Objectives & Methodology

Objectives & Methodology

The figure above shows the component diagram of the Keyless Storage System, raspberry pi controls the whole process of storing and retrieving of parcels, while the microcontroller delegates the functions of locking and unlocking of the storage units (via the serial communication line between the raspberry pi and the microcontroller), and its response LED indicates (via the microcontroller to storage unit). The storage system interface handles the Input Output Interactions between the shopper and the Keyless Storage System (via the raspberry pi to the storage system interface).

Storing A Parcel Processes

figure above shows steps taken by the shopper at the systems' terminal when storing their parcel(s)

Overview of the Store Parcel Activity Diagram:

1. At the system interface - The shopper must select storage option:

1.1. The system will indicate the available storage boxes (storage unit); where to place the parcel: shoppers are given a single slot per storage entry.

1.2. The shopper must select a storage unit:

1.2.1. The Shopper must indicate where the parcel should be stored, and confirm this selection.

1.3. After the shopper has given confirmation, the shopper is given a choice to print-out or display the storage entry information (SEI) - (which consist of the storage unit the shopper choose, a system generated password and the time when the selected storage unit will be open).

1.3.1. The system will generate a password for the selected storage unit, and will either display or print out the SEI.

1.3.1.1. If the shopper choose to display the SEI; this information will be display for a set duration and then disappear; (the shopper will be advised to remain at the terminal until this event has happened).

figure above shows steps taken by the shopper after locating their selected storage unit

1.4. The shopper is directed to go, to the storage unit section and wait for the selected storage unit to open.

2. At the storage unit section - system will indicate to the shopper that the storage unit is open. A persistent indicator will start to indicate, to the shopper to close the door.

2.1. The shopper must securely place the parcel, and close to storage unit door.

2.1.1. After the door is closed the storage unit will lock, and the persistent indicator will stop indicating.

3. The shopper has successfully secured the parcel, and can go shopping.
   In the event where the shopper has done all steps but:

Placing a parcel in the storage unit; the weight sensor cannot detect a parcel, after the door is closed; the system will discard the SEI, in this case the shopper may have or not place a parcel but has a SEI.

• This event is mentioned at, the delimitation part of the document.

• System will dim that this storage unit is vacant.

Retrieving A Parcel Processes

figure above shows steps taken by the shopper at the systems' terminal when retrieving their parcels

Overview of the Retrieve Parcel Activity Diagram:

1. At the system interface - The shopper must select the parcel retrieval option:

1.1. The system will ask the shopper, whether he or she wants to continue to retrieve their parcel or not.

1.2. The system will ask the shopper to type the password.

1.3. The system will check the password, if it is correct.

1.3.1. If the password is correct, then the system will display the time the storage unit will be unlocked.

1.3.2. If the password is incorrect the system will let the shopper a chance to retry again.

1.3.2.1. If the shopper wishes to opt-out, the system will discard the changes done by the shopper, and the process ends.

figure above shows steps taken by the shopper after locating their selected retrieval unit

1.4. After the storage door delay has expired, the shopper is required to be at the selected storage unit, to retrieve the parcel.

1.4.1. The door unlocks, the shopper will be prompted by the LED to open the storage unit door.

1.4.2. The weight sensor will detect the absences of the placed parcel.

1.4.2.1. If the shopper has removed the placed parcel, the weight sensor will indicate to the system to display a door closure LED flash.

1.4.2.1.1. Then the SEI will be discarded from the database, and the storage unit will be available for the next user.

1.4.2.1.2. The system will lock the storage unit door, the process end.

1.4.2.2. If the shopper did not remove the parcel, the weight sensor will indicate to the system that the parcel is still present.

1.4.2.2.1. The system will flash both LEDS to indicate that the shopper must remove the placed parcel; this will go on indefinitely until the parcel is removed.