JP2002322845A - Key information issuing and acquiring method for collection and delivery box device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a collection and delivery method and key information issuing and acquiring method for collection and delivery box device capable of attaining the reduction in labor and improvement in security related to the collection and delivery of home delivery matters and a collection and delivery box device suitable for the execution of these methods by improving a method for releasing the lock of a door for putting in and out an article to and from the collection and delivery box device or a so-called 'home delivery box' by key information. SOLUTION: When a customer CLT performs a prescribed operation in the collection and delivery box device 1 set in a place to which a home delivery agent 6 is freely accessible, or the customer CLT gives a prescribed signal to the collection and delivery box device 1 through a home server 2, a digital television set 3, a portable communication device 5 or the like, the collection and delivery box 1 generates prescribed information and transmits it to an Internet server 7 or the like used by the agent 6 directly or indirectly through the home server 2 or the like to request the collection using the collection and delivery box device 1 to the agent 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a so-called "delivery and delivery box", and more particularly to a method for unlocking a door for loading and unloading articles into and from the collection and delivery box by key information. Improvement, thereby significantly reducing the labor involved in collection and delivery of home delivery, and a collection and delivery method and a key information issuance acquisition and acquisition method of a collection and delivery box device capable of greatly improving the security of collection and delivery of home delivery, and The present invention relates to a collection / delivery box device suitable for carrying out these methods.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in home delivery cleaning,
A customer orders cleaning of articles such as clothes and futons from a home delivery cleaning company (hereinafter simply referred to as a cleaning company) using an appropriate communication means such as a telephone and an e-mail. The cleaning company asks the contracted collection and delivery company to pick it up at the customer's home on the date and time specified by the customer,
Further, even after the cleaning, the delivery is made to the customer's house at the date and time designated by the customer.

[0003] In addition, at a pickup / delivery location, a customer can specify a nearby convenience store or the like, thereby allowing a pickup / delivery company to collect and deliver at a convenient time.

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional collection and delivery method, if the collection and delivery location is a customer's house, the customer must be at home during the scheduled collection and delivery time zone, and is bound by time. In this regard, the collection and delivery company,
When the customer is absent, it takes time and effort to fill in an absentee vote and mail it to a customer's post. Of course,
At this time, it is possible to leave the home delivery to the neighborhood home, but recently, many homes are reluctant to take responsibility for the home delivery, so the collection and delivery company has not deposited the home delivery to the neighborhood home. Is disappearing.

[0005] On the other hand, if the delivery place is a convenience store or the like, the customer is less likely to be restricted by time and the collection and delivery company does not need to worry about whether the customer is at home. The trouble of having to go to the place occurs.

Of course, such a problem is not limited to home delivery cleaning, but can be applied to home delivery in general. From the above viewpoint, a so-called “home delivery box” is used.
2. Description of the Related Art An electronically-locked collection and delivery box device called a so-called "collection and delivery box device" has been developed, and has been put to practical use mainly as a common locker for an apartment house. The following four types are typical of the collection and delivery box devices.

(1) As the first type, for example, JP-A-5-147694, JP-A-7-293068, and JP-A-10-1
There is a 27470 publication and the like, and the collection and delivery box device disclosed therein is installed, for example, collectively at the entrance of an apartment house or at each door, and a collection and delivery company, for the purpose of picking up goods to be shipped in the collection and delivery box device Alternatively, the door of the collection / delivery box device is electrically unlocked by manually inputting key information using a numeric keypad or the like, in order to put an article sent from another device into the collection / delivery box device.

(2) As the second type, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-147694 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-127470 described above include a room number or a room number and a number specifying a collection and delivery company. A system using a combination as key information is disclosed.

(3) As a third type, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H5-287943
JP, JP-A-7-237696, JP-A-10-127470, JP-A-2000-17911, etc., use a magnetic card in which information for specifying a collection / delivery company is recorded by using a collection / delivery box device. Is disclosed.

(4) As a fourth type, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-8925 discloses an image pickup / delivery company imaged by an image pickup device provided in a collection / delivery box device. A device is disclosed in which the lock release operation is performed remotely by checking with a communication device or the like.

[0011]

However, for example, in the case of the first type of collection / delivery box device, when the owner of the collection / delivery box device releases the lock, the key information that only the owner can know However, in order to allow a third party such as a collection and delivery company to release the lock, it is necessary to assign and inform the collection and delivery company of such key information by some method.

In the second type of collection / delivery box apparatus, the room number and the number for specifying the collection / delivery company are unchanged, and the collection / delivery company obtains the key information once. In this case, there is a risk that the key information may leak to the outside, and there is a problem that any one of the collection and delivery companies can unlock the collection and delivery box device at any time.

In the third type of collection / delivery box apparatus, an unspecified number of persons can access the collection / delivery box apparatus without any restriction as compared with the room number and the number for specifying the collection / delivery company. Can be avoided, but the courier always has a card with the same information,
If a plurality of such magnetic cards are issued, security in the event of loss is not maintained. In a multi-family apartment, residents may move,
The trouble of issuing such a magnetic card every time one moves to maintain security is enormous.

Further, in the case of the fourth type of collection and delivery box device, key information can be made unnecessary, but it is difficult to identify whether the collection and delivery company confirmed by the image is a genuine collection and delivery company. Yes, and every time such a collection and delivery company visits,
The trouble of having to deal with customers one by one also remains.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object that a customer does not need to be at home for pickup and delivery, and a delivery place is set as close to the customer's home as possible. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a collection and delivery method for a collection and delivery company without having to worry about whether or not the customer is at home.

In this specification, a person who uses the collection / delivery box apparatus for purposes other than substantial collection / delivery work is referred to as a “customer” with respect to a “collection / delivery company”. Can be "Sender" or "Consignee". "Customers"
Does not necessarily need to have a collection and delivery box device, but also includes a case where a shared collection and delivery device is used.

Another object of the present invention is to issue key information with high security for unlocking the collection and delivery box device, and to obtain key information by a collection and delivery company while maintaining security. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method which can be performed without trouble of customers and collection and delivery companies.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a collection and delivery box device that can be easily unlocked by a customer and a collection / delivery company using key information having high security as described above.

[0019]

According to the present invention, there is provided a pickup and delivery method according to the present invention, in which a customer performs a first operation with a pickup and delivery box device installed at a place where a collection and delivery company can enter and exit. , Or in response to the customer providing a first signal to the pick-up and drop box device via another device, the pick-up and drop box device generates first information, and the pick-up and drop box device directly Or transmitting the first information to a communication device used by the collection / delivery company via another device, thereby requesting the collection / delivery company to pick up the articles placed in the collection / delivery box device. I do.

In the present invention, articles to be collected and delivered are temporarily stored in a collection and delivery box device. The collection and delivery box device is installed at a place physically accessible to a collection and delivery company, such as in front of a customer's home. The collection / delivery box device generates first information when a customer puts in an article and temporarily stores the article, and requests the collection of the article by transmitting this information to a communication device used by the collection / delivery company. The first information can be obtained by the customer directly operating the collection and delivery box device, that is, by performing the first operation, or for example, when the collection and delivery box device is connected to the home server. Can also be generated by operating the operation means (for example, a remote controller) and giving the first signal to the pickup and delivery box device. When the collection and delivery box device is configured to be able to directly communicate with the communication device used by the collection and delivery company, the collection and delivery box device directly transmits information (that is, first information) for requesting a pickup. On the other hand, if the collection / delivery box device is not configured to be able to directly communicate with the communication device used by the collection / delivery company, the collection / delivery box device is connected to another device capable of external communication, such as a home server or a portable communication device. Then, information for requesting the receipt is transmitted. The communication device used by the collection and delivery company is, for example, an Internet server operated by the collection and delivery company, a portable communication device used by the collection and delivery worker, and the like.

The "collection and delivery company" in the present invention is not limited to a company that specializes in collection and delivery, but is, for example, a cleaning company that performs collection and delivery of cleaning articles as part of a home delivery cleaning business. You may. Also, the portable communication device here is a so-called PD.
The communication device is not limited to A (Personal Digital Assistant), and may be any portable communication device, such as a network-compatible mobile phone.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the articles to be collected and delivered are stored in the collection and delivery box device installed at a location physically accessible to the collection and delivery company, so that the customer is restricted by time. Nothing. Further, by setting the installation location of the collection and delivery box device, for example, in front of the entrance of the customer's house, it is possible to greatly reduce the trouble of the customer to go to the collection and delivery location. In the present invention, the article is not limited to the clothing to be cleaned as described above, but may be any article. Also,
The place where the collection / delivery company can enter / exit is not limited to the above-mentioned entrance of the customer's house. In addition, other places (preferably outdoors) on the premises of the customer's house, and in the case of an apartment house, For example, it can be a shared part of the apartment house. However, as described above, by bringing the collection / delivery location as close as possible to the customer's home, it is possible to reduce the trouble of the customer traveling to the collection / delivery location by an amount corresponding to this. Further, the invention of the present application is not limited to the use of collection and delivery in the home delivery business, but can be applied to, for example, collection and delivery of mail.

In the above invention, the first operation by the customer can be set to an operation of putting an article into the collection / delivery box device. In this case, the customer puts the article into the collection / delivery box device. With only this, it is possible to automatically request the collection / delivery company to pick up the collection / delivery box device.

Further, in the above invention, in response to a customer performing a second operation with the collection / delivery box device, or in response to a customer providing a second signal to the collection / delivery box device via another device. The collection and delivery box device generates the second information, and the collection and delivery box device transmits the second information to the communication device used by the collection and delivery company directly or via another device. It is also possible to request the collection and delivery company to deliver the article corresponding to the second information and put the article in the collection and delivery box device. In this case, the delivery of the appropriate article is also performed as described above. Can be performed in the same manner as described above.

In the above-mentioned invention, at least one of the first signal, the second signal, the first information, and the second information includes an input / output device for inputting / outputting an article to / from the collection / delivery box device. It is possible to include key information for unlocking a door provided in the mouth. With this configuration, it is possible to transmit the key information issued by the collection / delivery box device or other devices such as the home server and the portable communication device to the collection / delivery company together with the request to the collection / delivery company. The digitized key information can be easily notified to a specific collection and delivery company.

The key information issued here is digitized in a communicable form and can be issued to the collection / delivery company in units of taking in and out of the goods in / from the collection / delivery box device, so that the security is extremely high. Further, in the present invention, the content of the key information is not limited, and such key information may simply be, for example, personal identification number information. May be combined. Further, the key information may be obtained by encrypting such information in order to further enhance security.

As described above, according to the present invention, the operation for requesting the collection / delivery company is performed in any of the collection / delivery box device or other devices such as the home server and the portable communication device.
It is also possible to issue and manage key information and request information in accordance with the request.

Further, the collection and delivery company transmits the key information received from the customer side to the collection and delivery box device using the communication device used by the collection and delivery company, thereby causing the collection and delivery box device to unlock the door. It is also possible. With this configuration, the collection and delivery company can lock the collection and delivery box device by giving key information to the collection and delivery device from the portable communication device used by the collection and delivery worker at the site, for example, at the time of collection and delivery. Can be canceled. In particular, by performing this by wireless communication, it is not necessary to carry a physical interface for communication or to physically connect the communication device to the collection / delivery box device via this, which is very It is possible to easily perform the unlocking operation.

Similarly, the customer transmits the key information to the collection / delivery box device by using another device such as a home server and a portable communication device when taking out / in the article from / to the collection / delivery box device. Accordingly, it is possible to set key information in the collection / delivery box device or to cause the collection / delivery box device to unlock the door. Here, setting the key information in the collection / delivery box device means that when the key information is subsequently input, the collection / delivery box device is unlocked according to the authentication result of the key information. This means that the device holds key information.

Further, a portable communication device having a memory capable of rewriting key information or an IC card having a memory capable of rewriting key information may be used as a communication device or another device used by the collection and delivery company. It is possible. With such a configuration, a collection and delivery company (particularly, a collection and delivery worker at the site) or a customer can realize a series of processes using a portable device. The operation of releasing the lock and the operation of setting the key information of the collection and delivery box device, the operation of releasing the lock, and the like are facilitated for the customer.

When a portable communication device is used from the viewpoint of easiness of operation, a pickup / delivery box device, an infrared ray and a Bluetooth
It is desirable to select a device capable of wireless communication such as Also, in the case of an IC card, a type that can similarly communicate without contact with the collection / delivery box device and that can rewrite key information that can be changed in request units should be used. Is desirable.

As described above, the key information for unlocking the door of the collection / delivery box device is digitized, and is automatically transmitted to the collection / delivery box device or another device such as a home server and a portable communication device. Is issued to the collection / delivery company by communication, and the collection / delivery company can release the lock of the collection / delivery box device by communication using the acquired key information by using an appropriate communication device. The collection / delivery company does not need to pay attention to the contents when using the key information, and there is no input with the ten keys or the like, so there is no fear of erroneous input.

In the above invention, it is assumed that the customer voluntarily requests the collection / delivery company to the collection / delivery box device, but for home delivery, a third party sends the goods to the customer. In many cases, a request is made to a collection / delivery company (for example, when ordering a product by mail order, or when delivering a gift from an acquaintance). In such a case, it is difficult for the collection and delivery company to obtain the key information from the customer only by direct exchange between the customer and the collection and delivery company. This is because the customer may not know in advance that a third party will ship the goods.

Here, finally, the collection / delivery company which unlocks the collection / delivery box device acquires key information (or key information related thereto, which will be described later) set by the consignee in the collection / delivery box device. There is a need to. Therefore, in this case, the third party on the sending side is referred to as a "sender" and the customer on the receiving side is referred to as a "consignee", and the "sender" and "consignee" can be interchanged, and both of them can be a collection box. Own device
It is assumed that the key information can be used, and the process from when the key information of the collection / delivery box device is issued to when it is obtained by the collection / delivery company will be described below.

According to the key information issue / acquisition method of the collection / delivery box device according to the present invention, the collection / delivery company is provided in the collection / delivery box device so that the goods requested to be sent by the sender can be put into the collection / delivery box device of the consignee. A key information issuance and acquisition method of a collection and delivery box device that obtains electronic key information for unlocking a door,
The sender or the collection / delivery company receiving the request for shipment of the goods from the sender side gives a notice of shipment of the goods to the consignee side, and the consignee side, the sender side, or the collection / delivery side issues the key information. When the consignee issues the key information, the issued key information is delivered to the collection and delivery company, and when the sender issues the key information, the issued key information is transferred to the consignee and the collection and delivery company. In the case where the collection and delivery company issues the key information, the issued key information is delivered to the consignee.

As described above, finally, the consignee sets the key information in the collection and delivery box device, and the collection and delivery company acquires the key information set in the collection and delivery device for unlocking the lock. Cost. Therefore, both the consignee side and the collection / delivery company hold a certain kind of key information, and such key information is issued by the sender side in addition to the consignee side and the collection / delivery side. It is possible.

When the consignee issues the key information, the issued key information is used as the key information to be set in the collection / delivery box device, and the key information is directly sent to the collection / delivery company or to the collection / delivery company. Indirect delivery via the sender is assumed. When the sender issues key information, the key information set in the collection / delivery box device is delivered directly to the consignee side or indirectly via the collection / delivery company side, and the lock of the collection / delivery box device is released. It is assumed that the key information for the transfer is delivered directly to the collection and delivery company side or indirectly via the consignee side. Further, when the collection / delivery company issues key information, the issued key information for unlocking the collection / delivery box device is used, and the key information is directly transmitted to the consignee or received. Indirect delivery to the person via the sender is assumed.

It is preferable that the receiver issues the key information. However, if the sender or the collection and delivery company issues the key information, the reliability of the key information issuance is required. That is, when anyone can issue key information, so-called "spoofing" occurs and security cannot be maintained. Therefore, the sender or the collection / delivery company directly or indirectly gives a shipping notice to the consignee side, and certain reliability information, that is, information specifying the sender or the collection / delivery company side is included in the shipping notice. The identification information is provided to prevent “spoofing” on the sender or collection / delivery side.

In the case where the sender gives a shipping notice directly to the consignee, for example, if the consignee knows the sender, the name of the sender may be notified. . That is, to be specific, the shipping notice may be an electronic mail including a name, a mail address, and the like that can identify the sender. Of course, in the present invention, the communication means is not limited to the electronic mail, and it is sufficient that the communication means includes the information capable of specifying the sender side as described above.

In addition, even when the consignee does not directly know the sender, such as when ordering goods through mail order or the like, the name of the sender is included in the shipping notice. If so, the consignee would normally remember that they had placed the order, and the e-mail as described above would be sufficient.

In the same way, if the collection and delivery company gives a notice of delivery, this is somewhat complicated, but if the collection and delivery company is a well-known collection and delivery company, information that specifies the collection and delivery company, such as the name of the collection and delivery company, is included. May be able to solve it. However,
This does not prevent "spoofing", so, for example, the collection / delivery company is genuine or, in particular, a genuine collection / delivery company who certainly receives a request for delivery to himself / herself (consignee). And present this proof to the consignee in the shipping notice. In order to prove that the collection / delivery company is genuine, for example, it is possible to provide a predetermined certification body (certification body side), and have such certification issued therefrom. Such a certifying method can be applied not only to the collection and delivery company but also to the sender who has a possibility of “spoofing”.

More specifically, it is desirable that the certification organization is, for example, an organization composed of a third party and whose certification information is socially recognized. However, for example, such a certification authority side can be operated as a website, so that it is possible for the collection and delivery company to operate substantially instead of a third party. In any case, it is sufficient that the authentication information on the website provides at least a certain level of security to the consignee.

More specifically, the certificate authority is, for example, a so-called “certificate authority” that issues a digital certificate. More specifically, for example, “SET (Secure
Electronic Transactions). In such an authentication method,
Subject to registration by the sender and / or collection and delivery company,
Such registration may be a temporary registration for each series of collection and delivery. In addition, in the present invention, the authentication of the consignee side is not essential, but if the sender and the collection / delivery side communicating with the consignee side require such, the consignee side should be included in the object of authentication. Is also possible.

If the website can be given a certain level of reliability as described above, for example, a collection and delivery company opens a website for receiving a shipping request, and the sender who receives the website receives the request. Publishes a shipping request from this side on this website, and informs the consignee that the request has been sent and gives advance notice of shipping.When the consignee accesses the website, the consignee The key information may be issued by either the side or the website.

As described above, the key information whose reliability is ensured may use a single piece of key information (or personal identification number information) such as a so-called “common key method”. Two types of keys such as "asymmetric key method" may be used. In the case of the asymmetric key method, generally,
It has a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.

The information for specifying the sender and / or the collection / delivery side as described above may be transmitted together with information on a shipping request in actual operation. For the protection of privacy, it is desirable that information be transmitted in an encrypted form to ensure its security.

In this case, for example, contrary to the above, the secret key is used for encryption and the public key is used for decryption. And make the public key available to the consignee,
The collection and delivery company uses the secret key obtained from the sender to
Information specifying the sender and / or the collection / delivery company side, information on the shipping request, and the like are encrypted, and the encrypted information is transmitted to the consignee as a shipping notice. The consignee side decrypts the shipping notice received from the collection / delivery company with the public key, and unlocks the collection / delivery box device if it can be decrypted. Further, not only can the content be decrypted but also the security can be expected to be further improved by a configuration in which the decrypted content is confirmed and the lock is released.

As described above, in the present specification, the "key information" includes information encrypted by a key other than the key itself such as an electronic secret number and an electronic key.

In the above-described invention, the exchange of information between the consignee side, the sender side, and the collection / delivery side is based on the easiness of exchange of digitized key information and the exchange of various information to be exchanged. From the viewpoint of security assurance and the ease of processing these key information and various types of information, it is desirable that the information be transmitted by communication as much as possible.
It is desirable that each of the sender side and the collection / delivery side have a device capable of communicating such information and execute a series of these processes. However, in the case of the sender side and the consignee side, it is not necessary to provide a special communication device, and it goes without saying that the above-mentioned collection and delivery device can be used.

From the above, in the present specification,
The “consignee side” is a consignee and / or a communication device used by the consignee. The “sender side” is a sender and / or a communication device used by the consignor. Trader side "
Is a collection / delivery company and / or a communication device used by the collection / delivery company, and “the certification body side” is a certification body and / or
Or a communication device used by the certification authority.

The following describes a collection / delivery box device that can be unlocked by a customer (consignee or sender) or a collection / delivery company using the key information issued or obtained as described above.

The pick-up / delivery box device according to the present invention is provided with a box body capable of holding an article therein, and unlocks a door provided at the access port of the box with key information so that the article can be taken in and out. Storage means for storing the digitized first key information, and the second means transmitted from a communication device for holding the digitized second key information.
Receiving means for receiving the second key information received by the receiving means; analyzing means for analyzing the second key information received by the receiving means based on the first key information stored in the storage means; Unlocking means for unlocking the door based on the analysis result.

According to the present invention, the collection and delivery box device stores digitized key information (first key information) and digitized key information (second key information) received from outside. Is analyzed based on the stored first key information, and the lock is released based on the analysis result. The second key information is received from a communication device of a customer or a collection / delivery company capable of holding the key information.

More specifically, the first and second key information may be the same key information (for example, a password) as described above, or may be separate key information (for example, a public key). , Secret key, etc.).

As the communication device, for example, a portable communication device used by a customer or a collection / delivery company can be used. In this case, the customer or the collection / delivery company can use another installation type communication device. The lock release operation can be performed in front of the collection / delivery box device without using the device. In particular,
In the case of the customer, if the operation relating to the shipping request, the operation of setting the key information, the operation of releasing the lock, and the like are performed by the portable communication device, the operation can be easily performed immediately before going out or when returning home. The collection / delivery box device can be handled. Similarly, in the case of a collection / delivery company, if the operation of releasing the lock, the operation of receiving the electronic delivery certificate, and the like are performed by the portable communication device, the collection / delivery worker at the site can collect and deliver the information.
The collection box device can be easily handled in front of the user.

In order to maintain such simplicity, it is desirable that the communication between the collection box device and the portable communication device be a wireless communication. In particular, in order to minimize security problems such as leakage of communication contents. It is desirable to adopt a communication method suitable for short-range communication such as infrared rays and Bluetooth.

In addition to the portable communication device, an IC card having a memory in which various information such as the key information can be rewritten, for example, an IC card can be used. As such an IC card, it is desirable to use a non-contact type IC card in order to realize wireless communication as described above. Of course, when an IC card is adopted, a pickup and delivery box device is provided with a reader for the IC card instead of the receiving means corresponding to the portable communication device.

Further, as described above, the collection and delivery box device according to the present invention issues the second key information to be held by the communication device of the customer or the collection and delivery company in the device, and transmits the issued second key information. Further, it is also possible to configure, together with the second key information, information for requesting a collection and delivery company to pick up an item stored in the device or deliver an item to the device. It is also possible to configure to transmit.

In each of the above-mentioned inventions, the “collection / delivery company”, “customer”, “sender”, “consignee”, and “certification body” are entrusted by these persons to perform entrusted operations. Person (or consignee), and therefore, “collector / delivery side”, “customer side”, “sender side”, “consignee side”,
The “certifying institution side” may be a communication device used by the trustee (or trustee).

[0060]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a collection and delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the network shown in FIG. 1 and a control system of a home server and a collection and delivery box device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a home network connected to the home server 2 via the LAN 21 is constructed at the customer's home (upper left in the figure). As a communication method for connecting the home network, other appropriate communication methods such as infrared, wireless LAN, and Bluetooth can be adopted other than the wired LAN shown here. A digital television receiver 3 capable of two-way communication and a collection box device 1 are connected to the home network, and the collection box device 1 is installed adjacent to the outside of the customer's home. This installation location is preferably a location easily accessible to, for example, a collection and delivery company, such as in front of a door.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pick-up / delivery box device 1 has an input port 11 for the customer CLT to input the article A, and the input port 11
Storage 12 for temporarily storing articles A input from
An electronic lock-type opening / closing door 13 for the LT or the collection / delivery company 6 to take in / out the article A is provided.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Are CPU 100, ROM 101, RAM 102, LA
An N interface (LAN I / F) 103, a closing sensor 104, a door lock mechanism 105, an output unit 106, and a password receiving unit 107 are provided.

The CPU 100 controls each part of the collection and delivery box device 1 connected thereto based on the computer program stored in the ROM 101. The ROM 101 stores various computer programs necessary for the operation of the CPU 100. RA
The M 102 temporarily stores various data generated when the CPU 100 operates, and in the present embodiment, a password storage unit 10 that stores a password for unlocking the door 13.
2a is secured in a part of the area. The LAN interface 103 is an interface for connecting the collection and delivery box device 1 to the LAN 21.

The loading sensor 104 detects the loading of the article A into the loading port 11 and gives the detection result to the CPU 100. The door lock mechanism 105 is an electronic lock mechanism attached to the door 13, and locks and unlocks the door 13 according to an instruction from the CPU 100. The output unit 106 includes a lamp, a buzzer, a liquid crystal display, and the like. The password receiving unit 107 directly receives a password transmitted from the outside and outputs the received result to the CPU.
Give to 100.

The home server 2 has a CPU 200 and a ROM 20
1, a RAM 202, and a LAN interface (LAN I / F) 203.

The CPU 200 controls each section of the home server 2 connected thereto based on the computer program stored in the ROM 101. The ROM 201 stores various computer programs necessary for the operation of the CPU 200,
In the present embodiment, the password generation program 201a
And a transaction processing program 201b. The RAM 202 temporarily stores various data generated during the operation of the CPU 200. In the present embodiment, the RAM 202 partially secures an area for storing various information generated during the processing of the transaction processing program 201b. It is. Also, LA
The N interface 203 is an interface for connecting the home server 2 to the LAN 21.

The transaction processing program 201b
Activated when a delivery request and pick-up request for article A are input, transmits a request to this effect to the request destination, activates the password generation program 201a, and issues a password corresponding to this request Then, the personal identification number is assigned to the collection / delivery box device 1 while the password is programmed to be included in the request to the effect.

The home network of the present embodiment composed of the LAN 21 has an external communication interface (external communication).
The home server 2 is connected to an external network NET via an I / F) 22, and the Internet server 7, 8 (operated by a supermarket or the like that undertakes delivery of side dishes and home delivery) through the network NET. 1 (see FIG. 1). This network NE
In the present embodiment, T means an appropriate network such as the Internet, an extranet, or a dedicated line for a network-compatible mobile phone.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of mutual processing between the collection box device 1 and the home server 2 when the customer CLT uses the collection box device 1 to collect and deliver the goods A to the collection and delivery company 6. The home server 2 stores, in the transaction storage unit 202a of the RAM 202, each piece of information obtained by communication with the collection / delivery box apparatus 1 and each piece of information obtained by communication with a communication apparatus outside the home network.

First, the CPU 100 of the collection and delivery box device 1 monitors the loading of the article A by the loading sensor 104 (step S1).
1), and waits until the insertion is detected (step S11)
With “NO”).

On the other hand, when the input sensor 104 is, for example, the customer CLT
In this case, the CPU 100 of the collection / delivery box device 1 recognizes this when the article A input from the input port 11 is detected by the
“YES” in S11), a request to request the collection and delivery company 6 to pick up the input article A is transmitted to the home server 2 via the LAN interface 103 (step S12).

The CPU 200 of the home server 2
Starts the transaction processing program 201b in response to the reception of the signal from the LAN 21 via the LAN 21, and determines whether or not the received information from the collection and delivery box device 1 is a request to request a pickup (step S22). If the request is a request for a pickup request ("YES" in step S22), CPU 200 activates password generation program 201a, and opens / closes door corresponding to the request.
13 are assigned to the PINs for unlocking, and the assigned PINs are notified to the collection / delivery box device 1 via the LAN interface 203 (step S23).

Then, the CPU 200 of the home server 2 sends a pick-up request corresponding to this request together with the password to a pick-up company (in the present embodiment, directly a collection and delivery company 6). Is transmitted to the Internet server 7 of the cleaning company via the LAN interface 203 (step S24).

The CPU 100 of the collection / delivery box device 1 sets, for example, to unlock the opening / closing door 13 by inputting the same personal identification number notified from the home server 2 from outside (step S13). ). Specifically, the password is stored in the password storage unit 102a of the RAM 102, and the door lock mechanism 105 locks the opening / closing door 13.
Then, the CPU 100 is a collection and delivery company from the personal identification number receiving unit 107.
The input of the password is monitored (step S14), and the process waits until the password is input ("NO" in step S14).

On the other hand, when the password is input (“YES” in step S 14), the CPU 100 of the collection / delivery box device 1 stores the input password in the password stored in the password storage unit 102. Authentication is performed by matching
S15). If the authentication is OK (“YE
S ”), the CPU 100 causes the door lock mechanism 105 to unlock the door 13 (step S16), and if the authentication is not OK (“ NO ”in step S15), the output unit 106 informs the error. This error is output by, for example, a buzzer sound, lighting of a lamp, display of a character string indicating an error, etc. Note that the error is reported by an on-site collection and delivery worker as described later. You may make it transmit to the portable communication device used.

The CPU 200 of the home server 2 monitors a delivery request for the article A to be delivered to the collection and delivery box device 1 (step S21). The delivery request is made by the customer CLT by operating the remote controller 4 via the digital television receiver 3 or, for example, from the outdoors from a network-compatible mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA).
network NE by operating the portable communication device 5 (stant)
The information is transmitted to the home server 2 via the T and the external communication interface 22, and is, for example, a home delivery order for a prepared food to a supermarket.

If the received information is not a request for a delivery request (“N” in step S 21)
O ”), the process proceeds to the step S22, and when the request is not a request to request the receipt (“ N ”in the step S22).
O "), and executes other processing (step S27).

On the other hand, CPU 200 of home server 2 determines that the received information is a request for a delivery request (step S21).
"YES") to start the password generation program 201a,
A password for unlocking the door 13 corresponding to the request is assigned, and the assigned password is notified to the collection / delivery box device 1 via the LAN interface 203 (step S25).

Then, the CPU 200 of the home server 2 sends a delivery request corresponding to this request, together with the password, to a delivery company (in the present embodiment, directly the collection and delivery company 6). For example, the data is transmitted to the Internet servers 7, 8 such as a cleaning company and a supermarket via the LAN interface 203 (step S26). On the other hand, the CPU 100 of the collection / delivery box device 1
The same processing as steps S13 to S17 is executed.

In this embodiment, the pickup / delivery box device
Although 1 is described as having a simple box storage 12, it is also possible to provide additional functions such as heat retention and moisture retention according to the articles A held inside.

In the present embodiment, the assignment, that is, the issuance of the personal identification number, has been described as being performed by the home server 2. However, the collection and delivery box device 1 is provided with the personal identification number generation program 201a, It is also possible to configure so as to cause the device 1 to issue.

Similarly, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the information is issued by the portable communication device 5 used by the customer CLT and is directly set in the collection / delivery box device 1. Specifically, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, as the portable communication device 5, devices compatible with various communication systems can be adopted. For example, a network-compatible mobile phone, a Bluetooth-compatible mobile information terminal device, an infrared communication-compatible mobile phone, It is possible to adopt a non-contact type IC card or the like. Therefore, as the personal identification number receiving unit 107 of the collection and delivery box device 1, a device corresponding to these communication methods is adopted. These portable communication devices 5 usually include a memory (not shown) for storing a password and a CPU for executing a computer program such as a password generation program 201a. It is easy to have such a function.

Further, not only issuance and setting of a security code, but also the release and unlocking of the opening / closing door 13 is performed by the collection and delivery box device 1 using the above-mentioned communication function, or the home server 2 and the remote controller 4 are used. Various requests to be made are performed by the portable communication device 5, and a request for the request (hereinafter, referred to as a request)
(Called “request information”) may be transferred to the home server 2 via the pickup box device 1.

Further, similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, the unlocking of the opening / closing door 13 is performed by a collection box by a portable communication device 62 used by a collection / delivery worker 61 who actually picks up and delivers the article A. It is also possible for the device 1 to perform this. In such a case, the communication method, the hardware configuration, and the like of the portable communication device 62 are the same as those of the above-described portable communication device 5 of the customer CLT, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the above description, the pickup / delivery box device
The relation between the home server 2 and the home server 2 is a client server system in the home network, and the home server 2 manages information related to collection and delivery such as generation of request information and issuance of a personal identification number. It may be configured as a stand-alone type so that all processes are performed by the collection and delivery box device 1.

By the way, besides the case of collection and delivery in which the request of the customer CLT starts, for example, when the customer CLT places an order for a product by mail order, or when a friend accompanies delivery of a gift, etc., in this case, As shown in FIG. 6, a sender 9 such as a mail order dealer or an acquaintance can use various communication devices 91 such as a network-compatible mobile phone and a personal computer.
Or by using the collection and delivery box device 1 according to the present invention, a request is made by communication to the shipping request receiving communication device 64 operated by the collection and delivery company 6 to which the shipping is requested. Accordingly, the sender 9 generates the shipping request information by using the communication device 91 and transmits the shipping request information to the shipping request receiving communication device 64 directly or indirectly via the network NET.

The collection / delivery company 6 includes a communication device 64 for receiving a shipping request.
Is used to transfer the dispatch request information (which includes a password, which will be described in detail later), to the collection / delivery worker 61 at the site in charge of the corresponding destination area. Collection and delivery workers61
The transfer information is received by the in-vehicle communication device or the portable communication device 62 of the collection and delivery work vehicle 65 used by the collection and delivery worker 61. Here, the transfer information received by the in-vehicle communication device is
A configuration for downloading to the portable communication device 62 is also possible. Of course, it is also possible to configure so that the collection / delivery worker 61 at the site receives the shipping request from the sender 9 directly, but in reality, the processing related to the request reception is performed by the communication device 64 for receiving the request. It is better to centrally manage the data.

Next, an example of a mode of issuing a personal identification number in response to a shipping request will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, it is desirable that the consignee (customer CLT), the sender 9 and the collection / delivery company 6 execute the respective processing by the communication device used by each as described above. Specifically, the communication devices are the collection and delivery box device 1, the home server 2, the portable communication device 5 and the like if they are consignees, and the communication device 91 and the collection and delivery box device if they are the sender 9. 1 and the collection and delivery company 6, if the communication device 64 for receiving a delivery request, the portable communication device 62 of the collection and delivery worker 61, and the collection and delivery work vehicle 65 (strictly speaking,
The in-vehicle communication device).

First, referring to FIG. 7, prior to a dispatch request to collection / delivery company 6, sender 9 checks the customer CLT serving as the consignee.
Is notified of the shipment of article A (step). Upon receiving the shipping notice and accepting it, the consignee issues a personal identification number (step), and sets the issued personal identification number in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step). Then, the consignee sends the same password as that set in the collection and delivery box device 1 together with, for example, information indicating that the consignment has been accepted.
Notify (step). In response to receiving the notification of the personal identification number, the sender 9 makes a shipping request to the collection and delivery company 6, and at this time, passes the notified personal identification number to the collection and delivery company 6 (step).

In a similar manner, as shown in FIG. 8, when the sender 9 gives a notice of the shipment of the article A to the customer CLT as the consignee prior to the dispatch request to the collection and delivery company 6 (step), It is also possible for the consignee who has received the shipping notice to return only the information indicating acceptance of the consignment to the sender 9 without issuing a password (step). In this case, the sender 9 having received the notification of the acceptance of the consignment issues a personal identification number (step) and notifies the consignee of the issued personal identification number (step). Then, the sender 9 makes a delivery request to the collection and delivery company 6 together with the delivery of the password notified to the consignee (step). On the other hand, the consignee
The personal identification number notified from the sender 9 is set in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step).

When the collection / delivery company 6 issues a personal identification number, the sender 9 first requests the collection / delivery company 6 for shipping as shown in FIG. 9 (step). Next, the delivery / delivery company 6 that has received the shipping request issues a password (step) and gives a notice of shipping to the consignee (step). here,
This shipping notice indicates that the shipper 9 has received a shipping request for the consignee from the sender 9 or a genuine collection and delivery company 6 who has received a shipping request for the consignee from the sender 9. This includes presentation of information certifying the fact (hereinafter referred to as “shipping request certificate”) and notification of a password issued by the collection and delivery company 6. Then, the consignee who has received such a shipping notice sets the personal identification number included in the shipping notice in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step).

In a similar manner, as shown in FIG. 10, first, the sender 9 makes a shipping request to the collection and delivery company (step), and the collection and delivery company 6 that has received the shipping request sends the password together with the above shipping request certificate and a personal identification number. Is notified to the consignee (step). Next, the consignee who has received the shipping notice issues a personal identification number (step) and sets the issued personal identification number in the collection / delivery box device 1 (step). Then, the consignee notifies the collection / delivery company 6 of the password (step).

In order to provide greater reliability to the shipping notice notified by the collection / delivery company 6 to the consignee,
As shown in FIG. 11, a pre-established collection and delivery company certification organization 600
, It is requested that the collection and delivery company 6 authenticate at least that it is a genuine collection and delivery company and issue information indicating the authentication (hereinafter, referred to as “collection and delivery company authentication ID”) (step).
When the collection and delivery company 6 receives a shipping request from the sender 9 (step), the collection and delivery company 6 gives a shipping notice including presentation of the collection and delivery company authentication ID to the consignee (step). The consignee receiving the shipping notice issues a personal identification number (step), sets the issued personal identification number in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step), and notifies the collection and delivery company 6 of the personal identification number (step).

As shown in FIG. 12, it is also possible to issue a collection / delivery company authentication ID from the collection / delivery company authentication organization 600 for each shipping request. In this case, for example, it is possible to have the collection and delivery company certification organization 600 issue a password. In other words, as the collection / delivery company 6 receives the shipping request from the sender 9 (step), the collection / delivery company 6 sends the collection / delivery company authentication ID 600 the collection / delivery company authentication ID and the password corresponding to the shipping request. Have it issued (step). At this time, the collection / delivery company authentication ID may be unique to the shipping request. The collection / delivery company 6 receives the issuance of the personal identification number with the collection / delivery company authentication ID and gives a notice of shipment to the consignee (step). Here, the shipping notice includes notification of a password with the collection / delivery company authentication ID. Then, the consignee who has received such a notice of shipping sets the personal identification number included in the notice of shipping in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step).

As shown in FIG. 13, it is also possible to substitute the collection / delivery company 6 by a website 63 operated by the collection / delivery company (hereinafter, referred to as a “collection / delivery company website”). In this case, the collection / delivery company website 63 is provided with functions such as acceptance and management of a shipping request and issuance of a personal identification number. For example, the collection / delivery company website 63 displays the management number of the received request and information (name,
Various shipping request information such as address, telephone number, breakdown of shipment, etc., and information on consignee (name, address, telephone number, etc.) are posted. Therefore, the sender 9 writes the shipping request information on the collection / delivery company website 63, and the consignee can confirm the shipping request information and receive a password.

In other words, the sender 9 is the collection / delivery company website 6
Access to 3 and make a shipping request on the collection / delivery company website 63 (step). When the dispatch request is completed, the above-described information is posted as one delivery request order on the collection and delivery company website 63, and the sender 9 sends, for example, an e-mail message that forms a part of the collection and delivery company website 63. From the credit web page, send a notice to the consignee by sending an e-mail to the consignee (step). The e-mail transmitted to the consignee includes, for example, the URL of the collection and delivery company website 63, and the consignee receiving this specifies the part of the URL, so that the consignment is sent to the collection and delivery company website 63. It can be easily accessed (step). Collection and Delivery Website 63
The consignee who accesses the website confirms that the shipping request corresponding to the shipping notice to himself has been posted on the collection and delivery company website 63, and issues a password according to the instructions on the collection and delivery company website 63. Collection and Delivery Website 63
(Step). Alternatively, the personal identification number issued by the collection and delivery company website 63 may be received in accordance with the instruction of the collection and delivery company website 63 (step). Then, the consignee sets the password issued in this way in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step).

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14, instead of the sender 9 notifying the consignee of the dispatch notice, the consignor website 63 may automatically notify the consignee of the dispatch notice. Good. That is, first, the sender 9 accesses the collection and delivery company website 63, and makes a delivery request on the collection and delivery company website 63 (step). Once the shipping request is completed,
While the information described above is posted as one delivery request order on the collection / delivery company website 63, the collection / delivery company website 63 sends a notice of delivery in the form of e-mail including the URL of the collection / delivery company website 63 to the consignee. Send to (step). The consignee accesses the collection / delivery company website 63 corresponding to the URL included in the received e-mail (step), and either the collection / delivery company website 63 or the consignee issues a password as described above ( Step,
). Then, the consignee sets the password issued in this way in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step).

In the above embodiment, the pickup / delivery box device
Although the key information used to release the lock 1 has been described as being the same, that is, the so-called “common key method” between the consignee and the collection / delivery company, the so-called “common key method” using two types of key information instead is described. An "asymmetric key method" may be used.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the sender 9
The public key is issued, and a shipping notice including the public key is given to the consignee (step). On the other hand, the sender 9 issues a private key and sends a shipping request including the issued private key to the collection and delivery company.
Perform for 6 (step). On the other hand, the consignee sets the public key included in the shipping notice from the sender 9 in the collection and delivery box device 1.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16, the sender 9
A delivery notice is given to the consignee (step), and a delivery is requested to the collection / delivery company 6 (step). The consignee receiving the shipping notice issues a public key and a secret key, sets the public key in the collection / delivery box device 1 (step), and hands over the secret key to the collection / delivery company 6 (step).

As in the above two embodiments, the public key held by the consignee is set in the collection / delivery box device 1, while the secret key held by the collection / delivery company 6 is used for encrypting information such as a shipping request. Used. The encrypted information is temporarily stored in the portable communication device 62, for example, by being transferred from the delivery request receiving communication device 64 to the portable communication device 62 of the on-site collection and delivery worker 61, and the like. The data is transmitted from the portable communication device 62 to the collection and delivery box device 1 by an appropriate communication method, and is taken into the collection and delivery box device 1. The collection and delivery box device 1 decrypts the received encrypted information using the public key, and releases the lock, for example, when the decryption is possible. Further, in order to further improve security, further authentication can be performed based on the decrypted content. As described above, the key information need not be the key information itself such as a personal identification number, but may be information encrypted with a key. Further, the key information may adopt a security method such as a digital ID or an electronic signature.

Further, the collection and delivery box device 1 configured as described above
Can be used not only by the consignee but also by the sender on the shipping side, and thus can be used by both the consignee and the sender.

From this point of view, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, when a certain customer CLT stays at a certain business trip destination A (for example, a hotel), the collection and delivery installed at the business trip destination A is performed. Assume that articles A as laundry are deposited in the box device 1 (step). At this time, the customer A designates a “destination” via the collection and delivery box device 1 and obtains a “password” from the collection and delivery box device 1. In such a case, the pickup and delivery box device 1
It is desirable to provide appropriate input means in addition to the configuration described above.

For example, if the customer CLT sets the next business trip B (for example, another hotel) as the “destination”, first,
The goods A deposited in the collection / delivery box device 1 of the business trip destination A are picked up by the collection / delivery company 6 (step) and delivered to the cleaning company. Then, the article A is cleaned, for example, by a cleaning company (step), and is again delivered by the collection / delivery company 6 to the collection / delivery box device 1 of the next business trip destination B, which is the “destination” (step).

The customer CLT arriving at the next business trip destination B receives the above-mentioned “PIN” from the collection / delivery box device 1 installed at this business trip destination B.
Cleaned articles stored inside using the
A can be taken out (step).

This is an example, and according to the collection / delivery box apparatus 1 of the present invention using key information in a form that can be transmitted,
Various usage modes can be assumed by using a plurality of collection and delivery box devices 1. Therefore, the application is not limited to the cleaning service as described above, but may be a mere delivery service, for example. In addition, as described above, the sender and the consignee may be the same and use a plurality of collection / delivery box devices 1, and the sender and the consignee may use a single collection / delivery box device 1 for a station or the like. It may be used like a common locker installed in public facilities.

[0108]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, there is no need for a customer to be at home for pickup and delivery, and a delivery location can be set as close to the customer's home as possible. Also, the collection / delivery company does not need to worry about whether the customer is at home.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to issue key information with high security for unlocking the collection and delivery box device, and to obtain key information by a collection and delivery company while maintaining security. It can be done without bothering the collection and delivery company.

Further, according to the present invention, the key can be easily unlocked by the customer and the collection / delivery company using the key information with high security as described above.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a collection and delivery method and a collection and delivery box device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network shown in FIG. 1 and a configuration of a control system of a home server and a collection and delivery box device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of mutual processing between the collection and delivery box device and the home server in the collection and delivery method according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a form of a customer communication device for operating the collection and delivery box device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a form of a communication device of a collection and delivery company (particularly, a collection and delivery worker at a site) holding key information.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a distribution route of key information of the collection and delivery box device in response to a shipping request from a sender.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a distribution route of key information of the collection and delivery box device in a case where a sender gives a shipping notice to a consignee.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the distribution route of the key information of the pickup / delivery box device in a case where the sender gives a shipping notice to the consignee.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a distribution route of key information of the collection and delivery box device when a delivery notice is given to a consignee from a collection and delivery company.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the distribution route of the key information of the collection / delivery box device when a delivery notice is given from the collection / delivery company to the consignee.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a distribution path of key information of a collection and delivery box device using a certification organization for preventing “spoofing” such as a sender and / or a collection and delivery company.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of a distribution path of key information of a collection and delivery box device using a certification organization for preventing “spoofing” such as a sender and / or a collection and delivery company.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a distribution path of key information of a collection and delivery box device using a collection and delivery management website (collection and delivery company website).

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of a distribution route of key information of a collection and delivery box device using a collection and delivery management website (collection and delivery company website).

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a distribution path of key information of the collection and delivery box device using the “asymmetric key method”.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of a distribution route of key information of the collection and delivery box device using the “asymmetric key method”.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a usage form of the collection and delivery box device using a plurality of collection and delivery box devices.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1… Collection box device 2… Home server 3… Digital TV receiver 4… Remote controller 5… Portable communication device 6… Collection and delivery company 7… Internet server 8… Internet server 9… Sender 12 ... Storage 13 ... Opening and closing door 62 ... Portable communication device 63 ... Collection / delivery company website 64 ... Delivery acceptance communication device 65 ... (with communication device) Collection and delivery work vehicle 91 ... Communication device 600 ... … Collection and delivery company certification body A …… Goods CLT …… Customer (consignee, sender) NET …… Network

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] February 6, 2002 (2002.2.6)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

The method according to claim 5, wherein the key information, by the collection and delivery agency sends to the collection and delivery box device by using the communication device to be used, or by sending to the other of the pick-up box device utilizing device The collection / delivery method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the collection / distribution box device releases the lock of the door.

Wherein the key information, by transmitting it by the other apparatus to the collection and delivery box device, according to claim 1乃, characterized by setting the key information in said population distribution box device
4. The collection and delivery method according to any one of to 4 above.

7. An electronic key for unlocking a door provided on a collection / delivery box device so that a collection / delivery company can put an article requested for shipment from a sender into the collection / delivery box device of the consignee. A key information issuance and acquisition method for a collection / delivery box device for obtaining information, wherein a sender or a collection / delivery company receiving a shipping request for an article from the sender notifies the consignee of the shipment of the article, and Side, the sender side, or the collection / delivery side issues the key information, and when the consignee side issues the key information, the issued key information is delivered to the collection / delivery side, and the sender side issues the key information. case, passing the issued key information to both the consignee side and the collection and delivery agency side, when the collection and delivery trader issues the key information is to draw <br/> Mr. Wataru the issued key information to the consignee side , Consignee side, shipper side, and / or pickup / delivery side
The short-range wireless communication of the key information with the collection / delivery box device
The key information is issued or issued by a portable communication device capable of communication.
Is a method for issuing and acquiring key information of a collection and delivery box device, characterized by performing delivery .

8. When the consignee issues the key information,
8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the advance notice includes information for specifying a sender and / or a collection / delivery company.

9. To include the shipping notice to identify the ship's side and / or the collection and delivery trader information, to the information, that the ship's side and / or the collection and delivery agency side is authenticated by a predetermined certificate authority side 9. The key information issue / acquisition method for a collection / delivery box device according to claim 8, wherein the key information is acquired.

Wherein said key information, the first key information and second
Information including two pieces of key information of the following key information, wherein the first key information is held by the consignee side, and the sender or collection / delivery company side specifies the sender / collection / delivery company side by the second key information. the key information issuing method for acquiring collection and delivery box device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein encrypting the.

11. an internal enable holding box body article,
A storage means for storing first digitized key information in a pick-up / delivery box device configured to release a lock of a door provided at the access port for the entry and exit of the article by using key information; Receiving means for receiving the second key information transmitted from the communication device holding the received second key information; and storing the second key information received by the receiving means in the storage means. comprising analyzing means for analyzing, based on the first key information, and unlocking means for unlocking the door based on the analysis result of said analyzing means, said communication device, said second key information Rewritable
A portable communication device having a memory, wherein the receiving means
Is a collection / delivery box device, which is adapted to perform wireless communication with the communication device.

Wherein said first and second key information, collection and delivery box device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one key information.

Wherein said second key information is obtained by encrypting the information for identifying the sender and / or the collection and delivery agency of at least an article, said analyzing means, said second key information An attempt is made to identify the sender or delivery company of the article by decrypting with the first key information, and the unlocking means locks the door when decryption is possible by the analyzing means. 12. The collection and delivery box device according to claim 11, wherein:

14. The communication apparatus further comprises: key information issuing means for issuing second key information to be held by the communication device; and transmitting means for transmitting the second key information issued by the key information issuing means. collection and delivery box device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that.

15. the transmission unit, the with second key information, information to request receipt of the articles housed in the box body in the collection and delivery agency, or the collection and delivery agency delivery of goods to the box body 15. The collection and delivery box device according to claim 14, wherein the information to be requested is transmitted.

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a so-called "delivery and delivery box", and more particularly, to a lock for a door for taking articles in and out of the collection and delivery box.
An improvement in a method related to handling key information for cancellation , whereby a labor required for collection and delivery of home delivery can be significantly reduced, and a collection and delivery method capable of greatly improving security for collection and delivery of home delivery can be provided. The present invention relates to a key information issue / acquisition method for a collection / delivery box device and a collection / delivery box device suitable for implementing these methods.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to unlock a pickup box.
Issuance of key information with high security for
Key information by collection and delivery companies while maintaining security
Acquisition without the trouble of customers and collection and delivery companies.
By doing so, the customer does not need to be at home for collection and delivery, and the delivery location can be set as close to the customer's home as possible. Therefore, the collection and delivery company is also concerned about whether the customer is at home. Delivery method and delivery box device that does not need to be done
Key information issuance and acquisition methods, and
To provide a collection and delivery box device .

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0019

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0019]

According to the present invention, there is provided a pickup and delivery method according to the present invention, in which a customer performs a first operation with a pickup and delivery box device installed at a place where a collection and delivery company can enter and exit. , Or in response to the customer providing a first signal to the pick-up and drop box device via another device, the pick-up and drop box device generates first information, and the pick-up and drop box device directly or through other devices, it said by transmitting the first information to the communication apparatus collection and delivery skilled in the art will use to request the withdrawal of the placed in the collection and delivery box device article to the collection and delivery agency, the first Signal and a small amount of the first information.
At least one of them is for taking goods in and out of the collection and delivery box device.
Door lock at the doorway
Key information to release the
Communication device and / or at least one of the other devices
The key information can be rewritten, and the delivery box
A portable device capable of short-range wireless communication of the key information with a device
It is characterized by being a type communication device .

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In the present invention, articles to be collected and delivered are temporarily stored in a collection and delivery box device. The collection and delivery box device is installed at a place physically accessible to a collection and delivery company, such as in front of a customer's home. The collection / delivery box device generates first information when a customer puts in an article and temporarily stores the article, and requests the collection of the article by transmitting this information to a communication device used by the collection / delivery company. The first information can be obtained by the customer directly operating the collection / delivery box device, that is, by performing the first operation, or by operating the portable communication device , for example. It can also be generated by giving one signal to the pickup box device. When the collection and delivery box device is configured to be able to directly communicate with the communication device used by the collection and delivery company, the collection and delivery box device directly transmits information (that is, first information) for requesting a pickup. On the other hand, if the pickup / delivery box device is not configured to directly communicate with the communication device used by the pickup / delivery company, the pickup / delivery box device is connected to the pickup / delivery box device.
The information to the effect of requesting the pick-up is transmitted via another device that can communicate with the outside, such as a home server, a portable communication device, or the like. The communication device used by the collection and delivery company is, for example, an Internet server operated by the collection and delivery company, a portable communication device used by the collection and delivery worker, and the like.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0025

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In the above invention, the first signal and the first signal
Information, or the second signal and the second information includes the key information for releasing the lock of the door provided on the loading and unloading opening in order to perform the loading and unloading of the article with respect to collection and delivery box device
Have . With such a configuration, the collection and delivery box device,
Alternatively, key information issued by another device such as a home server and a portable communication device can be transmitted to a collection and delivery company together with a request to the collection and delivery company, and in particular, the electronic key information can be transmitted to a specific collection and delivery company. Can be easily informed.

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0030

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0030] In the least either be of the above collection and delivery agency communication device and other devices to be used, to use a portable communication device having a rewritable possible memory key information
You . By configuring in this way, the collection and delivery company (especially,
The collection / delivery worker at the site) or the customer can realize a series of processes by using the portable device. In particular, for the delivery / delivery company, the unlocking operation of the collection / delivery box device, and for the customer, the collection / delivery box The operation of setting the key information of the device, the operation of releasing the lock, and the like are facilitated.

[Procedure amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0031

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

When a portable communication device is used from the viewpoint of easiness of operation, a pickup / delivery box device, an infrared ray and a Bluetooth
It is desirable to select a device that can perform short-range wireless communication such as

[Procedure amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0035

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the key information issue / acquisition method of the collection / delivery box device according to the present invention, the collection / delivery company is provided in the collection / delivery box device so that the goods requested to be sent by the sender can be put into the collection / delivery box device of the consignee. A key information issuance and acquisition method of a collection and delivery box device that obtains electronic key information for unlocking a door,
The sender or the collection / delivery company receiving the request for shipment of the goods from the sender side gives a notice of shipment of the goods to the consignee side, and the consignee side, the sender side, or the collection / delivery side issues the key information. When the consignee issues the key information, the issued key information is delivered to the collection and delivery company, and when the sender issues the key information, the issued key information is transferred to the consignee and the collection and delivery company. passing to both, if the collection and delivery trader issues the key information, the issued key information and pull <br/> passed to consignee side, consignee side, ship's side, and the smaller of the collection and delivery trader
Either of them is a short distance of the key information between the pickup and delivery box device.
The portable communication device capable of wireless communication allows the key information to be
Issued or delivered .

[Procedure amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0049

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In the above-described invention, the exchange of information between the consignee side, the sender side, and the collection / delivery side is based on the easiness of exchange of digitized key information and the exchange of various information to be exchanged. It is desirable that the information be transmitted by communication in order to ensure security and to facilitate the processing of these key information and various types of information. Further, each of the consignee side, the sender side, and the collection / delivery side should However, it is desirable to have a device capable of communicating such information and perform these series of processes. However, in the case of the sender side and the consignee side, it is not necessary to provide a special communication device, and it goes without saying that the above-mentioned collection and delivery device can be used. like this
Devices that can communicate include those that can communicate with the collection box
In addition, minimize security issues such as leakage of communication contents.
Mobile phones suitable for short-range communication such as infrared and Bluetooth
Adopt type communication device.

[Procedure amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0052

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The pick-up / delivery box device according to the present invention is provided with a box body capable of holding an article therein, and unlocks a door provided at the access port of the box with key information so that the article can be taken in and out. Storage means for storing the digitized first key information, and the second means transmitted from a communication device for holding the digitized second key information.
Receiving means for receiving the second key information received by the receiving means; analyzing means for analyzing the second key information received by the receiving means based on the first key information stored in the storage means; Unlocking means for unlocking the door based on the analysis result , wherein the communication device
Communication with memory capable of rewriting key information
An apparatus, wherein the receiving unit is configured to perform wireless communication with the communication apparatus.
And said that you have no order to.

[Procedure amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0055

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, since the portable communication device used by the customer or the collection / delivery company is used as the communication device, the customer or the collection / delivery company can use the collection / delivery box device without using another installed communication device. An unlocking operation can be performed in front of the user. In particular, in the case of a customer, operations related to a shipping request, an operation of setting key information, an operation of releasing a lock, and the like can be performed by the portable communication device, so that the operation can be performed easily immediately before going out or when returning home. It is possible to handle the collection / delivery box device. Similarly, in the case of a pickup / delivery company, a lock release operation, an operation of receiving an electronic delivery certificate, and the like can be performed using a portable communication device. it is possible to deal with the collection and delivery box device conveniently.

[Procedure amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0056

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0056] In order to maintain such simplicity, the communication with the collection and delivery box device and a portable communication device, a wireless communication, in particular, in order to minimize the security problems of the leakage of the communication contents, infrared, It is desirable to employ a communication method suitable for short-range communication such as Bluetooth.

[Procedure amendment 14]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0017

[Correction method] Deleted

[Procedure amendment 15]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0018

[Correction method] Deleted

[Procedure amendment 16]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0057

[Correction method] Deleted ───────────────────────────────────────────── ────────

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] June 24, 2002 (2002.6.2
4)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Full text

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Document Name] Statement

[Title of the Invention] Key information issue / acquisition method of collection and delivery box device

[Claims]

1. A collection and delivery of skill in the art, in order to put an article received a shipment request from the sending people to the collection and delivery box device of the consignee, it has been electronic for releasing the lock of the door, which is provided to said population distribution box device key A method for acquiring and obtaining key information of a collection and delivery box device for obtaining information , wherein a sender notifies a consignee side of a shipment notice of the article, and
Side or the sender issues the key information, and the consignee side
When issuing key information, the issued key information must be
Handover, and the sender issues the key information.
Sends the issued key information to both the recipient and the
Delivery, consignee side, ship's side, and at least one of the collection and delivery agency side, the short-range wireless communication capable portable communication device of the key information to and from the collection and delivery box device, the key information Issuance or delivery of a key information issuance method for a collection and delivery box device.

2. An electronic key for unlocking a door provided on a collection / delivery box device so that a collection / delivery company can put an article requested for delivery from a sender into the collection / delivery box device of the consignee. a key information issuing method of acquiring the collection and delivery box device to obtain the information, collection and delivery agency side consignee who received the shipment request of goods from dispatch people side
A notice of the shipment of the goods to the person,
Side issues the key information, and the sender issues the key information
In the case where the key information is issued, the
Handover to both sides, and the collection and delivery company issues the key information
If that is delivered to the consignee side the issued key information, consignee side, ship's side, and at least one of the collection and delivery agency side, the short-range wireless of the key information to and from the collection and delivery box device The key information issuance / acquisition method of a pickup / delivery box device , wherein the key information is issued or delivered by a portable communication device capable of communication.

3. When ships's side or the collection and delivery trader issues the key information, wherein the shipping notice, claim, characterized in that information specifying the ship's side and / or the collection and delivery trader 2 The key information issuance and acquisition method of the collection and delivery box device described.

Wherein when including the shipping notice to identify the ship's side and / or the collection and delivery trader information, to the information, that the ship's side and / or the collection and delivery agency side is authenticated by a predetermined certificate authority side 4. The key information issue / acquisition method for a collection / delivery box device according to claim 3, wherein the key information is acquired.

Wherein said key information includes two key information of the first key information and second key information, the first key information consignee side holds, ships by the second key information human side or collection and delivery agency side, the key information issuing method for acquiring collection and delivery box device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 information identifying the ship's side or the collection and delivery trader and wherein the encrypting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a so-called "delivery box", and more particularly, to key information for unlocking a door for taking articles in and out of the box. An improvement in a method of handling, which can significantly reduce the labor required for collection and delivery of home delivery, and can greatly improve the security of collection and delivery of home delivery, so that the key information issuance and acquisition method of the collection box device can be obtained.
About the law .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in home delivery cleaning,
A customer orders cleaning of articles such as clothes and futons from a home delivery cleaning company (hereinafter simply referred to as a cleaning company) using an appropriate communication means such as a telephone and an e-mail. The cleaning company asks the contracted collection and delivery company to pick it up at the customer's home on the date and time specified by the customer,
Further, even after the cleaning, the delivery is made to the customer's house at the date and time designated by the customer.

[0003] In addition, at a pickup / delivery location, a customer can specify a nearby convenience store or the like, thereby allowing a pickup / delivery company to collect and deliver at a convenient time.

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional collection and delivery method, if the collection and delivery location is a customer's house, the customer must be at home during the scheduled collection and delivery time zone, and is bound by time. In this regard, the collection and delivery company,
When the customer is absent, it takes time and effort to fill in an absentee vote and mail it to a customer's post. Of course,
At this time, it is possible to leave the home delivery to the neighborhood home, but recently, many homes are reluctant to take responsibility for the home delivery, so the collection and delivery company has not deposited the home delivery to the neighborhood home. Is disappearing.

[0005] On the other hand, if the delivery place is a convenience store or the like, the customer is less likely to be restricted by time and the collection and delivery company does not need to worry about whether the customer is at home. The trouble of having to go to the place occurs.

Of course, such a problem is not limited to home delivery cleaning, but can be applied to home delivery in general. From the above viewpoint, a so-called “home delivery box” is used.
2. Description of the Related Art An electronically-locked collection and delivery box device called a so-called "collection and delivery box device" has been developed, and has been put to practical use mainly as a common locker for an apartment house. The following four types are typical of the collection and delivery box devices.

(1) As the first type, for example, JP-A-5-147694, JP-A-7-293068, and JP-A-10-1
There is a 27470 publication and the like, and the collection and delivery box device disclosed therein is installed, for example, collectively at the entrance of an apartment house or at each door, and a collection and delivery company, for the purpose of picking up goods to be shipped in the collection and delivery box device Alternatively, the door of the collection / delivery box device is electrically unlocked by manually inputting key information using a numeric keypad or the like, in order to put an article sent from another device into the collection / delivery box device.

(2) As the second type, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-147694 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-127470 described above include a room number or a room number and a number specifying a collection and delivery company. A system using a combination as key information is disclosed.

(3) As a third type, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H5-287943
JP, JP-A-7-237696, JP-A-10-127470, JP-A-2000-17911, etc., use a magnetic card in which information for specifying a collection / delivery company is recorded by using a collection / delivery box device. Is disclosed.

(4) As a fourth type, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-8925 discloses an image pickup / delivery company imaged by an image pickup device provided in a collection / delivery box device. A device is disclosed in which the lock release operation is performed remotely by checking with a communication device or the like.

[0011]

However, for example, in the case of the first type of collection / delivery box device, when the owner of the collection / delivery box device releases the lock, the key information that only the owner can know However, in order to allow a third party such as a collection and delivery company to release the lock, it is necessary to assign and inform the collection and delivery company of such key information by some method.

In the second type of collection / delivery box apparatus, the room number and the number for specifying the collection / delivery company are unchanged, and the collection / delivery company obtains the key information once. In this case, there is a risk that the key information may leak to the outside, and there is a problem that any one of the collection and delivery companies can unlock the collection and delivery box device at any time.

In the third type of collection / delivery box apparatus, an unspecified number of persons can access the collection / delivery box apparatus without any restriction as compared with the room number and the number for specifying the collection / delivery company. Can be avoided, but the courier always has a card with the same information,
If a plurality of such magnetic cards are issued, security in the event of loss is not maintained. In a multi-family apartment, residents may move,
The trouble of issuing such a magnetic card every time one moves to maintain security is enormous.

Further, in the case of the fourth type of collection and delivery box device, key information can be made unnecessary, but it is difficult to identify whether the collection and delivery company confirmed by the image is a genuine collection and delivery company. Yes, and every time such a collection and delivery company visits,
The trouble of having to deal with customers one by one also remains.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object the issuance of key information with high security for unlocking a collection and delivery box device, and the security maintained. The key information can be obtained by the collection and delivery company without the need for the customer and the collection and delivery company, so that the customer does not need to be at home for collection and delivery, and the delivery location is as close to the customer's home as possible. Can be set, and therefore, it is not necessary for the collection and delivery company to consider whether the customer is at home or not .
It is to provide an acquisition method .

In this specification, a person who uses the collection / delivery box apparatus for purposes other than substantial collection / delivery work is referred to as a “customer” with respect to a “collection / delivery company”. Can be "Sender" or "Consignee". "Customers"
Does not necessarily need to have a collection and delivery box device, but also includes a case where a shared collection and delivery device is used.

[0017]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a key information issuance and acquisition method for a collection and delivery box device according to the present invention is provided. to add to the collection and delivery box device, a key information issuing method for acquiring collection and delivery box device to obtain the electronic key information for unlocking the door provided in said population distribution box device, a sender
Side notifies the consignee of the shipment of the article, and the consignee or
The sender issues the key information and the consignee issues the key information.
Is issued, the issued key information is referred to the
If the sender issues the key information,
Delivered key information to both the recipient and the delivery / delivery company
And, consignee side, ship's side, and at least one of the collection and delivery agency side, the short-range wireless communication capable portable communication device of the key information to and from the collection and delivery box device, the key information Issued or delivered.

Also, an electronic key for unlocking a door provided on the collection / delivery box device so that the collection / delivery company can put the article requested to be sent by the sender into the collection / delivery box device of the consignee. This is a key information issuance and acquisition method for a collection and delivery box device that obtains information, and is a collection and delivery company that has received a shipping request for goods from the sender
Side notifies the consignee side of the shipment of the article, and the sender or
The collection and delivery company issues the key information, and the sender determines the key information.
When issuing information, the issued key information must be
Handover to both the collection and delivery company side, and the collection and delivery company side
Is issued, the issued key information is sent to the recipient.
Pass, consignee side, ship's side, and at least one of the collection and delivery agency side, the short-range wireless communication capable portable communication device of the key information to and from the collection and delivery box device, the key information Issued or delivered.

The "collection and delivery company" in the present invention is not limited to a company specializing in collection and delivery. For example, a "collection and delivery company" which collects and delivers cleaning products as part of a home delivery cleaning business may be used. Good.
In addition, the portable communication device referred to here is a so-called PDA (Perso
The present invention is not limited to the nal digital assistant, but may be any portable communication device, such as a network-compatible mobile phone.

The pick-up / delivery box device is installed at a place physically accessible to the pick-up and drop-off company so that the customer is not restricted in time during pick-up and delivery. For example, in order to greatly reduce the labor of the customer, it is installed, for example, in front of the entrance of the customer's house. In addition, the collection and delivery box device can be provided at another location (preferably outdoors) on the premises of the customer's house, or, in the case of a multi-family house, for example, a common part of the multi-family house. In this way, by setting the installation location of the collection and delivery box device as close to the customer's home as possible, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required for the customer to travel to the collection and delivery location.

Further, the collection and delivery box device is not limited to the use of collection and delivery in the home delivery business, but can be applied to, for example, collection and delivery of mail.

In the present invention, the collection / delivery company that ultimately unlocks the collection / delivery box device is provided with key information set by the consignee in the collection / delivery box device (or related key information, which will be described later). You need to get Therefore,
In this case, the third party on the sending side is called "sender" and the customer on the receiving side is called "consignee", and the "sender" and "consignee" can be interchanged respectively. It is assumed that the key information can be owned and used, and the process from when the key information of the collection / delivery box device is issued to when it is acquired by the collection / delivery company is described below.

With regard to home delivery, not only does a customer voluntarily request a collection / delivery company to a collection / delivery box apparatus, but also
In many cases, a third party asks the collection and delivery company to ship the goods to the customer (for example, when ordering goods by mail order, or when delivering a gift from an acquaintance). In such a case, it is difficult for the collection and delivery company to obtain the key information for unlocking the collection and delivery box device from the customer only by direct exchange between the customer and the collection and delivery company. This is because the customer may not know in advance that a third party will ship the goods.

As described above, ultimately, the consignee sets the key information in the collection and delivery box device, and the collection and delivery company acquires the key information set in the collection and delivery device for unlocking the lock. I need to do that. Therefore, both the consignee side and the collection / delivery company hold a certain kind of key information, and such key information is issued by the sender side in addition to the consignee side and the collection / delivery side. It is possible.

When the consignee issues key information, the issued key information is set in the collection / delivery box device, and the key information is transmitted directly to the collection / delivery company or to the collection / delivery company. Indirect delivery via the sender is assumed. When the sender issues key information, the key information set in the collection / delivery box device is delivered directly to the consignee side or indirectly via the collection / delivery company side, and the lock of the collection / delivery box device is released. It is assumed that the key information for the transfer is delivered directly to the collection and delivery company side or indirectly via the consignee side. Further, when the collection / delivery company issues key information, the issued key information for unlocking the collection / delivery box device is used, and the key information is directly transmitted to the consignee or received. Indirect delivery to the person via the sender is assumed.

[0026] However, it is good if the consignee issues the key information, but if the sender or the collection and distribution company issues the key information, the reliability of the key information issuance is questioned. That is, when anyone can issue key information, so-called "spoofing" occurs and security cannot be maintained. Therefore, the sender or the collection / delivery company directly or indirectly gives a shipping notice to the consignee side, and certain reliability information, that is, information specifying the sender or the collection / delivery company side is included in the shipping notice. The identification information is provided to prevent “spoofing” on the sender or collection / delivery side.

In the case where the sender gives a shipping notice directly to the consignee, for example, if the consignee knows the sender, the name of the sender may be notified. . That is, to be specific, the shipping notice may be an electronic mail including a name, a mail address, and the like that can identify the sender. Of course, in the present invention, the communication means is not limited to the electronic mail, and it is sufficient that the communication means includes the information capable of specifying the sender side as described above.

Also, even when the consignee does not directly know the sender, such as when ordering goods through mail order or the like, the name of the sender is included in the shipping notice. If so, the consignee would normally remember that they had placed the order, and the e-mail as described above would be sufficient.

In the same manner, if the collection and delivery company gives a notice of delivery, this is somewhat complicated, but if the collection and delivery company is a well-known collection and delivery company, information that specifies the collection and delivery company, such as the name of the collection and delivery company, is included. May be able to solve it. However,
This does not prevent "spoofing", so, for example, the collection / delivery company is genuine or, in particular, a genuine collection / delivery company who certainly receives a request for delivery to himself / herself (consignee). And present this proof to the consignee in the shipping notice. In order to prove that the collection / delivery company is genuine, for example, it is possible to provide a predetermined certification body (certification body side), and have such certification issued therefrom. Such a certifying method can be applied not only to the collection and delivery company but also to the sender who has a possibility of “spoofing”.

Specifically, it is desirable that the certification organization is, for example, an organization composed of a third party and whose certification information is socially recognized. However, for example, such a certification authority side can be operated as a website, so that it is possible for the collection and delivery company to operate substantially instead of a third party. In any case, it is sufficient that the authentication information on the website provides at least a certain level of security to the consignee.

More specifically, the certificate authority is, for example, a so-called “certificate authority” that issues a digital certificate. More specifically, for example, “SET (Secure
Electronic Transactions). In such an authentication method,
Subject to registration by the sender and / or collection and delivery company,
Such registration may be a temporary registration for each series of collection and delivery. In addition, in the present invention, the authentication of the consignee side is not essential, but if the sender and the collection / delivery side communicating with the consignee side require such, the consignee side should be included in the object of authentication. Is also possible.

If the website can be given a certain level of reliability as described above, for example, a collection and delivery company opens a website for receiving a shipping request, and the sender who received the website receives the request. Publishes a shipping request from this side on this website, and informs the consignee that the request has been sent and gives advance notice of shipping.When the consignee accesses the website, the consignee The key information may be issued by either the side or the website.

The key information whose reliability is ensured as described above may use single key information (or personal identification number information) such as a so-called “common key method”. Two types of keys such as "asymmetric key method" may be used. In the case of the asymmetric key method, generally,
It has a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.

The information for specifying the sender side and / or the collection / delivery side as described above may be transmitted together with information on a shipping request in actual operation. For the protection of privacy, it is desirable that information be transmitted in an encrypted form to ensure its security.

In this case, for example, contrary to the above, the secret key is used for encryption and the public key is used for decryption. And make the public key available to the consignee,
The collection and delivery company uses the secret key obtained from the sender to
Information specifying the sender and / or the collection / delivery company side, information on the shipping request, and the like are encrypted, and the encrypted information is transmitted to the consignee as a shipping notice. The consignee side decrypts the shipping notice received from the collection / delivery company with the public key, and unlocks the collection / delivery box device if it can be decrypted. Further, not only can the content be decrypted but also the security can be expected to be further improved by a configuration in which the decrypted content is confirmed and the lock is released.

As described above, in this specification, the "key information" includes information encrypted by a key other than the key itself such as an electronic security code and an electronic key.

In the above-described invention, the exchange of information between the consignee side, the sender side, and the collection / delivery side depends on the easiness of the exchange of digitized key information and the exchange of various information to be exchanged. It is desirable to transmit the data by communication in order to ensure security and to facilitate the processing of the key information and various kinds of information. It is desirable to have a device capable of communicating information and perform these series of processes. However, in the case of the sender side and the consignee side, it is not necessary to provide a special communication device, and it goes without saying that the above-mentioned collection and delivery device can be used. As a device capable of such communication, a portable communication device suitable for short-distance communication such as infrared rays and Bluetooth in order to minimize security problems such as leakage of communication contents when communicating with a collection / delivery box device. Is adopted.

From the above, in the present specification,
The “consignee side” is a consignee and / or a communication device used by the consignee. The “sender side” is a sender and / or a communication device used by the consignor. Trader side "
Is a collection / delivery company and / or a communication device used by the collection / delivery company, and “the certification body side” is a certification body and / or
Or a communication device used by the certification authority.

As described above, according to the key information issue / acquisition method of the collection / delivery box apparatus according to the present invention, the electronic key information issued by the collection / delivery box apparatus, or a device such as a home server and a portable communication device can be used. It can be easily notified to a specific collection / delivery company.

The key information issued here is digitized in a communicable form and can be issued to the collection / delivery company in units of putting goods into and out of the collection / delivery box apparatus, so that the security is extremely high.

Further, with this configuration, the consignee or the collection / delivery company can install the collection / delivery box device capable of performing short-range wireless communication of the electronic key information with the portable communication device. Even without using a communication device of the type, it is possible to perform an unlocking operation in front of the collection / delivery box device using a portable communication device used by a consignee or a pickup / delivery company. In particular, in the case of the consignee, the key information setting operation, the lock releasing operation, and the like can be performed by the portable communication device, so that it can be easily performed immediately before going out or when returning home. It is possible to handle the collection box device.
Similarly, in the case of a collection / delivery company, a lock release operation or the like can be performed by a portable communication device, so that a collection / delivery worker at the site does not have a physical interface for communication when collecting / delivery. In addition, the collection and delivery box device can be easily handled in front of the user.

When using the key information, the customer and the collection / delivery company do not need to pay attention to the contents of the key information, and there is no input with the ten keys or the like. It is.

In the above invention, the "collection / delivery company", "customer", "sender", "consignee", and "certifying body" are entrusted by these persons and perform the respective functions. (Or consignee), and therefore, "collector / distributor side", "customer side", "sender side", "consignee side",
The “certifying institution side” may be a communication device used by the trustee (or trustee).

[0044]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a collection and delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the network shown in FIG. 1 and a control system of a home server and a collection and delivery box device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a home network connected to the home server 2 via the LAN 21 is constructed at the customer's home (upper left in the figure). As a communication method for connecting the home network, other appropriate communication methods such as infrared, wireless LAN, and Bluetooth can be adopted other than the wired LAN shown here. A digital television receiver 3 capable of two-way communication and a collection box device 1 are connected to the home network, and the collection box device 1 is installed adjacent to the outside of the customer's home. This installation location is preferably a location easily accessible to, for example, a collection and delivery company, such as in front of a door.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pick-up / delivery box device 1 includes an input port 11 for a customer CLT to input an article A,
Storage 12 for temporarily storing articles A input from
An electronic lock-type opening / closing door 13 for the LT or the collection / delivery company 6 to take in / out the article A is provided.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Are CPU 100, ROM 101, RAM 102, LA
An N interface (LAN I / F) 103, a closing sensor 104, a door lock mechanism 105, an output unit 106, and a password receiving unit 107 are provided.

The CPU 100 controls each part of the collection box device 1 connected thereto based on the computer program stored in the ROM 101. The ROM 101 stores various computer programs necessary for the operation of the CPU 100. RA
The M 102 temporarily stores various data generated when the CPU 100 operates, and in the present embodiment, a password storage unit 10 that stores a password for unlocking the door 13.
2a is secured in a part of the area. The LAN interface 103 is an interface for connecting the collection and delivery box device 1 to the LAN 21.

The loading sensor 104 detects the loading of the article A into the loading slot 11 and gives the detection result to the CPU 100. The door lock mechanism 105 is an electronic lock mechanism attached to the door 13, and locks and unlocks the door 13 according to an instruction from the CPU 100. The output unit 106 includes a lamp, a buzzer, a liquid crystal display, and the like. The password receiving unit 107 directly receives a password transmitted from the outside and outputs the received result to the CPU.
Give to 100.

The home server 2 has a CPU 200 and a ROM 20
1, a RAM 202, and a LAN interface (LAN I / F) 203.

The CPU 200 controls each unit of the home server 2 connected thereto based on the computer program stored in the ROM 101. The ROM 201 stores various computer programs necessary for the operation of the CPU 200,
In the present embodiment, the password generation program 201a
And a transaction processing program 201b. The RAM 202 temporarily stores various data generated during the operation of the CPU 200. In the present embodiment, the RAM 202 partially secures an area for storing various information generated during the processing of the transaction processing program 201b. It is. Also, LA
The N interface 203 is an interface for connecting the home server 2 to the LAN 21.

The transaction processing program 201b
Activated when a delivery request and pick-up request for article A are input, transmits a request to this effect to the request destination, activates the password generation program 201a, and issues a password corresponding to this request Then, the personal identification number is assigned to the collection / delivery box device 1 while the password is programmed to be included in the request to the effect.

The home network according to the present embodiment composed of the LAN 21 has an external communication interface (external communication).
The home server 2 is connected to an external network NET via an I / F) 22, and the Internet server 7, 8 (operated by a supermarket or the like that undertakes delivery of side dishes and home delivery) through the network NET. 1 (see FIG. 1). This network NE
In the present embodiment, T means an appropriate network such as the Internet, an extranet, or a dedicated line for a network-compatible mobile phone.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of the mutual processing between the collection / delivery box device 1 and the home server 2 when the customer CLT uses the collection / delivery box device 1 to collect and deliver the goods A to the collection / delivery company 6. The home server 2 stores, in the transaction storage unit 202a of the RAM 202, each piece of information obtained by communication with the collection / delivery box apparatus 1 and each piece of information obtained by communication with a communication apparatus outside the home network.

First, the CPU 100 of the collection and delivery box device 1 monitors the loading of the article A by the loading sensor 104 (step S1).
1), and waits until the insertion is detected (step S11)
With “NO”).

On the other hand, when the input sensor 104 is, for example, the customer CLT
In this case, the CPU 100 of the collection / delivery box device 1 recognizes this when the article A input from the input port 11 is detected by the
“YES” in S11), a request to request the collection and delivery company 6 to pick up the input article A is transmitted to the home server 2 via the LAN interface 103 (step S12).

The CPU 200 of the home server 2
Starts the transaction processing program 201b in response to the reception of the signal from the LAN 21 via the LAN 21, and determines whether or not the received information from the collection and delivery box device 1 is a request to request a pickup (step S22). If the request is a request for a pickup request ("YES" in step S22), CPU 200 activates password generation program 201a, and opens / closes door corresponding to the request.
13 are assigned to the PINs for unlocking, and the assigned PINs are notified to the collection / delivery box device 1 via the LAN interface 203 (step S23).

Then, the CPU 200 of the home server 2 sends a pick-up request corresponding to this request together with the password to a pick-up trader (in the present embodiment, directly the collection / delivery trader 6). Is transmitted to the Internet server 7 of the cleaning company via the LAN interface 203 (step S24).

The CPU 100 of the collection / delivery box device 1 sets, for example, to unlock the opening / closing door 13 by inputting the same personal identification number as the one notified from the home server 2 from outside (step S13). ). Specifically, the password is stored in the password storage unit 102a of the RAM 102, and the door lock mechanism 105 locks the opening / closing door 13.
Then, the CPU 100 is a collection and delivery company from the personal identification number receiving unit 107.
The input of the password is monitored (step S14), and the process waits until the password is input ("NO" in step S14).

On the other hand, when the password is input (“YES” in step S 14), the CPU 100 of the collection and delivery box device 1 stores the input password in the password stored in the password storage unit 102. Authentication is performed by matching
S15). If the authentication is OK (“YE
S ”), the CPU 100 causes the door lock mechanism 105 to unlock the door 13 (step S16), and if the authentication is not OK (“ NO ”in step S15), the output unit 106 informs the error. This error is output by, for example, a buzzer sound, lighting of a lamp, display of a character string indicating an error, etc. Note that the error is reported by an on-site collection and delivery worker as described later. You may make it transmit to the portable communication device used.

The CPU 200 of the home server 2 monitors a delivery request for the article A to be delivered to the collection and delivery box device 1 (step S21). The delivery request is made by the customer CLT by operating the remote controller 4 via the digital television receiver 3 or, for example, from the outdoors from a network-compatible mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA).
network NE by operating the portable communication device 5 (stant)
The information is transmitted to the home server 2 via the T and the external communication interface 22, and is, for example, a home delivery order for a prepared food to a supermarket.

If the received information is not a request for a delivery request (“N” in step S 21)
O ”), the process proceeds to the step S22, and when the request is not a request to request the receipt (“ N ”in the step S22).
O "), and executes other processing (step S27).

On the other hand, CPU 200 of home server 2 determines that the received information is a request for a delivery request (step S21).
"YES") to start the password generation program 201a,
A password for unlocking the door 13 corresponding to the request is assigned, and the assigned password is notified to the collection / delivery box device 1 via the LAN interface 203 (step S25).

Then, the CPU 200 of the home server 2 sends a delivery request in response to the request together with the password to a delivery company (in the present embodiment, directly the collection and delivery company 6). For example, the data is transmitted to the Internet servers 7, 8 such as a cleaning company and a supermarket via the LAN interface 203 (step S26). On the other hand, the CPU 100 of the collection / delivery box device 1
The same processing as steps S13 to S17 is executed.

In this embodiment, the collection and delivery box device is used.
Although 1 is described as having a simple box storage 12, it is also possible to provide additional functions such as heat retention and moisture retention according to the articles A held inside.

In the present embodiment, the assignment of the personal identification number, that is, the issuance of the personal identification number, has been described as being performed by the home server 2. However, the collection and delivery box device 1 is provided with the personal identification number generation program 201a, It is also possible to configure so as to cause the device 1 to issue.

Similarly, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the information is issued by the portable communication device 5 used by the customer CLT and is directly set in the collection / delivery box device 1. Specifically, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, as the portable communication device 5, devices compatible with various communication systems can be adopted. For example, a network-compatible mobile phone, a Bluetooth-compatible mobile information terminal device, an infrared communication-compatible mobile phone, It is possible to adopt a non-contact type IC card or the like. Therefore, as the personal identification number receiving unit 107 of the collection and delivery box device 1, a device corresponding to these communication methods is adopted. These portable communication devices 5 usually include a memory (not shown) for storing a password and a CPU for executing a computer program such as a password generation program 201a. It is easy to have such a function.

Further, not only issuance / setting of a security code, but also the release of the lock of the opening / closing door 13 is performed by the collection / delivery box device 1 using the communication function described above, or the home server 2 and the remote controller 4 are used. Various requests to be made are performed by the portable communication device 5, and a request for the request (hereinafter, referred to as a request)
(Called “request information”) may be transferred to the home server 2 via the pickup box device 1.

Further, similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, the unlocking of the opening / closing door 13 is performed by the collection box by the portable communication device 62 used by the collection / delivery worker 61 who actually picks up and delivers the article A. It is also possible for the device 1 to perform this. In such a case, the communication method, the hardware configuration, and the like of the portable communication device 62 are the same as those of the above-described portable communication device 5 of the customer CLT, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the above description, the pickup / delivery box device
The relation between the home server 2 and the home server 2 is a client server system in the home network, and the home server 2 manages information related to collection and delivery such as generation of request information and issuance of a personal identification number. It may be configured as a stand-alone type so that all processes are performed by the collection and delivery box device 1.

By the way, besides the case of the collection and delivery in which the request of the customer CLT originates, for example, when the customer CLT places an order for goods by mail order or when a gift is delivered from an acquaintance's home, etc. As shown in FIG. 6, a sender 9 such as a mail order dealer or an acquaintance can use various communication devices 91 such as a network-compatible mobile phone and a personal computer.
Or by using the collection and delivery box device 1 according to the present invention, a request is made by communication to the shipping request receiving communication device 64 operated by the collection and delivery company 6 to which the shipping is requested. Accordingly, the sender 9 generates the shipping request information by using the communication device 91 and transmits the shipping request information to the shipping request receiving communication device 64 directly or indirectly via the network NET.

The collection / delivery company 6 includes a communication device 64 for receiving a shipping request.
Is used to transfer the dispatch request information (which includes a password, which will be described in detail later), to the collection / delivery worker 61 at the site in charge of the corresponding destination area. Collection and delivery workers61
The transfer information is received by the in-vehicle communication device or the portable communication device 62 of the collection and delivery work vehicle 65 used by the collection and delivery worker 61. Here, the transfer information received by the in-vehicle communication device is
A configuration for downloading to the portable communication device 62 is also possible. Of course, it is also possible to configure so that the collection / delivery worker 61 at the site receives the shipping request from the sender 9 directly, but in reality, the processing related to the request reception is performed by the communication device 64 for receiving the request. It is better to centrally manage the data.

Next, an example of a mode of issuing a personal identification number in response to a shipping request will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, it is desirable that the consignee (customer CLT), the sender 9 and the collection / delivery company 6 execute the respective processing by the communication device used by each as described above. Specifically, the communication devices are the collection and delivery box device 1, the home server 2, the portable communication device 5 and the like if they are consignees, and the communication device 91 and the collection and delivery box device if they are the sender 9. 1 and the collection and delivery company 6, if the communication device 64 for receiving a delivery request, the portable communication device 62 of the collection and delivery worker 61, and the collection and delivery work vehicle 65 (strictly speaking,
The in-vehicle communication device).

First, referring to FIG. 7, prior to a shipping request to the collection and delivery company 6, the sender 9 checks the customer CLT serving as the consignee.
Is notified of the shipment of article A (step). Upon receiving the shipping notice and accepting it, the consignee issues a personal identification number (step), and sets the issued personal identification number in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step). Then, the consignee sends the same password as that set in the collection and delivery box device 1 together with, for example, information indicating that the consignment has been accepted.
Notify (step). In response to receiving the notification of the personal identification number, the sender 9 makes a shipping request to the collection and delivery company 6, and at this time, passes the notified personal identification number to the collection and delivery company 6 (step).

In a similar manner, as shown in FIG. 8, when the sender 9 gives a notice of the shipment of the article A to the customer CLT as the consignee prior to the dispatch request to the collection and delivery company 6 (step), It is also possible for the consignee who has received the shipping notice to return only the information indicating acceptance of the consignment to the sender 9 without issuing a password (step). In this case, the sender 9 having received the notification of the acceptance of the consignment issues a personal identification number (step) and notifies the consignee of the issued personal identification number (step). Then, the sender 9 makes a delivery request to the collection and delivery company 6 together with the delivery of the password notified to the consignee (step). On the other hand, the consignee
The personal identification number notified from the sender 9 is set in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step).

When the collection / delivery company 6 issues a password, as shown in FIG. 9, the sender 9 first requests the collection / delivery company 6 for shipping (step). Next, the delivery / delivery company 6 that has received the shipping request issues a password (step) and gives a notice of shipping to the consignee (step). here,
This shipping notice indicates that the shipper 9 has received a shipping request for the consignee from the sender 9 or a genuine collection and delivery company 6 who has received a shipping request for the consignee from the sender 9. This includes presentation of information certifying the fact (hereinafter referred to as “shipping request certificate”) and notification of a password issued by the collection and delivery company 6. Then, the consignee who has received such a shipping notice sets the personal identification number included in the shipping notice in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step).

In a similar manner, as shown in FIG. 10, first, a sender 9 requests a delivery to a collection / delivery company (step), and the collection / delivery company 6 that has received the delivery request sends a password together with the above-mentioned delivery request certificate and a personal identification number. Is notified to the consignee (step). Next, the consignee who has received the shipping notice issues a personal identification number (step) and sets the issued personal identification number in the collection / delivery box device 1 (step). Then, the consignee notifies the collection / delivery company 6 of the password (step).

Further, in order to have greater reliability in the shipping notice notified by the collection and delivery company 6 to the consignee,
As shown in FIG. 11, a pre-established collection and delivery company certification organization 600
, It is requested that the collection and delivery company 6 authenticate at least that it is a genuine collection and delivery company and issue information indicating the authentication (hereinafter, referred to as “collection and delivery company authentication ID”) (step).
When the collection and delivery company 6 receives a shipping request from the sender 9 (step), the collection and delivery company 6 gives a shipping notice including presentation of the collection and delivery company authentication ID to the consignee (step). The consignee receiving the shipping notice issues a personal identification number (step), sets the issued personal identification number in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step), and notifies the collection and delivery company 6 of the personal identification number (step).

As shown in FIG. 12, it is also possible to issue a collection / delivery company authentication ID from the collection / delivery company certification organization 600 for each shipping request. In this case, for example, it is possible to have the collection and delivery company certification organization 600 issue a password. In other words, as the collection / delivery company 6 receives the shipping request from the sender 9 (step), the collection / delivery company 6 sends the collection / delivery company authentication ID 600 the collection / delivery company authentication ID and the password corresponding to the shipping request. Have it issued (step). At this time, the collection / delivery company authentication ID may be unique to the shipping request. The collection / delivery company 6 receives the issuance of the personal identification number with the collection / delivery company authentication ID and gives a notice of shipment to the consignee (step). Here, the shipping notice includes notification of a password with the collection / delivery company authentication ID. Then, the consignee who has received such a shipping notice sets the personal identification number included in the shipping notice in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step).

As shown in FIG. 13, it is also possible to substitute the collection / delivery company 6 with a website 63 operated by the collection / delivery company (hereinafter, referred to as “collection / delivery company website”) 63. In this case, the collection / delivery company website 63 is provided with functions such as acceptance and management of a shipping request and issuance of a personal identification number. For example, the collection / delivery company website 63 displays the management number of the received request and information (name,
Various shipping request information such as address, telephone number, breakdown of shipment, etc., and information on consignee (name, address, telephone number, etc.) are posted. Therefore, the sender 9 writes the shipping request information on the collection / delivery company website 63, and the consignee can confirm the shipping request information and receive a password.

In other words, the sender 9 is the collection / delivery company website 6
Access to 3 and make a shipping request on the collection / delivery company website 63 (step). When the dispatch request is completed, the above-described information is posted as one delivery request order on the collection and delivery company website 63, and the sender 9 sends, for example, an e-mail message that forms a part of the collection and delivery company website 63. From the credit web page, send a notice to the consignee by sending an e-mail to the consignee (step). The e-mail transmitted to the consignee includes, for example, the URL of the collection and delivery company website 63, and the consignee receiving this specifies the part of the URL, so that the consignment is sent to the collection and delivery company website 63. It can be easily accessed (step). Collection and Delivery Website 63
The consignee who accesses the website confirms that the shipping request corresponding to the shipping notice to himself has been posted on the collection and delivery company website 63, and issues a password according to the instructions on the collection and delivery company website 63. Collection and Delivery Website 63
(Step). Alternatively, the personal identification number issued by the collection and delivery company website 63 may be received in accordance with the instruction of the collection and delivery company website 63 (step). Then, the consignee sets the password issued in this way in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step).

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14, instead of the dispatcher 9 notifying the consignee of the dispatch notice, the dispatcher website 63 automatically notifies the consignee of the dispatch notice. Good. That is, first, the sender 9 accesses the collection and delivery company website 63, and makes a delivery request on the collection and delivery company website 63 (step). Once the shipping request is completed,
While the information described above is posted as one delivery request order on the collection / delivery company website 63, the collection / delivery company website 63 sends a notice of delivery in the form of e-mail including the URL of the collection / delivery company website 63 to the consignee. Send to (step). The consignee accesses the collection / delivery company website 63 corresponding to the URL included in the received e-mail (step), and either the collection / delivery company website 63 or the consignee issues a password as described above ( Step,
). Then, the consignee sets the password issued in this way in the collection and delivery box device 1 (step).

In the above embodiment, the pickup / delivery box device
Although the key information used to release the lock 1 has been described as being the same, that is, the so-called “common key method” between the consignee and the collection / delivery company, the so-called “common key method” using two types of key information instead is described. An "asymmetric key method" may be used.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the sender 9
The public key is issued, and a shipping notice including the public key is given to the consignee (step). On the other hand, the sender 9 issues a private key and sends a shipping request including the issued private key to the collection and delivery company.
Perform for 6 (step). On the other hand, the consignee sets the public key included in the shipping notice from the sender 9 in the collection and delivery box device 1.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16, the sender 9
A delivery notice is given to the consignee (step), and a delivery is requested to the collection / delivery company 6 (step). The consignee receiving the shipping notice issues a public key and a secret key, sets the public key in the collection / delivery box device 1 (step), and hands over the secret key to the collection / delivery company 6 (step).

As in the above two embodiments, the public key held by the consignee is set in the collection / delivery box device 1, while the secret key held by the collection / delivery company 6 is used for encrypting information such as a shipping request. Used. The encrypted information is temporarily stored in the portable communication device 62, for example, by being transferred from the delivery request receiving communication device 64 to the portable communication device 62 of the on-site collection and delivery worker 61, and the like. The data is transmitted from the portable communication device 62 to the collection and delivery box device 1 by an appropriate communication method, and is taken into the collection and delivery box device 1. The collection and delivery box device 1 decrypts the received encrypted information using the public key, and releases the lock, for example, when the decryption is possible. Further, in order to further improve security, further authentication can be performed based on the decrypted content. As described above, the key information need not be the key information itself such as a personal identification number, but may be information encrypted with a key. Further, the key information may adopt a security method such as a digital ID or an electronic signature.

In addition, the collection and delivery box apparatus 1 configured as described above
Can be used not only by the consignee but also by the sender on the shipping side, and thus can be used by both the consignee and the sender.

From this viewpoint, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, when a certain customer CLT stays at a certain business trip destination A (for example, a hotel or the like), the collection and delivery installed at the business trip destination A is performed. Assume that articles A as laundry are deposited in the box device 1 (step). At this time, the customer A designates a “destination” via the collection and delivery box device 1 and obtains a “password” from the collection and delivery box device 1. In such a case, the pickup and delivery box device 1
It is desirable to provide appropriate input means in addition to the configuration described above.

For example, if the customer CLT sets the next destination B (for example, another hotel) as the “destination”, first,
The goods A deposited in the collection / delivery box device 1 of the business trip destination A are picked up by the collection / delivery company 6 (step) and delivered to the cleaning company. Then, the article A is cleaned, for example, by a cleaning company (step), and is again delivered by the collection / delivery company 6 to the collection / delivery box device 1 of the next business trip destination B, which is the “destination” (step).

The customer CLT arriving at the next business trip destination B receives the above-mentioned “PIN” from the collection / delivery box device 1 installed at this business trip destination B.
Cleaned articles stored inside using the
A can be taken out (step).

This is an example, and according to the collection and delivery box device 1 of the present invention using key information in a form that can be transmitted,
Various usage modes can be assumed by using a plurality of collection and delivery box devices 1. Therefore, the application is not limited to the cleaning service as described above, but may be a mere delivery service, for example. In addition, as described above, the sender and the consignee may be the same and use a plurality of collection / delivery box devices 1, and the sender and the consignee may use a single collection / delivery box device 1 for a station or the like. It may be used like a common locker installed in public facilities.

[0092]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, there is no need for a customer to be at home for pickup and delivery, and a delivery location can be set as close to the customer's home as possible. Also, the collection / delivery company does not need to worry about whether the customer is at home.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to issue key information with high security for unlocking the collection / delivery box device and to obtain key information by a collection / delivery company while maintaining security. It can be done without bothering the collection and delivery company.

Further, according to the present invention, the lock can be easily released by the customer and the delivery / delivery company by using the key information having high security as described above.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a collection and delivery method and a collection and delivery box device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network shown in FIG. 1 and a configuration of a control system of a home server and a collection and delivery box device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of mutual processing between the collection and delivery box device and the home server in the collection and delivery method according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a form of a customer communication device for operating the collection and delivery box device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a form of a communication device of a collection and delivery company (particularly, a collection and delivery worker at a site) holding key information.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a distribution route of key information of the collection and delivery box device in response to a shipping request from a sender.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a distribution route of key information of the collection and delivery box device in a case where a sender gives a shipping notice to a consignee.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the distribution route of the key information of the pickup / delivery box device in a case where the sender gives a shipping notice to the consignee.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a distribution route of key information of the collection and delivery box device when a delivery notice is given to a consignee from a collection and delivery company.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the distribution route of the key information of the collection / delivery box device when a delivery notice is given from the collection / delivery company to the consignee.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a distribution path of key information of a collection and delivery box device using a certification organization for preventing “spoofing” such as a sender and / or a collection and delivery company.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of a distribution path of key information of a collection and delivery box device using a certification organization for preventing “spoofing” such as a sender and / or a collection and delivery company.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a distribution path of key information of a collection and delivery box device using a collection and delivery management website (collection and delivery company website).

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of a distribution route of key information of a collection and delivery box device using a collection and delivery management website (collection and delivery company website).

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a distribution path of key information of the collection and delivery box device using the “asymmetric key method”.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of a distribution route of key information of the collection and delivery box device using the “asymmetric key method”.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a usage form of the collection and delivery box device using a plurality of collection and delivery box devices.

[Explanation of Signs] 1… Collection box device 2… Home server 3… Digital TV receiver 4… Remote controller 5… Portable communication device 6… Collection and delivery company 7… Internet server 8… Internet server 9 …… Sender 12 …… Storage 13 …… Opening / closing door 62 …… Portable communication device 63 …… Collection / delivery company website 64 …… Shipment receiving communication device 65 …… (with communication device) Collection and delivery work vehicle 91… … Communication equipment 600 …… Collection and delivery company certification body A …… Goods CLT …… Customer (consignee, sender) NET …… Network

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Claims (19)

[Claims] Claims 1. In response to a customer performing a first operation with a collection and delivery box device installed at a place where a collection and delivery company can enter and leave,
Or, in response to a customer giving a first signal to the pickup / delivery box device via another device, the pickup / delivery box device generates the first information, and the pickup / delivery box device can be directly or another device. A collection and delivery method, wherein the first information is transmitted to a communication device used by the collection and delivery company via the Internet, thereby requesting the collection and delivery company to pick up the goods placed in the collection and delivery box device. 2. The collection and delivery method according to claim 1, wherein the first operation is to put an article in the collection and delivery box device. 3. The collection and delivery in response to a customer performing a second operation on the collection and delivery box device, or in response to the customer providing a second signal to the collection and delivery box device via another device. A box device generates second information, and the collection / delivery box device transmits the second information, directly or via another device, to a communication device used by the collection / delivery company. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the request is made to the collection / delivery company to deliver an article corresponding to the information of (1) and place the article in the collection / delivery box device. 4. In response to a customer performing a second operation with a collection / delivery box device installed at a place where a collection / delivery company can enter / exit,
Or, in response to the customer giving a second signal to the pickup / delivery box device via another device, the pickup / delivery box device generates the second information, and the pickup / delivery box device is directly or in another device. Requesting the collection and delivery company to deliver the article corresponding to the second information to the collection and delivery box device by transmitting the second information to the communication device used by the collection and delivery company via Collection and delivery method. 5. At least one of the first signal, the second signal, the first information, and the second information may be used to move an article in and out of the collection and delivery box device. 5. A key information for unlocking a door provided at the doorway.
Collection and delivery method according to any one of the above. 6. By transmitting the key information to the collection / delivery box device using a communication device used by the collection / delivery company, or by transmitting to the collection / delivery box device using the other device. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the door is unlocked by the collection box device. 7. The collection and delivery according to claim 5, wherein the key information is set in the collection and delivery box device by transmitting the key information to the collection and delivery box device using the another device. Method. 8. The communication device or the other device used by the collection / delivery company is a portable communication device capable of rewriting the key information or an IC card capable of rewriting the key information. The collection and delivery method according to claim 1. 9. An electronic key for unlocking a door provided on the collection / delivery box device so that the collection / delivery company can put the article requested to be sent by the sender into the collection / delivery box device of the consignee. A method for obtaining and issuing key information of a collection / delivery box device, wherein a sender or a collection / delivery company receiving a request for shipping of an article from the sender notifies the consignee of the shipment of the article, and Side, the sender side, or the collection / delivery side issues the key information, and when the consignee side issues the key information, the issued key information is delivered to the collection / delivery side, and the sender side issues the key information. In such a case, the issued key information is delivered to both the consignee side and the collection / delivery side, and when the collection / delivery side issues the key information, the issued key information is delivered to the consignee side. Key device issue and acquisition method for the box device. 10. The delivery box device according to claim 9, wherein when the consignee issues the key information, the shipping notice includes information for specifying the sender and / or the collection / delivery company side. Key information issuance acquisition method. 11. When the shipping notice includes information for specifying a sender and / or a collection / delivery company, the information includes a message indicating that the sender and / or the collection / delivery company have been authenticated by a predetermined certification body. The information of claim 1 is included.
0, the key information issuance and acquisition method of the collection and delivery box device. 12. The key information includes first key information and second key information.
Information including two pieces of key information of the following key information, wherein the first key information is held by the consignee side, and the sender or collection / delivery company side specifies the sender / collection / delivery company side by the second key information. 12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the key information is issued and obtained. 13. A box body capable of holding an article therein,
Storage means for storing digitized first key information in a pick-up / delivery box device configured to release a lock of a door provided at the doorway for loading and unloading the article by using key information; Receiving means for receiving the second key information transmitted from the communication device holding the received second key information; and storing the second key information received by the receiving means in the storage means. A collection / delivery box device, comprising: analysis means for analyzing based on the first key information; and unlocking means for unlocking the door based on an analysis result by the analysis means. 14. The collection and delivery box device according to claim 13, wherein the first and second key information are the same key information. 15. The second key information is obtained by encrypting at least information for identifying a sender and / or a delivery / delivery company of an article, and the analysis unit converts the second key information into the second key information. An attempt is made to identify the sender or delivery company of the article by decrypting with the first key information, and the unlocking means locks the door when decryption is possible by the analyzing means. 14. The pick-up / delivery box device according to claim 13, wherein the setting is canceled. 16. The communication device is a portable communication device having a rewritable memory for the second key information, and the receiving unit is configured to perform wireless communication with the communication device. The collection and delivery box device according to any one of claims 13 to 15. 17. The communication device is a non-contact type IC card having a rewritable memory for the second key information, and the receiving unit is capable of reading recorded contents of the IC card. The collection and delivery box device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising a reader. 18. The communication apparatus further comprises: key information issuing means for issuing second key information to be held by the communication device; and transmitting means for transmitting the second key information issued by the key information issuing means. The collection and delivery box device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein: 19. The transmission means, together with the second key information, information for requesting the collection and delivery company to pick up an article stored in the box, or the collection and delivery company for delivery of an article into the box. 19. The collection and delivery box device according to claim 18, wherein the information to be requested is transmitted.