JP2021102519A - Management device and collection box - Google Patents

Abstract

To perform efficient collection of posted items with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A management device manages a posting status of a collection box in which posted items are posted. The management device has a storage unit 204, a reception unit 201, and an update unit 202. The storage unit stores posting information which is information regarding the posting status of the collection box. The receiving unit receives a posting detection signal from a first detection unit that detects posting of the posted items to the collection box. Further, the receiving unit receives a collection detection signal from a second detection unit that detects the collection of the posted items from the collection box. The update unit updates the posting information which is the information regarding the posting status of the collection box. Further, when the posting detection signal is received by the receiving unit, the update unit updates posting presence/absence information including the posting presence/absence, which is included in the posting information, to information indicating that there is a presence of posting. Further, when the recovery detection signal is received by the reception unit, the update unit updates the posting presence/absence information included in the posting information to information indicating that there is no posting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to a management system that manages the posting status of posted items that need to be patrolled and collected by a collector on a regular basis.

Conventionally, in the collection and delivery of mail, the user posts the mail with a stamp attached to the mailbox. The pick-up and delivery staff patrols the mailbox and collects the mail posted to the mailbox on time. For this reason, the pick-up and delivery staff patrols a fixed route regardless of whether or not there is mail in the mailbox, and as a result of the patrol, for example, when no mail is posted, the patrol becomes inefficient. Was there.

As a technique related to this, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a mail collection and delivery system having improved collection efficiency of a mailbox and a mailbox for realizing the system. An IC tag is attached (enclosed) to the mail, and a means is provided to read the information recorded on the IC tag and notify the collection status of the mail wirelessly, etc., and each mail is prepared in advance by the collection and delivery management center. Understand the status of posts and mail, and use that data to determine the most efficient collection route. According to such an invention, since the collection information of the mail is acquired from the IC tag attached to the mail posted in the mailbox and the information is transmitted to the collection and delivery management center, the collection and delivery management center side in advance in real time. The status of each mailbox and mail can be grasped, and the most efficient collection route can be determined based on the data.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-026430

However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 is premised on the fact that an IC tag is attached to a mail piece. Attaching an IC tag to each piece of mail has room for improvement in terms of increased system cost, complexity of system configuration, and complicated operation.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above points, and one aspect of the present invention is to efficiently collect the items to be posted by a simple configuration.

In order to solve the above problems, the management system according to the present invention includes the following management device and collection box.

The management device according to the present invention is a management device that manages the posting status of the collection box in which the items to be posted are posted, and has a storage unit, a receiving unit, and an updating unit. The storage unit stores the posting information, which is the information regarding the posting status of the collection box. The receiving unit is installed in the collection box and receives a posting detection signal as a posting detection result from the first detection unit that detects the posting of the posted object in the collection box. In addition, the receiving unit is installed in the collection box and receives a collection detection signal as a collection detection result from the second detection unit that detects the collection of the posted items from the collection box. The update unit updates the posting information, which is information on the posting status of the collection box. Further, when the posting detection signal is received by the receiving unit, the updating unit updates the posting presence / absence information including the posting presence / absence, which is included in the posting information, with the information indicating the presence / absence of posting. Further, when the collection detection signal is received by the receiving unit, the updating unit updates the posting presence / absence information included in the posting information with information indicating no posting.

The collection box according to the present invention is a collection box connected to a management device via a network and into which items to be posted are posted, and has a first detection unit, a second detection unit, and a transmission unit. The first detection unit detects the posting of the posted object. The second detection unit detects the collection of the posted material. The transmission unit transmits the mailing detection signal to the management device as the mailing detection result of the first detection unit. The transmission unit transmits the collection detection signal to the management device as the collection detection result of the second detection unit. Further, by transmitting the posting detection signal to the management device, the transmitting unit updates the posting presence / absence information indicating the presence / absence of posting, which is included in the posting information which is the information regarding the posting status of the posted item, to the information indicating the presence / absence of posting. Instruct to do. Further, the transmitting unit instructs that the collection detection signal is transmitted to the management device to update the posting presence / absence information included in the posting information to the information indicating no posting.

As described above, according to the management system according to the present invention, the collection box can sense the posting status of the items to be posted in the collection box by a simple configuration using only two sensors, not by a complicated configuration. it can. As a result, the management system can reduce the load on the management process of the posting status of the posted items in the collection box. Further, the management device can centrally manage the posting information of the items to be posted to a plurality of collection boxes installed in a wide range based on the posting detection signal and the collection detection signal from each collection box. As a result, the management system can efficiently collect the posted items.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently collect the posted material with a simple configuration.

It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of setting the collection box of the management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of setting the collection box of the management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of setting the collection box of the management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of setting the collection box of the management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of the collection box which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the software structure example of the collection box which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of the management server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the software configuration example of the management server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data example of the management DB which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the mailing count process and the initialization process of the control device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the mailing status update processing and the mailing information distribution processing of the management server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the mailing situation of the mail matter which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of the collection box which concerns on the 1st modification. It is a figure which shows the collection box installation example of the management system which concerns on the 2nd modification. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of the sensor module which concerns on 2nd modification. It is a flowchart which shows the mailing detection process and the initialization process of the sensor module which concerns on 2nd modification.

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

<First Embodiment>
<System configuration>
(Network configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a management system according to the first embodiment. The management system 100 according to the present embodiment is a system for managing the mailing status of mail (mailed items). In the management system 100, the management server (management device) 10, the mobile terminal 20, and the collection box 30 are connected to each other via the network 50.

The management server 10 is a device that manages information regarding the posting status of mail to the collection box 30 (hereinafter referred to as "posting information") and distributes the information to the mobile terminal 20. The delivered mailing information is displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 20.

The mobile terminal 20 is various information processing devices including a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, etc. possessed by a mail collector (for example, a postal worker). A general-purpose web browser or a dedicated application is installed in the mobile terminal 20 in advance. The mobile terminal 20 is connected to the management server 10 on the cloud via the network 50, and displays mailing information such as the number of mails posted.

The collection box 30 is a box for collecting mail. The collection box 30 is generally installed as a mailbox on a public road such as a sidewalk or in a store such as a convenience store. Therefore, the installation of the collection box 30 is widespread. The collection box 30 is connected to the management server 10 on the cloud via the network 50, and transmits mailing information such as the number of mails posted to the management server 10.

The collection box 30 mainly includes a mailing detection sensor 31, a collection door opening / closing sensor 32, and a control device 33 for acquiring and transmitting mailing information.

The mailing detection sensor 31 is a sensor installed at a mailing port of the collection box 30 or the like to detect the opening / closing of the mailing lid. The mail is pushed into the collection bag of the collection box 30 by pushing the mailing lid. Therefore, the mailing detection sensor 31 can detect the mailing by detecting the opening and closing of the mailing lid. The mailing detection sensor 31 outputs a detection signal to the control device 33.

The collection door open / close sensor 32 is a sensor installed at a collection port of the collection box 30 or the like to detect the opening / closing of the collection door. The recovery door open / close sensor 32 outputs a detection signal to the control device 33.

The control device 33 is connected to the mailing detection sensor 31 and the collection door open / close sensor 32, and controls a process of transmitting control data based on the detection signals of the sensors 31 and 32 to the management server 10. That is, the control device 33 is a communication relay device such as a router connected to the network 50. The detection signals from the mailing detection sensor 31 and the collection door open / close sensor 32 are converted into predetermined control data by the control device 33 and transmitted to the management server 10.

The network 50 is a communication network including wired and wireless. The network 50 includes, for example, the Internet, a public switched telephone network, WiFi (registered trademark), and the like.

(Example of installation)
2 to 5 are diagrams showing an example of installing a collection box of the management system according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to an example applied to an existing mailbox.

Existing mailboxes do not have the ability to manage the status of mail posting. Therefore, by applying the management system 100 according to the present embodiment, the post box is set as the collection box 30, and the mailing status of the mail is managed. As described above, when the management system 100 is applied to a mailbox, a mailing detection sensor 31, a collection door open / close sensor 32, and a control device 33 are installed on the mailbox as the collection box 30.

In this embodiment, for example, a magnetic proximity sensor is adopted as the mailing detection sensor 31. The magnetic proximity sensor referred to here is a separate type proximity sensor in which the sensor body including the detection element and the permanent magnet are built in separate cases, and the permanent magnet is used as the detector and the detection element is close to the detector. Is detected. The mailing detection sensor 31 is installed so as to detect the opening / closing of the mailing lid 36 by utilizing this operating principle. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the sensor body 31a of the mailing detection sensor 31 is installed on the inner surface of the box body 39 near the mailing port of the collection box 30. On the other hand, the permanent magnet 31b of the mailing detection sensor 31 is installed on the inner surface of the mailing lid 36 of the collection box 30.

When the mailing lid 36 is in the closed state, the sensor body 31a installed in the box body 39 and the permanent magnet 31b installed in the mailing lid 36 are in contact (or close to each other). At this time, the mailing detection sensor 31 outputs a first open / close detection signal OFF indicating that the mailing lid 36 is in the closed state to the control device 33.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the mailing lid 36 is pushed and the mail M is put into the collection bag 37 of the collection box 30. When the mail M pushes the mailing lid 36 and the mailing lid 36 is in the open state, the sensor body 31a installed in the box body 39 and the permanent magnet 31b installed in the mailing lid 36 are in a non-contact state (or a non-proximity state). ). At this time, the mailing detection sensor 31 outputs the first open / close detection signal ON indicating that the mailing lid 36 is in the open state to the control device 33. That is, the mailing detection sensor 31 outputs the first open / close detection signal ON (mailing detection signal ON) to the control device 33 when the mailing lid 36 is opened by mailing the mail M. Further, the mailing detection sensor 31 outputs the first open / close detection signal OFF (posting detection signal OFF) to the control device 33 when the mailing lid 36 is closed (or closed) after the mail M is posted. To do. As described above, in the present embodiment, the movable state of the posting lid 36 of the collection box 30 at the time of posting the mail M is sensed, and the mail is based on the sensing result (detection result of the open state of the mailing lid 36). Detects the posting of M.

In the present embodiment, as the recovery door open / close sensor 32, a magnetic proximity sensor is adopted as in the mailing detection sensor 31. The recovery door opening / closing sensor 32 is installed so as to detect the opening / closing of the recovery door 38 by utilizing the operating principle of the magnetic proximity sensor. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the sensor body 32a of the collection door opening / closing sensor 32 is installed on the inner surface of the box body 39 near the collection port of the collection box 30. On the other hand, the permanent magnet 32b of the recovery door open / close sensor 32 is installed on the inner surface of the recovery door 38 of the recovery box 30.

When the recovery door 38 is in the closed state, the sensor main body 32a installed in the box main body 39 and the permanent magnet 32b installed in the recovery door 38 are in a contact state (or a close state). At this time, the recovery door open / close sensor 32 outputs a second open / close detection signal OFF indicating that the recovery door 38 is in the closed state to the control device 33.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the collection door 38 of the collection box 30 is opened and the collection bag 37 is taken out. When the recovery door 38 is in the open state, the sensor main body 31a installed in the box main body 39 and the permanent magnet 31b installed in the recovery door 38 are in a non-contact state (or non-proximity state). At this time, the recovery door open / close sensor 32 outputs a second open / close detection signal ON indicating that the recovery door 38 is in the open state to the control device 33. That is, the recovery door open / close sensor 32 outputs a second open / close detection signal ON (recovery detection signal ON) to the control device 33 when the recovery door 38 is opened due to the recovery of the recovery bag 37. Further, the recovery door open / close sensor 32 causes the control device 33 to turn off the second open / close detection signal (recovery detection signal OFF) when the recovery door 38 is closed (or closed) after the recovery bag 37 is collected. Output. As described above, in the present embodiment, the movable state of the collection door 38 of the collection box 30 at the time of collection of the mail item M is sensed, and the mail item is based on the sensing result (detection result of the open state of the collection door 38). Detects the recovery of M.

(Hardware configuration of collection box)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the collection box according to the first embodiment. The collection box 30 according to the present embodiment includes a mailing detection sensor 31, a collection door opening / closing sensor 32, a control device 33, and a power supply 34. Since the main hardware configurations of the mailing detection sensor 31 and the recovery door open / close sensor 32 have already been described by taking a magnetic proximity sensor as an example, the description thereof will be omitted here.

The control device 33 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 331, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 332, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 333, and a communication device 15. The CPU 331 is an arithmetic unit that executes various programs and performs arithmetic processing. The ROM 332 is a storage device that stores programs and data required at startup. The RAM 333 is a storage device that temporarily stores the data processed by the CPU 331. The communication device 335 communicates with another device via the network 50.

The power supply 34 supplies driving power to the mailing detection sensor 31, the recovery door open / close sensor 32, and the control device 33.

(Software configuration of collection box)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a software configuration example of the collection box according to the first embodiment. The collection box 30 according to the present embodiment has, as main functional units, a first detection unit (posting detection unit) 101, a second detection unit (collection door open / close detection unit) 102, a counting unit (posting number counting unit) 103, It has an initialization unit (posted number reset unit) 104 and a transmission unit 105.

The first detection unit 101 is a functional unit included in the mailing detection sensor 31, and the second detection unit 102 is a functional unit included in the recovery door opening / closing sensor 32. The counting unit 103, the initialization unit 104, and the transmitting unit 105 are functional units included in the control device 33.

The first detection unit 101 detects the opening and closing of the mailing lid 36 to detect the mailing of the mail M to the collection box 30. The first detection unit outputs the first open / close detection signal ON, that is, the mailing detection signal ON to the counting unit 103 when the mailing lid 36 is in the open state. Further, the first detection unit 101 outputs the first open / close detection signal OFF, that is, the mailing detection signal OFF to the counting unit 103 when the mailing lid 36 is in the closed state.

The second detection unit 102 detects the opening and closing of the collection door 38 to detect the collection of the posted mail M from the collection box 30. The second detection unit outputs the second open / close detection signal ON, that is, the recovery detection signal ON to the initialization unit 104 when the recovery door 38 is in the open state.

The counting unit 103 counts the number of mail items M posted. The counting unit 103 counts the number of mailed items based on the mailing detection signal input from the first detection unit 101. The mail item M pushes the mailing lid 36 and enters the collection bag 37 of the collection box 30. The first detection unit 101 outputs a mailing detection signal ON when the mailing lid 36 is in the open state. Therefore, when the mailing detection signal is ON, the counting unit 103 adds 1 to the count value CNT indicating the number of mails, assuming that the mail M has been mailed. The counting unit 103 outputs the count value CNT as a counting result to the transmitting unit 105.

The initialization unit 104 initializes the number of mail items M to be posted. The mail M is collected from the collection bag 37 by opening the collection door 38 of the collection box 30. Therefore, it is necessary to reset the number of mails M posted until they are collected (hereinafter referred to as "cumulative number of mails") at the time of collection. The second detection unit 102 outputs a recovery detection signal ON when the recovery door 38 is in the open state. Therefore, when the collection detection signal is ON, the initialization unit 104 initializes the cumulative number of mails to be posted, assuming that the mailed mail M has been collected. The initialization unit 104 outputs a control signal for initializing the cumulative number of mailings to the transmission unit 105 as an initialization signal.

The transmission unit 105 transmits the control data to the management server 10. The transmission unit 105 transmits a count value CNT (update instruction signal of the cumulative number of mailings) input from the counting unit 103 to the management server 10. The transmission unit 105 transmits the initialization signal of the cumulative number of mails input from the initialization unit 104 to the management server 10. The transmission unit 105 transmits, together with the count value CNT or the initialization signal, an identifier (hereinafter referred to as “collection box ID”) that can uniquely identify the collection box 30 to the management server 10 as control data.

Each functional unit of the counting unit 103, the initialization unit 104, and the transmitting unit 105 is a computer executed on hardware resources such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM of the computer constituting the control device 33 of the collection box 30. It is realized by the program. These functional parts may be read as "means", "module", "unit", or "circuit".

(Hardware configuration of management server)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the management server according to the first embodiment. The management server 10 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 14, and a communication device 15. Since each hardware of the management server 10 has already been described by taking the control device 33 of the collection box 30 as an example, the description thereof will be omitted here.

(Software configuration of management server)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a software configuration example of the management server according to the first embodiment. The management server 10 according to the present embodiment has a receiving unit 201, an updating unit (posting information management unit) 202, a distribution unit (posting information transmitting unit) 203, and a storage unit 204 as main functional units.

The receiving unit 201 receives the control data transmitted from the control device 33 of the collection box 30. The receiving unit 201 receives the count value CNT transmitted from the control device 33, which indicates the number of posted items. The receiving unit 201 receives the initialization signal of the cumulative number of mails transmitted from the control device 33. The receiving unit 201 outputs control data including the count value CNT or the initialization signal to the updating unit 202.

The update unit (posting information management unit) 202 has a collection box 30 in the management DB (Data Base) 204a according to the count value CNT indicating the number of mails received by the reception unit 201 and the initialization signal of the cumulative number of mails. Update and manage the posting information of. The management DB 204a is a database for managing the posting information (posting status) of the collection box 30 in real time.

The update unit 202 accesses the management DB 204a and identifies the corresponding posting information based on the collection box ID included in the control data received by the reception unit 201. The updating unit 202 updates the cumulative number of postings included in the specified posting information based on the received count value CNT. The update unit 202 initializes the cumulative number of mails included in the specified mailing information based on the received initialization signal.

The distribution unit 203 distributes the posting information of the collection box 30 to the mobile terminal 20. The storage unit 204 is a predetermined storage area for storing the management DB 204a.

Each functional unit of the receiving unit 201, the updating unit 202, and the distribution unit 203 is realized by a computer program executed on hardware resources such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM of the computer constituting the management server 10. It is a thing. These functional parts may be read as "means", "module", "unit", or "circuit".

(Posting information management DB)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data example of the management DB according to the first embodiment. The management DB 204a is a database for managing the posting information (posting status) of the collection box 30 in real time. The management DB 204a has data items such as "collection box ID (post ID)", "jurisdiction name", "location", and "posting status".

The data of the "collection box ID" indicates a unique identifier numbered to uniquely identify the collection box 30. The data of "jurisdiction name" indicates the name of the installation area of the collection box 30, that is, the patrol area (collection area) of the collection box 30 by the collector. The "location" data indicates the location (installation location) of the collection box 30.

The data of "posting status" shows the posting status of the mail M to the collection box 30. That is, the data of the "posting status" is the posting presence / absence information indicating the presence / absence of posting. In this embodiment, the "posting status" data indicates the cumulative number of postings during the uncollected period. When the data of "posting status" is [0], the cumulative number of postings from the previous collection is 0, indicating an unposted state (a state in which collection is not required). When the data of "posting status" is [1] or more, it indicates that the cumulative number of postings from the previous collection is 1 or more and the state of waiting for collection (state requiring collection).

The above-mentioned "collection box ID", "jurisdiction name", and "location" data are known information registered in advance by an administrator or the like. On the other hand, the "posting status" data is updated in real time by the update unit 202 of the management server 10.

<Information processing>
(Processing of collection box)
FIG. 11A is a flowchart showing a mailing count process of the control device according to the first embodiment. The main mailing counting process is a process executed by the control device 33 of the collection box 30, and counts the number of mails M posted in the collection box 30 in real time.

S11: The control device 33 (counting unit 103) determines whether or not the mailing detection signal (first open / close detection signal) ON is input from the mailing detection sensor 31 (first detection unit 101). The mailing detection sensor 31 outputs a mailing detection signal ON to the control device 33 when the mailing lid 36 of the collection box 30 is opened due to the mailing of the mail M. When the mailing detection signal ON is input (S11: YES), the control device 33 shifts to the process of step S12. The control device 33 maintains the input waiting state until the mailing detection signal ON is input (S11: NO).

S12: The control device 33 counts the number of mail items M posted. At this time, the control device 33 counts the number of inputs of the mailing detection signal ON from the mailing detection sensor 31 as the number of mailings. That is, each time the mailing detection signal ON is input, the control device 33 adds 1 to the count value CNT indicating the number of mailed items M (CNT = CNT + 1).

S13: The control device 33 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after determining that the mailing detection signal ON has been input. When the predetermined time has elapsed (S13: YES), the control device 33 shifts to the process of step S14. The control device 33 repeats the counting process of the number of mailings based on the input of the mailing detection signal ON until a predetermined time elapses (S13: NO).

S14: The control device 33 (transmission unit 105) transmits the counting result (count value CNT) of the number of postings to the management server 10 as an update signal of the cumulative number of postings, and the cumulative postings included in the posting information are sent to the management server 10. Instruct to update the number. At this time, the control device 33 transmits the collection box ID, which is an identifier of the collection box 30, as control data to the management server 10 together with the count value CNT. When the transmission to the management server 10 is completed, the control device 33 initializes the count value CNT (CNT = 0).

Here, the technical purpose of step S13 will be described. For example, when a plurality of mail items M are continuously posted, in a configuration in which a counting result (count value CNT: 1) is transmitted to the management server 10 each time a single mailing is detected, the processing load and power consumption required for data transmission are used. Increased consumption. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control device 33 is configured to repeat the counting process of the number of mailed items until a predetermined time elapses after detecting the mailing of the mail item M. That is, when the mail M is continuously posted, the control device 33 does not transmit the counting result to the management server 10 each time it detects one posting. If the posting interval is within a predetermined time, the counting process of the number of postings is repeated during continuous posting. After that, when the posting interval becomes longer than the predetermined time, the counting result of the number of postings from the previous data transmission is transmitted to the management server 10. As a result, the control device 33 suppresses the processing load and power consumption required for data transmission. Therefore, the predetermined time may be set to a value in consideration of the posting interval (average time calculated by statistics) at the time of continuous posting.

As described above, according to the present mailing counting process, the control device 33 of the collection box 30 is based only on the mailing detection signal from the mailing detection sensor 31 installed near the mailing port of the collection box 30, that is, the first open / close detection signal. , The number of mailed items M can be counted.

FIG. 11B is a flowchart showing an initialization process of the control device according to the first embodiment. This initialization process is a process executed by the control device 33 of the collection box 30, and resets the cumulative number of mail items M that have been accumulated until the collection box 30 is collected.

S21: The control device 33 (initialization unit 104) determines whether or not the recovery detection signal (second open / close detection signal) ON has been input from the recovery door open / close sensor 32 (second detection unit 102). The collection door open / close sensor 32 outputs a collection detection signal ON to the control device 33 when the collection door 38 is opened due to the collection of the collection bag 37. When the recovery detection signal ON is input (S21: YES), the process proceeds to step S22. The control device 33 maintains the input waiting state until the recovery detection signal ON is input (S21: NO).

S22: The control device 33 transmits an initialization signal of the cumulative number of postings in the uncollected period to the management server 10, and instructs the management server 10 to initialize the cumulative number of postings included in the posting information. At this time, the control device 33 transmits the collection box ID, which is an identifier of the collection box 30, as control data to the management server 10 together with the initialization signal.

As described above, according to this initialization process, the control device 33 of the collection box 30 is based only on the collection detection signal from the collection door opening / closing sensor 32 installed in the collection door 38 of the collection box 30, that is, the second opening / closing detection signal. Therefore, the cumulative number of mail items M can be initialized.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the collection box 30 is not a complicated configuration, but a simple configuration using only two sensors 31 and 32 can sense the posting status of the mail item M in the collection box 30. it can. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load on the management process of the mailing status of the mail M in the collection box 30.

(Management server processing)
FIG. 12A is a flowchart showing a mailing information update process of the management server according to the first embodiment. The main mailing information update process is a process executed by the management server 10, and updates and manages the mailing information of the mail M to the collection box 30.

S31: The management server 10 (reception unit 201) determines whether or not control data has been received from the collection box 30 (transmission unit 105). The collection box 30 transmits control data including a control signal of either an update signal of the cumulative number of mailings or an initialization signal of the cumulative number of mailings and a collection box ID to the management server 10. The update signal of the cumulative number of mail items referred to here is the counting result (count value CNT) of the number of mail items M. When the management server 10 receives the control data (S21: YES), the management server 10 proceeds to the process of step S32. The management server 10 maintains the reception waiting state until the control data is received (S31: NO).

S32: The management server 10 (update unit 202) determines the type of control signal included in the received control data. Specifically, the management server 10 determines whether the control signal is an update signal for the cumulative number of postings or an initialization signal for the cumulative number of postings. When the control signal is an update signal of the cumulative number of mailed numbers, the management server 10 shifts to the process of step S33. On the other hand, when the control signal is the initialization signal of the cumulative number of mailed numbers, the management server 10 shifts to the process of step S34.

S33: The management server 10 updates the "posting status" data of the management DB 204a. The details of this process will be described with reference to the data example shown in FIG. For example, the management server 10 controls including the collection box ID: [001-2] and the counting result (count value CNT): [10] of the number of mails M as the update signal of the cumulative number of mails. Suppose you have received data. In this case, the management server 10 accesses the management DB 204a and refers to the data of the "collection box ID" based on the collection box ID: [001-2]. As a result, the management server 10 identifies the record R12 that matches the collection box ID [001-2] as a record that includes the posting information to be updated. Next, the management server 10 updates the "posting status" data (cumulative number of postings) included in the specified record R12 based on the counting result of the number of postings of the mail M: [10]. Specifically, the management server 10 adds the counting result of the number of mailed items M: [10] to the cumulative number of mailed items: [0] stored as the data of the "posting status" (10 = 0 + 10). .. The management server 10 updates the data by setting the addition result: [10] as the latest data of the "posting status" and overwriting the current value with the latest data. In this way, the management server 10 updates the posting presence / absence information included in the posting information to the information indicating "with posting".

S34: The management server 10 initializes the "posting status" data of the management DB 204a. The details of this process will also be described with reference to the data example shown in FIG. For example, it is assumed that the management server 10 receives the control data including the collection box ID: [001-3] and the initialization signal of the cumulative number of mailed items. In this case, the management server 10 accesses the management DB 204a and refers to the data of the "collection box ID" based on the collection box ID: [001-3]. As a result, the management server 10 identifies the record R13 that matches the collection box ID [001-3] as a record that includes the posting information to be updated. Next, the management server 10 initializes the "posting status" data (cumulative number of postings) included in the specified record R13 according to the initialization signal of the cumulative number of postings. Specifically, the management server 10 initializes the data by overwriting the cumulative number of postings: [25] stored as the data of the "posting status" with the initialization value: [0]. In this way, the management server 10 updates the posting presence / absence information included in the posting information to the information indicating "no posting".

As described above, according to the present mailing information update process, the management server 10 sends mail to a plurality of collection boxes 30 installed in a wide range based on the update signal and the initialization signal of the cumulative number of mails from each collection box 30. The mailing information of M can be centrally managed.

FIG. 12B is a flowchart showing a mailing information distribution process of the management server according to the first embodiment. This mailing information distribution process is a process executed by the management server 10, and distributes the mailing information of the mail item M in the collection box 30 to the information terminal 20.

S41: The management server 10 (reception unit 201) determines whether or not a request for acquisition of posting information has been received from the information terminal 20. The information terminal 20 is a terminal owned by a collector / deliverer of the mail item M. The collector requests the acquisition of mailing information such as the number of mails M by designating the collection box ID of the collection box 30 for which information is to be acquired, for example, via a dedicated application installed on the information terminal 20. To do. At this time, the information terminal 20 transmits control data requesting information acquisition. The control data includes the collection box ID pointed out. When the management server 10 receives the control data (S41: YES), the management server 10 proceeds to the process of step S42. The management server 10 maintains the reception waiting state until the control data is received (S41: NO).

S42: The management server 10 (distribution unit 203) distributes the requested posting information of the collection box 30 to the information terminal 20. The details of this process will be described with reference to the data example shown in FIG. For example, suppose that the management server 10 receives control data including a collection box ID: [002-1] and a mailing information acquisition signal. In this case, the management server 10 accesses the management DB 204a and refers to the data of the "collection box ID" based on the collection box ID: [002-1]. As a result, the management server 10 identifies the record R21 that matches the collection box ID [002-1] as a record that includes the posting information to be acquired. Next, the management server 10 transmits each data of "collection box ID", "jurisdiction name", "location", and "posting status" included in the specified record R13 to the information terminal 20 as posting information.

<Display example of posting information>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the mailing status of the mail matter according to the present embodiment. As described above, the management server 10 distributes the mailing information of the mail M to the collection box 30 to the mobile terminal 20. As a result, the delivered mailing information is displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 20 possessed by the collector.

As described above, according to the present mailing information distribution process, the management server 20 can provide the collector of the mail M with the latest mailing status acquired from each collection box 30. Therefore, the collector can specify the collection box 30 in which the mail M is posted among the plurality of collection boxes 30, and can patrol only the specified collection box 30 based on the provided information. Generally, there are a plurality of collection boxes 30 that the collector is in charge of. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, if the collector can confirm the posting status of each collection box 30 before patrolling the plurality of collection boxes 30, the collection work of the mail M can be made more efficient.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the management system 100 according to the present embodiment, only two sensors 31 and 32 are used, not a complicated configuration that requires operational preconditions such as attaching an IC tag to each mail item M. The mailing status of the mail M in the collection box 30 is sensed by a simple configuration using. Specifically, in the collection box 30, the mailing detection sensor 31 detects the posting of the mail item M in response to the opening and closing of the mailing lid 36, and the collection door opening / closing sensor 32 detects the posting of the mail item M in response to the opening and closing of the collection door 38. Detect recovery. As a result, the collection box 30 can visualize the posting status of the mail item M. As a result, the management system 100 can reduce the load on the management process of the mailing status of the mail item M in the collection box 30. Further, the management server 10 centrally manages the mailing information of the mail M to a plurality of collection boxes 30 installed in a wide range based on the update signal and the initialization signal of the cumulative number of mails posted from each collection box 30. Can be done. Further, the management server 20 can provide the collector of the mail M with the latest posting status acquired from each collection box 30. Therefore, the management system 100 can provide an environment in which the collector can confirm the posting status of each collection box 30 before patrol the plurality of collection boxes 30.

That is, according to the management system 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently collect the posted items with a simple configuration.

The management system 100 according to the first embodiment may have the following configuration. The collection box 30 transmits an update signal including a count value CNT indicating the number of mail items posted to the management server 10 as a mailing detection signal. Further, the collection box 30 transmits an initialization signal for initializing the cumulative number of mailings to the management server 10 as a collection detection signal. When the management server 10 receives the posting detection signal including the count value of the number of postings, the management server 10 adds the count value to the cumulative number of postings and updates the cumulative number of postings. When the management server 10 receives the recovery detection signal including the initialization signal, the management server 10 substitutes the initial value for the cumulative number of postings according to the initialization signal and initializes the cumulative number of postings.

Although the present invention has been described by showing specific specific examples according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, these specific examples are not deviated from the broad purpose and scope of the present invention defined in the claims. It is clear that various modifications and changes can be made to the example. That is, it should not be construed that the present invention is limited by the details of the specific examples and the accompanying drawings.

<First modification>
In the first embodiment, a configuration in which a magnetic proximity sensor is used as the mailing detection sensor 31 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an optical sensor may be used.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the collection box according to the first modification. As shown in FIG. 14, when an optical sensor is used, the mailing detection sensor 31 is mainly composed of a light emitting unit 31c and a light receiving unit 31d, and the light emitting unit 31c and the light receiving unit 31d are collected so as to face each other. It is installed on the inner surface of the box body 39 of the box 30. It should be noted that the following points should be noted regarding the installation position. The optical sensor detects a passing object by passing the object between the light emitting unit 31c and the light receiving unit 31d facing each other and blocking the light. Therefore, the arrangement position (height from the bottom of the collection box 30) of each of the light emitting unit 31c and the light receiving unit 31d needs to be a position where the light receiving unit 31d can receive the light from the light emitting unit 31c. Specifically, the light from the light emitting unit 31c needs to be in a position where it is not blocked by a detection non-object such as a collection bag 37 before reaching the light receiving unit 31d. Further, the arrangement position is preferably near the opening of the collection bag 37 through which the posted mail M surely passes, from the viewpoint of the detection accuracy of reliably detecting the posted mail M. Further, the opening of the collection bag 37 has a certain area for reliably collecting the mail M. Therefore, the optical sensor to be used is, for example, a sensor having a two-dimensional detection region that detects the passage of an object by emitting a plurality of light rays by a light emitting unit and blocking at least one of the light rays. Is desirable.

As described above, according to the configuration using the optical sensor, in the mailing detection sensor 31, the posted mail M passes between the light emitting unit 31c and the light receiving unit 31d, and blocks the light from the light emitting unit 31c. , Detects the passed mail M. In addition, some collection boxes 30 do not have a mailing lid 36 at the mailing port, and the mailing lid 36 may shake (open and close) unrelated to mailing due to, for example, wind. Even in such a case, according to the configuration according to the present modification, the posting of the posted object can be detected by the posting detection sensor 31.

<Second modification>
In the first embodiment, the configuration having the power supply 34 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the installation environment of the collection box 30, it may be difficult to supply electric power to the collection box 30 by electric wires. Further, when the battery (storage battery) is used as the power source 34, the operating cost may increase due to periodic battery replacement and the like. Therefore, in this modification, the application of the sensor module using the energy harvesting technology will be described.

Energy harvesting technology is a technology that obtains minute energy from the surrounding environment and converts the obtained energy into electric power. Examples of energy sources include heat, vibration, radio waves and the like. In this modification, attention was paid to the vibration generated when the mailing lid 36 is opened and closed when the mail M is posted in the collection box 30.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of installing a collection box of the management system according to the second modification. In the recovery box 30 according to this modification, a sensor module 35 including a power generation device that obtains minute energy generated by vibration and converts the obtained energy into electric power is installed on the inner surface of the mailing lid 36. As a result, when the mail M is posted, the sensor module 35 can detect the posting of the mail M by the electric power supplied from the power generation device. In the configuration shown in FIG. 15, an example is shown in which the sensor module 35 is installed on the mailing lid 36 of the collection box 30 as the mailing detection sensor. The sensor module 35 may be used as a recovery door open / close sensor. In this case, the sensor module 35 is installed on the collection door 38 of the collection box 30.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the sensor module according to the second modification. The sensor module 35 according to this modification includes a power supply control circuit 351, a power generation device 352, a wireless circuit 353, and a sensor 354. The power supply control circuit 351 is a circuit that controls the power supply to the power generation device 352, the wireless circuit 353, and the sensor 354. The power generation device 352 obtains minute energy generated by vibration and converts the obtained energy into electric power. The wireless circuit 353 is a circuit that transmits / receives data via wireless communication. The sensor 354 detects an object. The sensor 54 is, for example, a magnetic proximity sensor that can be installed near the mailing port.

FIG. 17A is a flowchart showing a mailing detection process of the sensor module according to the second modification. This mailing detection process is a process executed by the sensor module 35 installed on the mailing lid 36 of the collection box 30, and detects the mailing of the mail M to the collection box 30 in real time.

S51: When the sensor 354 detects the posting of the mail M (S51: YES), the sensor module 35 proceeds to the process of step S52. The sensor module 35 maintains the state of waiting for detection until it detects the posting of the mail item M (S51: NO).

S52: In the sensor module 35, the wireless circuit 353 transmits the mailing detection signal ON to the management server 10.

As described above, according to the present mailing detection process, the collection box 30 can detect the mailing of the mail M based on the mailing detection signal from the sensor module 35 installed on the mailing lid 36. In this process, the number of mails M posted is not counted, but the number of mails M posted is detected. Therefore, in this process, every time the mailed mail M is detected, the mailing detection signal is transmitted to the management server 10. Therefore, in this modification, the management server 10 receives the posting detection signal from the sensor module 35 of the collection box 30, and each time, the cumulative number of postings is incremented by 1 (counted up), and the “posting status” of the management DB 204a is obtained. Update the data of.

FIG. 17B is a flowchart showing the initialization process of the sensor module according to the second modification. This initialization process is a process executed by the sensor module 35 installed in the collection door 38 of the collection box 30, and resets the cumulative number of mail items M that have been accumulated until the collection box 30 is collected.

S61: When the sensor 354 detects that the recovery door 38 is open (S61: YES), the sensor module 35 proceeds to the process of step S62. The sensor module 35 maintains the state of waiting for detection until the open state of the collection door 38 is detected (S61: NO).

S62: In the sensor module 35, the wireless circuit 353 transmits an open / close detection signal ON as a recovery detection signal to the management server 10.

As described above, according to this initialization process, the collection box 30 can initialize the cumulative number of mail items M posted based on the collection detection signal from the sensor module 35 installed in the collection door 38.

As described above, even in the configuration according to the present modification, the posted object can be detected by the simple configuration, and the posted object can be efficiently collected. Further, according to the configuration according to the present modification, it is not necessary to prepare a separate power supply for driving the sensor module 35, and the sensor module 35 can be autonomously driven. Therefore, in the configuration according to this modification, the collection box 30 can be installed even in an environment where it is difficult to supply power to the collection box 30, and the management system 100 does not depend on the installation environment of the collection box 30. Can be operated.

The collection box 30 including the sensor module using the energy harvesting technique may be configured as follows. In the collection box 30, a slide (not shown) that slides the mail M posted from the mailing port and guides it to the collection bag 37 is installed on the inner surface of the box body 39 near the mailing port. The slide is provided with a roller (not shown) that can be driven to rotate at a position facing the surface of the slide (hereinafter referred to as "moving surface") on which the posted mail M slides and moves. The moving surface of the slide and the rotating surface of the roller are close to each other, and the mail items M pass between the slide and the roller while contacting each other, and the roller is rotationally driven. As a sensor module using the energy harvesting technology applied to this configuration, a module provided with a power generation device that obtains minute energy generated by rotation and converts the obtained energy into electric power is desirable. This sensor module converts the energy obtained from the rotation of the rollers generated in response to the posting of the mail M into electric power. Therefore, the sensor module is installed at a position where the rotational energy of the rollers can be input.

As described above, according to the present configuration, the sensor module detects the passed mail M by the posted mail M passing between the slide and the roller and the rollers being rotationally driven. Further, the sensor module transmits a detection signal to the management server 10 by the electric power converted from the rotational energy of the rollers. Therefore, even in this configuration, the posted object can be detected by a simple configuration, and the posted object can be efficiently collected. Further, according to this configuration, the collection box 30 can be installed even in an environment where it is difficult to supply power to the collection box 30, and the management system 100 can be operated without depending on the installation environment of the collection box 30. can do. In addition, some collection boxes 30 do not have a mailing lid 36 at the mailing port, and the mailing lid 36 may shake (open and close) unrelated to mailing due to, for example, wind. Even in such a case, according to this configuration, the posting of the posted object can be detected by the sensor module.

<Other variants>
In the first embodiment, a configuration in which a magnetic proximity sensor is used as the recovery door opening / closing sensor 32 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a switch type sensor may be used. That is, the recovery door open / close sensor 32 outputs a second open / close detection signal ON to the control device 33 of the recovery box 30 when the recovery door 38 is in the open state, and a second when the recovery door 38 is in the closed state. Any sensor that outputs an open / close detection signal OFF may be used.

Further, in the first embodiment, the information terminal 20 has described the configuration in which the posting information of the collection box 30 is displayed on the display and the information is provided to the collector / delivery person, but the present invention is not limited to this. The information provided to the collector may be provided by voice, for example, text information is automatically read aloud. Furthermore, the provision of information to collectors is not limited to the method using only text data. Information provision to the collector may be, for example, information provision by combining the position data of the collection box 30 and the text data of the posting information on the map data.

Further, in the first embodiment, the configuration in which each sensor module of the mailing detection sensor 31 and the collection door open / close sensor 32 does not include the communication device 335 that controls the communication with the management server 10 has been described, but the present invention is limited to this. Not done. For example, a module integrated with a communication function may be used, such as the sensor module 35 shown in the second modification. In the case of the communication function integrated type, the detection signal is transmitted from the sensor module to the management server 10 as shown in the second modification. As a result, the management server 10 updates the posting information stored in the management DB 204a based on the detection signal received from the sensor module.

Further, in the first embodiment, each functional unit included in the management system 10 has been described as a configuration realized by a computer program executed on the hardware resources of the computer, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Each functional unit included in the management system 10 may be realized by hardware resources such as a circuit.

Further, in the first embodiment, the collection box 30 has been described as a mailbox into which the mail M is posted, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the collection box 30 may be a box or facility capable of remote sensing for storing items that need to be patrolled and collected by the collector on a regular basis. Specifically, it may be a collection / delivery box such as a courier service.

10 Management server 20 Mobile terminal 30 Collection box 31 Posting detection sensor 32 Collection door open / close sensor 33 Control device 50 Network 100 Management system 201 Reception unit 202 Update unit (Posting information management unit)
203 Distribution Department (Posting Information Transmission Department)
204 Storage

The management device according to the present invention is a management device that manages the posting status of the collection box in which the posted items are posted, and has a storage unit, a receiving unit, and an updating unit. The storage unit stores the posting information, which is the information regarding the posting status of the collection box. The receiving unit is installed in the collection box and receives a posting detection signal as a posting detection result from the first detection unit that detects the posting of the items to be posted in the collection box. In addition, the receiving unit is installed in the collection box and receives a collection detection signal as a collection detection result from the second detection unit that detects the collection of the posted items from the collection box. The update unit updates the posting information, which is information on the posting status of the collection box. Further, the updating unit updates the cumulative number of mailed items indicating the number of mailed items posted based on the mailing detection signal, and initializes the number of mailed items when the collection detection signal is received.

The collection box according to the present invention is a collection box connected to a management device via a network and into which items to be posted are posted, and has a first detection unit, a second detection unit, and a transmission unit. The first detection unit detects the posting of the posted object. The second detection unit detects the collection of the posted material. The transmission unit transmits the mailing detection signal to the management device as the mailing detection result of the first detection unit. The transmission unit transmits the collection detection signal to the management device as the collection detection result of the second detection unit. Further, the transmitting unit instructs the management device to update the cumulative number of mailed items indicating the number of mailed items posted by transmitting the mailing detection signal to the management device, and transmits the collection detection signal to the management device. , Instructs to initialize the prefunction.

Claims (11)

It is a management device that manages the posting status of the collection box in which the items to be posted are posted.
A storage unit that stores posting information, which is information on the posting status of the collection box,
A mailing detection signal is received as a result of the mailing detection from the first detection unit which is installed in the collection box and detects the posting of the mailed object in the collection box, and the mailed object installed in the collection box and posted. A receiving unit that receives a collection detection signal as a collection detection result from the second detection unit that detects the collection from the collection box.
It has an update unit that updates the posting information of the collection box, and has.
The update part
When the posting detection signal is received, the posting presence / absence information including the posting presence / absence, which is included in the posting information, is updated to the information indicating the presence / absence of posting.
When the collection detection signal is received, a management device that updates the posting presence / absence information included in the posting information to information indicating no posting. The mailing detection signal includes a first open / close detection signal indicating a detection result of an open / closed state of the mailing lid of the collection box.
The update part
The first aspect of claim 1, wherein when the first open / close detection signal ON detected when the mailing lid is in the open state is received as the mailing detection signal, the mailing presence / absence information is updated to the information indicating the presence / absence of mailing. Management device. The collection detection signal includes a second open / close detection signal indicating a detection result of an open / closed state of the collection door of the collection box.
The update part
When the second open / close detection signal ON detected when the collection door is in the open state is received as the collection detection signal, the posting presence / absence information is updated to information indicating no posting, claim 1 or 2. The management device described in. The posting presence / absence information includes the cumulative number of postings of the posted items during the uncollected period.
The posting detection signal includes a count value of the number of postings of the posted object.
The recovery detection signal includes an initialization signal that initializes the cumulative number of mailings.
The update part
When the posting detection signal is received, the count value is added to the cumulative number of postings, and the cumulative number of postings is updated.
The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the recovery detection signal is received, an initial value is substituted into the cumulative number of posts according to the initialization signal to initialize the cumulative number of posts. .. The count value is
The management device according to claim 4, which is the number of items to be posted in a certain period from the detection of the items to be posted to the collection box until a predetermined time elapses. It is a collection box that is connected to the management device via a network and the items to be posted are posted.
The first detection unit that detects the posting of the posted object,
A second detection unit that detects the collection of the posted object, and
It has a transmission unit that transmits a mailing detection signal to the management device as a mailing detection result of the first detection unit, and transmits a collection detection signal to the management device as a recovery detection result of the second detection unit.
The transmitter
By transmitting the posting detection signal to the management device, it is possible to update the posting presence / absence information indicating the presence / absence of posting, which is included in the posting information which is the information regarding the posting status of the posted object, to the information indicating the presence / absence of posting. Instruct and
A collection box for instructing that the collection detection signal is transmitted to the management device to update the posting presence / absence information included in the posting information to information indicating no posting. The mailing detection signal includes a first open / close detection signal indicating a detection result of an open / closed state of the mailing lid of the collection box.
The transmitter
When the mailing lid is in the open state, the first open / close detection signal ON detected by the first detection unit is transmitted to the management device as the mailing detection signal, thereby indicating that the mailing presence / absence information is posted. The collection box according to claim 6, which instructs the information to be updated. The collection detection signal includes a second open / close detection signal indicating the detection result of the open / closed state of the collection door of the collection box.
The transmitter
When the recovery door is in the open state, the second open / close detection signal ON detected by the second detection unit is transmitted to the management device as the recovery detection signal, whereby the posting presence / absence information is indicated as no posting. The collection box according to claim 6 or 7, which is updated with information. It has a counting unit that counts the number of posted items and generates a count value as a counting result.
The counting unit
The number of the posted items in a certain period from the detection of the posting of the posted items to the elapse of a predetermined time is counted, and the number of the posted items is counted.
The transmitter
The collection box according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein when the predetermined time elapses, a count value, which is a counting result of the number of items to be posted in the fixed period, is transmitted to the management device. Equipped with a power generation device using energy harvesting
The power generation device is
The collection box according to any one of claims 6 to 9, which supplies electric power to the first and second detection units and the transmission unit. The power generation device is
The collection box according to claim 10, wherein a minute energy generated by vibration at the time of opening and closing the posting lid in the case of posting the posted object is obtained, and the obtained energy is converted into electric power.

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