JP3521317B2 - Article delivery device and delivery product delivery device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an article delivering apparatus, and more particularly to an article delivering apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional technique will be described by taking a mail item as an example. The postal items to be delivered by the delivery staff include ordinary postal items that are delivered to the post in the delivery point and registered postal items that require confirmation of receipt by the recipient who receives the delivery. Of these mail items, registered mail items require confirmation of receipt by the recipient. If there is no recipient to receive the registered mail, POS
TAL INFO-MECHANZATION IN
As described in Japan (published by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications in 1992), the delivery person leaves the absent delivery notice at the recipient's house and then takes the postal item back as an absent postal return item. The postal items brought back are stored and managed at the post office in charge of delivery until the recipient arrives to pick them up. However, when the recipient newly designates a delivery date based on the absent delivery notice or when another post office is designated as the receiving place, the designated processing is performed.

[0003]

Among the above-mentioned mail items delivered by the delivery member, registered mail items require confirmation of receipt by the recipient of the delivery. However, if the recipient who receives the registered mail is absent, the deliveryman delivers an absent delivery notice to the effect that the registered mail is stored at the post office, and the registered mail is delivered to the post office. Brought back to. In this case, the recipient of the registered mail carries the absent delivery notice at the post office counter, presents the proof of identity, and then receives the registered mail. For this reason, there is a problem that the recipient of the registered mail that is the target of the absent delivery must go to the post office during the business hours of the post office.

The present invention has been made on the basis of the above matters, and provides an article delivery device capable of delivering registered mail to a recipient even during hours other than the post office opening hours. With the goal.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an article delivery device capable of delivering a delivery article to a recipient even in the case of general delivery and at times other than the business hours of a delivery window.

[0006]

[0007]

[0008]

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems ]
The first means is a device for delivering the notified item having information for identifying the item to the recipient , and storing the delivered item.
Storing means for reading, the first confirming means for reading the information recorded from the notification and outputting it as a notification signal, and the information for identifying the recipient from the certifying means for recording the information for identifying the recipient. The second confirmation means output as the recipient signal, the information described in the notification and the recipient name of the article are stored as delivery data in association with each other, and the notification signal output from the first confirmation means Is searched for delivery data having the same data as above, and the recipient name included in the retrieved delivery data is collated with the recipient signal output from the second confirmation means. was Bei <br/> example a signal generating means for outputting a signal for permitting delivery of deliveries specified by information contained in deliveries data, deliveries stored in said storage means, said storage means
Recipient's data listed on the delivery when stored in
Is read and identified by the recipient's data read
The delivery device is a delivery device for searching whether or not a recipient is registered in advance .

A second means for achieving the above object is a device for delivering a notified delivery having information for specifying the delivery to the recipient, a storage means for storing the delivered delivery, and a delivery. A delivery port that is an opening for delivering the item to a recipient, an opening / closing unit that opens and closes the delivery port, a first confirmation unit that reads out information identifying the delivery item from the notification, and outputs the information as a delivery code; Second confirming means for reading the information for identifying the recipient from the certifying means in which the information for identifying the recipient is recorded and outputting as the recipient signal, and the recipient described in the notification and the delivery. Stored as delivery data in correspondence with the information to be stored, the delivery data having the same data as the delivery code output from the first confirmation means is searched, and the recipient included in the retrieved delivery data. The signal generation means for collating the identifying information with the recipient signal output from the second confirmation means, and when the both coincide with each other, output a delivery signal indicating a delivery corresponding to the delivery code; comprising a deliveries appropriate based on the handover signal from the storage means and conveying means for conveying said delivery port, distribution stored in said storage means
When the goods are stored in the storage means, they are described in the delivery.
The recipient's data that was read is read and the read receipt
Is the recipient specified by the person's data registered in advance?
The feature is that somehow is searched .

A third means for achieving the above-mentioned object is a device for delivering a notified delivery having information for specifying the delivered delivery to a recipient, and storing means for storing the delivered delivery and the delivery delivery. A delivery port which is an opening for delivering to the recipient, an opening / closing means for opening and closing the delivery port, a first confirmation means for reading out information for identifying a delivery from the notification and outputting it as a delivery code, and a recipient Second confirming means for reading the information for identifying the recipient from the certifying means in which the information to be recorded is output as a recipient signal, the delivery code output from the first confirming means, and the second A signal generating means for receiving a recipient signal output from the confirmation means and outputting a delivery signal indicating a delivery corresponding to the delivery code, and a corresponding delivery based on the delivery signal from the storage means. Conveying means for conveying the delivery port, and a display means for displaying an operation procedure to the user, an input means for inputting data, a printing means for printing out the device operation content,
A delivery window into which a delivery is carried in from outside the device, a delivery article reading means for reading information described in the delivery article delivered from the delivery window, and a delivery article in which the written information is read to the transport means. A delivery unit for delivery, a control unit for controlling the opening / closing unit, the transport unit, the first and second confirmation units, the display unit, the printing unit, and the delivery unit,
It includes a said signal generating means includes first memory means for storing in correspondence a recipient signal and code number set for each user name and the user registered Me pre, individual Second storage means for storing as delivery data a combination of a delivery code of the delivery, a recipient signal and a personal identification number of the recipient of the delivery, and a code for identifying the storage means in which the delivery is stored. When the respective storage means unique code attached before Symbol storage means, third storage means for distinguishing and storing the group deliveries with a group deliveries is stored is not stored, pre Symbol delivery Searching the first storage means based on the recipient name read by the object reading means,
Read the recipient signal and PIN of the corresponding user,
First searching means for, prior Symbol third storage means deliveries searches the storing means is not stored be stored with deliveries code read by the deliveries reading means to said second storage means A code indicating one is taken out, stored in the second storage means in combination with the delivery code, and output to the control means as a storage signal,
And second search means to transfer the group to which deliveries are stored from the group deliveries is not stored in the third storage means the code, before Symbol deliveries code inputted from the first check means Find the deliveries data having the same deliveries code, the third search means for extracting a recipient signal and the identification number included in the retrieved deliveries data, the recipient signal and PIN numbers which Ri issued preparative, A code that compares the recipient signal input from the second confirmation means and the personal identification number input from the input means, and when both match, identifies the storage means included in the retrieved delivery data. And collating means for outputting to the control means as a delivery signal.

A fourth means for achieving the above object is the same as the third means, in which the transport means takes out the delivery from the storage means and transports the delivery to substantially the same height as the delivery port, and the delivery. Is received from the robot hand unit and transferred to the delivery port.

A fifth means for achieving the above object is any one of the third or fourth means, in which the delivery stored in the storage means is stored in the storage means. The data of the recipient described in the delivery is read, and it is searched whether or not the recipient specified by the read data of the recipient is registered in advance.

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

According to the first means, the first check unit reads the information recorded from the notified output as the notification signal, the second confirmation unit, information identifying the recipient is recorded The information identifying the recipient is read from the certifying means and output as a recipient signal. The signal generation means stores the information recorded in the notification and the name of the recipient of the article as delivery data in association with each other, and the delivery data having the same data as the notification signal output from the first confirmation means. And the recipient name included in the retrieved delivery data is collated with the recipient signal output from the second confirmation means, and when both match, the information included in the retrieved delivery data. Outputs a signal permitting delivery of the delivery specified by. With this signal, for example, a delivery item stored in a known automatic warehouse system can be automatically taken out, conveyed to a delivery window, and delivered to a recipient. Therefore, the recipient only presents the notification in which the information regarding the delivery is recorded and the certifying means in which the information identifying the recipient is recorded to the first and second confirmation means, without bothering the staff. , You can receive the delivery. So
Then, the deliverables stored in the storage means are
The recipient's date listed on the shipment as it is stored on the tier.
Data is read and specified by the read recipient's data.
You can search whether the recipient is registered in advance.
You can

According to the second means, the storing means stores the brought-back delivery, and the first confirming means reads the information for identifying the delivery from the notification presented by the recipient and delivers the delivery code. The second confirmation means also reads the information for identifying the recipient from the certifying means in which the information for identifying the recipient presented by the recipient is recorded and outputs it as the recipient signal. The signal generation means stores the information described in the notification and the information specifying the recipient of the delivery in association with each other as delivery data, and the same as the delivery code output from the first confirmation means. When the delivery data having the data is searched, the information for identifying the recipient included in the retrieved delivery data is collated with the recipient signal output from the second confirmation means, and when the both match, A delivery signal indicating a delivery corresponding to the delivery code is output. The transport means transports the corresponding delivery product from the storage means to the delivery port based on the delivery signal, and when the delivery product is delivered to the delivery port, the opening / closing means opens to enable delivery of the delivery product. Become. Therefore, the recipient only presents the notification in which the information regarding the delivery is recorded and the certifying means in which the information identifying the recipient is recorded to the first and second confirmation means, without bothering the staff. , You can receive the delivery from the delivery counter. And then and before
The delivery items stored in the storage means are stored in the storage means.
The recipient's data on the delivery is read
Recipients identified by the recipient's data taken and read
You can search if a person is pre-registered
It

According to the third means, the delivery is carried in from the delivery window, and the information written in the delivery delivered from the delivery window is read by the delivery reading means. The delivery from which the written information is read is delivered to the transport means via the delivery unit, and the transport means stores the delivery in one of the plurality of storage means. Each storage means has a unique code. Is attached.

In the first storage means, a user name registered in advance, a recipient signal and a personal identification number set for each user are stored in association with each other, and in the second storage means,
Delivery code for each delivery and receipt by the recipient of that delivery
Delivery data in which a person signal and a personal identification number are combined with a code for identifying the storage means in which the delivery is stored is stored. In the third storage means, the codes unique to the respective storage means attached to the storage means are stored separately for the group in which the delivery is stored and the group in which the delivery is not stored.

The first searching means searches the first storage means based on the destination name included in the information read by the delivery reading means, and the recipient's credit information of the corresponding user. The number and the personal identification number are read out and stored in the second storage means together with the delivery code included in the information read by the delivery reading means. The second retrieval means retrieves the third storage means to retrieve a code indicating one of the storage means in which the delivery is not stored, and the delivery included in the information read by the delivery delivery reading means. The combination is stored in the second storage means in combination with the product code, and the code of the extracted storage means is output to the control means as a storage signal. Then, the code of the storage means is moved from the group in the third storage means in which the delivery is not stored to the group in which the delivery is stored.

The control means drives the conveying means based on the received storage signal, and stores the information-read delivery in the storage means designated by the code included in the storage signal.

The first confirmation means reads the information for identifying the delivery from the notification presented by the recipient and outputs it as the delivery code, and the second confirmation means also presents it by the recipient. the receiving from the certification means information for identifying a recipient has been recorded
The information that identifies the taker is read and output as a recipient signal. The third search means searches the second storage means for delivery data having the same delivery code as the delivery code input from the first confirmation means, and is included in the retrieved delivery data. Take out the recipient signal and PIN.
The collating means compares the retrieved recipient signal and the personal identification number with the recipient signal input from the second confirmation means and the personal identification number input from the input means, and when both match, A code specifying the storage means included in the retrieved delivery data is output to the control means as a delivery signal.

The conveying means conveys the delivered product from the corresponding storing means to the delivery port based on the code specifying the storing means included in the delivery signal. When the delivery is conveyed to the delivery port, the opening / closing means is opened, and the delivery can be taken out. The display means is controlled by the control means and guides and displays the operation procedure at each stage where the operation by the user is required. The input means is used for inputting a personal identification number by the recipient or for inputting data such as when an attendant inputs a key instead of having the delivery reading means read the information described on the delivery. The printing means prints out the operation contents of the apparatus for recording.

The control means sends a delivery completion signal to the second retrieval means when the delivery is taken out from the delivery port, and the second retrieval means which has received the delivery completion signal is included in the delivery signal previously output. The storage means code that was
In the storage means, the group is moved from the group in which the delivery is stored to the group in which the delivery is not stored.

The control means is not limited to the transport means,
By controlling the first and second confirmation means, the display means, the printing means, the delivery unit and the opening / closing means, the first, second and third storage means and the first, second and third search means and It also exchanges data with the signal generating means including the collating means.

Therefore, the recipient presents the notice in which the information about the delivery is recorded and the certifying means in which the information identifying the recipient is recorded, to the first and second confirming means, and the personal identification number is input from the inputting means. By inputting, the delivery can be received from the delivery window without bothering the staff. Further, the clerk does not need to worry about where to store each postal item, because necessary data is read and processed only by putting the delivery item in the delivery window.

The conveying means conveys the certifying means, the absent delivery notice and the delivery, but the portion for conveying the delivery is a robot.
If the robot hand unit and the delivery port unit are configured separately, the robot hand unit takes out the delivery from the storage means and conveys it to almost the same height as the delivery port, and the delivery port unit receives the delivery from the robot hand unit. Transfer to the delivery port. With this configuration, the structure of each unit can be simplified, and the degree of freedom in the relative arrangement of the storage means and the delivery port can be increased.

[0029]

The present invention will be described below by taking the case where the delivery is registered mail as an example. In this embodiment, a person who intends to receive the registered mail that has been brought back has a name and a personal identification number registered in advance at a post office, and carries an ID card in which the name is written and the name and ID code are magnetically recorded. To do. In addition to the name of the recipient, the delivery code for each piece of mail is also printed on the registered mail, and if the registered mail is undeliverable, the delivery staff will write the absent delivery notice on the postcard. Information on the registered mail item,
For example, the delivery code and the name of the recipient are written and left as a notice at the delivery destination, and then the registered mail is brought back. The delivery code to be described is preferably a bar code,
A method of painting a handwritten number or a frame corresponding to the number may be used.

FIG. 1 shows an absent registered mail (delivery item) according to the present invention.
2 shows an embodiment of the delivery device. This apparatus includes a housing 100, a mail storage unit 2 that is a storage unit for storing registered mail in the housing 100, a delivery port 3 for delivering the registered mail 1 to a recipient, and opening and closing of the delivery port 3. A shutter-4 as an opening / closing unit, a robot hand unit 5 as a transfer unit for transferring the registered mail item 1 stored in the mail storage unit 2 to the delivery port 3, and delivering the registered mail item from the robot hand unit 5. A delivery port unit 6 for carrying to the mouth 3, an absent delivery notice reading device 7, which is a first confirmation means for confirming the item information such as the delivery code recorded in the absent delivery notice, and outputting an item information signal, A certifying means reading device 8 which is a second confirming means for reading a name or an ID code from an ID card which is a certifying means and outputting it as a name signal such as an ID code. Guidance display means 9 in the announcement or the like showing the operation procedure, ID copolymers such as user PIN - key 10 is an input means for inputting a de power supply device for driving a device 1
1. Includes a control means 12 for transmitting various read signals to the host computer 16 and for issuing a control signal based on a command from the host computer 16, and a journal printer 13 as a printing means for recording the contents of transactions. It is configured. In addition, on the back surface of the housing 100 of the present apparatus, there is an entrance window 14 which is an opening for exchanging mail between the present apparatus and an external apparatus, and the inside of the housing 100 is sent through the entrance window 14. A delivery unit 15 for exchanging the registered registered mail with the robot hand unit 5.
Is provided. In addition, the host computer 1
A data display means 20 for transmitting the message from 6 on a screen display and a key 19 which is a recipient code input means used by an attendant as needed are attached. Inside the carry-in window, as delivery means reading means for reading the information written in the delivered registered mail, delivery code reading means 17 for reading the bar code written on the absent mail, and the recipient's data. Recipient code reading means 18 for reading is attached.

Further, a delivery signal for permitting delivery of the registered mail by using the output of the first and second confirmation means and the signal from the key 10 transmitted via the control means 12 as an input to the outside of the apparatus. The host computer 16 is provided as a signal generating means for outputting The host computer 16 is also a computer that manages this system.

The mail storage unit 2 is composed of a plurality of storage means, that is, a mail storage box 21, each of which is provided with a storage location number as a code for specifying the storage means. Further, in each of the postal matter storage boxes 21, a postal matter detection sensor 22 for detecting and outputting whether or not a postal matter is stored in the postal matter storage box 21,
A robot hand entry detection sensor 23 that detects and outputs that the robot hand 51 has entered the mail storage box 21 is attached, and detects the presence or absence of mail and the entry of the robot hand when the device operates. Then, these signals are sent to the control means 12.

The delivery port 3 is an opening opened in the housing 100 of the apparatus, and the opening is opened and closed by the shutter device 4. Below the delivery port 3, a sensor 31 for detecting the presence or absence of the delivery port unit 6 and a sensor 32 for detecting the opening / closing of the shutter are provided.

The shutter device 4 opens and closes the delivery port 3 with a shutter 41 in accordance with a signal from the control means 12. The shutter device 4 comprises a shutter 41 and a drive source 42 for driving the shutter 41. Has been done.

The robot hand unit 5 is for carrying mail between the delivery unit 15 and the mail storage unit 2, and for carrying mail between the delivery port unit 6 and the mail storage unit 2. It is a thing. The robot hand units 5 are arranged in two stages vertically facing each other, and open and close between them to open and close the robot hand 51 for gripping mail pieces, a drive source 52 for moving the robot hand 51 up and down, and the robot hand 51. The driving source 53, a driving source 54 for moving the robot hand 51 back and forth, and a power transmission system including belts and gears for transmitting driving forces from these driving sources. Here, the front surface refers to the side of the housing 100 on which the delivery port 3 is provided, and the rear surface refers to the surface of the housing 100 facing the delivery port 3.

The delivery port unit 6 is the robot hand 5
It receives registered mail from 1 and conveys it to the delivery port 3. A box 61 in which the registered mail is put, a drive source 62 for rotating the box on a horizontal plane, and a rotation on a vertical plane for the box. It is composed of a drive source 63 and a power transmission system for transmitting the drive force from these drive sources.

The absent delivery notice reading device 7 for reading the information recorded in the absent delivery notice is disposed on the front surface of the housing 100 and has an insertion port 71 into which the absent delivery notice is inserted.
Reading means 72 for reading the code written on the absent delivery notice, a collection box 73 for collecting the unnecessary absent delivery notice, and the absent delivery notice inserted through the insertion port 71. Reading means 72, collection box 7
3 and a power transmission system.

The certifying means reading device 8 which is the second confirming means for reading the name of the person who is going to receive the registered mail from the ID card which is the certifying means is arranged on the front surface of the housing 100 and the ID card is inserted. Insertion port 81, a reading unit 82 for reading the code, number or name written on the certifying unit, a collection box for collecting suspicious certifying unit, and a proof inserted through the insertion port 81. It comprises a reading means 82, a proving means conveying means for sequentially conveying the means to the collection box, and a power transmission system.

The control means 12 is provided with a control unit for controlling the operation of each of the above means, as shown in FIG. That is, the absent delivery notice reading device 7 controls the absent delivery notice reading control unit, the certifying unit reading device 8 certifying unit reading control unit, the input unit 10 input unit controlling unit, and the robot hand unit 5. Conveyance control section for delivery means comprising delivery port unit 6, display control section for guide display means 9, delivery code reading control section for delivery code reading section 17, delivery code reading section 18 A receiver code read control unit, a receiver code input control unit for the receiver code input unit 19, and a display control unit for the data display unit 20 are provided. The control means 12 sends various read signals to the host computer 16
And sends a control signal to each of the means and devices based on a command from the host computer 16, and at least as shown in FIG. It is configured to exchange signals and data.

The host computer 16 is provided with three storage means, first, second and third storage means.
The user's registered name and I
The D code personal identification number is stored as a database in association therewith. The second storage means is a combination of a delivery code of each delivery, an ID code of the recipient of the delivery, a personal identification number, and a code for identifying the mail storage box 21 in which the delivery is stored. It is stored for each delivery as a set of delivery data. The third storage means is a storage box code table in which the codes of the used mail storage box 21 and the codes of the unused mail storage box 21 are stored as separate groups. The host computer 16 is also provided with first, second and third searching means and collating means, which will be sequentially described in the following description.

FIG. 8 shows the back surface (same as the rear surface) of the apparatus shown in FIG. Out-of-office mail, that is, registered mail that has been brought back is stored from the back. On the back of this device, a delivery code reading means 17 for reading a bar code written on an absent mail item and a recipient code reading means 18 for reading data of a recipient are attached. Further, a data display means 20 for transmitting a message from the host computer 16 to the staff by screen display and a key 19 as a recipient code input means used by the staff as required are attached. The delivery code reading means 17 is an insertion slot 17 into which a mail item is inserted.
a and a bar code reading unit.

When storing the absent postal matter in the apparatus, a staff member inserts the postal matter into the insertion port 17a of the bar code reading means 17. The inserted postal matter is conveyed to the barcode reading unit and the barcode is read. Further, the recipient data reading means 18 reads the recipient data. It reads the name on a machine such as OCR.

When these data are read, transmitted to the host computer 16 and stored as delivery data, the mail is conveyed to the delivery unit 15 through the window 14.

It is desirable that the recipient's data is encoded in advance and encoded by being read by the recipient code reading means 18, but if this cannot be realized, the bureau staff will write an absent delivery notice. A key 20 is used to input the written name of the recipient or a code corresponding to the recipient.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the bar code reading means 17, the recipient code reading means 18, and the input key 20 of the absentee mail are attached to the housing 100 shown in FIG. However, it goes without saying that these may be arranged separately and independently.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a procedure for storing an absent mail in this device. First, the delivery code of the mail is read from the bar code on the absent mail,
This data is transmitted to the host computer 16 (procedure 901). Next, the recipient's data is read and also transmitted to the host computer 16 (step 902). When the recipient's data (name or company name in this case) is sent to the host computer 16, the first searching means of the host computer 16 causes the recipient (identified absent mail item) specified by the sent data. (Addressee of) has already completed the registration procedure and searches the database to see if the person can use this device (step 903). if,
If it has not been registered, the data display means 20 via the control means 12 informs the attendant (procedure 908), the storing operation is stopped, the registered mail piece is sent back to the insertion port 17a, and the operation is completed. (Procedure 909).

When the corresponding data can be retrieved, the ID code and personal identification number registered in advance by this recipient are retrieved from the database (step 904). When this is done, the second search means of the host computer 16
The mail storage box 21 in which the mail is not yet stored from the storage box code table which is the third storage means that stores the code of the used mail storage box 21 and the code of the unused mail storage box 21. Search for
The code indicating the vacant mail storage box 21 is taken out, and the taken out code is moved from the unused side to the used side (step 905). Then, the code indicating the extracted mail storage box 21 is transmitted to the control means 12 as a storage signal. The first search means performs step 90.
Delivery code sent in 1, ID previously searched
The code and the secret code, and the code of the mail storage box 21 retrieved by the second retrieval means are combined, and as shown in FIG. 10, these are the delivery code, the recipient code, the secret code, and the storage location data (taken out. It is stored and stored in the second storage means as a set of delivery data, which is a code indicating the unused mail storage box 21) (step 90).
6). The storage area for a set of delivery data may use various certifying means such as various cash cards, licenses, insurance cards, and employee ID cards issued by each company, in addition to the ID card as the recipient's identity certifying means. Therefore, the storage area is reserved in advance so as to correspond to the code with the most data among the proving means used. The control means that receives the stored signal delivers the registered mail to the unit 1
At the same time as transporting to 5, the robot hand unit 5 which is a conveying means is driven to store the registered mail in the delivery unit 15 in the mail storage box 21 designated by the storage signal.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the outline of the operation in the case of delivering the registered postal matter brought back to the recipient by the present apparatus.

In this apparatus, the absent delivery notice is inserted into the insertion port 71.
The operation starts when it is inserted from. First, the absent delivery notice is conveyed from the insertion port 71 to the reading means 72 by the notice conveying means, and the reading means 72 reads the delivery code of the absent delivery mail. The read code is transmitted to the host computer 16 (procedure 3).
01). Next, the control means 12 causes the guidance display means 9 to perform a display for guiding the user to insert the ID card, which is the certification means, into the insertion port 81. User inserts ID card 81
When inserted in the ID card, the ID card is conveyed to the reading means 82 by the certifying means conveying means and is read by the reading means 82.
The ID code written on the D card is read. The read ID code is transmitted to the host computer 16 (step 302).

The control means 12 then causes the guide display means 9 to
A display prompting the user to enter the recipient's personal identification number from the key 10 is displayed. The personal identification number input by the user is transmitted to the host computer 16 (step 303).

When these pieces of data are transmitted, the third retrieval means of the host computer 16 selects a delivery item having a corresponding delivery item code from a number of delivery item data stored in advance in the second storage means. The data is taken out, and the recipient ID code, the personal identification number data and the storage location data of the taken delivery data are read out. Next, the collating means of the host computer 16 collates the read recipient ID code and personal identification number data with the transmitted recipient ID code and personal identification number (procedure 3).
04). As a result of this collation work, if the recipient ID code and the personal identification number match, a signal containing the data of the read storage location and permitting the delivery of the corresponding mail item, that is, the corresponding registered mail item is stored. The code in the mail storage box 21 indicating the location where the mail is stored is transmitted to the control means 12 as a delivery signal (step 306). Upon receiving the delivery signal, the control means 12 delivers the registered mail by a predetermined procedure, at the same time returns the ID card to the insertion slot 81 (procedure 307), and then carries out an ending operation (procedure 308).
In the ending operation, the number of operations in the operation number table is rewritten to 0.

If either the recipient ID code or the personal identification number does not match as a result of the collation work, step 3
In step 09, it is determined whether the number of operations recorded in the operation number table has reached a predetermined allowable number of operations (for example, 3 times). If the number of operations is less than the allowable number of operations, a signal for instructing the user to perform another operation after adding 1 to the number of operations recorded in the number-of-operations table is transmitted from the collating means to the control means 12 (3
10) and returns to step 301. In step 309, when the number of operations reaches the predetermined allowable number of operations (for example, 3 times), the process proceeds to step 311, and a signal for ending the operation is transmitted to the control means 12. There are several types of operation end signals transmitted in step 311, and if the number of operations exceeds the permissible number of operations due to mismatching of the personal identification numbers, the ID card and absent delivery notice will be collected in their respective collection boxes and the staff will A signal indicating that an error has occurred and an instruction to terminate the operation. If the allowable number of operations is exceeded for other reasons, ID
After returning the card to the insertion slot 81 and the absent delivery notice to the insertion slot 71, a signal instructing to end the operation is transmitted. Even if the allowable number of operations is exceeded for other reasons, the staff member may be notified of the abnormality.

The operation will be described in more detail. First, reading and sending of the delivery code will be described with reference to FIG. When the user of this apparatus inserts the absent delivery notice into the insertion port 71 of the absent delivery notice reading device 7 according to the guidance displayed on the guide display means 9, the sensor at the insertion port 71 inserts the absent delivery notice. After confirmation (procedure 401), the inserted missed delivery notice is conveyed to the reading means 72 (procedure 402). Then, the bar code scanner of the reading means 72 reads the delivery code of the absent mail written in the absent delivery notice (procedure 403), and after it is judged whether or not the read delivery code is normally read. (Procedure 404), if it is read normally, it is transmitted to the control means 12. Then, it is further transmitted from the control means 12 to the host computer 16 (procedure 405) and used for the collation work described later. When the verification result is positive and the delivery signal is transmitted, the absent delivery notice is conveyed to the collection box 73 and collected (procedure 406), and the operation ends (procedure 408). If it is determined in step 404 that the delivery code is not normally read, the absent delivery notice is returned to the insertion slot 71, and at the same time, the guide display means 9 is the absent delivery notice correct? After confirming whether or not it will be displayed again to guide you to insert it again (Step 4
07), the operation ends (procedure 408).

Next, the reading and transmission of the ID code of the certifying means (ID card issued by the post office in this embodiment) for certifying the name of the recipient (user) will be described with reference to FIG.

When the delivery code of the absent mail is sent to the host computer 16, an ID card for certifying the recipient of the registered mail is displayed on the guide display means 9, and a certification means reading device 8 for confirming the certification of the recipient. ID card insertion slot 8
A message is displayed to guide the user to insert the item into 1. According to this, when the user inserts the ID card into the insertion slot 81,
The sensor at the insertion slot 81 confirms that the ID card has been inserted (step 5).
01), the ID card is conveyed to the reading means 82 by the proving means conveying means (procedure 502). Then, the magnetic information as the ID code is read by the card reader of the reading means 82 (procedure 503), and it is determined whether or not the read ID code is normally read (procedure 5).
04) If it is normally read, it is transmitted to the host computer 16 via the control means 12 (procedure 505) and used for the collation work described later. When the verification result is positive and the delivery signal is transmitted, the ID card is returned to the insertion slot 81, and the operation ends. If it is determined in step 504 that the document has not been properly read, the process proceeds to step 507 and the ID
The card is returned to the insertion slot 81, and at the same time, the guide display means 9
Then, after confirming that the ID card is correct, a message is displayed to guide the user to insert the card again into the insertion slot 81, and the operation ends (procedure 509).

Whether or not the delivery code or ID code has been normally read is determined by whether or not the predetermined number of digits or the alphabet constituting the delivery code or ID code has been read. Yes, it is not a judgment as to whether the recipient is the correct one.

When the magnetic information of the ID card is normally read and sent to the host computer 16, the guide display means 9 displays to the recipient of the registered mail to enter the personal identification number using the key 10. When the user inputs the personal identification number according to this guide, the input personal identification number information is transmitted to the control means 12 and further to the host computer 16 to be used for the collation work (FIG. 3).
Step 303).

The host computer 16 issues the delivery code of the absent mail, the ID code of the recipient, and the ID card, which were input when the mail could not be received and returned to the station to store the absent mail. The PIN code and the code indicating the mail storage box in which the absent mail is stored are input in advance and stored as the delivery data. In the host computer 16, the input delivery code and ID code and the personal identification number input by the user are compared with the corresponding delivery data.

Next, the collation work will be described with reference to FIG. Upon receiving the personal identification number, the host computer 16 starts the collation work (procedure 601). The third search means of the host computer 16 first searches the second storage means for delivery data having the same delivery code as the delivered delivery code of the absent mail (procedure 60).
2). If there is no delivery data having the same code, the procedure proceeds to step 610, and the collation work ends with the collation result as an error. If there is delivery data having the same delivery code, then the recipient's ID code, personal identification number, and storage location data stored in the delivery data are read. Next, the collating means collates the transmitted ID code with the read ID code (step 604). If they do not match, the process proceeds to step 610, and the collation work is terminated because the collation result is incorrect. If they match, the collation result is correct, and the procedure advances to step 606, and the read personal identification number is collated with the transmitted personal identification number. If they do not match, the procedure proceeds to step 610, and the collation work is terminated because the collation result is incorrect. If both PINs match, it is determined that the collation result is correct, and the procedure proceeds to step 608, where the user determines that the absent mail item is the correct recipient and terminates the collation work (step 609). Then, as a delivery signal permitting delivery, the storage location data of the retrieved delivery data, that is, the code indicating the mail storage box 21 in which the corresponding absent mail is stored is transmitted to the control means 12 (FIG. 3). 306).

When the collation work is terminated because the collation result is incorrect, the procedure proceeds to step 309 of FIG. 3 as described above. The collating means of the host computer 16 adds a signal for terminating the operation if the number of operations reaches a predetermined allowable number of operations, and increments the number of operations by 1 if it is less than the allowable number of operations, and then re-operates to the user. A signal for instructing the guidance display means 9 to perform a display for guiding the
Send to 2.

Next, the work of delivering the absent mail to the user will be described.

In this case, the host computer 16 sends to the control means 12 the mail to be delivered to the user in the storage unit 2.
Information on which of the mail storage boxes 21 is stored is sent as a delivery signal. This information is stored in the host computer 16 in advance as storage location data that is a part of the delivery data when the corresponding mail piece is stored.

When the control means 12 receives this information,
The robot hand unit 5 and the delivery port unit 6 as the transporting means are driven so as to transport the registered mail from the corresponding postal storage box 21 to the delivery port 3. As a result, the robot hand 51 enters the corresponding postal item storage box 21, grips the stored registered postal items and moves backward, further rises to the position of the delivery port unit 6 and moves in the horizontal direction. The delivery port unit 6 is shown in FIG.
As described above, the robot hand 51 enters the delivery port unit 6 and waits at a predetermined delivery position, and moves backward while leaving the registered mail item held by opening the pawl in the vertical direction. The delivery port unit 6 returns to the original posture when the registered mail is received from the robot hand 51, and the delivery port 3
Move to. When the control means 12 determines that the delivery port unit 6 has moved to the delivery port 3, it sends a signal to the shutter drive device 42 to open the shutter 41 of the delivery port 3, whereby the shutter 41 of the delivery port 3 is opened. Is opened. The delivery port unit 6 is provided with a sensor for detecting the presence / absence of mail, and when the user takes out the registered mail, the control means 12 outputs a signal indicating the taking out of the mail.
Send to. When the control means 12 receives this signal, the control means 12 sends a signal to the shutter drive device 42, whereby the shutter 41 of the delivery port 3 is closed. At the same time, the control device 12 also transmits to the host computer 16 a signal indicating completion of delivery of the registered mail designated by the delivery signal previously received, and the second searching means of the host computer 16 receiving this signal, The storage location data of the corresponding delivery data is rewritten to the data indicating the delivery date and time, and the corresponding code is moved from the storage box code table storing the code of the mail storage box 21 in use to the unused side.

The delivery port 3 even after a lapse of a predetermined time
If the mail inside is not taken out, an announcement will inform the user that delivery of the registered mail has not been completed. After another time has elapsed and another predetermined time has elapsed, the control means 12 sends a signal to the shutter drive device 42 to close the shutter 41 of the delivery port 3. Then, the operation moves to the forgotten collection operation.

If the delivery is forgotten, the delivery unit 6 first delivers the mail to the robot hand 51. This is the reverse of the operation shown in FIG. When the postal matter is handed over to the robot hand 51, the robot hand 51 conveys and stores the postal matter in a predetermined postal forgotten collection postal matter storage box 21. The control means transmits the code of the postal forgotten mail storage box 21 to the host computer 16, and the second retrieval means of the host computer 16 receives the received data of the storage location of the delivery data. At the same time as rewriting the code of the storage box 21 for forgetting and collecting, the code of the storage box 21 of the mail before rewriting was moved from the used side of the storage box code table to the unused side and newly written. The code of the mail storage box 21 is moved from the unused side to the used side.

The entire history of these delivery operations is recorded in the journal printer 13 in the apparatus and is used when a problem should occur.

In the above embodiment, the bar code is used as the delivery code written on the absent delivery notice, and the bar code scanner is used for the reading section 72. However, the delivery code is simply a number or a number. It may be a code with a symbol such as an alphabet. Further, the reading means 72 may be a reading means corresponding to the code used, and may be a means such as OCR. Further, as the means for certifying the recipient, in the above embodiment, an example of using the magnetic ID card issued for the delivery system of the absent mail is shown, but this is a cash card, insurance card, license. Alternatively, it may be an employee ID card. However, the user must notify in advance which of these means will be used when registering to use this system. Therefore, as the reading unit 82, a reading unit corresponding to the code to be used may be used and may be a unit such as OCR. If fingerprint collation is possible, this may be used as a recipient certifying means.

Therefore, when different certifying means are used by users, it is necessary to arrange the reading means corresponding to each of them in parallel. Needless to say, if the magnetic recording location and the magnetic recording method of the cash card or employee ID card are the same as those of the ID card, it is needless to say that the common reading means can be used. It is only necessary to read the magnetic recordings at a plurality of locations and to adopt the recordings at the read locations. Even if the recording method is different, it is also possible to prepare in advance a dictionary for conversion corresponding to it and deal with it.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the absent delivery notice reading means 72 and the ID card reading means 82 as the recipient certifying means are separate, but they may be the same. For example, when the delivery code of the absent delivery notice is indicated by a bar code and the recipient certification means is an insurance card, both can be read by the OCR reading means. In this case, if the OCR is used as the reading means for the absent delivery notice in FIG. 1, the absent delivery notice reading means may be used for the insurance certificate of the recipient certifying means. In this way, it is not necessary to attach the same reading means to different devices, which is also effective in simplifying the devices.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the storage unit 2 for absent mail is shown inside the delivery device for absent mail, but as shown in FIG. 11, the storage unit 2 serves as a delivery device. It may be composed of another storage unit 24, and the transport means may be provided between the delivery device and the storage unit 24. In this way, a large number of absent mail items can be stored.

FIG. 12 shows the device of FIG. 11 with a device for delivering the absent parcels brought back to the destination. In this device, a portion for storing an absent package is a door and a door opening / closing means 4 for opening / closing the door, respectively.
It is provided as an independent parcel storage unit 25 consisting of a plurality of storage boxes 26 with four. However, in this device, each storage box 26 of the parcel storage unit 25 also serves as a delivery port. That is, when the result of the collation work is correct, based on the delivery signal transmitted from the host computer 16, the control means 12 opens the door of the corresponding storage box 26 by driving the door opening / closing means 44, and the user opens it. Pick up the stored parcel. This device
A combination of only the delivery device and the parcel storage unit 25 can be used. In this way, it can be applied not only to parcels of parcels but also to ordinary parcel delivery services.

Although the description so far has been made by taking registered mail as an example, it goes without saying that this may be a delivery such as a courier service. In the above example,
The delivery code is stated on the delivery notification, but the delivery
Notification of absentee delivery by entering the recipient name instead of the code
The recipient name read from the book is sent to the host computer 16.
Sent and pre-registered in the host computer 16
Read the ID code from the recipient name and ID code comparison table
Applicable delivery using the issued and read ID code as a key
You may make it search item data. In this case also
The procedure may be similar to that in the above-mentioned embodiment.

As described above, the information containing the information on the article is written.
Providing proof means to prove knowledge means and recipient's name on the device
Simply hand over the goods without having to bother
Can be handed over to the recipient outside the opening hours of
To deliver the goods regardless of the working hours of the goods manager.
Can reduce the burden on the goods manager and the recipient.
You can

From the storage location to the delivery location of the article
Items sent by parcel or courier as they do not need to be transported
Etc. can be delivered and the range of goods delivery service
Can be expanded.

Also, it is combined with a well-known automatic warehouse system.
To allow the delivery to be delivered to the recipient
You can receive the returned delivery outside the opening hours of the delivery counter.
Since you can hand over after confirming the identity of the handler,
To reduce the burden on the recipient of the delivery and the administrator of the delivery.
As well as improve delivery service for deliveries
You can

In addition, deliveries should be delivered within the business hours of the delivery counter.
Confirm the recipient's identity even outside and hand it over to the recipient
The recipient of the delivery and the manager of the delivery
Can reduce the burden of delivery and deliver the delivery
The service can be improved.

Further, the delivery is simply sent to the delivery window.
Data required for delivery confirmation and management is generated and stored in
Therefore, the burden on the delivery manager for managing goods can be further reduced.
Has the effect of reducing.

Further, there are two transportation means for transporting the delivery.
Since it is configured separately, the effect of simplifying the mechanism is
can get.

Also, it is combined with a well-known automatic warehouse system.
By bringing it back, even if it could not be delivered to the recipient
Deliver the item to the recipient's
You can check the minutes before handing over
It can reduce the burden on the recipient and the delivery manager.
And improve delivery service
it can.

[0080]

According to the present invention, the post office window opening hours
It is possible to deliver registered mail to the recipient at a time other than
It is possible to provide a delivery device for the available articles. Well
In addition, even in the case of general deliveries,
Goods that can be delivered to the recipient on time
The delivery device can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially crushed perspective view showing an embodiment of an article delivery device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a main part of a control system of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation flow of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of a delivery code reading operation of the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of a code reading operation of the recipient certifying means in the flowchart shown in FIG.

6 is a flowchart showing a part of a collating operation of the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the operation of the delivery port unit of the embodiment shown in FIG.

8 is a perspective view showing the back surface of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

9 is a flow chart showing the flow of a data read operation during a storage operation in the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of delivery data in the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Missed registered mail 2 Mail storage 3 Delivery port 4 shutter 5 Transport means 6 Delivery unit 7 Missed delivery notice reader 8 proof means reading device 9 Display device 10 keys 11 power supply 12 Control means 13 Journal printer 14 Carry-in counter 15 Delivery unit 16 Host computer 17 Absent mail code reading means 18 Recipient reading means 19 Display for staff 20 Key for staff 21 Mail storage box 22 Mail detection sensor 23 Robot hand approach detection sensor 24 Storage unit 25 parcel storage unit 26 Storage Box 31 sensor 32 sensors 41 shutter 42 Shutter drive source 44 Door opening / closing means 51 robot hand 52 Robot hand vertical drive source 53 Robot hand open / close drive source 54 Robot hand front-back drive source 61 boxes 62,63 Box drive source 71 insertion slot 72 reading means 73 Collection Box 81 insertion slot 82 reading means 100 housing

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tadashi Osaka 502 Jinrachicho, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture Machinery Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Junichi Tamamoto 502, Kintatecho, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Hitachi Machinery Co., Ltd. In the laboratory (56) Reference JP-A-2-286502 (JP, A) JP-A-63-181872 (JP, A) JP-A-62-139071 (JP, A) Actual development Sho-63-184868 (JP, U) ) Japanese Patent Publication 5-17115 (JP, B2) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B65G 1/137 G06F 17/60

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An apparatus for delivering a delivery, which has notified a recipient of the delivery, and storing the delivery.
A first confirmation means for reading the recorded information from the notification and outputting it as a notification signal; and a recipient signal for reading the information for identifying the recipient from the certifying means for recording the information for identifying the recipient. The second confirmation means that outputs the information, the information described in the notification and the name of the recipient of the article are stored as delivery data, and the same data as the notification signal output from the first confirmation means. Is searched for, the recipient name included in the searched delivery data is collated with the recipient signal output from the second confirmation means, and when the both match, the searched delivery is found. and a signal generating means for outputting a signal for permitting delivery of deliveries specified by information contained in the data, deliveries stored in said storage means, rank in said storage means
At the time of delivery, the recipient's data on the delivery will be read.
Recipients identified by the captured and read recipient data
A delivery device for a delivery, characterized in that it is searched whether the taker is registered in advance . 2. A device to deliver the deliveries in which the notification for specifying the deliveries to the recipient, a storage means for storing distribution Itarubutsu, the delivery port is opened to deliver the deliveries to the recipient,
The opening and closing means for opening and closing the delivery port, the first confirming means for reading the information for identifying the delivery from the notification and outputting it as the delivery code, and the certifying means for recording the information for identifying the recipient Second confirmation means for reading the information for identifying and outputting as a recipient signal, the information described in the notification and the information for identifying the recipient of the delivery are stored as delivery data in association with each other, Information for identifying delivery recipients included in the retrieved delivery data is searched for delivery data having the same data as the delivery code output from the first confirmation means, and the delivery information is output from the second confirmation means. When the recipient signals are matched and both match,
Comprising a signal generating means for outputting a delivery signal indicating the deliveries corresponding to the deliveries codes, and transfer means for transferring from said storing means deliveries appropriate based on the cited passing signal to said delivery port, said storage The deliverables stored in the means are stored in the storage means.
At the time of delivery, the recipient's data on the delivery will be read.
Recipients identified by the captured and read recipient data
A delivery device for a delivery, characterized in that it is searched whether the taker is registered in advance . 3. A delivery device for delivering a delivery to a recipient, the storage means storing the delivery, and a delivery port which is an opening for delivering the delivery to the recipient.
The opening and closing means for opening and closing the delivery port, the first confirming means for reading the information for identifying the delivery from the notification and outputting it as the delivery code, and the certifying means for recording the information for identifying the recipient Second confirming means for reading information identifying a person and outputting it as a recipient signal;
Signal generation means for receiving a delivery code output from the confirmation means and the recipient signal output from the second confirmation means and outputting a delivery signal indicating a delivery corresponding to the delivery code, and the delivery. A transport means for transporting the corresponding delivery from the storage means to the delivery port based on a signal, a display means for displaying an operation procedure to a user, an input means for inputting data, and a printout of operation contents of the apparatus. The printing means, the delivery window where the delivery is carried in from the outside of the apparatus, the delivery reading means for reading the information written on the delivery delivered from the delivery window, and the delivery for which the written information is read A delivery unit for delivering to the delivery unit, a control unit for controlling the opening / closing unit, the delivery unit, the first and second confirmation units, the display unit, the printing unit, and the delivery unit. The signal generating means, delivery and first storage means for storing in correspondence a recipient signal and code number set for each user name and the user registered Me pre, individual deliveries second storage means for storing as object code and該配our of recipient recipient signal and PIN and該配our product is deliveries combined with the code that identifies the storage means stored data, before Symbol each storage unit unique code attached to the storage unit, a third storage means for distinguishing and storing the group deliveries with a group deliveries is stored is not stored, the previous SL deliveries reading means The first storage means is searched based on the read recipient name, the recipient signal and the personal identification number of the corresponding user are read, and the second storage together with the delivery code read by the delivery reading means. means A first retrieving means for storing, prior SL retrieves the code deliveries by searching the third storage means for instructing one of the storage means is not stored, a second memory in combination with the deliveries Code Second retrieval means for storing the code in the means and outputting it as a stored signal to the control means, and transferring the code from the group of the third storage means in which the delivery is not stored to the group in which the delivery is stored. retrieves the deliveries data having the same deliveries codes before and Symbol deliveries code inputted from the first check means, third retrieval of taking out a recipient signal and the identification number included in the retrieved deliveries data means, a recipient signal and PIN numbers which Ri issued collected, compared with the password input through the second input from the confirmation unit the payee signal and said input means, when they match each Previous A delivery device for delivering a delivery, comprising: a collating means for outputting to the control means, as a delivery signal, a code for identifying the storage means included in the retrieved delivery data. 4. A robot hand unit for transporting a delivery product from the storage means and transporting the delivery product to substantially the same height as the delivery port, and a delivery port unit for receiving the delivery product from the robot hand unit and transferring it to the delivery port. The delivery device for a delivery item according to claim 3 , wherein the delivery device is a delivery device. 5. The delivery to be stored in the storage means is such that when the storage is stored in the storage means, the data of the recipient described in the delivery is read and specified by the read data of the recipient. The delivery device of the delivery according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein it is searched whether or not the recipient is registered in advance.