JP2017041097A - Locker device, article delivery system, and storage management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the confinement of an article in an article delivery system using a lock device performing lock stand-by.SOLUTION: When the carry-in of an article is not completed (Step S15;No), for example, when a prescribed time passes, while the existence of the article is not detected, a locker device is not locked even when a door is closed and is maintained in an unlocked state (Step S19). When the carry-out of the article is not completed (Step S25; No), for example, when the prescribed time passes in a state in which the sensor detects the existence of the article, the lock device does not lock the door even when it is closed, and maintains an unlocked state (Step S28). In this way, when the prescribed situation such as being unable to determine the carry-in and the carry-out of the article arises, a storage part is not locked, and is put into a state of locking state even if the door is closed, thereby preventing the situation where the article is confined in a storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a locker device that stores articles, an article delivery system that delivers articles to the locker apparatus, and a storage management method in the locker apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, lockers that temporarily store goods are installed at stations and the like. The storage unit of the locker device is generally in an unlocked state when the article is not deposited, but a locker device that waits in the locked state and unlocks the user when depositing the article is also known. It has been.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a temporary storage box system that has a locking mechanism in which a door of a storage unit is always automatically locked, and a user unlocks it using a mobile phone and deposits an article. .

  In recent years, it has been considered to use a locker device installed at a station or the like as a delivery destination of goods. When the locker device is used as a delivery destination of an article, the delivery company puts the article into the designated locker device storage unit and completes the delivery work, and the user who is the recipient from the locker device storage unit. The article will be taken out. For this reason, it is not necessary for the delivery company and the recipient to deliver the article directly, and the convenience is expected to be improved. When the locker device is used as an article delivery destination, it is preferable that the storage unit of the locker device is in a lock standby.

Japanese Patent No. 4935772

  However, if the storage unit of the locker device is set to the lock standby, the door is automatically locked when the door is closed, and there may be a situation where the article is confined in the storage unit. For example, when the delivery company stores an article, if the delivery times out without determining that the delivery is completed, the storage unit is automatically locked, and the delivery company cannot take out the article. That is, the article is trapped inside and cannot be properly delivered.

  Similarly, when the user takes out the article, if the timeout occurs while leaving the article inside, the storage unit is automatically locked, and the user cannot take out the article. That is, the article is confined inside, and the user cannot receive the article.

  Such a problem occurs not only when the lock standby is always performed, but also when the operation mode is changed to the operation mode in which the lock standby is temporarily performed. For example, when using a locker device that is waiting for unlocking as a delivery destination of an article, there is a case where the operation mode is switched to an operation mode in which the locker device waits for locking when the delivery company operates the locker device. In this case, after the delivery company performs the operation, the door is automatically locked when the door is closed, so that there is a possibility that the article is confined in the storage unit.

  For these reasons, it has become an important issue how to prevent the confinement of articles in a locker apparatus that waits for locking and an article delivery system that uses such a locker apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a locker device, an article delivery system, and a storage management method capable of preventing the containment of articles.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a locker device having a plurality of storage units for storing articles, wherein the storage unit stores the articles in the storage unit or from the storage unit. When the storage operation or the take-out operation of the article is performed by a predetermined operation unit and a situation determination unit that determines the status of the take-out process for taking out the article, the storage unit that is the storage target or the extraction target of the article is unlocked. And a lock / unlock control means for controlling the lock of the storage section to be stored or taken out of the article when the storage door of the storage section is closed, and the lock / unlock control means includes the storage section When the storage door is closed and the status of the storage process or the take-out process determined by the status determination means is a predetermined condition, the control is performed to limit the locking of the storage unit. Features and That.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the situation determination means determines that the predetermined situation is present when a predetermined time has elapsed from the unlocking of the storage unit by the locking / unlocking control means. To do.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the situation determination means relates to the predetermined situation using at least one of the presence / absence of the article in the storage unit and the open / closed state of the storage door of the storage unit. Judgment is performed.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the situation determination means determines that the article has been taken out when the predetermined situation is reached after the storage unit is unlocked by the locking / unlocking control means. Features.

  The present invention also relates to an article having a locker device having a plurality of storage units for storing articles, and a delivery request processing device for performing processing related to a delivery request specifying the storage unit of the locker device as a delivery destination of the article. In the delivery system, status determination means for determining a status of a storage process for storing the article in the storage unit or a take-out process for taking out the article from the storage unit, and a storage operation or extraction of the article by a predetermined operation unit When the operation is performed, the storage unit to be stored or taken out of the article is unlocked, and when the storage door of the storage unit is closed, the storage unit to be stored or taken out of the article is opened. Locking / unlocking control means for controlling to lock, and the locking / unlocking control means is configured such that the storage door of the storage portion is closed and the state of the storage process or removal process determined by the situation determination means There when a predetermined situation predetermined and controlling so as to restrict the locking of the housing part.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the delivery request processing device designates the first key data corresponding to the storage processing and the extraction processing when the storage unit of the locker device is designated as the delivery destination of the article. And the lock / unlock control means unlocks the storage unit on the condition that the authentication of the first key data or the second key data is successful. To do.

  Further, the present invention provides the delivery request processing device according to the above invention, wherein when the plurality of articles related to one delivery request are stored in the plurality of storage units of the locker device, A plurality of storage units are specified in association with each other.

  In addition, the present invention is a storage management method in a locker device having a plurality of storage units for storing articles, and the storage process for storing the articles in the storage unit or the extraction process for taking out the articles from the storage unit When the storage operation or the take-out operation of the article is performed by a predetermined operation unit, the storage unit to be stored or taken out of the article is unlocked, and the storage door of the storage unit Is closed, the locking / unlocking control step for controlling the storage unit to be stored or taken out of the article is locked, and the locking / unlocking control step includes closing the storage door of the storage unit, And when the status of the storing process or the taking-out process determined in the status determining step is a predetermined condition, control is performed to limit the locking of the storing unit. That.

  Further, the present invention is a locker device having a plurality of storage units that can be specified as delivery destinations of an article related to a delivery request, wherein the storage unit stores the article in the storage unit or takes out the article from the storage unit. If the storage operation of the article is performed based on the status determination means for determining the status of the take-out processing and the delivery request, the storage door of the storage unit that is the storage target of the article is locked when the storage door is closed. And a locking / unlocking control means for controlling the locking / unlocking control means, wherein the storage door of the storage portion is closed and the status of the storage process or the removal process determined by the status determination means is predetermined. In this situation, control is performed so as to limit locking of the storage unit.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the status determination means takes out the article when the status of the storage process becomes the predetermined status after the storage portion is unlocked by the locking / unlocking control means. It is characterized by determining that it has been.

  Further, in the present invention according to the above invention, the locking / unlocking control unit is specified in association with identification data of one delivery request when storing a plurality of articles related to one delivery request in a plurality of storage units. In addition, selection of a storage unit to be unlocked from a plurality of storage units is received.

  According to the present invention, if the storage process of storing the article in the storage unit of the locker device or the state of the extraction process of taking out the article from the storage unit is determined, and the storage operation or the extraction operation of the article is performed by the predetermined operation unit The storage unit to be stored or taken out of the article is unlocked, and when the storage door of the storage unit is closed, the storage unit to be stored or taken out is controlled to be locked. When the storage door of the storage unit is closed and the status of the storage process or the take-out process is a predetermined condition set in advance, control is performed to limit locking of the storage unit. With such a configuration, confinement of the article can be prevented.

  Further, according to the present invention, if the storage process of storing the article in the storage unit of the locker device or the status of the take-out process of taking out the article from the storage unit is determined, and the storage operation of the article is performed based on the delivery request, Control of locking when the storage door of the storage unit to be stored is closed, the storage door of the storage unit being closed, and the status of the storage process or the removal process determined by the status determination means Is controlled to limit the locking of the storage unit. With such a configuration, confinement of the article can be prevented.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram regarding delivery and receipt of an article to a locker device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Internet shopping according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external configuration diagram showing an external configuration of the locker device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the rocker device. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the storage management data shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the server. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the locker device data shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the order management data shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the locker device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the delivery process. (Part 1) FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the delivery process. (Part 2) FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the delivery process. (Part 3) FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the receiving process. (Part 1) FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the receiving process. (Part 2) FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure related to server order management. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure related to an article after warehousing by the server. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a server that manages the spare storage unit. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the operation when the server assigns the spare storage unit. FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of a locker device operated alone. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the storage management data shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the locker device. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating details of the deposit process. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the locker device has a server function. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for sharing a storage unit for storing articles and a storage unit for delivering articles. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example relating to the designation of the spare storage unit. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of the transition of the state of basic data. FIG. 27 is a flowchart in a case where the locker device in the unlocking standby state shifts to an operation mode in which the locker standby is temporarily performed.

  Exemplary embodiments of a locker device, an article delivery system, and a storage management method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, the delivery and receipt of an article when the locker device according to the present embodiment is used as an article delivery destination will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram regarding delivery and receipt of an article to a locker device.

  When the locker device is used as an article delivery destination, delivery key data used by the delivery company when delivering the article and receipt key data used by the user when receiving the article are generated in advance and stored in the locker device. ing.

  The processing at the time of delivery will be described. The locker device stands by with each storage unit locked (step S11). When the delivery key data is received (step S12), the storage unit serving as the delivery destination of the article is set. Select (step S13).

  The locker device unlocks the selected storage unit (step S14), and determines whether or not storage of the article in the storage unit, that is, warehousing is completed (step S15). Specifically, when the presence of an article in the unlocked storage unit is detected by a sensor and the door is closed within a predetermined time, it is determined that the warehousing is completed.

  When the warehousing is not completed (step S15; No), for example, when a predetermined time has passed without detecting the presence of the article, the locker device maintains the unlocked state without locking even if the door is closed. (Step S19). Since the unlocked state is maintained in this way, the article is not confined in the storage unit, and the delivery company can take out the article and start delivery again from step S11. At this time, if the delivery destination storage unit is to be changed, it is selected from the other storage units that are in the lock standby state. On the other hand, it is possible to try to store the same storage unit as before again. If storage is attempted again in the same storage unit, the storage unit is maintained in the released state in step S19, and starts from step S12.

  If the warehousing is completed (step S15; Yes), the locker device locks the storage unit (step S16) and determines that the delivery has been established (step S17). Thereafter, the locker device issues a receipt notification (step S18) and ends the process. The warehousing notification is a process necessary for notifying a user who is a recipient that delivery has been performed, and details thereof will be described later.

  Next, the processing at the time of reception will be described. The locker device stands by with each storage unit locked (step S21), and if it receives reception key data (step S22), it corresponds to the reception key data. A storage unit storing articles is selected (step S23).

  The locker device unlocks the selected storage unit (step S24), and determines whether the removal of the article from the storage unit, that is, the delivery is completed (step S25). Specifically, when the sensor does not detect the presence of the article and the door is closed within a predetermined time, it is determined that the delivery has been completed.

  If the delivery is completed (step S25; Yes), the locker device locks the storage unit (step S26). On the other hand, when the delivery is not completed (step S25; No), for example, when a predetermined time has passed with the sensor detecting the presence of the article, the locker device does not lock even if the door is closed. The unlocked state is maintained (step S28).

  Then, it is determined that the receipt has been established regardless of whether or not the delivery has been completed (step S27), and the process ends. This is because, when it is determined that the delivery is not completed, the unlocked state is maintained, so that the article is not confined in the storage unit, and the user can take out and receive the article.

  Thus, the locker device according to the present embodiment is in an unlocked state without locking the storage portion even when the door is closed when a predetermined situation such as completion of warehousing or unloading cannot be determined. To maintain. For this reason, the situation where an article is confined in a storage part can be prevented.

  Next, a specific example when the article delivery system according to the present invention is applied to Internet shopping will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Internet shopping according to the present invention.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the server 20 provides a sales site for selling goods. Specifically, the server 20 can display and control information on an article sold by a store, and can accept a purchase operation for the article, that is, an order. Further, the server 20 can acquire data indicating an empty storage unit that can be used as a delivery destination from the locker device 10.

  The purchaser operates the terminal device 30 to access the server 20 and orders a desired article (1). This order corresponds to the delivery request. If the storage unit of the locker device 10 is desired as the delivery destination of the ordered item, the server 20 controls the display of the empty storage unit of the locker device 10, accepts the selection of the delivery destination, and sets the receipt deadline. To do. Thus, when the purchaser designates the locker device 10 as a delivery destination, the purchaser becomes a user who takes out the article from the locker device 10. In the present embodiment, the case where the purchaser and the user are the same person is described as an example, but the purchaser and the user may be different persons. When the purchaser and the user are different persons, the purchaser provides the receiving key data to the user.

  When the order is placed, the server 20 issues an order number and transmits an order report to the terminal device 30 (2). Furthermore, if the delivery destination is the locker device 10, the server 20 generates key data corresponding to the order number (3). The key data includes delivery key data, reception key data, and recovery key data. These key data may be a numeric string, a character string, or a two-dimensional code. In this embodiment, a case where a numeric string is used as key data will be described as an example.

  The delivery key data is key data used by the delivery company 50 when delivering the article. The receipt key data is key data used by the purchaser when receiving the article. The recovery key data is key data used when recovering an article that has passed the reception period without being received.

  The server 20 makes a delivery reservation to the locker device 10 (4). In the delivery reservation, the delivery key data, the receipt key data, the collection key data, the delivery destination storage unit and the receipt deadline are transmitted to the locker device 10. The locker device 10 stores each piece of information indicated in the delivery reservation and performs reservation management (5).

  Thereafter, the server 20 makes a delivery arrangement to the delivery company 50 (6). In this delivery arrangement, the delivery key data, the location of the delivery destination locker device 10, the delivery destination storage unit and the receipt deadline are notified.

  When the delivery company 50 inputs the delivery key data to the locker device 10, the locker device 10 unlocks the storage unit corresponding to the delivery key data. When the delivery company 50 stores the article in the unlocked storage unit (7), the locker device 10 transmits a storage notification to the server 20 (8). The warehouse notification that the locker device 10 transmits to the server 20 is referred to as a first warehouse notification for convenience. The first warehousing notification includes warehousing date and time, delivery key data, and information for specifying the warehousing destination storage unit.

  Receiving the first warehousing notice, the server 20 specifies the order number by the delivery key data, and transmits the warehousing notice to the purchaser's terminal device 30 (9). For convenience, the warehousing notification transmitted from the server 20 to the terminal device 30 is referred to as a second warehousing notification. The second warehousing notice includes information indicating the receipt key data, the location of the delivery destination locker device 10, the delivery destination storage unit, and the receipt deadline.

  The purchaser can know that the article purchased by the second warehousing notice has been stored in the storage unit of the designated locker device 10. Then, the purchaser goes to the place where the locker device 10 is installed and reads the receipt key data (10), thereby unlocking the storage unit and taking out the purchased article from inside to receive the article.

  When the purchase is accepted by the purchaser, the locker device 10 transmits a receipt notification to the server 20. The receipt notification includes receipt date and time, delivery key data, and information indicating the storage unit that has been successfully received.

  On the other hand, when the receipt time limit is exceeded without receiving the goods by the purchaser, the server 20 issues a collection instruction to the delivery company 50 (11). This collection instruction includes collection key data, the location of the locker device 10, and information indicating the storage unit. For this reason, the delivery company 50 can take out and collect the articles using the collection key data, and prevent a situation where the storage unit is occupied for a long period of time.

  When the collection by the delivery company 50 is established, the locker device 10 transmits a collection notification to the server 20. The collection notification includes collection date and time, delivery key data, and information indicating the storage unit that has been collected. The server 20 that has received the collection notification may notify the terminal device 30 that the collection has been performed.

  Next, the external configuration of the locker device 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is an external configuration diagram showing an external configuration of the locker device 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the locker device 10 includes a plurality of storage units including storage units L01 and L02, and a lock mechanism corresponding to each storage unit. For example, the lock mechanism L01a is a mechanism for locking and unlocking the storage portion L01, and the lock mechanism L02a is a mechanism for locking and unlocking the storage portion L02. Furthermore, the locker device 10 has a user interface including a display operation unit 11.

  In the locker device 10 shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of storage units are not all in the same shape, but include a small storage unit and a large storage unit. The large storage unit is the size of two small storage units. Although two shapes of storage portions are shown here, three or more shapes of storage portions may be provided.

  Next, the internal configuration of the locker device 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the rocker device 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the locker device 10 includes a display operation unit 11, a code reader 12, a card reader 12a, a printer 13, a communication unit 14, a storage unit 15, a main control unit 16, and storage control. Part 17. The locker device 10 includes a plurality of storage units including the storage units L01 and L02, a lock mechanism (L01a and L02a) corresponding to each storage unit, and a door opening / closing sensor (L01b and L02b etc.) corresponding to each storage unit. ) And article sensors (L01c, L02c, etc.) corresponding to the respective storage units.

  The display operation unit 11 includes a touch panel color liquid crystal display and the like, and is used for displaying information to the delivery company 50 and the purchaser and receiving various inputs. When a numeric string is used as key data, the display operation unit 11 accepts these inputs.

  The code reader 12 is a unit that reads key data when a two-dimensional code or the like is used as key data, and includes a camera that captures an image of the two-dimensional code and an image processing unit. The card reader 12a is a unit used when reading key data from a card.

  The printer 13 is a unit for issuing receipts as necessary, such as when delivering goods. The communication unit 14 is an interface unit for communicating with the server 20 or the like via a predetermined communication line. The storage unit 15 is a storage device composed of a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, or the like. The storage unit 15 stores storage management data 15a.

  Door open / close sensors (L01b, L02b, etc.) are sensors that detect whether the doors of the corresponding storage units are open or closed. The article sensor (L01c, L02c, etc.) is an optical sensor or the like, and detects an article located in the corresponding storage unit.

  The storage controller 17 controls the operation of the lock mechanism (L01a and L02a, etc.), and from the lock mechanism (L01a, L02a, etc.), the door opening / closing sensor (L01b, L02b, etc.), and the article sensor (L01c, L02c, etc.). It is a processing unit that controls and monitors the state of each storage unit by acquiring the output.

  The main control unit 16 is a control unit that controls the locker device 10 as a whole. The storage management unit 16a, the reservation processing unit 16b, the storage / unloading processing unit 16c, the locking / unlocking control unit 16d, the timekeeping unit 16e, the processing status determination unit 16f, A spare storage management unit 16g is included. Actually, by storing programs corresponding to these functional units in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and loading these programs into a CPU (Central Processing Unit), the storage management unit 16a, The reservation processing unit 16b, the loading / unloading processing unit 16c, the locking / unlocking control unit 16d, the timekeeping unit 16e, the processing status determination unit 16f, and the preliminary storage management unit 16g are caused to execute processes corresponding thereto.

  The storage management unit 16a is a processing unit that manages the state of each storage unit. The storage management unit 16a updates the storage management data 15a when the state of the storage unit is changed. In addition, the vacant state of the storage unit indicated in the storage management data 15a is appropriately transmitted to the server 20.

  The state of the storage section includes “empty”, “delivery waiting (empty)”, “delivered (stored)”, “preliminary allocation (empty)”, and “preliminary allocation (storage)”. “Empty” is a state that can be selected as a new delivery destination because no article is stored in the storage unit and there is no plan to deliver the article. “Delivery waiting (empty)” is selected as a delivery destination, but does not contain an article. “Delivery completed (stored)” is selected as a delivery destination and the article is stored.

  “Preliminary allocation (empty)” is allocated so that the specified storage unit can be used as an alternative storage destination when it cannot be used due to a failure, etc., and the item is not stored but cannot be selected as a new delivery destination It is. “Preliminary allocation (during storage)” is a state in which the designated storage unit is selected as an alternative storage destination when the storage unit cannot be used due to a failure or the like, and the article is stored.

  “Delivery completed (during storage)” and “Preliminary allocation (during storage)” indicate that an article exists in the storage unit and is waiting for receipt by the purchaser or collection by the delivery company 50. If receipt or collection is performed, the state of the storage unit is changed to “empty”. In addition, other states such as “failing” are provided.

  If the state of the storage unit is “delivery waiting (empty)”, “delivered (stored)” or “preliminary allocation (storage)”, the storage unit is associated with key data, and the key data It functions as information that uniquely identifies a delivery request.

  The reservation processing unit 16b is a processing unit that receives and manages delivery reservations from the server. If the reservation processing unit 16b receives the delivery key data, the reception key data, the collection key data, the delivery destination storage unit, and the receipt time limit as information related to the delivery reservation from the server 20, each key data is stored in the designated storage unit. The storage management data 15a is updated in association with the receipt deadline. By this update, the state of the storage unit is changed from “empty” to “delivery waiting (empty)”.

  The entry / exit processing unit 16c is a processing unit that performs processing related to entry / exit of articles. That is, the entry / exit processing unit 16 performs processing related to delivery, receipt, and collection of articles. Specifically, at the time of delivery of an article, the delivery key data is authenticated based on whether or not the delivery key data input by the delivery company 50 matches the delivery key data registered by the delivery reservation.

  Similarly, when receiving an article, the reception key data is authenticated based on whether or not the reception key data input by the user matches the reception key data registered by the delivery reservation. Then, when collecting the article, the collection key data is authenticated based on whether the collection key data input by the delivery company 50 matches the collection key data registered by the delivery reservation.

  In addition, the entry / exit processing unit 16c transmits a notification to the server 20 when entry / exit such as delivery, receipt, and collection is established. The notification transmitted to the server 20 when delivery is established is the first warehousing notification. A notification transmitted to the server 20 when reception is established is a reception notification. A notification transmitted to the server 20 when the collection is established is a collection notification.

  The lock / unlock control unit 16d is a processing unit that instructs the storage control unit 17 to unlock the storage unit associated with the key data when the authentication of the key data is successful. In addition, the locking / unlocking control unit 16d locks the storage unit when the processing related to the loading / unloading of the article is completed and the door of the storage unit is closed.

  Thus, since the lock is automatically performed when the process related to entering / exiting is completed, the lock standby is realized. However, the locking / unlocking control unit 16d restricts the locking of the storage unit when the state of processing related to entering / exiting is a predetermined state.

  The status of processing related to loading / unloading is determined using the output of the article sensor, the output of the door opening / closing sensor, the time required for the work, and the like. The timer unit 16e is a timer for measuring the time required for work. Specifically, the elapsed time since unlocking, the elapsed time after opening the door, and the like can be measured by the time measuring unit 16e.

  The processing status determination unit 16f is a processing unit that acquires the output of the article sensor, the output of the door opening / closing sensor, the output of the timing unit 16e, and the like, and determines the status of processing related to loading / unloading. The detailed processing operation will be described later. For example, after the processing status determination unit 16f authenticates the delivery key data and unlocks the storage unit, the output of the article sensor indicates the presence of the article and within a predetermined time. When the storage door is closed at this time, it is determined that the warehousing is established. Further, the processing status determination unit 16f authenticates the received key data and unlocks the storage unit, and then the output of the product sensor indicates the absence of the product and the storage door is closed within a predetermined time. It is determined that the delivery has been completed.

  Then, the processing status determination unit 16f determines the status where the warehousing and delivery cannot be completed properly as the “predetermined status”. For this reason, locking by the locking / unlocking control unit 16d is restricted when entering and leaving cannot be completed properly.

  The spare storage management unit 16g is a processing unit that manages the spare storage unit. Specifically, the spare storage management unit 16g allocates a part of the storage unit to the spare storage unit, and causes the spare storage unit to be used as an alternative storage destination when the designated storage unit cannot be used due to a failure or the like.

  The spare storage management unit 16g assigns the storage unit to the spare storage unit by setting the storage unit state to “preliminary allocation (empty)” and updating the storage management data 15a. If the designated storage unit cannot be used, the storage unit whose state is “preliminary allocation (empty)”, that is, the spare storage unit is selected, and the selected spare storage unit is used as a storage destination. . Note that the size of the article is taken into consideration when selecting the spare storage unit. Specifically, according to the size of the item at the time of ordering, if a large storage unit is selected as the designated storage unit, a spare storage unit is selected from storage units that are the same size or larger than the designated storage unit. To do.

  When the spare storage unit is used as a storage destination, the state of the storage unit is changed to “preliminary allocation (during storage)”. In addition, the key data and the receipt time limit associated with the originally designated storage unit are handed over to the spare storage unit to be used.

  In this way, when the spare storage unit is used, the originally specified storage unit and the actually stored storage unit do not match. Therefore, when the entry / exit processing unit 16c transmits a notification to the server 20, it is required to include at least information for specifying the actually stored storage unit.

  Next, the storage management data 15a shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the storage management data 15a shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage management data 15a includes reservation data and processing data in addition to basic data.

  The storage management data 15a includes a storage unit ID, a door number, and a state as basic data. The storage unit ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the storage unit. The door number is a number assigned to the door of the storage unit. The states are “0: empty”, “1: delivery waiting (empty)”, “2: delivered (stored)”, “3: reserve allocation (empty)”, “4: reserve allocation (stored)”. , “9: In failure” and the like indicate the state of the storage unit.

  Here, the door number may be the same as the storage unit ID of the storage unit. In this case, the door number can be used as the storage unit ID. In the following embodiments, a case where the door number is used as the storage unit ID will be described as an example.

  Further, the storage management data 15a includes an arrangement and a maximum storage dimension as basic data. The arrangement indicates where the storage unit is arranged, in particular, what level from the bottom. The maximum storage dimension indicates the maximum value of the dimension of an article that can be stored in the storage unit.

  The storage management data 15a includes, as reservation data, a designated door number, delivery key data, receipt key data, collection key data, and a receipt deadline. These data are indicated in the delivery reservation from the server 20, and are written by the reservation processing unit 16b.

  The designated door number is used as information for specifying the storage unit in the delivery reservation. That is, if the information related to the delivery reservation is received from the server 20, the corresponding storage unit is identified from the door number indicated in the designated door number, and each of the delivery reservations as reservation data of the identified storage unit Information will be managed.

  For this reason, the door number of the basic data and the designated door number of the reservation data basically match. However, when the storage unit indicated by the designated door number cannot be used for some purpose and the spare storage unit is used, there is a mismatch. This is because the door number of the basic data becomes the door number of the spare storage unit, and the designated door number of the reservation data is not changed.

  The designated door number may include a plurality of door numbers. This is a state in which delivery of a plurality of articles is requested by one delivery request, and a plurality of storage units are selected as delivery destinations of the plurality of articles. In this case, the same reservation data is associated with each of the plurality of storage units. That is, the door number of the basic data is in a state that matches any of the plurality of designated door numbers.

  The storage management data 15a includes, as processing data, warehousing date / time, warehousing success / failure, receipt date / time, receipt success / failure, collection date / time, and collection success / failure. The warehousing date and time indicates the date and time when the article is stored in the storage unit. In addition, the receipt success / failure indicates whether or not the delivery of the article related to the storage unit has been established.

  When the door number 1 is indicated in the designated door number, delivery is completed when the storage of the article in the storage unit is completed, and the first warehousing notice is transmitted to the server 20. When a plurality of door numbers are indicated in the designated door number, delivery is completed when the storage of the articles in all the storage units corresponding to the plurality of door numbers is completed, and the first warehousing notice is transmitted to the server 20 Is done.

  The receipt date and time indicates the date and time when the user took out the article. The receipt success / failure indicates whether or not the receipt of the article related to the storage unit has been established. Similarly, the collection date and time indicates the date and time when the delivery company 50 took out the article. The success or failure of collection indicates whether or not the collection of the article related to the storage unit has been established. The success or failure of the receipt and the success or failure of the collection are established when the storage unit is unlocked and the door is opened.

  Next, the internal configuration of the server 20 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the server 20. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the server 20 is connected to the display unit 21 and the input unit 22, and includes a communication unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25.

  The display unit 21 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like. The input unit 22 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The communication unit 23 is an interface unit for data communication with the locker device 10, the terminal device 30, the delivery company 50, and the like via a communication line. The storage unit 24 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a nonvolatile memory, and stores locker device data 24a and order management data 24b.

  The control unit 25 is a control unit that controls the entire server 20, and includes a locker state acquisition unit 25a, an order processing unit 25b, a key data generation unit 25c, a delivery reservation processing unit 25d, a delivery arrangement processing unit 25e, and a warehousing notification processing unit 25f. Have Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or a non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, whereby the locker state acquisition unit 25a and the order processing unit 25b. The key data generation unit 25c, the delivery reservation processing unit 25d, the delivery arrangement processing unit 25e, and the warehousing notification processing unit 25f are caused to execute corresponding processes.

  The locker state acquisition unit 25a is a processing unit that acquires the state of the storage unit from the locker device 10 as necessary. The order processing unit 25b is a processing unit that performs processing related to ordering of articles. Specifically, the order processing unit 25b controls the display of information on an article to be sold, and accepts a purchase operation for the article, that is, an order. If the storage unit of the locker device 10 is desired as the delivery destination of the ordered item, the order receiving processing unit 25b controls the display of the empty storage unit of the locker device 10 and selects the delivery destination. Set acceptance and receipt deadlines. Then, when the order is placed, the order processing unit 25b issues an order number and transmits an order report to the terminal device 30. Further, the order processing unit 25b generates order management data 24b for the received order, stores it in the storage unit 24, and manages it.

  The key data generation unit 25c generates three key data of delivery key data, reception key data, and recovery key data when the order receiving processing unit 25b receives a delivery request with the storage unit of the locker device 10 as a delivery destination. It is a processing unit. The key data generation unit 25c manages the generated key data in association with the order management data 24b.

  The delivery reservation processing unit 25d is a processing unit that makes a delivery reservation to the locker device 10 when the order receiving processing unit 25b receives a delivery request with the storage unit of the locker device 10 as a delivery destination. In the delivery reservation, delivery key data, receipt key data, recovery key data, a delivery destination storage unit, and a receipt deadline are indicated.

  In addition, the delivery reservation processing unit 25d updates the state of the corresponding order management data 24b when the first receipt notification or the receipt notification is received. In addition, for an order whose receipt deadline has been exceeded, a collection instruction is given to the delivery company 50. The collection instruction includes collection key data, the location of the locker device 10, and information indicating the storage unit. When receiving the collection notification, the delivery reservation processing unit 25d updates the state of the corresponding order management data 24b.

  The delivery arrangement processing unit 25e is a processing unit that makes a delivery arrangement to the delivery company 50 when the order receiving processing unit 25b receives a delivery request with the storage unit of the locker device 10 as a delivery destination. In the delivery arrangement, the delivery key data, the location of the delivery destination locker device 10, the delivery destination storage unit and the receipt deadline are notified.

  The warehousing notification processing unit 25 f is a processing unit that receives the first warehousing notification from the locker device 10 and transmits the second warehousing notification to the terminal device 30. The first warehousing notification includes warehousing date and time, delivery key data, and information for specifying the warehousing destination storage unit. The receipt notification processing unit 25f specifies the order number by the delivery key data of the first receipt notification, and transmits the second receipt notification. The second warehousing notice includes information indicating the receipt key data, the location of the delivery destination locker device 10, the delivery destination storage unit, and the receipt deadline. In addition, when the storage destination is changed to the spare storage unit, it is desirable to notify that the storage destination has been changed.

  Next, the locker device data 24a shown in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the locker device data 24a shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the locker device data 24a is data in which the location data indicating the location of the locker device is associated with the state of each storage unit. In addition, a door number is used as the storage unit identification information, and states are “0: empty”, “1: delivery waiting (empty)”, “2: delivered (stored)”, “3: preliminary allocation ( “Empty)”, “4: Preliminary allocation (during storage)”, “9: Failure”, etc.

  The locker device data 24a is provided for each locker device. Therefore, the purchaser can compare the location data for the plurality of locker device data 24a and select the locker device 10 located at a desired delivery location. Further, if there is no space in the storage unit of the locker device 10 desired by the purchaser, it is possible to select another locker device located in the vicinity as the delivery destination.

  Next, the order management data 24b shown in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the order management data 24b shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the order management data 24b includes reservation data and processing data in addition to basic data.

  The order management data 24b includes an order number, order item data, purchaser data, order destination data, delivery destination data, and status as basic data. The order number is identification information issued by the order processing unit 25b and uniquely identifying an order. The order item data is data for specifying the type and number of ordered items. The purchaser data is data indicating the name and address of the purchaser. The order destination data is data for specifying the delivery company 50 as a delivery arrangement destination, and the delivery destination data is data indicating the delivery destination of the article.

  The status indicates the status of the order by values such as “1: received order”, “2: ordered”, “3: delivered”, “4: received”, “5: collected”. “1: Order received” indicates that an order number has been issued and that the delivery to the delivery company 50 is not yet arranged. “2: Ordered” indicates that delivery arrangement to the delivery company 50 has been made and delivery has not been completed. “3: Delivery completed” indicates that the article is stored in the locker device 10 and has not been taken out. “4: Received” indicates that the item has been removed by the purchaser. “5: Collected” indicates that the item has been taken out by the delivery company 50.

  The order management data 24b includes a designated door number, delivery key data, receipt key data, collection key data, and receipt deadline as reservation data. The designated door number and the receipt deadline are set by the order processing unit 25b. Each key data is generated by the key data generation unit 25c.

  When requesting delivery of a plurality of articles with one delivery request and selecting a plurality of storage units of the locker device as delivery destinations of the plurality of articles, the designated door number of the reservation data has a plurality of door numbers. Become.

  The order management data 24b includes, as processing data, a warehousing date / time, a warehousing success / failure, a receiving date / time, a receiving success / failure, a collection date / time, and a collection success / failure. The warehousing date and time indicates the date and time when the article is stored in the storage unit. In addition, the receipt success / failure indicates whether or not the delivery of the article related to the storage unit has been established.

  The receipt date and time indicates the date and time when the user took out the article. The receipt success / failure indicates whether or not the receipt of the article related to the storage unit has been established. Similarly, the collection date and time indicates the date and time when the delivery company 50 took out the article. The success or failure of collection indicates whether or not the collection of the article related to the storage unit has been established.

  Next, the processing procedure of the locker device 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the locker device 10. The locker device 10 displays a standby screen on the display operation unit 11 in the initial state (step S101). On this standby screen, a receiving button for receiving a receiving operation by the user and a merchant button for the delivery company 50 to deliver or collect are displayed.

  If the receiving operation by the user is received (step S102; Yes), the warehouse processing unit 16c executes the receiving process (step S109). After execution of the receiving process, the locker device 10 returns to the display of the standby screen again (step S108) and ends the process.

  If the receiving operation by the user is not received (step S102; No) and the operation of the supplier button is received (step S103; Yes), the locker device 10 displays the supplier screen (step S104). If the operation of the vendor button is not accepted (step S103; No), the display of the standby screen is maintained (step S101).

  On the vendor screen in step S104, a button for selecting delivery and a button for selecting collection are displayed. If delivery is selected on the supplier screen (step S105; Yes), the loading / unloading processing unit 16c executes delivery processing (step S110). After execution of the delivery process, the locker device 10 returns to the standby screen display again (step S108), and the process ends.

  If delivery is not selected (step S105; No) and collection is selected (step S106; Yes), the warehouse processing unit 16c executes the collection process (step S111). After executing the collection process, the locker device 10 returns to the display of the standby screen again (step S108) and ends the process.

  If neither delivery nor collection is selected (step S106; No), the loading / unloading processing unit 16c determines whether the display of the supplier screen has timed out (whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the display of the supplier screen). (Step S107). If it has not timed out (step S107; No), the display for the trader is continued (step S104), and if timed out (step S107; Yes), the locker device 10 returns to the standby screen display again (step S107). S108), the process is terminated.

  Next, details of the delivery process shown in step S110 will be described. 10 to 12 are flowcharts for explaining details of the delivery process. When the delivery process starts, the entry / exit processing unit 16c displays a delivery key authentication screen on the display operation unit 11 (step S201). On the delivery key authentication screen, input of delivery key data can be accepted.

  The entry / exit processing unit 16c authenticates the delivery key data based on whether or not the input delivery key data matches the delivery key data registered in the storage management data 15a (step S202). When the authentication fails (step S202; No), the storage / retrieval processing unit 16c determines whether or not the number of authentication failures is within a predetermined range (for example, within 2 times) (step S207).

  If the number of authentication failures is within the specified range (step S207; Yes), the loading / unloading processing unit 16c displays an authentication failure screen (step S208), and then displays a delivery key authentication screen (step S201).

  If the number of authentication failures exceeds the regulation (step S207; No), the storage / retrieval processing unit 16c displays an authentication failure lock screen (step S209), and ends the delivery process. As a result, a standby screen is displayed on the display operation unit 11.

  If authentication of the delivery key is successful (step S202; Yes), the storage / retrieval processing unit 16c determines whether it is outside the storage period (step S203). This warehousing period is designated when there is a time restriction on the delivery of goods. If it is outside the warehousing period (step S203; Yes), the warehousing / unloading processing unit 16c displays a non-period warning screen (step S210) and ends the delivery process. As a result, a standby screen is displayed on the display operation unit 11.

  If it is not outside the entry period (step S203; No), the entry / exit processing unit 16c determines whether or not a plurality of door numbers are designated as the designated door numbers of the delivery key data (step S204).

  If one door number is designated as the designated door number (step S204; No), the storage / retrieval processing unit 16c determines the door number as a target storage unit for the storage process (step S206). If a plurality of door numbers are designated as designated door numbers (step S204; Yes), the storage / retrieval processing unit 16c displays a storage unit selection screen (step S205), and selects from the plurality of door numbers. By letting the delivery company 50 perform it, the target storage unit for the warehousing process is determined (step S206).

  After the determination of the target storage unit, as shown in FIG. 11, the storage / retrieval processing unit 16c performs a failure determination on the target storage unit (step S301). If it is determined by the failure determination that the target storage unit is normal (step S302; Yes), the locking / unlocking control unit 16d unlocks the target storage unit (step S303).

  If the unlocking of the target storage unit is successful (step S304; Yes), the warehousing / disposal processing unit 16c displays a warehousing screen that is a screen for guiding the warehousing (step S305). Thereafter, the processing status determination unit 16f detects the presence of the article in the target storage unit using the article sensor, and determines whether the door is closed within a predetermined time (step S306).

  If the article sensor detects that an article is present in the target storage unit and the door is closed within a predetermined time (step S306; Yes), the locking / unlocking control unit 16d locks the target storage unit ( Step S307).

  If the target storage unit is successfully locked (step S308; Yes), the warehousing / unloading processing unit 16c causes the printer 13 to print out a receipt that proves warehousing (step S309). Further, the processing status determination unit 16f determines that the delivery has been established (step S310), and the entry / exit processing unit 16c displays a delivery completion screen (step S311). Then, the storage / retrieval processing unit 16c transmits a first storage notification to the server 20 (step S312), and ends the process. When a plurality of door numbers are designated as the designated door number, the first warehousing notice is transmitted when the delivery to the plurality of storage units corresponding to the plurality of door numbers is completed.

  When it is determined by failure determination that the target storage unit is not normal (step S302; No), when unlocking of the target storage unit fails (step S304; No), and when locking of the target storage unit fails (Step S308; No), the entry / exit processing unit 16c displays a failure notification screen (Step S313). Then, the spare storage management unit 16g selects one spare storage unit (step S314), and proceeds to step S301 with the selected spare storage unit as the target storage unit.

  When the presence of the article cannot be detected in the target storage unit or the door is not closed within a predetermined time (step S306; No), the processing status determination unit 16f indicates that the article sensor is present as shown in FIG. Whether or not is detected is determined (step S401).

  If the article sensor has not detected the presence of the article (step S401; No), the warehousing / unloading processing unit 16c displays a non-warehousing warning screen (step S408). Thereafter, the entry / exit processing unit 16c determines whether the display of the non-entry warning screen has timed out (whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of display of the non-entry warning screen) (step S409). If it has not timed out (step S409; No), it will transfer to step S401 and it will be determined whether the goods sensor has detected presence of goods.

  If the article sensor detects the presence of the article (step S401; Yes), the storage / retrieval processing unit 16c displays a door opening warning screen (step S402). Thereafter, the storage / retrieval processing unit 16c determines whether or not the door opening / closing sensor detects that the door is closed (step S403). If the door opening / closing sensor detects that the door is closed (step S403; Yes), the process proceeds to step S307 in FIG. 11 to lock the target storage unit.

  If the door opening / closing sensor does not detect the door closing (step S403; No), the warehouse processing unit 16c has timed out the display of the door opening warning screen (whether a predetermined time has passed since the display of the door opening warning screen started). It is determined whether or not (step S404). If it has not timed out (step S404; No), it will transfer to step S401 and it will be determined whether the goods sensor has detected presence of goods.

  When time-out occurs in step S404 or step S409 (step S404; Yes, or step S409; Yes), the locking / unlocking control unit 16d maintains the unlocked state of the target storage unit (step S405). Then, the entry / exit processing unit 16c displays a receipt timeout screen (step S406), and ends the delivery process. As a result, a standby screen is displayed on the display operation unit 11.

  Note that the “predetermined time” used for the timeout determination in step S404 or step S409 need not be the same, and can be set individually as appropriate. In addition, each predetermined time can be set for the timeout determination in the present embodiment.

  Further, a warning sound may be output when the timeout in step S404 or step S409 is approaching. Note that the warning sound is stopped when the time-out and the warehousing time-out screen is displayed. Here, at the time of time-out, the delivery company may be in front of the target storage unit and may not notice the display on the display operation unit 11. Therefore, it is desirable to output the guidance sound so that the display operation unit 11 is confirmed before the warning sound is stopped.

  Next, details of the reception process shown in step S109 will be described. 13 to 14 are flowcharts for explaining the details of the receiving process. When the receiving process starts, the loading / unloading processing unit 16c displays a receiving key authentication screen on the display operation unit 11 (step S501). On the receipt key authentication screen, input of receipt key data can be accepted.

  The entry / exit processing unit 16c authenticates the received key data based on whether or not the input received key data matches the received key data registered in the storage management data 15a (step S502). When the authentication has failed (step S502; No), the warehouse processing unit 16c determines whether or not the number of authentication failures is within a predetermined range (for example, within 2 times) (step S507).

  If the number of authentication failures is within the specified range (step S507; Yes), the entry / exit processing unit 16c displays an authentication failure screen (step S508), and then displays a reception key authentication screen (step S501).

  If the number of authentication failures exceeds the limit (step S507; No), the warehouse processing unit 16c displays an authentication failure lock screen (step S509) and ends the receiving process. As a result, a standby screen is displayed on the display operation unit 11.

  If the authentication of the receiving key is successful (step S502; Yes), the warehouse processing unit 16c determines whether or not the receiving time limit has been exceeded (step S503). If the receipt deadline has been exceeded (step S503; Yes), the entry / exit processing unit 16c displays an expiration warning screen (step S510) and ends the receipt process. As a result, a standby screen is displayed on the display operation unit 11.

  If it is within the receipt deadline (step S503; No), the storage / retrieval processing unit 16c determines whether or not a plurality of door numbers are designated as designated door numbers of the receipt key data (step S504).

  If one door number is designated as the designated door number (step S504; No), the entry / exit processing unit 16c determines the door number as a target storage unit for the exit process (step S506). If a plurality of door numbers are designated as designated door numbers (step S504; Yes), the storage / retrieval processing unit 16c displays a storage unit selection screen (step S505), and selects from the plurality of door numbers. By allowing the user to perform, the target storage unit for the delivery process is determined (step S506).

  After the determination of the target storage unit, as shown in FIG. 14, the locking / unlocking control unit 16d unlocks the target storage unit (step S601). If unlocking of the target storage unit has failed (step S602; No), the loading / unloading processing unit 16c displays an unlocking failure screen (step S608) and ends the receiving process. As a result, a standby screen is displayed on the display operation unit 11.

  If the unlocking of the target storage unit is successful (step S602; Yes), the loading / unloading processing unit 16c displays a reception screen that is a screen for guiding the reception (step S603). Thereafter, the processing status determination unit 16f determines whether or not an article is present in the target storage unit by the article sensor and determines whether or not the door is closed within a predetermined time (step S604).

  If the article sensor indicates that no article is present in the target storage unit and the door is closed within a predetermined time (step S604; Yes), the locking / unlocking control unit 16d locks the target storage unit ( Step S605).

  On the other hand, if the article sensor still indicates that an article is present in the target storage unit, or if the door is not closed within a predetermined time (step S604; No), the entry / exit processing unit 16c issues a receipt warning. A screen is displayed (step S609).

  After the receipt warning screen is displayed, if the door is closed with no article in the target storage unit (step S610; Yes), the locking / unlocking control unit 16d locks the target storage unit (step S605).

  On the other hand, if the article sensor remains indicated by the article sensor or the door is not closed (No at Step S610), the entry / exit processing unit 16c times out the display of the receipt warning screen. (Whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of display of the reception warning screen) or not (step S611). If it has not timed out (step S611; No), the process proceeds to step S609, and the display of the reception warning screen is continued. If time-out occurs (step S611; Yes), the locking / unlocking control unit 16d maintains the unlocked state of the target storage unit (step S612).

  After step S605 or step S612, the processing status determination unit 16f determines that the reception has been established (step S606). Then, the entry / exit processing unit 16c transmits a receipt notification to the server 20 (step S607), and the receipt process ends.

  The collection process shown in step S111 of FIG. 9 is different from the reception process shown in FIGS. 13 to 14 in the following points. First, the key data to be used is recovery key data. Next, the various display screens are collection screens for delivery companies. And it is not necessary to check the receipt deadline. Other operations are the same as those in the receiving process shown in FIGS. 13 to 14, and thus the detailed description of the collecting process is omitted.

  Next, the processing procedure of the server 20 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to order management of the server 20. First, the order processing unit 25b receives an order from the terminal device 30 (step S701) and issues an order number (step S702). The issued order number is transmitted to the terminal device 30 as an order report.

  The key data generation unit 25c generates three key data of delivery key data, reception key data, and recovery key data for the order received by the order receiving processing unit 25b (step S703). Then, the delivery reservation processing unit 25d makes a delivery reservation for the locker device 10 (step S704). With this delivery reservation, each key data, delivery destination storage unit and receipt deadline are transmitted to the locker device 10.

  Then, the delivery arrangement processing unit 25e makes a delivery arrangement to the delivery company 50 (step S705). In the delivery arrangement, the delivery key data, the location of the delivery destination locker device 10, the delivery destination storage unit and the receipt deadline are notified.

  After the delivery arrangement, the warehousing notification processing unit 25f determines whether or not the first warehousing notification is received from the locker device 10 (step S706). If the first receipt notification has not been received (step S706; No). By shifting to step S706, the first warehousing notification is waited.

  If the first warehousing notification is received (step S706; Yes), the warehousing notification processing unit 25f determines whether the door number of the warehousing destination indicated in the warehousing notification matches the original designated door number. Determination is made (step S707).

  If the door number of the warehousing destination indicated in the warehousing notice matches the original designated door number (step S707; Yes), the warehousing notice processing unit 25f sends the second warehousing notice to the purchaser terminal device 30. Is transmitted (step S708), and the process ends.

  If the door number of the warehousing destination indicated in the warehousing notice and the original designated door number do not match (step S707; No), the warehousing notice processing unit 25f notifies that the warehousing destination has been changed. A second warehousing notice including this is transmitted to the purchaser's terminal device 30 (step S709), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure related to an article after warehousing by the server 20. First, the delivery reservation processing unit 25d determines whether or not a receipt notification has been received from the locker device 10 (step S801). If the receipt notification is received (step S801; Yes), the order is identified from the delivery key data indicated in the receipt notification, and the “receipt date” and “receipt success / failure” in the corresponding order management data 24b is updated. Processing is performed (step S802), and the processing is terminated.

  When the receipt notification has not been received (step S801; No), the delivery reservation processing unit 25d determines whether or not there is order management data that has exceeded the receipt deadline without being received (step S803). If there is no order management data that has not been received and has exceeded the receipt deadline (step S803; No), the delivery reservation processing unit 25d ends the process as it is.

  If there is order management data that has not been received and has exceeded the receipt deadline (step S803; Yes), the delivery reservation processing unit 25d transmits a collection instruction to the delivery company 50 (step S804).

  After step S804, the delivery reservation processing unit 25d determines whether or not a collection notification is received from the locker device 10 (step S805). If the collection notification has not been received (step S805; No), step S805 is repeated, and the collection notification is waited for.

  When the collection notification is received (step S805; Yes), the collection is completed by specifying the order from the delivery key data indicated in the collection notification and updating the “collection date” and “collection success / failure” in the corresponding order management data 24b. Processing is performed (step S806). Thereafter, the delivery reservation processing unit 25d notifies the purchaser that the collection has been performed (step S807), and ends the process.

  In the above description, the configuration in which the spare storage unit is managed on the locker device side has been described as an example. However, the spare storage unit may be managed on the server side. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a server that manages the spare storage unit.

  The server 120 shown in FIG. 17 is different from the server 20 shown in FIG. 6 in that the control unit 25 further includes a reserve storage allocation unit 125a. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the server 20 shown in FIG. 6, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  When the reserve storage allocation unit 125a receives a reserve storage allocation request for allocation of reserve storage from the locker device, the reserve storage allocation unit 125a selects another storage unit of the locker device as the reserve storage unit, and performs a process of notifying the locker device. .

  In addition, a part of the plurality of storage units included in each locker device is allocated in advance for the reserve storage unit, and when the reserve storage allocation request is received, the storage unit to be used is selected from the allocated reserve storage unit. May be notified. Further, storage in an “empty” state that is not scheduled to be used at that time may be assigned to the spare storage unit and notified. Here, in selecting the spare storage unit, the size of the article is taken into consideration. Specifically, according to the size of the item at the time of ordering, if a large storage unit is selected as the designated storage unit, a spare storage unit is selected from storage units that are the same size or larger than the designated storage unit. To do.

  If there is no storage unit that can be notified in spite of receiving a preliminary storage allocation request, such as when all of the pre-allocated preliminary storage units are in use, the spare storage allocation unit 125a Is notified that there is no storage unit that can be used. Or you may allocate the storage part of the other locker apparatus located in the vicinity as a preliminary | backup storage part.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the operation when the server assigns the spare storage unit. The locker device 110 shown in FIG. 18 transmits a reserve storage allocation request to the server 120 when a reserve storage unit is required in step S314 of the delivery process (1).

  The server 120 receives the reserve storage allocation request, selects a reserve storage unit (2), and notifies the locker device 110 of the reserve storage unit (3). Thereafter, the locker device 110 selects the notified preliminary storage unit and continues the delivery process.

  In the description so far, the case where the locker device is used as the delivery destination of the article has been described as an example, but the locker device can be operated alone. FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of a locker device operated alone.

  A locker device 210 shown in FIG. 19 is not used as an article delivery destination, but is an apparatus for temporarily keeping an article. Therefore, the locker device 210 does not have the communication unit 14, and does not have the reservation processing unit 16 b in the main control unit 16. This point is different from the rocker device 10 shown in FIG. The storage management data 215a stored in the storage unit 15 is different from the storage management data 15a shown in FIG.

  The entry / exit processing unit 16c of the locker device 210 sets the receipt key data when the article is received and registers it in the storage management data 215a. At the time of delivery, the storage unit is permitted to be unlocked on condition that the received key data is authenticated. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the rocker device 10 shown in FIG. 4, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the storage management data 215a shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, the storage management data 215a includes basic data and deposit data.

  The storage management data 215a includes a storage unit ID, a door number, and a state as basic data. The storage unit ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the storage unit. The door number is a number assigned to the door of the storage unit. The status is determined according to values such as “0: empty”, “2: stored”, “3: reserve allocation (empty)”, “4: reserve allocation (stored)”, “9: failed”, etc. Shows the state.

  Here, the door number may be the same as the storage unit ID of the storage unit. In this case, the door number can be used as the storage unit ID. In the following embodiments, a case where the door number is used as the storage unit ID will be described as an example.

  Further, the storage management data 215a includes an arrangement and a maximum storage dimension as basic data. The arrangement indicates where the storage unit is arranged, in particular, what level from the bottom. The maximum storage dimension indicates the maximum value of the dimension of an article that can be stored in the storage unit.

  The storage management data 215a includes receipt key data, receipt deadline, warehousing date and time, and receipt date and time as deposit data. The receipt key data is set when the article is received, that is, when the deposit is started. This receiving key data may be a numeric string or character string designated by the user, or may be a numeric string or character string generated by the locker device 210. Further, a two-dimensional code may be used, or identification information of a recording medium carried by the user may be read and used as receiving key data.

  The deposit time limit is set when the goods are received, that is, when the deposit starts. The deposit time limit may be specified by the user, or may be set by the locker device 210, for example, “limited to the day”. The warehousing date and time indicates the date and time when the article is stored in the storage unit. The reception date and time indicates the date and time when the user took out the article.

  Next, the processing procedure of the locker device 210 will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the locker device 210. The locker device 210 displays a standby screen on the display operation unit 11 in the initial state (step S901). On this standby screen, a deposit button for accepting a deposit operation by the user and a receive button for accepting a receipt operation by the user are displayed.

  If the deposit operation by the user is received (step S902; Yes), the loading / unloading processing unit 16c executes the deposit process (step S904). After execution of the depositing process, the locker device 210 returns to the standby screen display again (step S906) and ends the process.

  If the deposit operation by the user is not accepted (step S902; No), and if the receipt operation is accepted (step S903; Yes), the entry / exit processing unit 16c executes the receipt process (step S905). After executing the receiving process, the locker device 210 returns to the standby screen display again (step S906) and ends the process.

  If the depositing operation by the user is not accepted (step S902; No) and the receiving operation is not accepted (step S903; No), the locker apparatus 210 ends the process as it is. In this case, the display of the standby screen is continued as it is.

  Next, details of the deposit process shown in step S904 will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating details of the deposit process. When the depositing process is started, the loading / unloading processing unit 16c acquires the receiving key data (step S1001) and sets a depositing time limit (step S1002).

  In addition, the storage / retrieval processing unit 16c displays a storage unit selection screen (step S1003), and allows the user to select a door number, thereby determining a target storage unit for the storage process (step S1004).

  After the target storage unit is determined, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. However, the receipt notification (step S312) is not necessary. The receiving process is the same as that performed by the locker device 10, but it is not necessary to send a receipt notification (step S607).

  Next, a configuration in which the locker device has a server function will be described. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the locker device has a server function. FIG. 23 shows a configuration in the case where the present invention is applied to a delivery service in which a delivery company collects goods from a client and delivers an article to a recipient designated by the client. In this configuration, the recipient is a user of the locker device.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a client who requests delivery of an article makes a delivery request to the delivery company 350 (1). In this delivery request, the locker device 310 can be selected as a delivery destination. Further, the client designates a recipient who is a person who receives the article and a contact address thereof.

  The delivery company 350 that has received the delivery request generates slip data as data for uniquely specifying the delivery request (2). Thereafter, the delivery company 350 delivers the article data in association with the slip data (3). For example, the contents of these data may be described on a slip and affixed to an article to be delivered.

  When the locker device 310 receives the slip data from the delivery company 350, the locker device 310 generates receipt key data and recovery key data (4), and manages them in association with the slip data (5). This delivery management is performed until the article is taken out, and corresponds to reservation management of the locker device 10.

  The locker device 310 provides the collection key data to the delivery company 350. In addition, the locker device 310 performs a receipt notification for notifying the recipient of the slip data and the receipt key data (6). This warehousing notification may be performed by e-mail, for example. Alternatively, a predetermined server may be used.

  The recipient who has received the warehousing notice goes to the installation location of the locker device 310 and inputs the received key data to the locker device 310. Since the locker device 310 receives the receipt key data and unlocks the corresponding storage unit, the recipient can take out and receive the delivered item (7).

  As described above, even in the configuration in which the locker device 310 generates key data, etc., similarly to the locker device 10, it is possible to maintain unlocking in a predetermined situation and store in the spare storage unit. .

  Next, the sharing of the storage unit for storing articles and the storage unit for delivering articles will be described. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for sharing a storage unit for storing articles and a storage unit for delivering articles. A locker device 410 shown in FIG. 24 has a plurality of storage units for storing articles, so-called lockers, and can lock a plurality of storage units individually.

  The plurality of storage units included in the locker device 410 includes a storage unit for storing articles and a storage unit for delivering articles. In FIG. 24, the locker device 410 has 32 storage units, of which 22 storage units are used for depositing articles and 10 storage units are used for article delivery.

  The article deposit is a function that assumes that the same person performs deposit and withdrawal of articles, and provides a service equivalent to a so-called coin locker. On the other hand, the delivery of goods is a function of delivering delivered goods, and the goods to which the locker device 410 is delivered are stored by the delivery company, and the recipient takes out the goods.

  The storage unit for storing goods and the storage unit for delivering goods are separated, and the designated door for delivery is selected from the storage unit for delivering goods. However, when delivery is made to the storage unit corresponding to the designated door (1), when an abnormality occurs (2) and delivery cannot be completed, the storage unit for storing articles can be used as a spare storage unit ( 3).

  Thus, by making the storage unit for storing articles available as a spare storage unit, the storage unit of the locker device 410 can be operated efficiently. Further, in the locker device 410, similarly to the locker device 10, unlocking can be maintained when a predetermined situation occurs.

  Next, a modified example relating to the designation of the spare storage unit will be described. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example relating to the designation of the spare storage unit. In the locker device 10, a spare storage unit is prepared independently of the delivery key data, and the spare storage unit is assigned to the delivery key data when delivery to the designated storage unit is not possible. On the other hand, in the system shown in FIG. 25, the server 520 sets the spare storage unit together with the delivery destination storage unit when generating the key data, and the locker device 510 uses the spare storage unit set in the delivery key data. Will be used. In setting the spare storage unit, the spare storage unit is set from a storage unit having the same size as or larger than the designated storage unit.

  In the example shown in FIG. 25, the server 520 sets the designated door number 001 and the spare door number 002 in the delivery key data K01 in the order management data. When the server 520 transmits a delivery reservation to the locker device 510, the storage management data of the specified storage unit (door number 001) has a basic data state of “1: waiting for delivery (empty)”, and the specified door number of the reservation data. Is “001” and the delivery key data is “K01”. The storage management data with the door number 002 set in the spare storage unit has the basic data state “3: Preliminary allocation (empty)”, the reserved data designated door number “001”, and the delivery key data “ K01 ".

  The transition of the basic data state will be further described. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of the transition of the state of basic data. FIG. 26A shows a case in which an article is finally stored in a designated storage section, and FIG. 26B shows a case in which an article is finally stored in a spare storage section.

  As shown in FIG. 26A, in the initial state, the state of basic data is “0: empty” in both the designated storage unit and the spare storage unit. When the delivery reservation is made, the basic data state of the designated storage unit becomes “1: delivery waiting (empty)”, and the basic data state of the spare storage unit becomes “3: preliminary allocation (empty)”. If the article can be finally stored in the designated storage unit, the basic data state of the designated storage unit is “2: delivered (stored)”, and the basic data state of the spare storage unit is “0: empty”. " In other words, when the delivery is completed, the storage unit that was the preliminary storage unit can be selected as a delivery destination for other orders or a spare storage unit for other orders.

  Also in FIG. 26B, in the initial state, the state of the basic data is “0: empty” in both the designated storage unit and the spare storage unit. When the delivery reservation is made, the basic data state of the designated storage unit becomes “1: delivery waiting (empty)”, and the basic data state of the spare storage unit becomes “3: preliminary allocation (empty)”. Thereafter, if the designated storage unit cannot be used due to a failure, the article is finally stored in the spare storage unit. As a result, the state of the basic data of the designated storage unit is “9: failure”, and the state of the basic data of the spare storage unit is “4: preliminary allocation (during storage)”.

  As described above, when the server 520 sets the spare storage unit, the storage unit set as the spare storage unit in one delivery key data cannot be set as the spare storage unit of other delivery key data. May be. In this case, it is possible to ensure the spare storage portion. However, since the spare storage unit is rarely used in practice, duplication of the spare storage unit is permitted with a plurality of delivery key data, and the storage unit of the locker device 510 may be operated efficiently.

  In the description so far, the case where the locker device is always in the lock standby state has been described, but the present invention can be applied even if the locker device in the unlocking standby state is shifted to the operation mode in which the lock standby is temporarily performed. Applicable.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart in a case where the locker device in the unlocking standby state shifts to an operation mode in which the locker standby is temporarily performed. FIG. 27 shows a process of shifting to an operation mode in which a locker waits for locking when a delivery agent performs an operation related to delivery when a locker device that is waiting for unlocking is used as an item delivery destination.

  Specifically, the locker device is in an unlocking standby state in the initial state, and displays a standby screen on the display operation unit 11 (step S1101). On this standby screen, a receiving button for receiving a receiving operation by the user and a merchant button for the delivery company to deliver or collect are displayed.

  If a receiving operation by the user is accepted (step S1102; Yes), the locker device executes a receiving process (step S1109). After executing the receiving process, the locker device returns to the standby screen display again (step S1108) and ends the process.

  If the receiving operation by the user is not accepted (step S1102; No) and the operation of the trader button is accepted (step S1103; Yes), the locker device displays the trader screen (step S1104). If the operation of the supplier button is not accepted (step S1103; No), the standby screen display is maintained (step S1101).

  On the vendor screen in step S1104, a button for selecting delivery and a button for selecting collection are displayed. If delivery is selected on the supplier screen (step S1105; Yes), the locker device shifts to an operation mode for waiting for locking (step S1110) and executes delivery processing (step S1111). After the delivery process is executed, the locker device returns to the standby screen display again (step S1108) and ends the process.

  If delivery is not selected (step S1105; No) and recovery is selected (step S1106; Yes), the locker device executes a recovery process (step S1112). After executing the collection process, the locker device returns to the display of the standby screen again (step S1108) and ends the process.

  If neither delivery nor collection is selected (step S1106; No), the locker device determines whether the display of the supplier screen has timed out (whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the display of the supplier screen) (step S1106). S1107). If the time-out has not occurred (step S1107; No), the trader screen display is continued (step S1104). If the time-out has occurred, the locker device returns to the standby screen display again (step S1108) and ends the process. .

  Note that the receiving process in step S1109 and the collecting process in step S1112 are the same processes as in the locker device 10. The delivery process S1111 is different in that the process (steps S303 and S304) relating to unlocking shown in FIG. 11 is omitted, but the other processes are the same. Here, in delivery processing S1111, it is desirable to detect whether or not the door has been opened prior to step S306, and to proceed to step S306 on condition that the door has been opened. In other words, the shifting of the door from the open state to the closed state is a locking condition in the locking standby.

  In this way, even when the unlocking locker device temporarily shifts to the lock waiting state, similarly to the locker device 10, the unlocking maintenance in the predetermined situation or the spare storage unit Storage can be performed.

  As described above, in the locker device, the article delivery system, and the storage management method according to the present embodiment, when the locker device 10 or the like is placed in a lock waiting state and the completion of warehousing or unloading cannot be determined Even if the door is closed, the unlocked state is maintained without locking the storage portion. For this reason, the situation where an article is confined in a storage part can be prevented.

  In the description so far, the case where the locker device, the article delivery system and the storage management method according to the present invention are applied to Internet shopping and the case where temporary storage is applied has been described. However, the present invention can be appropriately modified and implemented. It is. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to a delivery box installed in an apartment house or the like. Further, the present invention can also be applied to a delivery service in which a delivery company collects goods from a client and delivers the article to a recipient designated by the client.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the description has been given by taking as an example a configuration in which all the key data is generated by the same device, but the generation of key data may be shared by different devices. For example, the server may generate delivery key data, and the locker device may generate reception key data and recovery key data. At this time, the locker device may generate key data at the time of delivery reservation or may generate key data at the time of accepting delivery.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the reception key data and the recovery key data are individually generated is illustrated, but the reception key data and the recovery key data may be the same. Furthermore, delivery, receipt, and collection may be performed with one key data.

  In this embodiment, when a plurality of storage units are used in one order, a plurality of storage units are associated with one delivery key data. However, a plurality of delivery key data is generated for one order. However, the delivery key data and the storage unit may be in a one-to-one relationship.

  Each configuration illustrated in the present embodiment is functionally schematic and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally / physically distributed / integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

  As described above, the locker device, the article delivery system, and the storage management method according to the present invention are suitable for preventing confinement of articles in a locker device that performs locking standby and an article delivery system that uses such a locker device. .

10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 Locker device 11 Display operation unit 12 Code reader 12a Card reader 13 Printer 14, 23 Communication unit 15, 24 Storage unit 15a, 215a Storage management data 16 Main control unit 16a Storage management unit 16b Reservation processing unit 16c Entry / exit processing unit 16d Locking / unlocking control unit 16e Timekeeping unit 16f Processing status determination unit 16g Preliminary storage management unit 17 Storage control unit 20, 120, 520 Server 21 Display unit 22 Input unit 24a Locker device data 24b Order management data 25 control unit 25a locker state acquisition unit 25b order processing unit 25c key data generation unit 25d delivery reservation processing unit 25e delivery arrangement processing unit 25f warehousing notification processing unit 30 terminal device 50, 350 delivery company 125a spare storage allocation unit L01, L02 storage unit L0 a, L02a lock mechanism L01b, L02b door opening and closing sensor L01c, L02c goods sensor

Claims (11)

A locker device having a plurality of storage units for storing articles,
A situation determination means for judging a situation of a storage process for storing the article in the storage section or a removal process for taking out the article from the storage section;
When the storage operation or take-out operation of the article is performed by a predetermined operation unit, the storage unit to be stored or taken out of the article is unlocked, and the storage door of the storage unit is closed, Locking / unlocking control means for controlling to lock the storage unit to be stored or taken out of articles,
The locking / unlocking control means includes
Control that restricts locking of the storage unit when the storage door of the storage unit is closed and the status of the storage process or the removal process determined by the status determination means is a predetermined condition. A locker device characterized by that.   The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the situation determination unit determines that the predetermined situation is present when a predetermined time has elapsed since the storage unit was unlocked by the locking / unlocking control unit.   The said situation judgment means performs judgment concerning the above-mentioned predetermined situation using at least one of the existence of the article in the storage part, and the open / closed state of the storage door of the storage part. The locker device according to 1 or 2.   The said condition determination means determines that the said article was taken out when it becomes the said predetermined condition after the said storage part is unlocked by the said locking / unlocking control means. The locker device described in 1. An article delivery system comprising: a locker device having a plurality of storage units for storing articles; and a delivery request processing device for performing a process related to a delivery request specifying a storage unit of the locker device as a delivery destination of the article,
A situation determination means for judging a situation of a storage process for storing the article in the storage section or a removal process for taking out the article from the storage section;
When the storage operation or take-out operation of the article is performed by a predetermined operation unit, the storage unit to be stored or taken out of the article is unlocked, and the storage door of the storage unit is closed, Locking / unlocking control means for controlling to lock the storage unit to be stored or taken out of articles,
The locking / unlocking control means includes
Control that restricts locking of the storage unit when the storage door of the storage unit is closed and the status of the storage process or the removal process determined by the status determination means is a predetermined condition. An article delivery system characterized by: When the delivery request processing device designates the storage unit of the locker device as a delivery destination of the article, the delivery request processing device receives first key data corresponding to the storage processing and second key data corresponding to the take-out processing. Generate
The article delivery system according to claim 5, wherein the locking / unlocking control unit unlocks the storage unit on the condition that the first key data or the second key data is successfully authenticated.   The delivery request processing device specifies a plurality of storage units in association with identification data of one delivery request when storing a plurality of articles related to one delivery request in a plurality of storage units of the locker device. The article delivery system according to claim 6. A storage management method in a locker device having a plurality of storage units for storing articles,
A situation determination step for determining a situation of a storage process for storing the article in the storage section or a removal process for taking out the article from the storage section;
When the storage operation or take-out operation of the article is performed by a predetermined operation unit, the storage unit to be stored or taken out of the article is unlocked, and the storage door of the storage unit is closed, A locking / unlocking control step for controlling to lock a storage unit to be stored or taken out of an article,
The locking / unlocking control step includes
Control that restricts locking of the storage unit when the storage door of the storage unit is closed and the status of the storage process or the removal process determined by the status determination step is a predetermined condition. A storage management method characterized by: A locker device having a plurality of storage units that can be designated as delivery destinations of an article related to a delivery request,
A situation determination means for judging a situation of a storage process for storing the article in the storage section or a removal process for taking out the article from the storage section;
And a lock / unlock control means for controlling the lock when the storage door of the storage unit to be stored is closed when the storage operation of the product is performed based on the delivery request,
The locking / unlocking control means includes
Control that restricts locking of the storage unit when the storage door of the storage unit is closed and the status of the storage process or the removal process determined by the status determination means is a predetermined condition. A locker device characterized by that.   The status determination means determines that the article has been taken out when the status of the storage process becomes the predetermined status after the storage unit is unlocked by the locking / unlocking control means. Item 10. The locker device according to Item 9.   The locking / unlocking control means unlocks from a plurality of storage units designated in association with identification data of one delivery request when storing a plurality of articles related to one delivery request in a plurality of storage units. The locker device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein selection of a part is accepted.

Images