JP2021171300A - Article reception system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an article reception system that enables a user to easily check whether or not an article stored in a storage box has been taken out, for instance.SOLUTION: An article reception system includes: a storage box for storing an article; detection means for detecting that the article has been taken out of the storage box; and notification means for notifying a predetermined notification destination of a result of the detection by the detection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to an article collection system.

Conventionally, a device for storing goods such as a delivery box (also called a delivery locker) is installed in the entrance hall of an apartment house such as an apartment, and various goods (delivery, mail, or An article collection system for collecting various articles such as foods) is known.

This goods collection system is used not only for the collection and delivery company to store the goods to be delivered, but also for the collection and delivery company to collect the goods for which the shipping request is received from the sender. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a locker for delivering goods, which is provided in a condominium or other condominium and mediates the delivery of goods to be delivered to home or goods to be shipped. By storing the goods in such a goods collection system and requesting the collection and delivery company to collect the goods, the shipper can ship the goods without bringing the goods to the business establishment of the collection and delivery company.

Jikkenhei 6-71498 Gazette

However, in the above-mentioned goods collection system, there is a problem that the user cannot easily confirm whether or not the goods stored in the goods collection system have been taken out. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an article collection system that allows a user to easily confirm whether or not a stored article has been taken out.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention presents a storage box for storing articles, a detection means for detecting that an article has been taken out from the storage box, and a predetermined notification destination for the detection result of the detection means. (Invention 1), the article receiving system is provided with a notification means for notifying the user (Invention 1).

According to the present invention (Invention 1), information regarding whether or not an article has been taken out from the storage box of the article collection system is provided to a predetermined notification destination (for example, a taker, a custodian, a shipper, an administrator of the article collection system). , And users including those designated by those persons), so that the user of the article collection system can easily confirm whether or not the article has been taken out.

In the above invention (invention 1), the first information acquisition means for acquiring the first information related to the detection result may be provided (invention 2).

In the above invention (invention 2), a storage means for associating the detection result and the first information related thereto and storing it as search information may be provided (invention 3).

In the above invention (invention 3), an information retrieval means for performing an information retrieval on the search information may be provided (invention 4).

In the above inventions (Inventions 1 to 4), the predetermined notification destination is selected from the group consisting of a taker, a stor, a sender, an administrator of the goods collection system, and a person designated by those persons. It may be one or more notification destinations to be notified (Invention 5).

In the above inventions (Inventions 2 to 5), the notification means may notify a predetermined notification destination of the first information together with the detection result (Invention 6).

The article collection system of the present invention may notify a predetermined notification destination (for example, a user including a recipient or a delivery person) of information regarding whether or not an article has been taken out from the storage box of the article collection system. can. Therefore, the user of the article collection system can easily confirm whether or not the article has been taken out.

It is a figure which shows schematic the basic structure of the article collection system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows roughly the appearance of the storage box of the goods collection system and the storage box main body. It is the schematic about the article detection method of the storage box which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of the article collection system which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a storage box main body. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a management server. It is a figure which shows the structure of management data. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function which plays a main role in the article receiving system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the input screen of the information which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the function which plays a main role of the article collection system which concerns on this embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this embodiment is an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

(1) Basic configuration of an article collection system FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a basic configuration of an embodiment of an article collection system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, this goods collection system is composed of, for example, one or more storage box bodies that can be connected to a communication network NW (network) such as the Internet, and a management server 20 that is connected to the communication network NW. It is configured. When there are a plurality of storage box main bodies, it is possible to directly communicate information between the storage boxes by being connected to the communication network NW, or indirectly communicate via the management server 20. It is possible. Further, the goods collection system may be provided with a terminal device 30 and / or security equipment 40 capable of communicating with the storage box main body and / or the management server 20 via the communication network NW.

The management server 20 is connected to the storage box main body via the communication network NW, and various information related to the goods collection system (for example, the detection result of the detection means 82, the first information, the second information, etc., which will be described later). Manages receipt information of goods, information on storeers, takers and consignees (delivery destinations of goods) of goods, etc.).

The terminal device 30 includes, for example, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a personal computer, a television receiver having a two-way communication function (including a so-called multifunctional smart TV), and the like. It may be a terminal device operated by an individual user (for example, a taker, a custodian, a consignee, etc.).

The goods collection system is provided with security equipment 40 that enables passage from the outside of the predetermined area to the inside of the predetermined area by releasing the security on the way from the outside of the predetermined area to the inside of the predetermined area. You may be. By providing the security equipment 40, it is possible to restrict the entry of a third party other than the taker into a predetermined area (for example, in a building or its premises), so that the security function in the predetermined area is improved. do.

Specifically, the security equipment 40 may be equipment having a security function that restricts entry or passage into a predetermined area, for example, a door provided at the main entrance of a building or the inside of a building. It may be a door provided on the aisle of the building or an elevator used for moving between floors. Further, the door may be a door provided exclusively for the collection and delivery company (for example, a door formed in a back door of a building or a part of the housing of a delivery box), and is a complex combination of a plurality of these security equipments. It may be security equipment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main body of the storage box of the article collection system according to the present embodiment is an article (including, for example, an article to be delivered, a newspaper, an advertising villa, a circulation board, etc.), a postal item, or the like (for example, an article to be delivered, an advertisement villa, a circulation board, etc.). It is provided with at least one storage box 11a, 11b, ... With a storage door for storing (luggage) or taking out the stored article.

The storage box of the storage box main body may be provided with a plurality of (11a, 11b, ...) As shown in FIG. 2 (a), or may be one (11a) as shown in FIG. 2 (b). The unlocking / locking of the storage doors of the storage boxes 11a, 11b, ... Is controlled by using an electric lock (not shown).

Each storage box 11a, 11b, ... May be provided with a plurality of sizes (for example, S, M, L, ...) Depending on the size of the article to be stored, for example.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the storage box main body may have an operation unit 12. The operation unit 12 may be an integrated type housed in one housing as shown in FIG. 2A, or may be a separate type in which the storage box main body is housed as shown in FIG. 2C. For example, a separate type in which the operation unit 12 is provided (on the surrounding wall surface or the like) may be used. Further, the operation unit 12 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

The operation unit 12 of the storage box main body can be used for operations necessary for storing and taking out articles in the storage boxes 11a, 11b, .... As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 12 is provided with a display unit 16 for displaying information and an input unit 17 for inputting information. In the present embodiment, the input unit 17 has a keyboard 17a composed of function keys, a numeric keypad, and the like, and a reader 17b that reads a barcode or a two-dimensional code (for example, a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark)). Can include. Further, the operation unit 12 may be provided with a camera, and may be capable of taking a picture and / or recording a user or the like.

The storage box provided in the goods collection system according to the present embodiment is not limited to the delivery and shipment of goods, and can be widely used for delivery of goods. That is, the person (storing person) who stores the goods in the storage box may be a resident of a building equipped with an goods collection system or an employee of a resident company (hereinafter referred to as a resident), or a collection and delivery company. It may be an individual or a company that requests a collection / delivery company to collect the goods. In addition, newspapers, food and drink, etc. are delivered to each house like a trader (mail order trader) that sells products via the communication network NW, a store, a department store, a trading company that buys and sells a large number of products, a newspaper delivery company, and a food delivery company. It may be a delivery company or the like. Further, the person (collector) who takes out the goods from the storage box may be a resident, a collection / delivery company, or an individual or a company who requests delivery from the collection / delivery company. Further, it may be a company that collects and delivers newspapers, food and drink, etc., such as a newspaper delivery company and a food delivery company, and a company that delivers and collects deposits, such as a cleaning company.

As shown in FIG. 3, each storage box 11a, 11b, ... Of the storage box main body is provided with a detection means for detecting that an article has been taken out of the storage box. The detection means is not particularly limited as long as it can detect that the article has been taken out from the storage box. For example, the detection means using a weight sensor (FIGS. 3 (a), 113) and the light source (FIG. 3 (b), 114a). ) And an optical sensor (FIGS. 3B, 114b). As the light source, for example, an infrared light source can be used, and as the optical sensor, for example, an infrared sensor can be used.

The place where the storage box main body of the goods collection system according to the present embodiment is installed is not particularly limited, but may be a public or semi-public space such as a railway station or a convenience store, or a shared space such as an apartment or an office. It may be provided around the entrance of each house. Although an example of the apartment house M is shown in FIG. 4, the storage box body may be installed in the entrance hall of the apartment house on the outside (41) of the security equipment 40, or shared on each floor inside the security equipment 40 (42). It may be installed in a space or near the entrance of each house.

Further, the main body of the storage box of the goods collection system according to the present embodiment may be a floor-specific delivery box installed in a common space on each floor of an apartment house or an office, or may be installed near the door of each room. It may be a door-to-door delivery box, or an area-specific delivery box installed in each area. Further, the number of storage box main bodies is not limited to one, and may be multiple.

(2) Configuration of Article Collection System With reference to FIG. 5, the internal configuration of the storage box main body of the article collection system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the storage box main body.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage box main body includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 62, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 63, a storage device 64, a display processing unit 65, and the like. A display unit 16, an input unit 17, and a communication interface unit 68 are provided, and a bus 69 for transmitting a control signal or a data signal between the units is provided.

When the power is turned on to the main body of the storage box, the CPU 61 loads the various programs stored in the storage device 64 into the RAM 63 and executes them. In the present embodiment, the CPU 61 reads and executes the program stored in the storage device 64, thereby causing the CPU 61 to read and execute the authentication means 81, the detection means 82, the first information acquisition means 83, the storage means 84, and the notification means 85, which will be described later. , Information retrieval means 86, and the like are realized.

The CPU 61 receives the information transmitted from the management server 20 via the communication interface unit 68, and stores the received information in the RAM 63 or the storage device 64. Further, the CPU 61 transmits the data stored in the ROM 62, the RAM 63, or the storage device 64 to the management server 20 via the communication interface unit 68.

The storage device 64 is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a magnetic storage device (for example, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), floppy disk (registered trademark), magnetic tape, etc.), an optical disk, or the like. It may be a volatile storage device such as a RAM, and stores a program executed by the CPU 61 and data referenced by the CPU 61.

Here, the case where each of the storage devices 64 is provided inside the storage box main body is described as an example, but the storage device 64 communicates with, for example, the storage box main body, not inside the storage box main body. It may be provided in a predetermined device (for example, a file server or the like) capable of communicating via the network NW. In this case, the CPU 61 may access the predetermined device via the communication network NW in order to read or write the program or data stored in the storage device 64.

The display processing unit 65 displays the display data given by the CPU 61 on the display unit 16. The display unit 16 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor including thin film transistors arranged in a matrix in pixel units, and by driving the thin film transistors based on the display data, the displayed data is displayed on the display screen. indicate.

The input unit 17 includes a keyboard 17a and a reader 17b as described above. The input unit 17 may be composed of, for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, or the like. In this case, the input unit 17 accepts a touch-type input by, for example, touching the display screen with a fingertip or a pen. The touch input method may be a well-known method such as a capacitance method. Further, the input unit 17 may be a microphone for voice input or a camera for image input.

The communication interface unit 68 includes an interface circuit for performing communication via the communication network NW.

(3) Configuration of Management Server The configuration of the management server 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the management server 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the management server 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a storage device 24, a display processing unit 25, a display unit 26, an input unit 27, and a communication interface unit 28. A bus 29 for transmitting a control signal or a data signal between each unit is provided. The management server 20 may be, for example, a general-purpose personal computer.

When the power is turned on to the management server 20, the CPU 21 loads various programs stored in the ROM 22 or the storage device 24 into the RAM 23 and executes them.

The storage device 24 may be, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory, an SSD, a magnetic storage device, or an optical disk, or a volatile storage device such as a RAM, and may be an operating system (OS). And memorize the program executed on the OS. Further, the storage device 24 stores management data (shown in FIG. 7) which will be described later.

The display processing unit 25 displays the display data given by the CPU 21 on the display unit 26. The display unit 26 may be, for example, an LCD monitor. The input unit 27 may be an information input device such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a microphone for voice input.

The communication interface unit 28 includes an interface circuit for performing communication via the communication network NW.

The structure of the management data will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of management data. The management data includes, for example, each storage box body (B1, B2, B3, ... In the example of the figure), its installation location (L1, L2, L3, ... In the example of the figure), and each storage. The numbers (storage box numbers) of the boxes 11a, 11b, ..., Are recorded. Further, each of the plurality of storage boxes 11a, 11b, ..., The storage status (status), the receipt information, and the article information may be provided, and the article information includes the store information, the taker information, and the delivery. It may be composed of each item of prior information, unlocking information, and so on. The article information includes, for example, the size, weight, temperature, type of the article (for example, food, clothing, furniture, electrical products, leisure goods, fragile items, frozen items, refrigerated items, etc.) and items set by the collection and delivery company. The identification number (delivery ID) of the item, the date and time information when the item was stored in the storage box, and the like may be included.

In the storage state (status) item, for example, when it is determined that the article is stored in the storage box based on the signal transmitted from the storage box main body, the information "storage" is recorded. On the other hand, when it is determined that the article has been taken out from the storage box based on the signal transmitted from the storage box main body, the information "empty" is recorded. Further, for example, empty data (Null data) is recorded in the article information corresponding to the stored state in which the information "vacant" is recorded.

In the receipt information item, receipt information indicating that the article has been received when the article is stored in the corresponding storage box is recorded. Here, the received information may be configured to be different (individual) for each of the storage boxes 11a, 11b ..., For example, or different (individual) for each storage box in which the article is stored. ) May be configured. In addition, the received information may be composed of at least one number, kanji, hiragana, katakana, alphabetic characters, figures and / or symbols. In this case, the receipt information can be constructed using at least one number, kanji, hiragana, katakana, alphabetic characters, figures and / or symbols. For example, the receipt information may be composed of a predetermined number of digits (for example, 6 digits).

The item of the article information is composed of each item such as the custodian information, the take-back information, the delivery address information, and the unlocking information. For example, the custodian information includes the custodian's name, address, telephone number, and electronic. E-mail address, FAX number, etc. may be recorded. In the item of the taker information, for example, the name, whereabouts, telephone number, e-mail address, fax number, etc. of the collection and delivery company are recorded. Further, in the item of delivery destination information, for example, a delivery destination, a name, an address, a telephone number, an e-mail address, a fax number, and the like are recorded.

The unlocking information is used, for example, by the taker to unlock the electric locks of the storage boxes 11a, 11b ... Of the storage box body. The content of the unlocking information may be freely set by, for example, a stor who stores the articles in the storage boxes 11a, 11b ..., And a predetermined content (for example, a predetermined content) generated by the CPU 61 and / or 71. A long password, etc.) may be set.

(4) Outline of Each Function in the Goods Collection System The functions realized by the goods collection system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram for explaining a function that plays a major role in the article receiving system of the present embodiment. In the functional block diagram of FIG. 8, the detection means 82 and the notification means 85 correspond to the main configurations of the present invention. Other means (authentication means 81, first information acquisition means 83, storage means 84, information retrieval means 86) are not necessarily essential configurations, but are components for further favoring the present invention.

The authentication means 81 in the present embodiment is a means for authenticating the picker when the picker takes out the article from the storage box. The function of the authentication means 81 is realized, for example, as follows. The CPU 61 of the storage box body performs an authentication process using the second information, for example, when the second information is obtained from the taker by the second information acquisition means described later. Specifically, for example, the CPU 61 of the storage box main body may determine whether or not the information set by the storage person at the time of storing the article and the second information match. The information set by the custodian at the time of storing the article corresponds to, for example, information such as a password, a trader name, and an industry type.

The CPU 61 may end the authentication process normally when the information set by the custodian at the time of storing the article and the second information acquired by the second information acquisition means match. On the other hand, the CPU 61 may determine that an authentication error has occurred when the information set by the custodian at the time of storing the article and the second information acquired by the second information acquisition means do not match.

The authentication means 81 is set so that, for example, an article can be taken out from the storage box when the authentication is normally completed, or an article cannot be taken out from the storage box when the authentication is not normally completed. Various settings such as the above can be made, and the convenience of the user is improved. In addition, the presence of the authentication means 81 is expected to reduce cases such as mistaking goods and theft of goods, and improves the security function of the goods collection system.

The second information acquisition means in the present embodiment is a means for acquiring the second information used in the authentication means 81 from the person who picks up the article. The second information includes information on the taker, information on the custodian, information on the sender, information on the consignee (delivery destination of the goods), a password (passcode), and the like. The picker's information includes, for example, the picker's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, fax number, ID information, and the like. The custodian information includes, for example, the custodian's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, fax number, ID information, and the like. The sender information includes, for example, the sender's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, fax number, ID information, and the like. Further, the consignee (delivery destination) information includes, for example, the consignee (delivery destination) destination, name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, fax number, and the like. By acquiring the second information, the authentication means 81 can perform accurate authentication processing.

The function of the second information acquisition means is realized, for example, as follows. Here, a case where the taker inputs the second information through the operation unit 12 of the storage box main body will be described as an example, but the taker inputs the second information via, for example, a mobile terminal or a personal computer. May be good.

The CPU 61 of the storage box body creates and displays a screen on the display unit 16 of the operation unit 12 so that the taker can input the second information. The pick-up person sequentially inputs the information of the pick-up person, the information of the custodian, the information of the consignee (delivery destination of the goods), the passcode, etc. according to the display on the screen. The acquired second information is stored in, for example, the RAM 63 or the storage device 64.

For example, the second information acquisition means includes a plurality of numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, alphabetic characters, figures and / or symbols selected from a plurality of selectably displayed numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, alphabetic characters, figures and / Or the second information configured based on the symbol may be acquired. This makes it possible to acquire the second information by selecting any one of a plurality of numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, alphabetic characters, figures and / or symbols.

Further, for example, the display screen shown in FIGS. 9A or 9B is displayed on the display unit 16 (or, when the input unit 17 is composed of a touch panel, a touch pad, or the like, the input unit 17). If a number string having a predetermined number of digits (for example, 6 digits) is selected by using the input unit 17, the selected number string may be acquired as the second information.

In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the numbers 1 to 9 are arranged in ascending order, but the CPU 61 displays each number 0 to 9 at a predetermined timing as shown in FIG. 9B. You may change the position. Here, the predetermined timing may be, for example, the timing each time the second information is input, or the timing each time a predetermined time (for example, one hour) elapses. Further, the display position of each number may be changed at random, for example, or may be changed according to a predetermined order (for example, ascending order, descending order, repeating random order, etc.).

The CPU 61 may acquire, for example, by receiving the second information transmitted from an external device (for example, the management server 20, the terminal device 30, etc.) via the communication interface unit 68, or may be a recording medium. The second information recorded on (for example, an IC card, a bar code, a two-dimensional code, etc.) may be acquired by reading it with a reader 17b. Further, the voice information acquired from the microphone provided in the operation unit 12 and the image information acquired from the camera may be acquired as the second information.

Further, the article collection system may require the custodian to input a password or the like as a condition for opening the door of the storage box body even when the article is stored. As a result, for example, a third party does not unnecessarily store garbage or the like in the storage box, which improves the convenience of the delivery box user and the safety of the delivery box itself. The door opening / closing method may be a manual type or an automatic type.

Further, the goods collection system may include a personal identification number issuing means for issuing a personal identification number used for unlocking the security of the security equipment 40, and the personal identification number may be used for the authentication means 81. The PIN issued by the PIN issuing means may be used for a certain period of time, or may be used for a certain number of times. It is also possible to set a registration fee when registering the identification information about the taker (collection / delivery company) in advance.

The detection means 82 in the present embodiment is a means for detecting that the article has been taken out of the storage box. The method for detecting the removal of the article is not particularly limited as long as it can detect that the article has been taken out, and examples thereof include a detection method using a weight sensor and a detection method using an optical sensor. Further, a detection method using a weight sensor and an optical sensor in combination may be adopted.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment in which the weight sensor 113 is provided on the bottom surface of the storage box. When the article 111 is taken out of the storage box, the weight sensor 113 reacts and detects that the article has been taken out.

FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment in which an infrared light source 114a is provided on one side surface of the storage box and an infrared sensor 114b is provided on the other side surface. When the article 111 is in the storage box, the infrared rays emitted from the infrared light source 114a are blocked by the article 111 and do not enter the infrared sensor 114b, but when the article 111 is taken out from the storage box, the blocked infrared rays are emitted. It comes into contact with the infrared sensor 114b, whereby it is detected that the article has been taken out.

The first information acquisition means 83 in the present embodiment is a means for acquiring the first information related to the detection result of the detection means 82. The first information includes information on the taker, information on the custodian, information on the sender, information on the consignee (delivery destination of the goods), the date and time when the goods were taken out, the date and time when the goods were stored, the desired delivery date of the goods, etc. Is included. The picker's information includes, for example, the picker's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and fax number. The custodian information includes, for example, the custodian's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, fax number, and the like. The sender information includes, for example, the sender's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, fax number, and the like. Further, the consignee (delivery destination) information includes, for example, the consignee (delivery destination) destination, name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, fax number, and the like. By acquiring the first information, information related to the removal of the article can be obtained. These information can also be used in the information retrieval means 86 described later. In addition, by requesting the above information from the taker, it is possible to prevent an error in taking out the article.

The function of the first information acquisition means 83 is realized, for example, as follows. Here, a case where the taker inputs the first information through the operation unit 12 of the storage box main body will be described as an example, but the taker inputs the first information via, for example, a mobile terminal or a personal computer. May be good.

The CPU 61 of the storage box main body creates and displays a screen on which the taker can input the first information on the display unit 16 of the operation unit 12. The pick-up person sequentially inputs the information of the pick-up person, the information of the custodian, the information of the consignee (delivery destination of the goods), etc. according to the display on the screen. The acquired first information is stored in, for example, the RAM 63 or the storage device 64.

For example, the first information acquisition means 83 includes a plurality of numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, alphabetic characters, figures and / or symbols selected from a plurality of selectably displayed numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, alphabetic characters, and figures. The first information constructed based on and / or the symbol may be acquired. This makes it possible to acquire the first information by selecting any one of a plurality of numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, alphabetic characters, figures and / or symbols.

Further, for example, the display screen shown in FIGS. 9A or 9B is displayed on the display unit 16 (or, when the input unit 17 is composed of a touch panel, a touch pad, or the like, the input unit 17). If a number string having a predetermined number of digits (for example, 6 digits) is selected by using the input unit 17, the selected number string may be acquired as the first information.

In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the numbers 1 to 9 are arranged in ascending order, but the CPU 61 displays each number 0 to 9 at a predetermined timing as shown in FIG. 9B. You may change the position. Here, the predetermined timing may be, for example, the timing each time the first information is input, or the timing each time a predetermined time (for example, one hour) elapses. Further, the display position of each number may be changed at random, for example, or may be changed according to a predetermined order (for example, ascending order, descending order, repeating random order, etc.).

The CPU 61 may acquire the first information transmitted from an external device (for example, the management server 20, the terminal device 30, etc.) via the communication interface unit 68, or may be a recording medium. The first information recorded on (for example, an IC card, a bar code, a two-dimensional code, etc.) may be acquired by reading it with a reader 17b. Further, the voice information acquired from the microphone provided in the operation unit 12 and the image information acquired from the camera may be acquired as the first information.

The storage means 84 in the present embodiment is a means for storing the detection result of the above-mentioned detection means 82 and the first information related thereto as search information in association with each other. By storing the detection result and the first information associated with the detection result as search information, the search information can be used, for example, for later information retrieval, which is convenient for the user. Sex improves.

The function of the storage means 84 is realized, for example, as follows. When the CPU 61 of the storage box main body obtains the detection result that the article has been taken out by the detection means 82, the date and time when the information input by the taker through the input unit 17 of the storage box main body or the removal of the article is detected. The first information related to the detection result of the article including the above is also acquired. Then, the CPU 61 associates the detection result with the first information related to the detection result of the article. The associated information is stored as search information in the RAM 63 or the storage device 64 of the storage box main body, or the RAM 23 or the storage device 24 of the management server 20.

The notification means 85 in the present embodiment is a means for notifying a predetermined notification destination of the detection result of the detection means 82 described above. Further, the notification means 85 may notify a predetermined notification destination of the first information together with the detection result of the detection means 82. By notifying the predetermined notification destination of the detection result and the first information together, the person who has received the notification can know more details about the information on taking out the article, which improves convenience.

The function of the notification means 85 is realized, for example, as follows. When the detection means 82 obtains the result that the storage of the article is taken out, the CPU 61 of the storage box main body instructs the communication interface unit 68 to notify the detection result to a predetermined notification destination, and notifies the predetermined notification. The detection result is notified first by using a method such as e-mail. Alternatively, the communication interface unit 68 notifies the management server 20 of the detection result that the article has been taken out, and the CPU 21 of the management server 20 sends an e-mail or the like to a predetermined notification destination via the communication interface unit 28. The detection result is notified using. Further, as described above, the first information can be notified to a predetermined notification destination together with the detection result.

The predetermined notification destination may be one or more notification destinations selected from the group consisting of a pick-up person, a storage person, a sender, an administrator of the goods collection system, and a person designated by those persons.

The taker refers to a person who takes out an article from the storage box as described above. The taker may be a resident, a collection / delivery company, or an individual or a company that requests delivery from the collection / delivery company. Further, it may be a company that collects and delivers newspapers, food and drink, etc., such as a newspaper delivery company and a food delivery company, and a company that delivers and collects deposits, such as a cleaning company. By notifying the picker of the detection result of the detection means 82, for example, the picker can record that the article has been taken out, and can confirm whether or not the article has been taken out later. The convenience of the goods collection system is improved. Further, by notifying the taker of the first information together with the detection result, for example, the first information can be utilized when managing the goods taken by the taker, so that the convenience for the taker is further improved. ..

The storing person refers to a person who stores an article in a storage box as described above. The custodian may be a resident, a collection / delivery company, or an individual or a company that requests the collection / delivery company to collect the goods. In addition, newspapers, food and drink, etc. are delivered to each house like a trader (mail order trader) that sells products via the communication network NW, a store, a department store, a trading company that buys and sells a large number of products, a newspaper delivery company, and a food delivery company. It may be a delivery company or the like. By notifying the custodian of the detection result of the detection means 82, the custodian can easily confirm whether or not the baggage has been taken out. Since it is possible to encourage pick-up, it is possible to prevent forgetting to take out the goods. Further, by notifying the storage person of the first information together with the detection result, for example, the storage person can know information such as when the goods were picked up and by whom the goods were picked up. The convenience of the delivery box will be further improved.

The shipper refers to the person who ships the goods. For example, the shipper can ship the goods by requesting the above-mentioned storage person to store the goods in the storage box. The sender may be a resident, an individual or a company that requests collection from a collection and delivery company, or a company (mail order company), a store, or a department store that sells products via a communication network NW or the like. , A trading company that buys and sells a large number of products, a newspaper delivery company, a food delivery company, and the like that ships newspapers, foods, and drinks to each house. By notifying the sender of the detection result of the detection means 82, for example, the sender can easily confirm whether or not the package has been taken out. In addition, by notifying the sender of the first information together with the detection result, the sender can know information about the article, for example, when it was picked up, who picked it up, and so on. The convenience of the collection system is further improved.

The manager of the goods collection system refers to a person who manages the goods collection system. The manager of the goods collection system may be a person who manages the goods collection system itself, or a person who manages buildings and equipment such as apartment houses and offices in which the goods collection system is installed. By notifying the manager of the goods collection system of the detection result of the detection means 82, for example, the manager of the goods collection system can easily confirm whether or not the baggage has been taken out, and at the same time, the storage box. Availability can also be managed. In addition, by notifying the manager of the goods collection system of the first information together with the detection result, for example, regarding the picked-up goods, the manager collects information such as when the goods were picked up and who picked them up. Since it can be managed, there is an advantage that the manager can easily manage the goods collection system.

The person designated by those persons refers to the person designated by the taker, the custodian, the shipper, and the administrator of the goods collection system. The person designated by them may be, for example, a family member of a resident, an employee of a collection and delivery company, newspapers and food and drink such as a newspaper delivery company and a food delivery company. It may be an employee of a company that collects and delivers goods, etc., or a company that delivers or collects deposits, such as a cleaning company. By notifying the person designated by those persons of the detection result of the detection means 82, it is possible to more reliably convey the information as to whether or not the baggage has been taken out, which improves convenience. Further, by notifying the person designated by those persons of the first information together with the detection result, the first information can be transmitted more reliably, so that the convenience is further improved.

The information retrieval means 86 in the present embodiment is a means for performing an information retrieval on the above-mentioned search information. The information retrieval means 86 makes it possible to search for the detection result of the detection means 82 and the first information related thereto even after the article has been taken out. For example, a user of the article collection system can search for these. Since the information can be easily managed, the convenience of the goods collection system is improved.

The function of the information retrieval means 86 is realized, for example, as follows. The CPU 21 of the management server 20 that receives the search instruction from the searcher accesses the storage device 24 and searches for the information corresponding to the search condition entered by the searcher from the search information. The found information is displayed on the display unit 16 of the operation unit 12 and the screen of the terminal device 30 based on the instruction of the CPU 21. The person performing the search may input the search conditions through the operation unit 12 of the storage box main body, or may input the search conditions via a mobile terminal, a personal computer, or the like.

(5) Flow of Main Processing of Goods Collection System of the Present Embodiment An example of the goods collection system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

In the state where the article is stored in the storage box (S101), the storage box main body may acquire the first information from the taker who intends to take out the article based on the function of the first information acquisition means 83 (S101). S102). Next, the CPU 61 of the storage box main body may transmit the acquired first information to the management server 20 (S103). Further, the storage box main body may acquire the second information from the taker who intends to take out the article based on the function of the second information acquisition means (S102), and the CPU 61 of the storage box main body has acquired the second information. 2 Information may be transmitted to the management server 20 (S103).

The CPU 21 of the management server 20 may perform an authentication process based on the authentication means 81 using the acquired second information (S104). When the above-mentioned authentication means 81 is normally terminated, for example, the CPU 21 of the management server 20 specifies a storage box for taking out articles to the storage box main body, and further commands for unlocking the storage box. May be issued. The CPU 61 of the storage box main body that has received the command may unlock the storage box.

When the picker takes out the article from the storage box (S105), the article collection system detects whether or not the article has been taken out based on the detection means 82 (S106). At the same time, the first information related to the detection result of the detection means 82, such as the date and time when the information was taken out and the information related to the taker, may be acquired. The CPU 61 of the storage box main body transmits the detection result of the detection means 82 (for example, the fact that the article has been taken out) to the management server 20 (S107). Further, the CPU 61 of the storage box main body may transmit the acquired first information to the management server 20.

The CPU 21 of the management server 20 stores the detection result of the detection means 82 sent from the storage box main body and the first information related thereto as search information in, for example, the RAM 23 or the storage device 24. It may be good (S108).

Next, the CPU 21 of the management server 20 instructs the communication interface unit 28 to notify the detection result of the detection means 82 (for example, that the article has been taken out) to a predetermined notification destination, and the communication interface unit 28 issues the instruction. Notify the predetermined notification destinations (collector and custodian in FIG. 10) (S109, S110). Here, the first information may be notified to a predetermined notification destination together with the detection result of the detection means 82. The detection result and the first information may be notified to a predetermined notification destination via the storage box main body.

The article collection system according to the present embodiment may be provided with information retrieval means 86. The storage box main body may acquire search conditions from the user (storer in FIG. 10) (S111), and the CPU 61 of the storage box may transmit the acquired search conditions to the management server 20 (S112). .. The management server 20 may acquire search conditions from the user without going through the storage box body.

The CPU 21 of the management server 20 may access the RAM 23 or the storage device 24, search for information matching the acquired search conditions from the search information (S113), and transmit the search result to the storage box main body (S114). ). The CPU 61 of the storage box main body may present the acquired search result to the storage person via the communication interface unit 68 (S115). The CPU 21 of the management server 20 may present the search result to the user without going through the storage box main body.

As described above, according to the article collection system of the present embodiment, information about whether or not the article has been taken out from the article collection system is notified to a predetermined notification destination, so that the user of the article collection system can use the article. It is possible to easily confirm whether or not the item has been taken out, and it is possible to improve the convenience of the goods collection system.

The embodiments described above have been described for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, not for limiting the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiment is intended to include all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the management server 20 is provided has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, when the storage box main body stores the management data shown in FIG. 7, for example, in the storage device 64, the management server 20 may not be provided.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the storage box main body is configured to realize each function of each means such as the first information acquisition means 83 and the notification means 85, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, at least a part of the means may be realized by the management server 20. Since the delivery box and the management server 20 can adopt substantially the same hardware configuration, each function can also be realized by the management server 20 as described in the above embodiment.

1 ... Storage box main bodies 11a, 11b ... Storage box 12 ... Operation unit 16 ... Display unit 17 ... Input unit 111 ... Article 112 ... Door 113 ... Weight sensor 114a ... Light source 114b ... Optical sensor 20 ... Management server 30 ... Terminal device 40 ... Security equipment 41 ... Outside of security equipment 42 ... Inside of security equipment M ... Building

Claims (6)

A storage box for storing goods and
A detection means for detecting that an article has been taken out of the storage box,
An article collection system including a notification means for notifying a predetermined notification destination of the detection result of the detection means. The article collection system according to claim 1, further comprising a first information acquisition means for acquiring the first information related to the detection result. The article collection system according to claim 2, further comprising a storage means for associating the detection result and the first information related thereto and storing the information as search information. The article collection system according to claim 3, further comprising an information retrieval means for performing an information retrieval on the search information. A claim, wherein the predetermined notification destination is one or more notification destinations selected from a group consisting of a pick-up person, a storage person, a sender, an administrator of the goods collection system, and a person designated by those persons. Item 2. The article collection system according to any one of Items 1 to 4. The article collection system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the notification means notifies a predetermined notification destination of the first information together with the detection result.

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