to be located by the user;
• Step 412: scanning (412), by a scanning module (204), the visual identifier (102);
• Step 414: storing (414), by a repository (302), store a pre-determined set of shortest route creation rules, a first lookup table having a list of the visual identifiers and location coordinates corresponding to each of the visual identifiers, and a second lookup table having a list of the packages, and a package ID, a tag number and location information associated with each of the package;
• Step 416: receiving (416), by a location detector (304), the scanned visual identifier (102) and further configured to determine present location coordinates of the associated user based on the scanned visual identifier (102) and the first lookup table;
• Step 418: crawling (418), by a first crawler and extractor (306), the second lookup table to extract the location information corresponding to the selected package;
• Step 420: creating (420), by a shortest route creator (308), a shortest route based on the present location of the user, extracted location information and the pre-determined shortest route creation rules;
• Step 422: transmitting (422), by the shortest route creator (308), the shortest route to the electronic device (200); and
• Step 424: generating and transmitting (424), by the shortest route creator (308), the tag signal to the tag (104) associated with the extracted location information.
The step of remotely activating the alerting module (322) includes the sub-steps of:
• receiving a tag signal, by a communication module (320) of the tag (104), transmitted by the server (300);
• cooperating with the communication module (320), by the alerting module (322), to receive the tag signal; and
• providing visual and/or audible alerts based on the received tag signal.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a computer implemented system to find and locate packages in a defined space, which:
• provides a better user experience;
• keeps the employees aware of the location of the packages;
• increases the efficiency of the employee;
• saves time;
• a shortest route to reach packages; and
• displays the present location of the employees along with other employees that helps in managing and dividing the tasks.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, step, or group of elements, steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, or step, or group of elements, or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.