JP2002174061A - System and method for managing key in sales system utilizing existing locker - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a method, which utilize an existing coin-operated locker as a delivery means during the delivery of merchandise in Internet- based sales, etc. SOLUTION: This system is provided with a central control unit 10 and a key management device 20. The unit 10 provides certification on the basis of discrimination information input by an opening/closing demander who demands that the device 20 be opened/closed, makes a section notification provided so as to have the device 20 discriminate prescribed key storage sections on the basis of merchandise information input by the demander, unlocks or locks the prescribed key storage section of the device 20 in response to opening/ closing demand information input by the demander, and determines whether the prescribed receiving time of the stored key expires or not, for the purpose of managing the key of the existing locker.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system and method for managing keys of an existing locker, and more particularly to managing keys of an existing locker used for storing products sold in a sales system such as Internet sales. System and method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Due to recent trends in Internet shops and the like, it has become possible to purchase products from homes, outings (offices and schools), etc., thereby improving convenience. However, in reality, when the purchased product is delivered, it will be on standby at home,
There is the inconvenience that the user will be restrained for several hours.

[0003] In the case of living alone or working together, there are many people who cannot always return home when they can receive it.

On the other hand, as a receiving place, in a store of a merchandise seller, the receiving time is restricted by the business hours of the store, and in a convenience store, the merchandise can always be received. (Restrictions on size, amount, etc.), and there is not always a convenience store nearby.

[0005] In view of the above, when a user considers a place where he / she can receive goods on his own travel route according to his / her own convenience, use of a locker installed in a station or a public facility has been considered. .

[0006]

For example, as a method of using a locker as a means for delivering goods, there is a method of replacing an existing locker with a dedicated locker that does not use a key. However, this method has a problem that a dedicated locker having a different size is required in consideration of the size of the product to be stored, and the price of the locker body to be installed becomes expensive.

When the existing locker is replaced with a dedicated locker due to the installation location, the dedicated locker needs to have the same luggage storage function as the existing locker. In this case, operation without using a key is required. As a premise, there is a problem that the convenience of existing locker users who are accustomed to using keys is lost.

For this reason, it is desirable that the following conditions be satisfied in the delivery of goods using a locker.

A: The existing locker with a lock can be used with the current operation rules (existing locker agreements).

B: Using an existing locker, receiving goods based on a product sales system (article sales system) such as Internet sales / catalog sales / telephone sales (only the logistics company and the purchaser of the goods, etc. A mechanism that opens and closes the key and does not allow other requesters to open or close it.

C: Considering the convenience of the user, it is necessary to install lockers in various places, and it is necessary to reduce the installation cost (thus avoiding the replacement of existing coin lockers and the like).

D: Operation management is centrally managed from the viewpoint of the locker management company and the product sales company.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for utilizing an existing coin locker or the like as a delivery means when delivering goods in catalog sales or Internet sales.

[0014]

Therefore, in the present invention, a key is passed to a specific person by controlling a key management device by combining a key management device and a central control device with an existing locker.

More specifically, by newly installing and utilizing a dedicated key management device (a device having a personal identification function and storing a key), a key such as an existing coin locker is stored in the key management device. I made it. Thereby, the delivery target person can take out the key of the coin locker in which the product is stored from the key management device and unlock the coin locker in which the product is stored with the key so that the product can be received. Become.

Further, the convenience of the purchaser can be improved by increasing the number of delivery / delivery means. In particular, in the case of the delivery means using a locker, a person who is not at home during the product delivery time can receive the product with the coin locker at the designated place.

In other words, according to the present invention, in a sales system such as Internet sales / catalog sales / telephone sales, when an existing locker installed in a station or a public facility is used as a product delivery means, a central control device and a central control device are used. The key management device is used to securely and securely transfer the keys of the existing locker between the distributor who stores the goods in the existing locker, the buyer who receives the goods, and the management company that manages the locker. is there.

More specifically, by combining the central control device and the key management device, the following functions required when an existing locker is used as a commodity delivery means are provided.

A: A function for reserving each section of the key management device for storing the keys of the existing lockers and for confirming the reservation status.

B: A calendar function for performing management according to the terms and conditions (usage period) of the existing locker when making a reservation.

C: Function for checking whether or not a key is stored in each section of the key management device.

D: A function for notifying a specific person such as a distributor or a purchaser of a section in which a key is stored or a key is received.

E: A function of authenticating a specific person such as a distributor or a purchaser, and unlocking and locking a predetermined section of the key management device only during key storage and key reception.

F: Function for confirming the current position of the person requesting opening / closing to invalidate the unlocking operation from a remote place.

Further, the system according to the present invention includes a central control device and a key management device, wherein the central control device stores a reservation database for storing reservation information for reserving the key management device; A vendor database storing identification information of a vendor requesting opening / closing, in response to a request from the sales system, searching the reservation database based on designated conditions, and reserving a predetermined key management device. It is determined whether or not is possible, if the reservation is possible, as the reservation information, the reservation means for registering in the reservation database the product purchaser identification information and product information identifying the product,
An authentication unit that performs authentication based on identification information input from an opening / closing requester who requests opening / closing of the key management device, and performs comparison with the reservation database based on product information input from the opening / closing requester, A section notification instruction unit for outputting a section notification instruction for identifying a predetermined key storage section of the reserved key management apparatus to the reserved key management apparatus, and in response to open / close request information input from the open / close requester. Opening / closing control means for outputting an instruction to open / close a predetermined key storage section of the reserved key management device to the reserved key management device, wherein the key management device has a space for storing a key of an existing locker. A partition notifying unit having one or more key storage partitions having a key storage unit, receiving the partition notification instruction, and performing display for identifying a predetermined key storage partition of the reserved key management device; and And said Receiving a closing command, and to have a key mechanism for performing a predetermined unlocking or locking of the key storage compartment of the reserved key management device.

With the above configuration, via the key management device,
The key of the existing locker storing the product can be reliably transferred from the distribution company that has delivered the product to the existing locker to the product purchaser who receives the product.

Further, in the above case, the opening / closing control means, based on the location information input from the opening / closing requester for confirming the current position of the opening / closing requester,
A location confirmation unit for confirming the current position of the requester is provided.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the key management device from being opened and closed by mistake when the requester is not near the key management device.

Further, in these cases, the central control device manages a storage period of the keys of the existing locker stored in the key storage section, and when the storage period exceeds a predetermined reference period. , Notification of uncollected items is sent to the management company.

By doing so, it is possible to notify the management company that the goods delivered to the existing locker have exceeded the expiration date of the existing locker, and the management company can take out the product from the existing locker. The key of the existing locker can be returned to the locker.

In the above case, the predetermined reference period is set based on the usage limit period of the existing locker, so that management according to the operation of the existing locker can be performed.

In these cases, if the identification information is a telephone number of a mobile phone and the input identification information is a calling number of the mobile phone, the number of the mobile phone is Since it is notified from, do not bother specifying the password, etc., and no input error occurs,
Authentication can be performed in a simple and reliable manner.

Further, the invention of the above system is also realized as an invention of a method. In this specification, the term “means” does not simply mean a physical means, but also includes a case where a function of the means is realized by software. Further, the function of one unit may be realized by two or more physical units, or the function of two or more units may be realized by one physical unit.

In the present specification, the existing locker means a timer function for managing usage time, a charge management function for enabling unlocking or locking based on the input of a usage fee, and unlocking and locking with a physical key. A locker having a function to be operated, for example, a coin locker installed in a station or the like.

The location of the existing locker is not limited to a station or the like. For example, an amusement park,
Airports, public facilities, etc. may be used anywhere. Also, it may be provided at a plurality of places in the premises such as the same station.

The requester for opening / closing is a person who is permitted to open / close the key of the key management device, and specifically includes a purchaser of goods, a distributor, a manager, and the like.

The identification information is information for specifying a person who requests the opening and closing, and includes a mobile phone number, a security card, or information (encryption (personal identification number), fingerprint, voiceprint, iris, retina, etc.) for identifying the user. Applicable.

Here, when a mobile phone number is used, the mobile phone notifies the called party of the telephone number. In this case, the mobile phone held by the open / close requester identifies the requester. Becomes possible.

Further, the security card means a medium in which information such as a credit card, a resident's card, an insurance card, a commuter pass, and the like, which can be possessed only by the person requesting the opening and closing, is carded, and corresponds to a magnetic card, an IC card, or the like.

Further, the key management device is a device having a function of storing a key of an existing locker, for example, a small locker.

The locker has one or more compartments for individually storing locker keys. Each compartment has a space for storing a key and paper such as a guide map of an existing locker. Has the function of opening and closing individually, and has features such as being smaller than the existing lockers.

The function of opening and closing under the control of the central control unit. It is preferable to have a function of opening and closing using a mobile phone number as personal identification information, and a function of holding a record of each opening and closing.

The product sales system refers to an article sales system that adopts a form in which sold goods are delivered to customers via delivery, and corresponds to, for example, Internet sales, catalog sales, and telephone sales.

[0044]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (Outline of Embodiment) An outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of an embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, for example, an existing locker near a customer and a newly installed key management device are used as a place for receiving ordered products such as Internet sales / catalog sales (where the existing lockers are installed). ,
For example, the vicinity of a station with high recognition corresponds. ).

As shown in FIG. 1, the purchaser's desired date and time are reported to each merchandise sales company, and each merchandise sales company checks the reservation status of the key management device assigned to the locker. , Inputting the purchaser's personal identification information, making a reservation, and returning the reservation result to the purchaser.

The goods ordered by the purchaser are settled and delivered by in-house processing of each goods sales company. The delivery means is an existing locker, and the destination indicates the location of the designated locker.

The distribution company delivers the merchandise to the designated existing locker and stores it. The distributor stores the key of the locker storing the product and the guide map of the locker storing the product in the key management device installed near the locker to complete the delivery (the key management device and the existing locker are completed). If there is an adjacent locker and the location of the existing locker is easily known, a guide map is unnecessary.)

In the key management device reserved on the designated day, the purchaser unlocks by presenting personal identification information identifying the purchaser, and the key management device and the key of the existing locker in which the product is stored are stored. Obtain a guide map describing the location (the stored location of the existing locker). Then, using the obtained key, the locker storing the product is unlocked and the product is received.

In the management company or the management department of the product sales company, the key management device is centrally managed, measures are taken against theft or destruction of the key management device, and the locker status (takeover time expired due to unlocking or unlocking, Abnormalities)
Also, it monitors whether the key of the locker storing the product is normally delivered, retrieves the expired key from the key management device, retrieves the product from the locker with the retrieved key, and processes it as a lost item.

(Configuration of Embodiment) The configuration of a key management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the key management system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration of a central control device of the key management system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram.
It is a block diagram explaining the composition of the key management device of the key management system concerning an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows that after the purchaser 3 has reserved a product in the sales system 30 of the sales company 4, the distributor 6 stores the reserved product in the existing locker 40 and stores the key in the key management device 20. The process of storing, the process in which the purchaser 3 takes out the key of the existing locker 40 from the key management device 20, opens the existing locker 40, and receives the product, and the process in which the management company 8 In each process until the key is removed, the central control device 10 and the key management device 20
Shows how it is positioned.

As shown in FIG. 2, the key management system according to the present embodiment includes a mobile phone 1, a purchaser 3, a sales company 4, a sales system 30 used by the sales company,
It is composed of a distribution company 5, a distribution company 6, a management company 7, a management company 8, a central control device 10, a key management device 20, and an existing locker 40, and includes a sales system 30, a central control device 10, Central control device 10 and key management device 20
Are communicably connected.

Here, the purchaser 3 accesses the sales system 30 through a network such as the Internet using an information processing terminal such as a personal computer,
It has a function of performing data communication.

The distribution company 5 has an information processing terminal such as a personal computer, and has a function of receiving a product delivery instruction from the sales system 30 via a network or the like.

Further, the management company 8 has an information processing terminal such as a personal computer, and has a function of receiving an uncollected product notice from the central control device 10.

The sales system 30 presents the merchandise information to the purchaser 3, accepts the merchandise order, performs credit confirmation, makes a reservation in the reservation database 16 of the central control device,
It has a function of instructing the distribution company 5 to deliver.

As shown in FIG. 3, the central control unit 10 of the key management system includes a line control unit 11 for receiving a call transmitted from the portable telephone 1 via the public telephone network 2, and a line control unit 11. A telephone number receiving unit 12 for confirming the telephone number of the caller of the received call, and responding to the received call by voice, determining the sound of a dial tone (voice recognition), and determining which button on the mobile phone the caller pressed. A voice response device 13, a main control unit 14 for coordinating each functional unit of the central control device 10,
A sales system I / F 15 communicating with the sales system, a reservation database 16 storing reservation information of a plurality of key management devices 20, personal identification information of purchasers, and the like, and unlocking and locking of the plurality of key management devices 20. A distributor / manager database 17 storing personal identification information for the distributor and the manager to open the key, a key management device I / F 18 communicating with a plurality of key management devices, And a management company notification unit 19 for notifying the management company of a list of purchasers who have not received the product.

As shown in FIG. 4, the key management device 20 of the key management system includes a central control device I / F 21 that communicates with the central control device 10, and a control unit 22 that integrates the functional units of the key management device 20. When performing personal identification using a card, a card reader 23 for reading information on the card
, A key storage section 24, a key mechanism 25 for locking and unlocking each key storage section 24, and a key for the purchaser / distributor / manager by light or sound by, for example, a light emitting unit or a sound output unit. A partition notification mechanism 26 for notifying the storage partition destination 24, a key storage unit 27 that is a space for storing an existing locker key and a guide map for notifying a purchaser of the position of the existing locker, and a key actually exists in the key storage unit 27. It comprises a key sensor 28 as an object detecting means for confirming whether the key storage unit 24 is unlocked or locked, and an operation recording device 29 for recording the operation status of the entire key management device 20.

(Explanation of the operation of the embodiment) Next, the flow when a purchaser purchases a product from a sales company on the Internet and uses an existing locker as a product delivery means, and a central control device and key management The operation of the apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Flow from Product Purchase to Delivery) FIG.
3 is a flow chart showing a process of checking the availability of a key management device at the time of product reservation. FIG. 2 shows a case where a purchaser 3 in FIG. 3 and sales system 30
And the process between the central controller 10 (arrow 51 in FIG. 2,
52).

First, the merchandise sales company 4 presents the merchandise registered in the merchandise table to the purchaser 3 side. The presented product indicates whether or not it can be delivered to the locker according to the size and characteristics (such as raw material).

Specifically, for example, the purchaser 3 accesses the server of the sales system 30 using a terminal device such as a personal computer and displays the product information provided by the server.

When the buyer 3 selects a product and makes a purchase,
At the same time, the delivery means is a locker or the like, and at the same time, the name of the purchased product, the delivery location, the delivery date, the contact information (telephone number, e-mail address), and the personal identification information for specifying the purchaser are specified (transmitted to the server).

The sales company 4 (server) reserves the key management device at the delivery location specified by the purchaser. By making a reservation, a place where the key can be stored is surely secured. If there is no space in the key management measure at the designated place, the designated delivery place is not accepted, and a change of the designated date / delivery place and the delivery method are guided.

The sales company 4 (server) receives an order from the purchaser and performs settlement with a credit company or a financial institution based on the usage rules. Then, a delivery instruction is given to the distribution company 5.

That is, after the purchaser confirms the reservation in the sales system, the settlement information (eg, credit card number, etc.) / Purchase contact information (eg, address, etc.) / Product information specified in the sales system in the process until the reservation is confirmed. Based on information such as (eg, price, product identification number) / delivery locker location / delivery date / personal identification information (mobile phone number / card information (such as ID)), a credit check is performed with a financial institution / credit company.

If there is no problem in the credit check, it is checked with the reservation database 16 of the central control unit 10 whether the specified delivery locker location / delivery day is free of the partition of the key management device 20. For example, the merchandise information (merchandise identification number), personal identification information, and the key management device information of the reserved key management device are written in the reservation database 16 together with the key management device information (reservation is made).
Notifies the sales system of the result.

Here, the reservation management of the key management device is based on the calendar function of the central control device 10, and more specifically, the usage period of the existing locker is, for example, 3 days according to the usage period in the usage agreement. In the case of, management is performed so that a reservation is made every three days.

The sales system 30 sends a confirmation notice to the purchaser that the reservation has been normally accepted based on the received notice. At this time, location information for displaying the installation location of the key management device may be presented.

After the series of processes shown in FIG.
Transfers the goods to the logistics company 6 of the logistics company 5 in order to deliver the goods to the locker that performs the transfer on the specified delivery date (arrow 53 in FIG. 2). In addition, product information, delivery location information, information on a reserved key management device, and the like are passed.

The distribution company 6 delivers the product according to the delivery instruction from the product sales company. The delivery destination here is Buyer 3
Will be an existing locker at the specified delivery location.

(Flow up to storage of product and key) FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing a process in which the distributor stores the existing locker key in the key management device. The distributor 6 in FIG. 2 stores the product in the existing locker 40 after delivering the product to the delivery location specified by the purchaser ( The key is stored in the key management device 20 (arrow 61 in FIG. 2) (arrows 62, 63, and 64 in FIG. 2).
It shows the process in the case.

First, the distributor 6 makes a call to the central control device 10 with the mobile phone 1 registered in advance (FIG. 2).
Arrow 62). At this time, the main control unit 14 of the central controller 10 checks whether the telephone number of the caller received from the telephone number receiving unit 12 is a telephone number registered in the distributor / manager database 17. If they do not match, the voice response device 13 notifies the distributor 6 that the mobile phone number is not registered, and disconnects the call. If they match, the voice response device 13 confirms the confirmation message and the product identification number. / Notify of location input request.

Here, the location means information for confirming the current position of the entity requesting opening and closing of the key management device. For example, an identification number, a code, etc. are displayed on each key management device. May be confirmed to confirm that the subject is near the key management device.

Further, the present position of the subject may be confirmed based on the position information of the used mobile phone.

Thus, it is possible to prevent the key management device from being unlocked or locked by mistake when the subject that requests opening / closing of the key management device is not near the key management device.

Next, the distributor 6 requests the product identification N
o / The location is notified to the central control device 10 by a mobile phone (voice input or key input, etc.). The central controller 10 stores the received product identification number / location in the reservation database 16.
Is confirmed, and if they match, the partition notification mechanism (26 in FIG. 2) of the key management device 20 is turned on or emits a sound, and the partition 24 for storing the key is distributed. Notify the trader 6.

After the distributor 6 confirms the section 24 in which the key is stored, the portable telephone 1 instructs the central control device 10 to unlock the key storage section 24. The central controller 10 controls the key mechanism (2 in FIG. 2) via the controller (22 in FIG. 2) of the key management device 20.
An unlock instruction is issued in 5), and the key of the section 24 is opened.

The distributor 6 stores the locker key storing the product in the key storage section (27 in FIG. 2) of the opened key storage section 24, and reports the storage using the mobile phone 1. The control unit (22 in FIG. 2) of the key management device 20 transmits the information from the key sensor (28 in FIG. 2) for notifying that the key is stored in the key storage unit 24 and the key storage report received from the central control device 10. It is determined that the key has been stored, and a locking instruction is issued to the key mechanism (25 in FIG. 2), and the key storage management information is stored in the operation recording device (FIG. 2).
29) is recorded in the reservation database 16.

The key storage management information is stored in the central control unit 1.
0, and a notification in which the key is stored may be sent to the purchaser 3.

(Flow until Buyer Receives Product) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process in which the purchaser takes out the existing locker key from the key management device. The purchaser 3 shown in FIG. It shows a process when the key of the existing locker 40 is taken out (71, 72 in FIG. 2).

First, the purchaser 3 operates the central controller 10 with the mobile phone 1 registered in advance with the personal identification information at the time of product reservation.
Is called (arrow 71 in FIG. 2). At this time, the main control unit 14 of the central control unit confirms whether the telephone number of the caller received from the telephone number receiving unit 12 is a telephone number registered in the reservation database 16, and if not, Notifies the buyer 3 that the mobile phone number is not registered at the time of product reservation by the voice response device 13 and disconnects the call. If they match, the voice response device 13 confirms the confirmation message and the product identification number / location Notify input request.

Next, the purchaser 3 enters the requested product identification No.
The mobile phone 1 notifies the central control device 10 of the location. When the received product identification number / location matches the contents of the reservation database 16, the central control device 10 illuminates or emits a sound to the section notification mechanism (26 in FIG. 2) of the key management device 20, The section 24 in which the existing locker key is stored is notified to the purchaser 3.

After the purchaser 3 confirms the section 24 in which the key is stored, the portable telephone 1 instructs the central control device 10 to unlock the key storage section 24. The central control device 10 issues an unlock instruction to the key mechanism (25 in FIG. 2) of the key management device 20 to open the key in that section.

The purchaser 3 takes out the existing locker key from the key storage section (27 in FIG. 2) of the opened key storage section 24, and reports it by using the mobile phone 1. The control unit (22 in FIG. 2) of the key management device transmits the information from the key sensor (28 in FIG. 2) notifying that the key has been extracted from the key storage unit 27 and the key extraction report received from the central control device 10. At the same time, it is confirmed that the key has been extracted, and a locking instruction is issued to the key mechanism (25 in FIG. 2), and management information for key extraction is recorded in the operation recording device (29 in FIG. 2) and the reservation database 16.

Here, the use period of the key storage section 24 is set to three days in accordance with the use period of the existing locker (FIG. 9). However, if the key is taken out within two days, the central control unit 10 The remaining reservation period in the reservation database 16 is canceled.

The central control unit 10 having received the key removal management information from the key management unit 20 determines that the existing locker key has been removed as a product removal (product delivery). Issue a product delivery notice to the user (73 in FIG. 2). The sales system 30 that has received the product delivery notification performs settlement processing for the financial institution / credit company.

The purchaser 3 opens the existing locker 40 with the key removed from the key management device and receives the product (see 7 in FIG. 2).
4, 75).

(Flow of Uncollected Product Management) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process of extracting the key of the uncollected product from the key management device. The management company 8 shown in FIG. The notification 9 is received (81 in FIG. 2), and the key of the existing locker 40 is extracted from the key management device 20 based on the information such as the product identification number / location of the notification (8 in FIG. 2).
2, 83) illustrates the process.

[0091] The management company notification section 19 is based on the reservation database 16 (specifically, the presence / absence of management information for key extraction), and stores the product associated with the product whose storage period has passed (for example, 3 days). An unacquired merchandise notice 9 including information and key management device information storing the key is transmitted to the management company 8.

Here, the notification means of the unacquired merchandise notification 9 corresponds to an electronic mail, a facsimile or the like, but is not particularly limited.

The management company 8 makes a call to the central control device 10 using the mobile phone 1 registered in advance (arrow 8 in FIG. 2).
2). At this time, the main control unit 14 of the central control unit 10 checks whether the telephone number of the caller received from the telephone number receiving unit 12 is a telephone number registered in the distributor / manager database 17, If they do not match, the management company 8 is notified that the mobile phone number is not registered in the voice response device 13 and the call is cut off. If they match, the voice response device 13 confirms the confirmation message and the product identification number.
/ Notify of location input request.

Next, the management company 8 sends the requested product identification N
o / The location is notified to the central control device 10 by the mobile phone 1. When the received product identification number / location matches the contents of the reservation database 16, the central control device 10 illuminates or emits a sound to the section notification mechanism (26 in FIG. 2) of the key management device, and The section 24 storing the locker key is notified to the management company 8.

The section 24 in which the key is stored by the management company 8
Is confirmed, the mobile phone 1 instructs the central control device 10 to unlock the key storage section 24. The central control device 10 issues an unlock instruction to the key mechanism (25 in FIG. 2) of the key management device 20, and the key in the section 24 is opened.

The management company 8 takes out the existing locker key from the key storage section (27 in FIG. 2) of the opened key storage section 24 and reports it with the mobile phone 1. The control unit (22 in FIG. 2) of the key management device combines the information of the key sensor (28 in FIG. 2) for notifying that the key has been extracted from the key storage unit 27 with the key extraction report received from the central control device 10. Then, it confirms that the key has been removed, issues a locking instruction to the key mechanism (25 in FIG. 2), and records management information for key removal in the operation recording device (29 in FIG. 2) and the reservation database 16.

When the existing locker key is extracted from the key management device 20, the central control device 10 having received the key removal management information notifies the sales system 30 that the product has been treated as lost or lost. (84 in FIG. 2). Sales system 30 that has received notification that it has been lost
Notifies the purchaser 3 of the information on the change of the location of the product and the information on the payment by e-mail or the like, and performs the payment processing to the financial institution / credit company.

The management company 8 opens the existing locker with the key taken out of the key management device 20, takes out the product (85, 86 in FIG. 2), and manages the product as lost property according to the existing locker use agreement.

In the above embodiment, the individual who requests opening / closing of the key management device is authenticated using the mobile phone number. However, when a security card is used, the security is performed by the card reader 23. By reading the card, authentication of the individual and confirmation of the location can be performed, and an unlock instruction, a removal report, and the like can be input by input means (not shown).

(Key Storage Timing) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the timing at which keys are stored in the key management device 20. Since the operation of the key management device 20 is matched with the operation of the existing locker, the handling of the product when the delay fee or the locker usage period has expired is the same as the usage conditions of the existing locker (payment of the delay fee, etc.).

Therefore, it is preferable to store the merchandise and the existing locker key at midnight (before the date change to the designated date) or early in the morning on the day before the designated date when no delay fee is generated due to crossing dates. is there.

[0102]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Problems due to the conventional method of preparing a dedicated locker that can be reserved, that is, it is necessary to purchase a dedicated locker that can be reserved, it is necessary to prepare a dedicated locker for each product size, there is no place to install a dedicated locker In this case, the problem that the existing locker needs to be removed and replaced can be realized with a small and inexpensive key management device as compared with a dedicated locker. For a locker for storing keys, lockers of a plurality of sizes are prepared. There is no need (existing lockers of various sizes exist and can be used). Since the key management device itself is small, the effect of the installation location can be minimized and the existing lockers can be used. Have.

As a merchandise sales company, the number of receiving means can be increased by a receiving method utilizing an existing locker, so that the sales volume can be increased.

Then, as the existing locker management company,
Since the existing lockers can be used as they are in the present invention, the utilization rate of the existing lockers can be improved, and the same operation as the existing lockers, such as collection of delay fees, can be performed.

Further, as a purchaser, the degree of freedom in receiving places such as the nearest station at home, the nearest station at work, or the nearest station at the destination of travel can be improved, and it is possible to receive at any time of the specified day. Yes, if within a certain period after the designated date, payment can be made by paying a delay fee, and the time zone in which goods can be received can be expanded.

As a delivery company, if the purchaser is absent, it is necessary to deliver the product a plurality of times. However, the delivery can be made only once and the cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a key management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a central control device of the key management system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a key management device of the key management system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process for checking the availability of a key management device at the time of product reservation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process in which a distributor stores an existing locker key in a key management device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process in which a purchaser removes an existing locker key from a key management device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process of extracting a key of an uncollected product from the key management device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a timing of storing a key in the key management device 20.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile telephone 2 Public telephone network 3 Buyer 4 Sales company 5 Distribution company 6 Distribution company 7 Management company 8 Manager 10 Central control device 11 Line control unit 12 Telephone number receiving unit 13 Voice response device 14 Main control unit 15 Sales system I / F 16 reservation database 17 distributor / manager database 18 key management device I / F 19 manager notification unit 20 key management device 21 central control device I / F 22 control unit 23 card reader 24 key storage section 25 key mechanism 26 Block notification mechanism 27 Key storage unit 28 Key sensor 29 Operation recording device 30 Sales system 40 Existing locker

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) G06F 17/60 ZEC G06F 17/60 ZEC 310 310E 334 334 (72) Inventor Shiro Yanagi 5-chome, Shiba 5-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo No. 1 NEC Corporation F term (reference) 2E250 AA15 BB08 BB10 BB30 BB55 BB57 BB59 DD01 DD06 EE03 FF24 FF36

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A key management system comprising a central control device and a key management device for managing keys of an existing locker used to store products sold in a product sales system, wherein the central control device is A reservation database storing reservation information for reserving the key management device, and a trader database storing identification information of a trader requesting opening and closing of the key management device, in response to a request from the product sales system. ,
The reservation database is searched based on the designated condition, and it is determined whether or not a reservation of a predetermined key management device is possible. If the reservation is possible, the identification information of the purchaser and the product are reserved as the reservation information. Reservation means for registering the product information to be identified in the reservation database; authentication means for performing authentication based on identification information input from an open / close requester requesting opening / closing of the key management device; Based on the product information that has been compared with the reservation database,
A section notification instruction unit for outputting a section notification instruction for identifying a predetermined key storage section of the reserved key management apparatus to the reserved key management apparatus, and in response to open / close request information input from the open / close requester. Opening / closing control means for outputting an opening / closing instruction of a predetermined key storage section of the reserved key management device to the reserved key management device, wherein the key management device has a space for storing a key of an existing locker. Has one or more key storage sections having a key storage section,
A partition notifying unit that receives the partition notification instruction and performs display for identifying a predetermined key storage partition of the reserved key management device, and a reception unit that receives the opening / closing instruction and performs a predetermined operation of the reserved key management device. And a key mechanism for unlocking or locking the key storage section. 2. The open / close control unit checks the current position of the open / close requester based on the location information input from the open / close requester for checking the current position of the open / close requester. 2. The key management system according to claim 1, further comprising a confirmation unit. 3. The central control device manages a storage period of the key of the existing locker stored in the key storage section, and when the storage period exceeds a predetermined reference period, an uncollected product is stored. 3. The key management system according to claim 1, wherein the notification is transmitted to a management company. 4. The key management system according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined reference period is set based on a usage limit period of the existing locker. 5. The key management system according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is a telephone number of a mobile phone, and the input identification information is a calling number of the mobile phone. 6. A key management method for managing a key of an existing locker used to store a product sold in a product sales system, the product sales system comprising: Making a reservation request for a predetermined key management device to the central control device; and the central control device determines whether or not the predetermined key management device can be reserved. Registering, as the information, the personal identification information of the product purchaser and the product information for identifying the product in the reservation database; and the sales system notifies the distribution company of the reserved key management device information on the reserved key management device. Transmitting a product delivery instruction including the product information, and the central control device, based on the predetermined vendor identification information input from the distributor, stores the vendor data in which the vendor is registered. Database, verify the trader, based on the product information input from the logistics trader, perform a check against the reservation database, and for the reserved key management device,
Performing a display for identifying a predetermined key storage section; and the central control device responds to the opening / closing request information input from the distributor to the reserved key management device, Causing the key storage section to be unlocked or locked, and wherein the central control unit is input from the product purchaser,
A step of collating with the reservation database based on the personal identification information and the product information, authenticating the individual, and causing the reserved key management device to perform a display for identifying a predetermined key storage section; Responding to the opening / closing request information input by the product purchaser, the central control device causes the reserved key management device to unlock or lock the predetermined key storage section; Key management methods including: 7. A key management method for managing a key of an existing locker used to store a product sold in a product sales system, the product sales system comprising: Making a reservation request for a predetermined key management device to the central control device; and the central control device determines whether or not the predetermined key management device can be reserved. Registering, as the information, the personal identification information of the product purchaser and the product information for identifying the product in the reservation database; and the sales system notifies the distribution company of the reserved key management device information on the reserved key management device. Transmitting a product delivery instruction including the product information, and the central control device, based on the predetermined vendor identification information input from the distributor, stores the vendor data in which the vendor is registered. Database, verify the trader, based on the product information input from the logistics trader, perform a check against the reservation database, and for the reserved key management device,
Performing a display for identifying a predetermined key storage section; and the central control device responds to the opening / closing request information input from the distributor to the reserved key management device, Unlocking or locking the key storage section; and the central control device manages a storage period of the keys of the existing locker stored in the key storage section, and the storage period exceeds a predetermined reference period. Sending a notice of uncollected merchandise to a management company, the central control device performs a check with the company database based on predetermined company identification information input from the management company, And performs a check against the reservation database based on the product information input from the management company, and displays a predetermined key storage section for the reserved key management device. Causing the central control device to unlock or lock the predetermined key storage section with respect to the reserved key management device in response to the opening / closing request information input from the management company. And a key management method. 8. The key management method according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined reference period is set based on a usage limit period of the existing locker. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the key management device unlocks or locks the predetermined key storage section.
The logistics company, the product based on the location information for confirming the current location of the logistics company, the product purchaser or the management company input from the logistics company, the product purchaser or the management company. 7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: confirming a current location of a purchaser or the management company.
8. The key management method according to any one of 8. 10. The key management method according to claim 6, wherein the identification information is a telephone number of a mobile phone, and the input identification information is a calling number of the mobile phone.