JP2018036821A - Article delivery system and article delivery method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve treatment according to features of a user to improve convenience when a home delivery box and a locker device are used as a delivery destination.SOLUTION: A server 20 that received a delivery request generates slip data for uniquely specifying the delivery request and generates user feature data designating features (such as a body height and age) of a user to match the data with the slip data. A locker device 10 stores article treatment data that matches features of a user with precaution on putting in and taking out of an article by the user and specifies precaution using the user feature data and the article treatment data matched with the slip data to select a storage unit and perform notification to a worker on the basis of the specified precaution when the article is put in or taken out of the storage unit of the locker device 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an article delivery system and an article delivery method for delivering an article.

  Conventionally, when an article is delivered to a home or the like, it is necessary that the recipient who receives the goods is at home. If the recipient is absent, even if the item is brought to the delivery destination, the delivery cannot be completed and the delivery is performed again, which places a heavy burden on the recipient and the delivery company.

  For this reason, a system for managing and operating a locker device capable of depositing a product by an unspecified third party is known. For example, Patent Document 1 manages and operates a plurality of locker devices via the Internet. An Internet shared locker system that can be used is disclosed. With this system, a user can reserve a box for storing products purchased by himself / herself based on the availability of locker devices installed nationwide or in a plurality of areas. Then, the locker that reserved the product is delivered to the home, and the user who has ordered the product goes to the locker to get the product.

JP 2004-161461 A

  However, in the case of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when the user wants to select the arrangement of boxes for storing products based on his / her own characteristics (height, age, gender, nationality, etc.), the user must manually match his / her own characteristics. There is no choice but to select a box placed at the specified position. For example, when a user with a short height selects a box in a high position, it is difficult to remove the package from the box, and the work load increases. In addition, in such a case, there is a risk that the baggage may fall from the box, which reduces the convenience for the user.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and enables handling according to the characteristics of the user when the locker device or the like is used as a delivery destination, thereby providing convenience for the user. An object of the present invention is to provide an article delivery system and an article delivery method capable of enhancing the performance.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention includes a locker device having a plurality of storage units for storing articles, and locking and unlocking each storage unit, and the locker as a delivery destination of the articles An article delivery system having a delivery request processing device for designating a device, wherein the delivery request processing device includes user feature information acquisition means for acquiring user feature information relating to a user receiving the article, and the use Selection means for selecting a storage unit of an article for which a delivery request has been made from the plurality of storage units based on the person characteristic information.

  Further, in the above invention, the present invention further includes usage status information acquisition means for acquiring usage status information indicating usage status of the plurality of storage units, and the selection means includes the user characteristic information and / or the usage. Based on the situation information, a storage unit for an article for which a delivery request has been made is selected from the plurality of storage units.

  Further, the present invention according to the above invention further comprises article feature information acquisition means for acquiring article feature information related to the article for which the delivery request has been made, wherein the selection means includes the user feature information and / or the article. Based on the characteristic information, a storage unit for an article for which a delivery request has been made is selected from the plurality of storage units.

  In the above invention, the present invention further includes usage status information acquisition means for acquiring usage status information indicating the usage status of the plurality of storage units, wherein the selection means includes the user feature information and the article feature information. And / or selecting a storage unit of an article for which a delivery request has been made from the plurality of storage units based on the usage status information.

  Further, the present invention relates to the above-described invention, the caution information regarding the storage of the article in each storage unit of the locker device and / or the removal of the article from each storage unit of the locker device and the product feature information are associated with each other. Storage means for storing and article feature information of the article stored in the storage means when the article is stored in the storage section of the locker device and / or the article is removed from the storage section of the locker device The information processing apparatus further includes attention information specifying means for specifying the attention information corresponding to the information, and output means for outputting the attention information specified by the attention information specifying means.

  In the present invention, the user characteristic information includes a gender and / or age of the user.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the item feature information includes at least one of a size, a weight, and a degree of caution for damage.

  The present invention also includes a locker device that has a plurality of storage units that store articles, locks and unlocks each storage unit, and a delivery request processing device that designates the locker device as a delivery destination of the items. An article delivery method in an article delivery system, wherein the delivery request processing device obtains user feature information related to a user who receives the article, and the delivery request processing device uses the use And a selection step of selecting a storage unit of an article for which a delivery request has been made from the plurality of storage units based on the person characteristic information.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when using a locker apparatus etc. as a delivery destination, the handling according to a user's characteristic is enabled, and it can improve a user's convenience.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the article delivery system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Internet shopping according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external configuration diagram showing an external configuration of the locker device. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of inflow suppression of rainwater (part 1). FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of inflow suppression of rainwater (part 2). FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the locker device. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the storage management data shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the article handling data shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the server. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the order management data shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the user registration data shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the locker device. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the delivery work reception process shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the extraction reception process shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the server. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram when notifying a notice together with a delivery notification to a user. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for the case of an article delivery service. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a case where the locker device identifies the feature of an article.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an article delivery system and an article delivery method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, the concept of the article delivery system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the article delivery system according to the embodiment. The article delivery system according to the present embodiment can select one of a plurality of locker devices 10 installed in a station or commercial facility as a delivery destination.

  The locker device 10 has a plurality of storage units for storing articles, so-called lockers, and can lock the plurality of storage units individually. Moreover, it is preferable to install the locker device 10 in public facilities such as a plurality of stations. The locker device 10 may have an article temporary storage function that assumes that the same person performs deposit and removal of articles.

  A user (for example, a purchaser of an article as will be described later) makes a delivery request for the article to the server 20 (1). In this delivery request, the locker device 10 can be selected as a delivery destination.

  Upon receiving the delivery request, the server 20 generates slip data as data for uniquely specifying the delivery request, and performs a user feature specifying process for specifying the feature of the user (2). In the user feature specifying process, the height, sex, age, nationality, address, etc. of the user are specified, user feature data including the specified information is generated, and associated with the slip data. The height, sex, age, nationality, and address of the user are specified based on the input from the user. Alternatively, the user feature may be stored in association with the user identification information, and the user feature may be specified from the user identification information.

  Thereafter, the server 20 issues a delivery instruction to a delivery agent or the like to deliver the article (3). The delivery company delivers slips and user characteristic data in association with the articles. For example, the contents of these data may be described on a slip and affixed to an article to be delivered.

  The locker device 10 stores article handling data in which the characteristics of the user are associated with the precautions regarding the putting in and out of the article by the user. For example, the article handling data defines that the storage destination is limited to a storage unit at a low position when the height of the user is less than a predetermined value. In addition, when the user is an elderly person or a woman, it is defined that the storage unit at a lower position is preferentially selected as the storage destination. Further, the article handling data stipulates that notification is made in a language that matches the nationality of the user.

  When the locker device 10 receives the slip data and the user feature data from the delivery company, the locker device 10 refers to the article handling data based on the user feature data. Then, the storage unit is selected according to the restriction indicated in the article handling data (4a), and the cautions indicated in the article handling data are notified to the delivery company (4b).

  When the delivery company stores the article in accordance with the precautions (5), the locker device 10 stores the slip data and the user characteristic data, and transmits a delivery notification including the slip data to the server 20 (6). The delivery notification performed by the locker device 10 to the server 20 is referred to as a “first delivery notification” for convenience.

  The server 20 that has received the first delivery notification transmits a delivery notification including slip data to the user who is the requester of the delivery request (7). The delivery notification performed by the server 20 to the user is referred to as a “second delivery notification” for convenience. When the user goes to the place where the locker device 10 is installed and causes the locker device 10 to read the slip data included in the second delivery notification, the corresponding storage unit is unlocked and the article can be received ( 8).

  Specifically, the locker device 10 first reads the slip data (8a), specifies the precautions from the user feature data associated with the slip data, and notifies the user (8b). Thereafter, the locker device 10 unlocks the storage unit corresponding to the slip data (8c), and makes the article ready to be received.

  In this way, the server 20 generates user characteristic data and associates it with the slip data, and the locker device 10 stores article handling data in which the characteristics of the user are associated with the precautions regarding the insertion and removal of articles by the user. In addition, when an article is taken in and out of the storage unit of the locker device 10, the precautions are specified by the user characteristic data and the article handling data, and the selection of the storage unit and the operator are made based on the specified precautions. Notification. For this reason, when the locker device 10 is used as a delivery destination, handling according to the characteristics of the user is possible, and convenience can be improved.

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

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the server 20 provides a sales site for selling goods. Specifically, the server 20 can display and control information on articles sold by the store 40, and can accept purchase operations for the articles, that is, orders. Further, the server 20 can acquire data indicating an empty storage unit that can be used as a delivery destination from the locker device 10.

  The purchaser operates the terminal device 30 to access the server 20 and purchases a desired article (1). This purchase corresponds to the delivery request. If the storage unit of the locker device 10 is desired as the delivery destination of the purchased article, the server 20 controls the display of the empty storage unit of the locker device 10 and accepts the selection of the delivery destination.

  When the purchase is made, the server 20 issues an order number (2). Further, if the delivery destination is the locker device 10, the server 20 generates delivery key data corresponding to the order number (3) and performs a feature specifying process (3a). The feature specifying process includes a user feature specifying process for specifying user feature data, and an article feature specifying process for specifying a feature of an article to be delivered. In the article feature specifying process, article feature data including the specified information for specifying the size and weight of the article to be delivered is generated. Similar to the user feature data, this item feature data is also used for selecting the storage unit and notifying the operator. In the system shown in FIG. 2, delivery key data corresponds to slip data, and user feature data and article feature data are associated with delivery key data.

  The weight indicated in the article feature data can be calculated by adding the weight of the packing material to the weight of the purchased article. At this time, if a plurality of articles are delivered in one packing box, the weight of the plurality of articles and the weight of the packing material are summed. The size indicated in the item feature data is the size of the packaging box. Further, when an item indicating fragility is included in the item feature data, an index of fragility may be determined from the type of purchased item (for example, a cracked object or a precision instrument).

  After associating the delivery key data with the user characteristic data and the article characteristic data, the server 20 places an order with respect to the store 40 (4). This order corresponds to the delivery instruction. In ordering, the store 40 is notified of the order number, delivery key data, user characteristic data, and article characteristic data in addition to the information specifying the purchased article and its delivery destination.

  The store 40 ships the purchased item according to the order (5). Delivery key data, user feature data, and product feature data are attached to the product. When a numeric string or a two-dimensional barcode is used as the delivery key data, the delivery key data can be attached by printing on the slip.

  The delivery company 50 delivers the goods shipped from the store 40 to the designated locker device 10 (6). Then, the delivery key data, the user characteristic data, and the article characteristic data are read by the locker device 10, the storage unit is unlocked, and the article is stored in the storage unit.

  The locker device 10 stores delivery key data, user characteristic data, and article characteristic data, locks the storage unit in which the article is stored, and takes out key data that is unlocking data for unlocking the lock. Is generated (7). The retrieval key data is used by the purchaser to receive the item. The take-out key data can also be used for a delivery company to collect an article when the purchaser does not receive the article within a set time limit. The extraction key data may be in an arbitrary format such as a numeric string or a two-dimensional barcode.

  The locker device 10 transmits a first delivery notification including delivery key data and take-out key data to the server 20 (8).

  Receiving the first delivery notification, the server 20 specifies the order number by the delivery key data, and transmits a second delivery notification including the extraction key data to the purchaser's terminal device 30 (9). The purchaser can know that the article purchased by the second delivery notification is stored in the storage unit of the designated locker device 10 and visits the installation location of the locker device 10 to read out the extraction key data. (10a), the storage unit can be unlocked and the purchased item can be taken out.

  If the purchaser does not take out the article for a predetermined period or more after the article is stored in the storage unit of the locker device 10, the server 20 issues a collection instruction to the delivery company 50 (10b). This collection instruction includes the extraction key data. Therefore, the delivery company 50 can take out and collect the articles using the take-out key data. In this case, the use of the extraction key data by the purchaser may be invalidated and the terminal device 30 notified accordingly. By enabling the delivery company 50 to collect articles using the take-out key data, it is possible to prevent a situation where the storage unit is occupied for a long period of time.

  Next, the external configuration of the locker device 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is an external configuration diagram showing an external configuration of the locker device 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the locker device 10 includes a plurality of storage units including the storage units L01b and L02b, and a lock mechanism corresponding to each storage unit. For example, the lock mechanism L01a is a mechanism that locks and unlocks the storage portion L01b, and the lock mechanism L02a is a mechanism that locks and unlocks the storage portion L02b. Furthermore, the locker device 10 has a user interface including a display operation unit 11.

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

  A member for suppressing the inflow of rainwater is provided on the front surface of the storage unit. This inflow suppression of rainwater will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig.4 (a) shows the structure in the case of not having the member for suppressing the inflow of rainwater. Under the door L01d of the storage portion L01b, a drainage channel L01f for receiving and draining inflow of rainwater is provided. Further, a rain gutter L02g for receiving the inflowing rainwater is provided on the door L02d of the storage portion L02b.

  Rainwater travels outside the door L01d. A part of the rainwater flows into the drainage channel L01f as the water flow f1. A part of the rainwater flows into the rain gutter L02g as the water flow f2. Other rainwater travels outside the door L02d as a water flow f3. Here, when the water flow f1 is large, it overflows from the drainage channel L01f, and water is generated up to the floor L01e of the storage unit L01b. Similarly, when the water flow f2 is large, it overflows from the rain gutter L02g and the inundation occurs in the storage portion L02b.

  Therefore, in the locker device 10, as shown in FIG. 4B, a draining plate L01h is provided below the door of the storage unit. By this draining plate L01h, the water flow f1 flowing into the drainage channel L01f and the water flow f2 flowing into the gutter L02g are reduced, and the overflow of the drainage channel L01f and the gutter L02g can be suppressed. Moreover, the water flow f4 repelled from the front surface of the rocker device 10 is generated by the draining plate L01h, and the water flow f3 transmitted outside the door L02d is reduced.

  In FIG. 4, the structure of the lower part of the storage part L01b and the upper part of the storage part L02b has been described as an example. However, the same structure is provided at the upper part and the lower part of each storage part, Inflow of rainwater can be suppressed.

  Although FIG. 4 illustrates a structure in which the draining plate L01h is provided as a member for suppressing the inflow of rainwater, a member for suppressing the inflow of rainwater may be provided at the door of the storage unit. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram in the case where a member for suppressing the inflow of rainwater is provided at the door of the storage unit. In the example of FIG. 5, a draining member L01i is attached to the door L01d of the storage portion L01b. By this draining member L01i, the water flow f1 flowing into the drainage channel L01f and the water flow f2 flowing into the gutter L02g are reduced, and the overflow of the drainage channel L01f and the gutter L02g can be suppressed. Further, the water draining member L01i generates a water flow f4 repelled from the front surface of the rocker device 10, and a water flow f3 transmitted outside the door L02d is reduced.

  Next, the internal configuration of the locker device 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the rocker device 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the locker device 10 includes a display operation unit 11, a code reader 12, a card reader 12a, a money processing unit 12b, a receipt issuing unit 13, a communication unit 14, a storage unit 15, And a control unit 16. The locker device 10 includes a plurality of storage units including the storage units L01b and L02b, a lock mechanism (L01a and L02a and the like) corresponding to each storage unit, and a sensor (L01c and L02c and the like) corresponding to each storage unit. Have Note that the lock mechanism of each storage unit is in a lock standby state, and is unlocked only when necessary (when an article is taken in or out). The sensor is an optical sensor or the like provided near the center of the floor surface of each storage unit, and is used for identifying whether or not an article is stored.

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

  The code reader 12 is a reading unit for reading delivery key data and take-out key data. When two-dimensional barcodes are used as delivery key data and take-out key data, the code reader 12 is configured by a camera that captures these images and an image processing unit. The code reader 12 reads the user characteristic data and the article characteristic data together when reading the delivery key data.

  The card reader 12a is a unit that reads identification information from a payment card. A payment card is a general term for cards that can be used for payment other than cash, and includes a credit card, a debit card, and a prepaid card. The payment card also includes a card that can be settled with electronic money. In some cases, a portable terminal device or the like may have a payment card function.

  The money processing unit 12b is a unit that accepts, stores, and pays out money, and is used when a user performs cash settlement. The receipt issuing unit 13 is a printer unit for issuing receipts as necessary, such as when delivering or taking out articles. The communication unit 14 is an interface unit for communicating with the server 20 or the like via a predetermined communication line. The storage unit 15 is a storage device composed of a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, or the like. The storage unit 15 stores storage management data 15a and article handling data 15b.

  The control unit 16 is a control unit that controls the locker device 10 as a whole, and includes a storage management unit 16a, a delivery work reception unit 16b, a delivery key data identification unit 16c, a feature data processing unit 16d, an unlocking data generation unit 16e, a lock It has a control unit 16f, a delivery notification execution unit 16g, and a settlement processing unit 16h. Actually, by storing programs corresponding to these functional units in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and loading these programs into a CPU (Central Processing Unit), the storage management unit 16a, The delivery operation receiving unit 16b, the delivery key data identification unit 16c, the feature data processing unit 16d, the unlocking data generation unit 16e, the lock control unit 16f, the delivery notification execution unit 16g, and the settlement processing unit 16h are caused to execute corresponding processes. It will be.

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

  The state of the storage section includes “empty”, “delivery waiting”, “waiting for delivery notification”, “delivered”, and “failing”. “Empty” is a state that can be selected as a new delivery destination because no article is stored in the storage unit and there is no plan to deliver the article. “Delivery wait” is a state in which the delivery destination is selected but the article is not stored. “Waiting for delivery notification” is a state in which the delivery destination is selected and the article is stored, but waiting for delivery notification to be executed because other delivery work remains. “Delivery completed” is a state where the delivery destination is selected, the article is stored, and a delivery notification is made. This state is a state in which an article exists in the storage unit and is waiting for removal by the purchaser or delivery company 50. If the purchaser or delivery company 50 takes out, the state of the storage unit becomes “empty”. In addition, other states such as “failing” are provided.

  If the status of the storage unit is “delivery waiting”, “waiting for delivery notification” or “delivered”, the storage unit is associated with the delivery key data, and the delivery key data uniquely identifies the delivery request and the storage unit. Functions as identification information. For this reason, when the state of the storage unit is “delivery waiting”, “waiting for delivery notification” or “delivery completed”, the status of the delivery key data is “waiting for delivery”, “waiting for delivery notification” or “delivery completed” Can be treated as

  The delivery work accepting unit 16b is a processing unit that accepts delivery work by the delivery company 50. Specifically, the delivery work receiving unit 16b authenticates a trader code given in advance to the delivery trader 50 as an operation corresponding to the start of the delivery work. After the delivery work is started, the delivery work acceptance unit 16b accepts delivery key data. In addition, after receiving one or a plurality of delivery key data, a delivery end operation which is an operation indicating the end of the delivery work can be received. If there is no locker in the “delivery waiting” state due to the receipt of the delivery key data, it is possible to determine the end of the delivery work regardless of the delivery end operation.

  For the authentication of the trader code, for example, the input trader code may be transmitted to the server 20 to make an inquiry, and the authentication result by the server 20 may be received. In such a configuration, the server 20 manages the registration, deletion, update, etc. of the supplier code, thereby reducing the risk that the supplier code is illegally used. In addition, if the latest supplier code is periodically received from the server 20 and stored in the locker device 10, the server 20 does not need to be inquired when the supplier code is authenticated, so the authentication fails due to a communication error. You can avoid the situation.

  The delivery key data identification unit 16c is a processing unit that identifies whether or not the accepted delivery key data is legitimate data. If the server 20 generates delivery key data, the locker device 10 holds the delivery key data notified from the server 20 at the time of purchase establishment, etc., if the delivery key data is notified to the locker device 10. The delivery key data can be identified by comparing with the delivery key data received from the delivery company 50. If the server 20 generates the delivery key data and the configuration is such that the delivery key data is not notified to the locker device 10, the locker device 10 transmits the delivery key data received from the delivery agent 50 to the server 20. It may be inquired whether it is data.

  When the delivery key data is received, the feature data processing unit 16d stores the user feature data and the article feature data associated with the delivery key data in the storage management data 15a, so that the user and the article Manage settings related to features.

  Further, the feature data processing unit 16d refers to the article handling data 15b based on the user feature data and the article feature data, and specifies the cautions corresponding to the features of the user and the article. If the specified precautions indicate the storage unit restriction, the feature data processing unit 16d notifies the lock control unit 16f of the storage unit restriction. In addition, if the content to be notified is indicated in the specified precautions, the feature data processing unit 16d notifies the content by display output to the display operation unit 11 or the like. Note that the contents to be notified at the time of delivery and the contents to be notified at the time of take-out are individually associated with the precautions, and different contents can be notified at the time of delivery and at the time of take-out. The article handling data 15b may indicate the display mode in addition to the display content. Specifically, the size and language of the character to be displayed are specified as the display mode.

  The unlocking data generation unit 16e is a processing unit that generates unlocking data corresponding to the delivery key data received from the delivery company 50. The unlocking data generation unit 16e generates extraction key data as unlocking data. The retrieval key data is used when the purchaser receives the item. The take-out key data is also used for collecting the goods when the purchaser does not receive the goods. The extraction key data may be in an arbitrary format such as a numeric string or a two-dimensional barcode. This unlocking data corresponds to the storage unit to be unlocked, that is, the article corresponds to the storage unit, and can be used as storage unit information that uniquely indicates the storage unit in which the article is stored.

  In addition, the unlocking data generation unit 16e sets an expiration date for use of the extraction key data by the purchaser, thereby determining a receipt time limit that is a time limit for the purchaser to receive the article. Further, the unlocking data generation unit 16e determines a collection period for collecting the articles. A waiting period may be provided between the delivery of the article and the start of the collection period.

  Specifically, by setting a waiting period, it is preferable to set the reception deadline and the start time of the collection period to coincide. In this case, only the purchaser can take out the goods until the receipt deadline, and if the purchaser does not receive the goods within the receipt deadline, the purchaser cannot take out the goods and can be taken out by the delivery company 50. Become.

  Note that the receipt deadline may be set after the start of the collection period. In this case, at the beginning of the collection period, it is possible for either the purchaser or the delivery company 50 to take out the article. The same applies when the receipt deadline is set to indefinite. Further, an end point may be set in the collection period, or collection may be made indefinitely after the start of the collection period.

  The lock control unit 16f is a processing unit that controls locking / unlocking of the storage unit by transmitting a locking instruction or an unlocking instruction to the lock mechanisms L01a, L02a and the like. The lock control unit 16f basically maintains each storage unit in a locked state. If the delivery key data is identified by the delivery key data identification unit 16c, one storage unit that is the delivery destination of the article is unlocked. At this time, if the restriction of the storage unit is notified from the feature data processing unit 16d, the storage unit is selected and unlocked within the notified limit range.

  When an article is stored in the storage unit by the delivery company 50 and the door of the storage unit is closed, the lock control unit 16f locks the storage unit so that the storage of the article is completed. Then, the delivery key data is changed from the “delivery waiting” state to the “delivery notification waiting” state. Whether or not an article has been stored is determined using the output of a sensor corresponding to the storage unit.

  Further, when the extraction key data is read, the lock control unit 16f unlocks the storage unit corresponding to the extraction key data on the condition that the unlocking permission is obtained from the settlement processing unit 16h. At this time, the unlocked locker is changed to the “empty” state.

  When the delivery work accepting unit 16b determines that the delivery work has been completed, the delivery notice execution unit 16g executes the delivery notice for the delivery key data in the “delivery notification standby” state, and changes the state to the “delivered” state. It is a processing unit. The delivery notification by the delivery notification execution unit 16g includes delivery key data and take-out key data, and is transmitted to the server 20.

  The receipt issuing unit 13 may issue a receipt to the delivery company 50 when the delivery notification is executed. On this receipt, the delivery date and time, the door number assigned to the locker door, delivery key data, etc. are printed and used as a copy of delivery.

  The settlement processing unit 16h is a processing unit that performs settlement at the time of receipt of an article delivered by cash on delivery and settlement of a charge for temporary article storage. The settlement by the settlement processing unit 16h may be a cash settlement or a payment card. In addition, a payment method may be designated in advance. When payment is completed or payment is not required, the payment processing unit 16h notifies the lock control unit 16f of permission to unlock.

  Next, the storage management data 15a shown in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the storage management data 15a shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the storage management data 15a includes data relating to delivery, take-out, and article characteristics in addition to basic data.

  The storage management data 15a includes a storage unit ID, a door number, and a state as basic data. The storage unit ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the storage unit. The door number is a number assigned to the door of the storage unit. The status indicates the status of the storage unit by values such as “0: empty”, “1: delivery waiting”, “2: standby for delivery notification”, “3: delivered”, “7: out of order”.

  Further, the storage management data 15a includes arrangement, maximum storage size, and display language as basic data. The arrangement indicates where the storage unit is arranged, in particular, what level from the bottom. The maximum storage dimension indicates the maximum value of the dimension of an article that can be stored in the storage unit. The display language indicates which language is used for the display attached to the storage unit. Specifically, the display language takes values such as “0: Japanese only”, “1: English writing”, and “2: Chinese writing”.

  The storage management data 15a includes delivery key data and delivery date and time as data relating to delivery. The delivery key data is delivery key data corresponding to a delivery request in which the storage unit is a delivery destination. The delivery date and time indicates the date and time when the state becomes “3: delivery completed”.

  The storage management data 15a includes take-out key data, receipt deadline, collection period, take-out date and time, and take-out type as data relating to take-out. The extraction key data is generated and stored by the unlocking data generation unit 16e. The receipt time limit and the collection period are set and stored by the unlocking data generation unit 16e. The extraction date / time indicates the date / time when the storage unit is unlocked by the extraction key data. When the storage unit is unlocked by the extracted key data, the state of the storage unit is “0: empty”.

  The extraction type takes one of the values “0: waiting for extraction”, “1: received”, and “2: recovered”. When the status becomes “3: Delivery completed”, the extraction type is first set to “0: waiting for extraction”. Thereafter, when the purchase key is used by the purchaser and the storage unit is unlocked, the extraction type is set to “1: received”. When the delivery key 50 uses the extraction key data and the storage unit is unlocked, the extraction type is set to “2: collected”. Whether the take-out key data is used by the purchaser or the delivery company 50 can be identified, for example, by whether or not a delivery company code of the delivery company 50 has been received.

  The storage management data 15a includes an article size, an article weight, and a damage caution level as data relating to the feature of the article. The article size is the dimension of the article corresponding to the delivery key data, and the article weight is the weight of the article corresponding to the delivery key data. The degree of damage caution is an index indicating how easily the article corresponding to the delivery key data is broken.

  The storage management data 15a includes height, age, gender, nationality, address, and the like as data relating to user characteristics. Only a part of these items may be specified. For example, only the age is specified, and other items may not be specified.

  Next, the article handling data 15b shown in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the article handling data 15b shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the article handling data 15b associates notes with article features and user features. The article feature and the user feature include items, levels, and conditions. Items of the item feature include an item size, an item weight, a degree of damage caution, and the like. User characteristic items include height, age, gender, nationality, and the like. The level and condition indicate the evaluation and the condition in the item.

  Specifically, the article size is “level 1” when the condition “up to L1 × L2 × L3” is satisfied, and “level 2” when the condition “exceeding L1 × L2 × L3” is satisfied. The article weight is “level 1” when the condition “up to W1” is satisfied, “level 2” when the condition “W1 to W2” is satisfied, and “level 3” when the condition “exceeds W2” is satisfied. Become. The damage caution level is “level 1” if there is no designation indicating that attention is required, and “level 2” if there is designation indicating that it is attention. The designation indicating that attention is required is performed when the article is of a specific type (for example, a cracked object or a precision instrument) in the article feature identification process of the server 20.

  The precautions shown in FIG. 8 include a restriction regarding selection of the storage unit, the content of notification performed at the time of delivery, and the content of notification performed at the time of removal. Specifically, if the article size is level 2, the storage unit selection restriction is limited to a large size. This is because it does not fit in a small storage unit. Thus, since the small storage unit cannot be used when the article size is level 2, if the article size is level 1, the selection restriction of the storage unit is given priority to the small size. That is, the small storage unit is selected as long as there is a space in the small storage unit, and if all the small storage units are in use, the large storage unit is selected even if the article size is level 1.

  Further, if the article weight is level 1, there is no restriction on the selection of the storage unit, but if the article weight is level 2, the first to second storage units from the bottom are selected. Further, if the article weight is level 3, the lowermost (first stage) storage unit is selected. In this way, when the weight is large, the storage portion at a low position is used, so that the work load of taking in and out can be reduced and the safety can be improved.

  In addition, if the level of damage caution is level 1, there is no restriction on the selection of the storage unit, but if the level of damage caution is level 2, the storage unit in the third row from the bottom is preferentially selected. This is because the risk of breakage can be reduced by storing fragile articles in a position where extra operations are not required as much as possible when taking them in and out.

  Note that the selection of the storage unit is given priority in the order of the article size, the article weight, and the degree of damage caution. For example, if both the article weight and the level of caution regarding damage are level 2, the first and second storage units are selected.

  Also, if the weight of the article is level 2 to 3, a notice “Handling precautions for heavy goods” is made at the time of delivery. Similarly, if the weight of the article is level 2, a notice “Handling precautions for heavy goods” is issued at the time of removal. Further, if the weight of the article is level 3, a notification is made at the time of take-out that “Because of heavy items, handle with care.

  Also, if the level of caution required for damage is level 2, a notice “Handling precautions because it is fragile” is issued during delivery. If the level of caution for damage is level 2, a notice “Handling precautions because it is fragile” is issued even when it is taken out.

  In addition, about the alerting | reporting, if the conditions are satisfied about several alerting | reporting, all will be alert | reported. For example, if both the weight of the article and the level of caution for damage are level 2, both “caution for handling because of heavy objects” and “caution for handling because it is fragile” are notified.

  The height is “level 1” when the condition “less than H1” is satisfied, “level 2” when the condition “H1 to H2” is satisfied, and “level 3” when the condition “exceed H2” is satisfied. The age is “level 1” when the condition “less than A1” is satisfied, “level 2” when the condition “A1 to A2” is satisfied, and “level 3” when the condition “exceeds A2” is satisfied. The sex is “level 1” for women and “level 2” for men. The nationality is “level 1” in Japan, “level 2” in English-speaking countries, and “level 3” in Chinese-speaking countries.

  If the height is level 1, select the first to second storage sections from the bottom, and if the height is level 2, select the second to fourth storage sections from the bottom, and the height is level 3. For example, the storage unit in the fourth to fifth stages from the bottom is selected. Thus, the convenience of the user can be improved by selecting the storage unit having a height corresponding to the height of the user.

  Similarly, if the age is level 1, the first to second storage units from the bottom are selected. This is because the height can be estimated from the age. If the age is level 2, there is no restriction on the selection of the storage unit. If the age is level 3, the storage unit in the third to fourth stages from the bottom is selected. This is because elderly people are burdened with posture changes such as squatting and stretching.

  Further, when the age is level 3, the characters displayed on the display operation unit 11 at the time of extraction are enlarged, and voice guidance is performed. This is to ensure good operability even when the user's visual acuity is low.

  If the gender is level 1, that is, the user is female, the second to fourth storage units from the bottom are selected. Women are often taller than men, and posture changes such as squatting and stretching can be burdensome. If the gender is level 2, that is, the user is male, there is no restriction on the selection of the storage unit.

  When the nationality is level 1, there is no restriction on the selection of the storage unit. When the nationality is level 2, the storage unit in which English is written together is preferentially selected, and the display on the display operation unit 11 at the time of extraction is set to English. If the nationality is level 3, the storage unit in which Chinese writing is performed is selected preferentially, and the display on the display operation unit 11 at the time of extraction is set to Chinese.

  In addition, regarding selection of the storage unit, there are a restriction due to an article feature and a restriction due to a user feature, but it is preferable to give priority to the restriction due to the article feature. That is, the restriction by the user feature is applied within the range of the restriction by the article feature.

  Next, the internal configuration of the server 20 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the server 20. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the server 20 is connected to the display unit 21 and the input unit 22, and includes a communication unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25.

  The display unit 21 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like. The input unit 22 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The communication unit 23 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the locker device 10, the terminal device 30, the store 40, the delivery company 50, and the like via a communication line. The storage unit 24 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores order management data 24a, company registration data 24b, and user registration data 24c.

  The control unit 25 is a control unit that controls the entire server 20, and includes a locker state acquisition unit 25a, an order reception unit 25b, a delivery key data generation unit 25c, an article feature specification unit 25d, a user feature specification unit 25e, and an order processing unit. 25f, a delivery key data confirmation unit 25g, a delivery notification execution unit 25h, and a collection instruction unit 25i. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, thereby obtaining a locker state acquisition unit 25a and an order reception unit 25b. , A process corresponding to each of the delivery key data generation unit 25c, the article feature identification unit 25d, the user feature identification unit 25e, the order processing unit 25f, the delivery key data confirmation unit 25g, the delivery notification execution unit 25h, and the collection instruction unit 25i is executed. I will let you.

  The locker state acquisition unit 25a is a processing unit that acquires the state of the storage unit from the locker device 10 as necessary. The order receiving unit 25b is a processing unit that displays and controls information on articles sold by the store 40 in response to access from the terminal device 30 and receives orders.

  The order receiving unit 25b issues an order number for the received order. When the storage unit of the locker device 10 is designated as the delivery destination of the received order, the locker state acquisition unit 25a is made to acquire the state of the storage unit of the locker device 10, and the locker device 10 having a vacant storage unit is used. Accept delivery destination selection. For example, when there is no vacancy in the locker device 10 designated by the user, another locker device 10 located in the vicinity can be presented and the locker device 10 having a vacancy in the storage unit can be selected.

  The delivery key data generating unit 25c is a processing unit that generates delivery key data corresponding to the order number when the order receiving unit 25b receives an order with the locker device 10 as a delivery destination. Delivery key data can be generated by any method. For example, the delivery key data may be combined with the order number and the supplier code of the delivery company 50. The trader code of the delivery trader 50 is registered in the business registration data 24b and updated as appropriate. Therefore, by combining the order number issued by the order receiving unit 25b and the trader code of the delivery trader 50 in charge of delivery of the order, delivery key data that uniquely identifies the delivery request can be obtained.

  The article feature specifying unit 25d is a processing unit that performs an article feature specifying process for specifying the feature of an article to be delivered when the order receiving unit 25b receives an order with the locker device 10 as a delivery destination. The article feature specifying unit 25d specifies the size and weight of the article to be delivered, generates article feature data including the specified information, and associates it with the delivery key data.

  The article feature specifying unit 25d includes the article dimensions, the article weight, and the caution level for damage as article features in the article feature data. The article size can be specified from the size of the packing box used for delivery of the purchased article. The weight of the article can be calculated by adding the weight of the packing material to the weight of the purchased article. At this time, if a plurality of articles are delivered in one packing box, the weight of the plurality of articles and the weight of the packing material are summed. The caution level for damage is set by specifying that the purchased item is a caution item when the purchased item is of a specific type (for example, a broken object or a precision instrument). The data that is the basis of the article feature, that is, the size and weight of the purchased article may be acquired by referring to, for example, product information registered on the Internet shopping sales site.

  The user feature specifying unit 25e is a processing unit that performs a user feature specifying process for specifying the feature of the user who has placed an order when the order receiving unit 25b receives an order with the locker device 10 as a delivery destination. . The user feature specifying unit 25e specifies the height, sex, age, nationality, address, etc. of the user, generates user feature data including the specified information, and associates it with the delivery key data.

  The user feature specifying unit 25e specifies the height, sex, age, nationality, etc. of the user based on the input from the user. Further, the identified user characteristics are associated with the user identification information and stored in the storage unit 24 as user registration data 24c. When the user places an order after the next time, the user feature can be specified using the user registration data 24c.

  The order processing unit 25f is a processing unit that places an order to the store 40 based on the order received by the order receiving unit 25b. In ordering, the store 40 is notified of the order number, delivery key data, user characteristic data, and article characteristic data in addition to the information specifying the purchased article and its delivery destination.

  The delivery key data confirmation unit 25g is a processing unit that identifies the order number by the delivery key data included in the delivery notification when the delivery notification is received from the locker device 10. When the delivery key data confirmation unit 25g receives an inquiry from the locker device 10 as to whether the delivery key data is legitimate data, the delivery key data confirmation unit 25g confirms whether the delivery key data is data generated by itself, The result can be returned to the locker device 10. Further, when the delivery key data confirmation unit 25g receives the inquiry of the trader code from the locker device 10, the delivery key data confirmation unit 25g authenticates the trader code depending on whether or not the trader code is registered in the business operator registration data 24b. To the locker device. The delivery key data confirmation unit 25g can also periodically transmit the latest supplier code to the locker device 10.

  When the delivery notification execution unit 25h receives a delivery notification (first delivery notification) from the locker device 10, the delivery notification execution unit 25h notifies the purchaser's terminal device 30 of the delivery based on the order number specified by the delivery key data confirmation unit 25g. It is a processing unit that transmits (second delivery notification). This delivery notification includes the extraction key data.

  The collection instruction unit 25i is a processing unit that issues a collection instruction to the delivery company 50 when there is extraction key data that has entered the collection period without being received by the purchaser. The collection instruction includes the extraction key data.

  Next, the order management data 24a shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the order management data 24a shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the order management data 24a includes data related to delivery, receipt, article characteristics, and user characteristics in addition to basic data.

  The order management data 24a includes, as basic data, an order number, order item data, purchaser data, order destination data, delivery destination data, and status. The order number is identification information issued by the order receiving unit 25b and uniquely identifying the order. The order item data is data for specifying the type and number of ordered items. The purchaser data is data indicating the name and address of the purchaser. The order destination data is data for specifying the store 40, and the delivery destination data is data indicating the delivery destination of the article.

  The status indicates the status of the order by values such as “1: received order”, “2: ordered”, “3: delivered”, “4: received”, “5: collected”. “1: Order received” indicates that an order number has been issued and the order has not been placed at the store 40. “2: Ordered” indicates that an order has been placed at the store 40 and delivery has not been completed. “3: Delivery completed” indicates that the article is stored in the locker and has not been taken out. “4: Received” indicates that the item has been removed by the purchaser. “5: Collected” indicates that the item has been taken out by the delivery company 50.

  The order management data 24a includes delivery key data and delivery date / time as data relating to delivery. The delivery key data is delivery key data corresponding to the order. The delivery date and time indicates the date and time when the state becomes “3: delivery completed”.

  The order management data 24a includes take-out key data, receipt deadline, collection period, and take-out date / time as data relating to take-out. The extraction key data, the reception deadline, and the collection period are included in the delivery notification from the locker device 10. The extraction date / time indicates the date / time when the locker is unlocked by the extraction key data.

  The order management data 24a includes article dimensions, article weights, and a degree of caution regarding damage as data relating to article features. These product features are specified and stored by the product feature specifying unit 25d.

  The order management data 24a includes height, age, gender, and nationality as data relating to user characteristics. Only a part of these items may be specified. For example, only the age is specified, and other items may not be specified.

  Next, the user registration data 24c shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the user registration data 24c shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the user registration data 24c includes data relating to user characteristics in addition to basic data. The user registration data 24c includes, as basic data, a user ID, a user name, a contact address, etc., which are user identification information. As a contact address, an e-mail address, a telephone number, or the like may be used. In addition, the user registration data 24c has height, age, sex, nationality, etc. as user characteristics.

  Next, the processing procedure of the locker device 10 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the locker device 10. The locker device 10 first updates the storage management data 15a by the storage management unit 16a and notifies the server 20 of the state of the storage unit (step S101). Next, the delivery work acceptance unit 16b performs delivery work acceptance processing by the delivery company 50 (step S102), and the lock control unit 16f performs article take-out acceptance processing by the purchaser or delivery company 50 (step S103). Exit.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the delivery work reception process shown in FIG. First, the delivery work reception unit 16b determines whether or not a delivery start operation has been received (step S201). In the delivery start operation, a delivery start button or the like may be provided on the touch panel, and reading of the supplier code may be regarded as a delivery start operation.

  If the delivery start operation has not been received (step S201; No), the delivery work accepting unit 16b ends the delivery work accepting process. If the delivery start operation is accepted (step S201; Yes), the delivery work accepting unit 16b authenticates the supplier code (step S202). If the merchant code has not been read in step S201, a display output for requesting the delivery merchant 50 to input the merchant code is performed. If authentication of the read merchant code has failed (step S202; No), the merchant code authentication failure is notified and the delivery work acceptance process is terminated. In addition, for authentication of a trader code, for example, three grace periods may be set, and re-input of the trader code may be accepted up to three times.

  If the authentication of the merchant code is successful (step S202; Yes), the delivery key data identification unit 16c identifies the delivery key data received from the delivery company 50 (step S203). As a result of the identification, if it is not regular delivery key data (step S204; No), the process proceeds to step S203 to identify new delivery key data.

  As a result of the identification, if it is legitimate delivery key data (step S204; Yes), the feature data processing unit 16d acquires article feature data and user feature data associated with the delivery key data (step S205). ). The feature data processing unit 16d collates the acquired article feature data and user feature data with the article handling data 15b (step S206).

  As a result of the collation, if the content to be notified at the time of delivery is indicated as a precaution (step S207; Yes), the feature data processing unit 16d notifies the content by display output to the display operation unit 11 or the like. (Step S208).

  After step S208, or when the contents to be notified at the time of delivery are not shown as precautions (step S207; No), the lock control unit 16f unlocks the storage unit according to the article feature data and the user feature data. (Step S209). At this time, if the limitation of the storage unit is indicated as a precaution, the storage unit is selected within the range of the limitation and unlocked. With the unlocking of the storage unit, the delivery key data, the item feature data, and the user feature data are stored in association with each other (step S210). When the door is popped up when the storage part is unlocked, the delivery company can easily recognize the door.

  The delivery company puts the article into the unlocked storage unit and closes the door. Further, the unlocking data generation unit 16e generates the extraction key data in association with the delivery key data identified by the delivery key data identification unit 16c (step S211). Then, the lock control unit 16f locks the storage unit in which the article is stored (step S212), and sets the state of the delivery key data to the “delivery notification standby” state (step S213). When the storage unit is unlocked, timer monitoring is started, and if it is not locked within a predetermined time, a warning notification (display, buzzer, etc.) is given, and the door is forcibly closed and locked when time passes. You may take

  After step S213, the delivery work reception unit 16b determines whether a delivery end operation, which is an operation indicating the end of the delivery work, has been received (step S214). If the delivery end operation has not been received (step S214; No), the process proceeds to step S203, and the next delivery key data is identified.

  When the delivery end operation is accepted (step S214; Yes), or when the next delivery key data is not identified within a predetermined time, the delivery notification execution unit 16g sends a delivery notification about the delivery key data in the “delivery notification standby” state. This is executed and changed to the “delivered” state (step S215), and the delivery work acceptance process is terminated.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the extraction reception process shown in FIG. First, the lock control unit 16f determines whether or not the supplier code has been authenticated (step S301). When the supplier code is read and the authentication is successful (step S301; Yes), the lock control unit 16f controls the display of the supplier menu screen on the display unit 21 (step S311).

  If the supplier code has not been read or authentication of the supplier code has failed (step S301; No), the lock control unit 16f displays the menu screen used by the purchaser, It is determined whether authentication has been performed (step S302). Specifically, the extracted key data is read, and it is authenticated whether the extracted key data is regular data and is within the expiration date. If the extraction key data has not been read or the authentication of the extraction key data has failed (step S302; No), the lock control unit 16f ends the extraction reception process.

  If the extraction key data is successfully authenticated (step S302; Yes), the feature data processing unit 16d refers to the article handling data 15b based on the article feature associated with the extraction key data, and takes it as a precaution at the time of extraction. It is determined whether or not the content to be notified is indicated (step S303).

  If the content to be notified at the time of extraction is indicated as a note (step S303; Yes), the feature data processing unit 16d notifies the content by display output to the display operation unit 11 or the like (step S304). . At this time, an operation button for confirmation operation is displayed together with the notification.

  For example, if “Notice to handle due to heavy objects” is indicated as the content to be notified, “Please be careful not to be injured by falling items when taking out heavy items. "Please press the confirmation button when you are ready to take home."

  If a language is designated as a note, the notification in step S304 is performed in the designated language. Similarly, when a mode such as character enlargement or voice output is designated as a note, the notification in step S304 is performed in the designated mode. In addition, when a language or an aspect is specified as a caution, the specified language or aspect is applied not only to the notification in step S304 but also to the display of the menu screen and various messages.

  If the confirmation button is not operated (step S305; No), the process proceeds to step S301. When the confirmation button is operated (step S305; Yes), or when the content to be notified at the time of extraction is not indicated as a precaution (step S303; No), the lock control unit 16f stores the data corresponding to the extracted key data. Part is unlocked (step S306). Here, the purchaser takes out the article. Thereafter, the lock control unit 16f detects that the door of the unlocked storage unit is closed and locks it (step S307), sets the extraction date / time of the storage management data 15a to the current date / time, and sets the extraction type to “Received”. "(Step S308), and the state is set to" empty "(step S309). Then, the lock control unit 16f notifies the server 20 of the completion of reception (step S310), and ends the takeout reception process.

  On the other hand, if display of the merchant menu screen is controlled on the display unit 21 in step S311, and the article collection process is selected, the lock control unit 16f determines whether or not the retrieval key data has been authenticated. (Step S312). Specifically, the extraction key data is read, and it is authenticated whether the extraction key data is regular data and within the collection period. If the extraction key data has not been read or authentication of the extraction key data has failed (step S312; No), the lock control unit 16f ends the extraction reception process.

  If the extraction key data is successfully authenticated (step S312; Yes), the lock control unit 16f unlocks the storage unit corresponding to the extraction key data (step S313), and the delivery company collects the article. Then, the extraction date and time of the storage management data 15a is set to the current date and time, the extraction type is set to “collected” (step S314), and the state is set to “empty” (step S315). Thereafter, the lock control unit 16f notifies the server 20 of the completion of collection (step S316) and ends the takeout acceptance process.

  Next, the processing procedure of the server 20 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the server 20. First, the order receiving unit 25b determines whether or not an order has been received (step S401).

  If the order is accepted (step S401; Yes), the order acceptance unit 25b issues an order number (step S402), and the delivery key data generation unit 25c generates delivery key data (step S403). Further, the article feature specifying unit 25d performs an article feature specifying process that specifies the feature of the article to be delivered, and generates article feature data (step S404). Similarly, the user feature specifying unit 25e performs a user feature specifying process for specifying the user's feature to generate user feature data (step S405). Thereafter, the order processing unit 25f places an order to the store 40 (step S406).

  After step S406 is completed or when no order has been received (step S401; No), the delivery key data confirmation unit 25g determines whether or not a delivery notification has been received from the locker device 10 (step S407).

  If the delivery notification is received from the locker device 10 (step S407; Yes), the delivery key data confirmation unit 25g specifies the order number by the delivery key data included in the delivery notification (step S408). Then, the delivery notification execution unit 25h transmits a delivery notification to the purchaser's terminal device 30 based on the identified order number (step S409).

  After completion of step S409, or when a delivery notification has not been received from the locker device 10 (step S407; No), the collection instructing unit 25i receives the extraction key data that has entered the collection period without being received by the purchaser. It is determined whether or not there exists, that is, whether or not there is a delivery request that has entered the collection period without being received by the purchaser (step S410).

  If there is no take-out key data that has entered the collection period without being received by the purchaser (step S410; No), the process is terminated. If there is extraction key data that has entered the collection period without being received by the purchaser (step S410; Yes), the collection instruction unit 25i transmits a collection instruction to the delivery company 50 ( Step S411), the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the article delivery system according to the present embodiment, the server 20 generates user feature data and associates it with the slip data, and the locker device 10 takes care of the user features and the items being put in and taken out by the user. The article handling data associated with the item is stored, and when the article is taken in and out of the storage unit of the locker device 10, the notice is specified by the user characteristic data and the article handling data, and the specified notice is used. Based on this, the storage unit is selected and the operator is notified. For this reason, when the locker device 10 is used as a delivery destination, handling according to the characteristics of the user is possible, and convenience can be improved.

  In the above description, an example in which the article delivery system according to the present invention is applied to Internet shopping has been described. However, the present invention can be appropriately modified and implemented.

  First, as a first modification, a case will be described in which notices are notified together with a delivery notification to a user. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram when notifying a notice together with a delivery notification to a user.

  In this configuration, the user makes a delivery request for the article to the server 120 (1). Upon receiving the delivery request, the server 120 generates slip data as data for uniquely specifying the delivery request, and performs a feature specifying process (2). The feature specifying process includes an article feature specifying process for specifying the feature of the article to be delivered and a user feature specifying process for specifying the feature of the user. In the article feature specifying process, the size and weight of the article to be delivered are specified, article feature data including the specified information is generated, and associated with the slip data. In the user feature specifying process, the height and age of the user are specified, user feature data including the specified information is generated and associated with the slip data.

  Thereafter, the server 120 issues a delivery instruction to a delivery company or the like to deliver the article (3). The delivery company delivers slips, article feature data, and user feature data in association with the article. For example, the contents of these data may be described on a slip and affixed to an article to be delivered.

  The locker device 110 stores article handling data in which the characteristics of the article and the user are associated with the precautions regarding the putting in and out of the article. When the locker device 110 receives slip data, article feature data, and user feature data from the delivery company, the locker device 110 refers to the article handling data based on the article feature data and the user feature data. Then, the storage unit is selected according to the restriction indicated in the article handling data (4a), and the cautions indicated in the article handling data are notified to the delivery company (4b).

  The locker device 110 stores the slip data, the product feature data, and the user feature data when the delivery company stores the product according to the precautions (5), and sends a first delivery notification including the slip data to the server 120. (6). Here, the locker device 110 includes the precautions for the user, that is, the precautions related to the extraction, as the precaution data, in the first delivery notification.

  The server 120 that has received the first delivery notification transmits a second delivery notification including slip data and caution data to the user who is the requester of the delivery request (7). The user can make preparations for taking out articles in advance based on the notice data included in the second delivery notice. When the user goes to the place where the locker device 110 is installed and causes the locker device 110 to read the slip data included in the second delivery notification, the corresponding storage unit is unlocked and the article can be received. (8).

  Specifically, the locker device 110 first reads the slip data (8a), specifies the precautions from the article feature data and the user feature data associated with the slip data, and notifies the user (8b). . Thereafter, the locker device 110 unlocks the storage unit corresponding to the slip data (8c), and makes the article ready to be received.

  In this way, by configuring the delivery notice to include the caution data, the user can make preparations for taking out the article in advance. For this reason, it is possible to avoid such a situation that the article cannot be received even though the article has been received up to the place where the locker device 110 is installed.

  Next, a second modification will be described. The second modification is a configuration in the case where the present invention is applied to a delivery service in which a delivery company collects goods from a client and delivers the article to a recipient designated by the client. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for the case of an article delivery service.

  As shown in FIG. 17, a client who requests delivery of an article makes a delivery request to the delivery company 150 (1). In this delivery request, the locker device 110 can be selected as a delivery destination. Further, the client designates a recipient who is a person who receives the article and a contact address thereof.

  Upon receiving the delivery request, the delivery company 150 generates slip data as data for uniquely specifying the delivery request, and performs feature specification processing (2). The feature specifying process includes an article feature specifying process for specifying the feature of the article to be delivered and a user feature specifying process for specifying the feature of the user. In the article feature specifying process, the size and weight of the article to be delivered are specified, article feature data including the specified information is generated, and associated with the slip data. In the user feature specifying process, the height or age of the recipient user is specified, and user feature data including the specified information is generated and associated with the slip data.

  Thereafter, the delivery company 150 delivers slips, article feature data, and user feature data in association with the articles (3). For example, the contents of these data may be described on a slip and affixed to an article to be delivered.

  The locker device 10 stores article handling data in which the characteristics of the article and the user are associated with the precautions regarding the putting in and out of the article. When the locker device 110 receives slip data, article feature data, and user feature data from the delivery company, the locker device 110 refers to the article handling data based on the article feature data and the user feature data. Then, the storage unit is selected according to the restriction indicated in the article handling data (4a), and the cautions indicated in the article handling data are notified to the delivery company (4b).

  When the delivery company stores the article according to the precautions (5), the locker device 10 stores the slip data and the article feature data, and transmits a first delivery notification including the slip data to the server 220 (6). ).

  Receiving the first delivery notification, the server 220 transmits a second delivery notification including slip data and article feature data to the recipient indicated in the slip data (7). When the recipient goes to the installation location of the locker device 10 and causes the locker device 10 to read the slip data included in the second delivery notification, the corresponding storage unit is unlocked and the article can be received ( 8).

  Specifically, the locker device 10 first reads the slip data (8a), specifies the precautions from the article feature data associated with the slip data, and notifies the user who is the recipient (8b). Thereafter, the locker device 10 unlocks the storage unit corresponding to the slip data (8c), and makes the article ready to be received.

  As described above, in the article delivery service, when an article is taken in and out of the storage unit of the locker device 10, the notice is specified based on the article feature data, the user feature data, and the article handling data. Based on this, it is possible to select the storage unit and notify the operator.

  Next, a third modification will be described. In the third modification, the locker device specifies the feature of the article. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a case where the locker device identifies the feature of an article. First, the user makes a delivery request to the server 320 (1).

  Upon receiving the delivery request, the server 320 generates slip data as data for uniquely specifying the delivery request, and performs a user feature specifying process (2). In the user feature specifying process, the height and age of the user are specified, user feature data including the specified information is generated and associated with the slip data.

  Thereafter, the server 320 issues a delivery instruction to a delivery company or the like to deliver the article (3). The delivery company delivers slips and user characteristic data in association with articles. For example, the contents of these data may be described on a slip and affixed to an article to be delivered.

  The locker device 310 stores article handling data in which the characteristics of the article and the user are associated with the precautions regarding the putting in and out of the article. When the locker device 310 receives the slip data and the user feature data from the delivery company, the locker device 310 refers to the article handling data based on the user feature data. Then, the storage unit is unlocked according to the restriction indicated in the article handling data, and the article is stored (4). Further, the locker device 310 performs an article feature specifying process for specifying the feature of the stored article (5). For example, a weighing scale is provided in the storage unit, and the measurement result is specified as the feature of the article by measuring the weight of the stored article.

  The locker device 310 stores article feature data including the specified article features and user feature data in association with the slip data, and transmits a first delivery notification including the slip data to the server 320 ( 6).

  Receiving the first delivery notification, the server 320 transmits a second delivery notification including slip data to the user who is the requester of the delivery request (7). When the user goes to the place where the locker device 310 is installed and causes the locker device 310 to read the slip data included in the second delivery notification, the corresponding storage unit is unlocked and the article can be received ( 8).

  Specifically, the locker device 310 first reads the slip data (8a), specifies the precautions from the user feature data and article feature data associated with the slip data, and notifies the user (8b). . Thereafter, the locker device 310 unlocks the storage unit corresponding to the slip data (8c), and makes the article ready to be received.

  Thus, even when the locker device 310 is configured to specify the characteristics of the article, it is possible to handle according to the characteristics of the article and the user when the locker apparatus 10 is used as a delivery destination. It can contribute to improvement.

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

  For example, you may give a locker device the function which a server has. In this case, the locker device receives an order for an article to be delivered to the storage unit of the own device, and acquires and stores the characteristics of the user.

  In this embodiment, the case where height, age, gender, and nationality are specified as user characteristics has been described as an example. However, any user characteristics can be used to select and notify a storage unit. Can be used. For example, if the use of a wheelchair is specified as the user's characteristics, the second to third storage units from the bottom can be selected to facilitate removal. Moreover, if it is specified as a user's characteristic that a visual angle has a disorder | damage | failure, various guidance can be performed with an audio | voice. In this embodiment, the case where the language is selected based on the nationality has been described as an example. However, the language used may be acquired as the user feature.

  Further, in this embodiment, the configuration in which the locker device selects the storage unit based on the limitation on the selection of the storage unit has been described. However, the limitation on the selection of the storage unit may be included in the content to be notified at the time of delivery. . In this case, the delivery company selects the storage unit according to the notification regarding the limitation of the storage unit.

  In addition, when the user performs a receiving operation and unlocks the storage unit, but cannot receive it, for example, without preparing a cart, the storage unit is locked with the article remaining, and the process proceeds to temporary storage. You may be able to do it. In this case, it is preferable to charge a fee based on the temporary article storage function that assumes that the same person performs deposit and removal of articles, and the state of delivery is “received”.

  Further, in the embodiment, the case where the locker device installed in the station or the like is used as the delivery destination of the article has been described, but the present invention can be similarly applied to a delivery box installed in an apartment house or the like. It is. In addition, when the same person purchases a plurality of times, the user characteristics registered in the previous time (or the first time) can be used.

  As described above, the article delivery system and the article delivery method according to the present invention enable handling according to the characteristics of the user when using a delivery box, a locker device, or the like as a delivery destination, thereby improving convenience. Suitable for doing.

10, 110, 310 Locker device 11 Display / operation unit 12 Code reader 12a Card reader 12b Money processing unit 13 Receipt issuing unit 14, 23 Communication unit 15, 24 Storage unit 15a Storage management data 15b Article handling data 16, 25 Control unit 16a Storage Management unit 16b Delivery work reception unit 16c Delivery key data identification unit 16d Feature data processing unit 16e Unlocking data generation unit 16f Lock control unit 16g Delivery notification execution unit 16h Settlement processing unit 20, 120, 220, 320 Server 21 Display unit 22 Input unit 24a Order management data 24b Business registration data 24c User registration data 25a Locker status acquisition unit 25b Order reception unit 25c Delivery key data generation unit 25d Product feature identification unit 25e User feature processing unit 25f Order processing unit 25g Delivery key data Confirmation 25h Delivery notification execution unit 25i Collection instruction unit 30 Terminal device 40 Store 50, 150 Delivery company L01a, L02a Lock mechanism L01b, L02b Storage unit L01c, L02c Sensor L01d, L02d Door L01e Floor L01f Drainage channel L01h Drainage plate L01g Drainage plate L01g樋

Claims (8)

An article delivery system comprising a plurality of storage units for storing articles, a locker device that locks and unlocks each storage unit, and a delivery request processing device that designates the locker device as a delivery destination of the article. ,
The delivery request processing device includes:
User feature information acquisition means for acquiring user feature information relating to a user receiving the article;
An article delivery system comprising: selection means for selecting a storage unit for an article for which a delivery request has been made from the plurality of storage units based on the user characteristic information.   It further comprises usage status information acquisition means for acquiring usage status information indicating usage status of the plurality of storage units, and the selection means is configured to store the plurality of storage statuses based on the user characteristic information and / or the usage status information. 2. The article delivery system according to claim 1, wherein a storage unit for an article for which a delivery request has been made is selected.   The apparatus further comprises article feature information acquisition means for acquiring article feature information relating to the article for which the delivery request has been made, wherein the selection means is configured to store the plurality of storages based on the user feature information and / or the article feature information. 2. The article delivery system according to claim 1, wherein a storage unit for an article for which a delivery request has been made is selected.   It further comprises usage status information acquisition means for acquiring usage status information indicating usage status of the plurality of storage units, and the selection means is based on the user feature information, the article feature information and / or the usage status information. 4. The article delivery system according to claim 3, wherein a storage unit for an article for which a delivery request has been made is selected from the plurality of storage units. Storage means for storing the article information in the storage unit of the locker device and / or the item feature information in association with the caution information regarding the removal of the article from each storage unit of the locker device;
When the article is stored in the storage unit of the locker device and / or the article is taken out from the storage unit of the locker device, attention information corresponding to the item feature information of the article stored in the storage unit is displayed. Means for identifying attention information,
The article delivery system according to claim 3, further comprising: an output unit that outputs the attention information specified by the attention information specifying unit.   The article delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the user characteristic information includes a gender and / or age of the user.   The article delivery system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the article feature information includes at least one of a dimension, a weight, and a caution level for damage. Article delivery in an article delivery system having a plurality of storage units for storing articles, and having a locker device that locks and unlocks each storage unit, and a delivery request processing device that designates the locker device as a delivery destination of the article A method,
A user feature information acquisition step in which the delivery request processing device acquires user feature information relating to a user who receives the article;
The delivery request processing apparatus includes: a selection step of selecting, from the plurality of storage units, a storage unit of an article for which a delivery request has been made based on the user characteristic information.

Images