JP7535748B2 - Delivery notification system and delivery notification method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a delivery notification system and a delivery notification method.

In recent years, the number of parcels handled by home delivery services has increased sharply along with the increase in mail order sales of goods, and redelivery due to absence of recipients has become a social issue. One possible solution to this problem would be to install parcel lockers (hereafter also referred to as parcel boxes) where delivery personnel from delivery companies can leave parcels when the recipient is absent.

As a technology related to receiving packages, Patent Document 1 discloses a delivery system that includes a delivery box, a user terminal device owned by a user, and a server of the delivery source or delivery company that can be connected to the user terminal device via a network.

JP 2014-148850 A

The present invention provides a delivery notification system that can notify users about deliveries.

A delivery notification system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a delivery information acquisition unit that acquires first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery in a delivery storage unit provided in a non-residential facility, a destination information acquisition unit that acquires second information regarding the destination of the delivery, a person information acquisition unit that acquires third information regarding a person engaged in work at the non-residential facility, and a notification unit that notifies a notification destination determined based on the acquired second information and the acquired third information regarding the delivery when the acquired first information indicates that the delivery is present in the delivery storage unit.

A delivery notification method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a delivery information acquisition step of acquiring first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery in a delivery storage unit provided in a non-residential facility, a destination information acquisition step of acquiring second information regarding the destination of the delivery, a person information acquisition step of acquiring third information regarding a person engaged in work at the non-residential facility, and a notification step of notifying a notification destination determined based on the acquired second information and the acquired third information regarding the delivery when the acquired first information indicates that the delivery is present in the delivery storage unit.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the delivery notification method.

A delivery notification system according to one aspect of the present invention can provide notifications regarding deliveries to users.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a delivery notification system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of management information. FIG. 4 is an external view of the delivery box. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of the initial setting operation of the delivery notification system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting information. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of a notification operation example 1 when a delivery is deposited in the delivery notification system according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen displayed on a UI (User Interface) unit of the delivery box. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the process related to the user selection operation. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the management information after updating. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of a notification operation example 2 when a delivery is deposited in the delivery notification system according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram of an example of a notification operation when a delivery is taken out in the delivery notification system according to the embodiment.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim are described as optional components.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[composition]
First, the configuration of a delivery notification system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a delivery notification system according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery notification system 10 is a system that can notify a user working in a non-residential facility 80 that a delivery has arrived for that user. The facility 80 is, for example, an office building or a factory. A delivery box 50 is installed in the non-residential facility 80, and the delivery notification system 10 can notify the user that a delivery has been placed in the delivery box 50.

Generally, to use a delivery box that is used by an unspecified number of users, such as delivery box 50, the user must register in advance. The delivery notification system 10 uses the ID card required to enter a specific area 81 within facility 80 (for example, a specific building, a specific floor, a specific room, etc. within facility 80, or it may be the facility 80 itself) as a key to unlock delivery box 50. This allows users working at facility 80 to use delivery box 50 without registering in advance, using the ID card they normally use.

Specifically, the delivery notification system 10 includes an entrance/exit management server 20, an entrance/exit management device 30, a home delivery management server 40, a home delivery box 50, and an information terminal 60.

[Entrance/Exit Management Server]
First, the entrance/exit management server 20 will be described. The entrance/exit management server 20 is a server that manages the entry of users engaged in business in a facility 80 into a predetermined area 81 and the exit of the users from the predetermined area 81. The entrance/exit management server 20 is, for example, a cloud server installed outside the facility 80, but may also be a local server installed within the facility 80. The entrance/exit management server 20 is an example of a second server. Specifically, the entrance/exit management server 20 includes a communication unit 21, an information processing unit 22, and a storage unit 23.

The communication unit 21 is a communication circuit (in other words, a communication module) that allows the entrance/exit management server 20 to communicate with the entrance/exit management device 30, the home delivery management server 40, and the like via a wide area communication network 70 such as the Internet. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used by the communication unit 21.

The information processing unit 22 performs information processing to manage the user's entry into the specified area 81 and the user's exit from the specified area 81. The information processing unit 22 also performs information processing for notifications regarding deliveries. The information processing unit 22 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

The information processing unit 22 includes an acquisition unit 24, a notification unit 25, and a first authentication unit 26. The acquisition unit 24 acquires various information such as arrival information (described later), removal information (described later), and user information (described later). The notification unit 25 notifies the user based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 24. The first authentication unit 26 acquires, via the communication unit 21, identification information read from an ID card by an entrance/exit management device 30 (card reader 31) installed at the entrance/exit of a specified area 81, and determines whether the acquired identification information matches the identification information of a user who has the authority to enter and exit the specified area 81 (i.e., authentication).

The storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores various information and computer programs necessary for the information processing unit 22 to perform information processing. The storage unit 23 is realized, for example, by a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory.

The memory unit 23 stores user information of users who work in the facility 80, for example. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of user information. In other words, user information is employee information. As shown in FIG. 2, the user information associates the user's name, the department to which the user belongs, a telephone number, an email address, and identification information recorded on an ID card held by the user. The user information is an example of third information related to people who work in the facility 80. The user information is, for example, registered (stored) in advance.

[Entrance/Exit Management Device]
Next, the entrance/exit management device 30 will be described. The entrance/exit management device 30 is installed at the entrance of a specified area 81, and controls the locking and unlocking of a door provided at the entrance. If the door is an automatic door, the entrance/exit management device 30 may control the opening and closing of the door in addition to or instead of locking and unlocking the door. The entrance/exit management device 30 includes a card reader 31 and a presentation unit 32.

The card reader 31 reads the identification information stored in the ID card from the ID card. The read identification information is sent to the entrance/exit management server 20, and when the first authentication unit 26 provided in the entrance/exit management server 20 successfully authenticates the read identification information, the entrance/exit management device 30 unlocks the door. Successful authentication means, for example, that the read identification information matches any of the identification information included in the above-mentioned user information. The card reader 31 is realized, for example, by an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentifier) reader that reads the identification information from an IC chip built into the ID card by short-range wireless communication.

The presentation unit 32 presents (notifies) the user when a delivery has arrived for the user who has held the ID card over the card reader 31. The presentation unit 32 is realized, for example, by a light-emitting element such as an LED, and presents by emitting light, but the presentation unit 32 may also be realized by a sound-emitting device such as a speaker or buzzer, and present by emitting sound. The presentation unit 32 may also be realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and present an image.

[Delivery management server]
Next, the home delivery management server 40 will be described. The home delivery management server 40 is a server that manages the usage status of the home delivery box 50. The home delivery management server 40 is, for example, a cloud server installed outside the facility 80, but may also be a local server installed within the facility 80. The home delivery management server 40 is an example of a first server. The home delivery management server 40 includes a communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

The communication unit 41 is a communication circuit (in other words, a communication module) that allows the delivery management server 40 to communicate with the entry/exit management server 20, the delivery box 50, and the like via the wide area communication network 70. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used by the communication unit 41.

The information processing unit 42 performs information processing for managing the usage status of the delivery box 50. The information processing unit 42 also performs information processing for notifications regarding deliveries. The information processing unit 42 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

The information processing unit 42 specifically includes a notification destination setting unit 44, a retrieval condition setting unit 45, an acquisition unit 46, a notification unit 47, and a second authentication unit 48. The detailed functions of these components will be described later.

The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores various information and computer programs necessary for the information processing unit 22 to perform the above information processing. The storage unit 43 is realized, for example, by a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory.

The memory unit 43 stores management information indicating, for example, the usage status of the delivery box 50. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the management information. As shown in FIG. 3, in the management information, the storage unit IDs of the multiple storage units 51 provided in the delivery box 50 are associated with the usage status. The usage status includes, for example, two states: "empty" and "in use." "Empty" means that the storage unit 51 does not contain a delivery item (i.e., it is not being used), and "in use" means that the storage unit 51 contains a delivery item (i.e., it is being used).

[Delivery Box]
Next, the delivery box 50 will be described. The delivery box 50 is an example of a delivery storage unit, and is a device where a delivery person of a delivery company deposits a delivery item (package). In other words, the delivery box 50 is a delivery locker. The delivery box 50 reduces the occurrence of redelivery. FIG. 4 is an external view of the delivery box 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, the delivery box 50 has a plurality of storage sections 51. The storage section 51 is a structure that defines a section in which deliveries are stored, in other words, a storage unit. The storage section 51 includes a door that is opened and closed by the delivery person or the user (consignee). Such a delivery box 50 is installed in a facility 80.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the delivery box 50 includes a communication unit 52, a UI unit 53, a card reader 54, a locking device 55, a detection unit 56, a control unit 57, and a memory unit 58. Of these components, the locking device 55 and the detection unit 56 are provided in each of the multiple storage units 51.

The communication unit 52 is a communication circuit (in other words, a communication module) that enables the delivery box 50 to communicate with the delivery management server 40 via the wide area communication network 70. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used by the communication unit 52.

The UI unit 53 is a user interface device that accepts user operations. The UI unit 53 is realized by a touch panel and a display panel.

The card reader 54 reads the identification information stored in the ID card from the ID card. The read identification information is sent to the home delivery management server 40, and when the second authentication unit 48 provided in the home delivery management server 40 successfully authenticates the read identification information, the control unit 57 unlocks the doors of some of the multiple storage units 51. Successful authentication means, for example, that the read identification information matches any of the user's identification information included in the management information. The card reader 54 is realized, for example, by an RFID reader that reads the identification information from an IC chip built into the ID card by short-range wireless communication.

The locking device 55 is an electric lock for locking and unlocking the door of the storage unit 51. The locking device 55 is controlled by the control unit 57.

The detection unit 56 is a sensor that detects whether the door of the storage unit 51 is open or closed. The detection unit 56 is, for example, a magnetic sensor (i.e., a magnet sensor), but may also be an optical sensor.

The control unit 57 is a control device that controls the display of images on the UI unit 53 and controls the locking device 55. The control unit 57 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

The memory unit 58 is a storage device that stores the control program executed by the control unit 57. The memory unit 58 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[Information terminal]
Next, the information terminal 60 will be described. The information terminal 60 is an information terminal that a user uses to configure settings related to delivery notifications and to receive the notifications. The information terminal 60 is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a notebook personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, but may also be a stationary information terminal such as a desktop personal computer.

[Initial setting operation]
As described above, the delivery notification system 10 can notify a user working in the facility 80 that a delivery addressed to that user has arrived. First, the operation of setting the notification destination and the operation of setting the conditions for retrieving a delivery from the home delivery box 50 (i.e., the initial setting operation) will be described. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram of the initial setting operation.

The communication unit 41 of the home delivery management server 40 periodically communicates with the entrance/exit management server 20 and acquires user information (FIG. 2) from the entrance/exit management server 20 (S11). The acquired user information is stored in the memory unit 43 (S12). This communication is performed, for example, about once a day. In other words, the user information stored in the memory unit 23 and the user information stored in the memory unit 43 are synchronized every day.

In this state, user A (any one of the users working at facility 80) sets the notification destination on information terminal 60, and information terminal 60 accepts the notification destination setting operation from user A (S13). User A also sets the conditions for retrieving the delivery from delivery box 50 (hereinafter also referred to as retrieval conditions) on information terminal 60. Information terminal 60 accepts the retrieval condition setting operation from user A (S14).

Then, the information terminal 60 sends a setting request to the home delivery management server 40 (S15). The communication unit 41 of the home delivery management server 40 receives the setting request, and the notification destination setting unit 44 sets the notification destination when a delivery addressed to user A is placed in the home delivery box 50 based on the received setting request (S16). Specifically, the notification destination setting unit 44 stores the setting contents of the notification destination indicated by the setting request in the memory unit 43 as setting information.

Similarly, the take-out condition setting unit 45 sets take-out conditions when a delivery item addressed to user A is stored in the delivery box 50 based on the received setting request (S17). Specifically, the take-out condition setting unit 45 stores the setting contents of the take-out conditions indicated by the setting request as setting information in the storage unit 43. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of setting information. As described above, the storage unit 51 of the delivery box 50 is unlocked when the second authentication unit 48 succeeds in matching the identification information acquired by the card reader 54 of the delivery box 50. The take-out condition setting unit 45 sets, as the take-out condition, matching identification information used by the second authentication unit 48 to match the identification information acquired by the card reader 54.

User A can set only himself as the notification recipient, or can set any one or more users included in the user information (for example, all users who belong to the same department as user A, including user A) as the notification recipient. In other words, the notification recipient setting unit 44 can set people who work in the facility 80 other than the person who is the addressee of the delivery as the notification recipient.

User A can also set it so that only User A himself/herself can retrieve the delivery (only User A's ID card is granted the authority to unlock the delivery box 50), or it can set it so that any one or more users included in the user information can retrieve the delivery (any one or more users' respective ID cards are granted the authority to unlock the delivery box 50). In other words, the retrieval condition setting unit 45 can set the identification information of people working in the facility 80 other than the person corresponding to the delivery's destination as the matching identification information.

Note that it is not essential to set the notification destination and retrieval conditions. For deliveries addressed to user A, if the delivery notification system 10 is configured so that only user A receives notifications and only user A can retrieve the deliveries, such settings are not required.

[Example 1 of notification operation when a delivery is deposited]
Next, a description will be given of a notification operation example 1 when a delivery person deposits a delivery item in the delivery box 50. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram of the notification operation example 1 when a delivery item is deposited.

The communication unit 41 of the home delivery management server 40 periodically communicates with the entrance/exit management server 20 and acquires user information (FIG. 2) from the entrance/exit management server 20 (S21). The acquired user information is stored in the storage unit 43 (S22). The processing of steps S21 and S22 is the same as the processing of steps S11 and S12.

Next, the UI unit 53 of the delivery box 50 accepts a deposit start operation from the delivery person (S23). An initial screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the UI unit 53 of the delivery box 50, and the deposit start operation includes an operation of selecting "Deposit" displayed on the initial screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the initial screen displayed on the UI unit 53 of the delivery box 50.

When the UI unit 53 accepts the deposit start operation, the control unit 57 uses the communication unit 52 to request user information from the home delivery management server 40 and acquires the user information via the communication unit 52 (S24). The acquired user information is stored in the memory unit 58.

Next, the UI unit 53 accepts a selection operation from the delivery person of a user corresponding to the addressee of the delivery item (S25). In other words, this selection operation is an operation of selecting a user on the screen displayed on the UI unit, whose name is written on the delivery item's shipping tag. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the process related to the user selection operation.

When the UI unit 53 accepts an operation to select the destination designation method (S25a), the control unit 57 determines the destination designation method (S25b). When the control unit 57 determines that "Alphabetical order (corresponding to English alphabetical order)" has been selected in step S25a ("Alphabetical order" in S25a), it causes the UI unit 53 to display a selection screen that displays at least the user names from the user information acquired in step S24 in alphabetical order (S25c). This allows the delivery person to select a user who has the name written on the delivery tag of the delivery item. In other words, the UI unit 53 can accept a selection of a user corresponding to the destination of the delivery item from the delivery person (S25f).

On the other hand, when the control unit 57 determines that "Specify by department" has been selected in step S25a ("Specify by department" in S25a), it causes the UI unit 53 to display a department list screen (S25d). The department list screen has a hierarchical structure. By selecting departments in order, the delivery person can reach a list screen of the names of users belonging to the final department and select the user whose name is written on the delivery tag of the delivery item. In other words, the UI unit 53 can accept the selection of the user corresponding to the destination of the delivery item from the delivery person (S25f).

Furthermore, when the control unit 57 determines that "Search" has been selected in step S25a ("Search" in S25a), it causes the UI unit 53 to display a search screen (an input screen for name, phone number, etc.) (S25e). The delivery person can select a user whose name is written on the delivery tag of the piece by inputting the name, phone number, etc. written on the delivery tag of the piece into the search screen. In other words, the UI unit 53 can accept the selection of a user corresponding to the destination of the delivery piece from the delivery person (S25f).

After the above-described processing of step S25, the delivery person opens the door of an unused storage section 51 of the delivery box 50, places the delivery item inside, and closes the door. When the detection section 56 detects such a door opening/closing (S26), the control section 57 causes the locking device 55 of the storage section 51 where the door was opened/closed to lock the door (S27).

The control unit 57 also generates arrival information that associates the storage unit ID of the storage unit 51 whose door was opened or closed with the destination of the delivery item stored in that storage unit 51 (i.e., the user selected in step S25), and causes the communication unit 52 to transmit the generated arrival information to the home delivery management server 40 (S28).

The communication unit 41 of the home delivery management server 40 receives the arrival information, and the acquisition unit 46 acquires the received arrival information (S29). The arrival information is information indicating that there is a delivery in the home delivery box 50, and therefore corresponds to first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery in the home delivery box 50. The arrival information also corresponds to second information regarding the destination of the delivery. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 46 acquires user information (an example of third information) and setting information from the storage unit 43 (S30).

Next, the information processing unit 42 updates the management information (FIG. 3) based on the acquired arrival information, user information, and setting information (S31). Specifically, the information processing unit 42 identifies the storage unit ID included in the arrival information, and changes the usage status associated with the identified storage unit ID in the management information from "empty" to "in use." In addition, the information processing unit 42 references the user corresponding to the destination of the delivery item identified by the arrival information, the setting information, and the user information, and stores the identification information of one or more users who have the authority to retrieve the delivery item as matching identification information in association with the identified storage unit ID.

For example, if a delivery addressed to user A is stored in storage unit 51 corresponding to storage unit ID 001, the removal condition corresponding to user A in the setting information in FIG. 6 is "users in the same department as user A (including user A)." Therefore, the identification information of users in the same department as user A, which is specified by the user information, is associated with storage unit ID 001. As a result, the management information in FIG. 3 is updated as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of management information after the update.

Next, the notification unit 47 issues an arrival notification based on the acquired arrival information, user information, and setting information (S32). The arrival notification is a notification regarding the delivery, and more specifically, a notification that the delivery has been placed in the home delivery box 50 (that the delivery has arrived). Specifically, the notification unit 47 identifies the email address of the user to whom the arrival notification should be sent by mutually referencing the user corresponding to the destination of the delivery identified by the arrival information, the setting information, and the user information, and sends the arrival notification to the identified email address.

For example, if a delivery addressed to user A is received in storage unit ID 001, the notification destination corresponding to user A in the setting information in FIG. 6 is "users in the same department as user A (including user A)." Therefore, an arrival notification is sent to each of the email addresses of users in the same department as user A, as identified by the user information. Each user in the same department as user A can receive the arrival notification by checking their email via information terminal 60, for example.

As described above, when the acquired arrival information indicates that there is a delivery in the home delivery box 50, the delivery notification system 10 notifies the notification destination determined based on the acquired arrival information and the acquired user information about the delivery. The delivery notification system 10 can realize notifications about the delivery by using user information that is registered in advance in the entrance/exit management system (entrance/exit management server 20 and entrance/exit management device 30). In other words, the user can omit or simplify the procedures (such as user registration) for receiving notifications about deliveries, and can easily receive notifications.

If the delivery management server 40 provides (transmits) the arrival information and setting information to the entry/exit management server 20, the entry/exit management server 20 can also perform a similar arrival notification. In this case, the acquisition unit 24 performs substantially the same processing as steps S29 and S30, and the notification unit 25 performs the processing of step S32 instead of the notification unit 47.

[Example 2 of notification operation when a delivery is deposited]
In the above-mentioned notification operation example 1, the notification is performed via the information terminal 60, but the notification may be performed via the entrance/exit management device 30. Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram of a notification operation example 2 when a delivery is deposited.

First, steps S21 to S31 are processed in the same manner as in notification operation example 1. After that, the information processing unit 42 of the home delivery management server 40 causes the communication unit 41 to transmit the arrival information acquired by the acquisition unit 46 to the entry/exit management server 20 (S33). In other words, the home delivery management server 40 relays the arrival information.

The communication unit 21 of the entry/exit management server 20 receives the arrival information, and the acquisition unit 24 acquires the received arrival information (S34). The arrival information is information indicating that there is a delivery in the delivery box 50, and therefore corresponds to first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery in the delivery box 50. The arrival information also corresponds to second information regarding the destination of the delivery. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 24 acquires user information from the memory unit 23 (S35).

Next, the notification unit 25 identifies the user to be notified based on the acquired arrival information and the acquired user information (S36). For example, the notification unit 25 sets a notification flag (a flag indicating whether or not notification is required) for the user (hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, User A) corresponding to the destination of the delivery identified by the arrival information in the user information.

After that, when User A holds his/her ID card over the card reader 31 of the entrance/exit management device 30, the card reader 31 reads the identification information recorded on the ID card (S37), and the entrance/exit management device 30 sends an authentication request including the read identification information to the entrance/exit management server 20 (S38).

The communication unit 21 of the entry/exit management server 20 receives the authentication request. The first authentication unit 26 performs authentication based on the received authentication request (S39). Specifically, the first authentication unit 26 determines whether the user information stored in the memory unit 23 includes the identification information included in the authentication request (identification information of user A). In this case, since the user information includes identification information of user A, the first authentication unit 26 determines that the authentication is successful and causes the communication unit 21 to send an unlock command to the entry/exit management device 30 (S40). At this time, since the notification flag for user A in the user information is on, the notification unit 25 causes the communication unit 21 to send a notification command to the entry/exit management device 30 (S40).

The entrance/exit management device 30 receives the unlock command and the notification command. The presentation unit 32 issues an arrival notification based on the received notification command (S41). The arrival notification is a notification about the delivery, and more specifically, a notification that the delivery has been placed in the home delivery box 50 (that the delivery has arrived). The presentation unit 32 notifies (presents) User A, who is passing through the entrance/exit, that the delivery has arrived by emitting light, making a sound, displaying an image, etc.

The entrance/exit management device 30 also unlocks the door at the entrance/exit of the specified area 81 based on the received unlock command (S42).

As described above, the delivery notification system 10 (notification unit 25) can issue a delivery arrival notification when the first authentication unit 26, which performs authentication when entering or exiting the specified area 81, successfully authenticates the identification information. In other words, the delivery notification system 10 (notification unit 25) can issue a notification regarding a delivery when the user passes through the entrance or exit of the specified area 81.

When the home delivery management server 40 provides (transmits) the setting information to the entry/exit management server 20, the entry/exit management device 30 (notification unit 25) can also notify users other than user A (for example, all users in the same department as user A) based on the setting information.

Furthermore, notification operation example 1 and notification operation example 2 may be combined. In other words, notification via the information terminal 60 and notification via the entrance/exit management device 30 may both be performed (in parallel).

[Example of notification behavior when removing]
Next, a description will be given of an example of a notification operation when a user removes a delivery from the delivery box 50. Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram of an example of a notification operation when removing a delivery. In the following, a description will be given on the assumption that user A removes a delivery.

The UI unit 53 of the delivery box 50 receives a removal start operation from user A (S51). An initial screen such as that shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the UI unit 53 of the delivery box 50, and the removal start operation includes an operation of selecting "Remove" displayed on the initial screen.

Next, user A holds his/her ID card over the card reader 54, and the card reader 54 reads the identification information of user A recorded on the ID card from the ID card (S52). The control unit 57 causes the communication unit 52 to send an authentication request including the read identification information to the entrance/exit management server 20 (S53).

The communication unit 41 of the home delivery management server 40 receives the authentication request. The second authentication unit 48 performs authentication based on the received authentication request (S54). The second authentication unit 48 determines whether the identification information included in the management information (Figure 10) includes the identification information included in the authentication request (user A's identification information). In other words, the second authentication unit 48 compares the identification information included in the authentication request with the comparison identification information included in the management information. In the management information of Figure 10, since the storage unit ID 001 is associated with user A's identification information, the management information includes the identification information included in the authentication request.

The second authentication unit 48 therefore determines that the authentication has been successful, and causes the communication unit 21 to send an unlock command to the delivery box 50 (S55). The unlock command includes the storage unit ID of the storage unit 51 to be unlocked (storage unit ID 001 in the example of FIG. 10). Note that if user A's identification information is associated with multiple storage unit IDs in the management information (if there are multiple deliveries that user A can retrieve), the unlock command includes multiple storage unit IDs.

The communication unit 52 of the delivery box 50 receives the unlock command. The control unit 57 causes the locking device 55 of the storage unit 51 corresponding to the storage unit ID included in the received unlock command to unlock the door (S56). If the unlock command includes multiple storage unit IDs, the doors of multiple storage units 51 are unlocked.

User A opens the door of the storage unit 51, removes the delivery, and closes the door. When the detection unit 56 detects such door opening and closing (S57), the control unit 57 causes the communication unit 52 to transmit removal information including the storage unit ID of the storage unit 51 whose door was opened and closed to the home delivery management server 40 (S58).

The communication unit 41 of the delivery management server 40 receives the removal information, and the acquisition unit 46 acquires the received removal information (S59). The removal information is information indicating that there is a delivery in the delivery box 50, and therefore corresponds to first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery in the delivery box 50.

Next, the information processing unit 42 updates the management information (FIG. 10) based on the acquired removal information (S60). Specifically, the information processing unit 42 identifies the storage unit ID included in the removal information, and changes the usage status associated with the identified storage unit ID in the management information from "in use" to "free." For example, when a delivery addressed to user A is removed from storage unit 51 corresponding to storage unit ID 001, the usage status associated with storage unit ID 001 is changed from "in use" to "free." As a result, the management information in FIG. 10 is updated as shown in FIG. 3.

Next, the notification unit 47 issues a receipt notification based on the acquired removal information (S61). The receipt notification is a notification regarding the delivery, and more specifically, a notification that receipt of the delivery has been completed.

The notification unit 47, for example, stores in the memory unit 43 the email address to which the arrival notification was sent when the delivery corresponding to storage unit ID 001 was deposited, and sends the receipt notification to this email address. For example, the receipt notification is sent to each of the email addresses of users in the same department as user A. Each of the users in the same department as user A can receive the receipt notification by, for example, checking their email via information terminal 60.

The destination of the receipt notification may be set in the setting information in a manner similar to that for setting the destination of the arrival notification. In this case, for example, in the above step S32, the notification unit 47 identifies the email address of the user to whom the receipt notification should be sent by referring to the user corresponding to the destination of the delivery specified by the arrival information, the setting information, and the user information, and stores the email address in the memory unit 43. The notification unit 47 can send the receipt notification to the set destination by referring to this information in step S61.

As described above, the delivery notification system 10 (notification unit 47) can issue a receipt notification indicating that receipt of the delivery has been completed when the delivery is removed from the delivery box 50.

If the delivery management server 40 provides (transmits) the removal information to the entrance/exit management server 20, the entrance/exit management server 20 can also perform a similar receipt notification. In this case, the process of step S59 is performed by the acquisition unit 24 instead of the acquisition unit 46, and the process of step S60 is performed by the notification unit 25 instead of the notification unit 47.

[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, an ID card is used as the authentication medium, but other authentication media may be used. Examples of other authentication media include a smartphone or a beacon transmitter that transmits identification information. Furthermore, biometric authentication such as face authentication, vein authentication, or voiceprint authentication may be used for authentication. For example, when face authentication is applied, a face image is used as the identification information.

If the authentication medium is a smartphone, the arrival notification in the above embodiment may be performed via the smartphone. For example, in the above notification operation example 2, if the entrance/exit management device 30 reads the identification information from the smartphone by wireless communication, the entrance/exit management device 30 can use this wireless communication to notify the smartphone of the arrival of the item. An example of a communication standard for wireless communication in this case is Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[Modification 2]
The storage unit 51 of the delivery box 50 may be provided with an image sensor (camera) and a weight sensor. In this case, the control unit 57 can include information on the weight and size of the delivery item deposited in the storage unit 51 in the arrival information, and the notification unit 47 can notify the weight and size of the delivery item in the arrival notification. The image sensor and weight sensor can also be used as a fail-safe against the delivery person opening and closing the door of the storage unit 51 without putting the delivery item inside, causing the door to be locked.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the delivery notification system 10 includes an acquisition unit 46 that acquires first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery item in a delivery box 50 provided in a non-residential facility 80, second information regarding the destination of the delivery item, and third information regarding a person engaged in work at the non-residential facility 80, and a notification unit 47 that, when the acquired first information indicates that a delivery item is present in the delivery box 50, issues a notification regarding the delivery item (arrival notification) to a notification destination determined based on the acquired second information and the acquired third information. The delivery box 50 is an example of a delivery storage unit, and the acquisition unit 46 is an example of a delivery information acquisition unit, a destination information acquisition unit, and a person information acquisition unit.

Such a delivery notification system 10 can provide notifications regarding deliveries to users (people engaged in work in non-residential facilities 80).

Furthermore, for example, the third information includes identification information regarding a person engaged in work in the non-residential facility 80, and the identification information is information required to enter a specified area within the non-residential facility 80.

Such a delivery notification system 10 can notify the user about a delivery using the information required to enter a specified area within the non-residential facility 80.

As described in the above-mentioned notification operation example 2, the delivery notification system 10 includes an acquisition unit 24 that acquires first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery in the delivery box 50 installed in the non-residential facility 80, second information regarding the destination of the delivery, and third information regarding a person engaged in work at the non-residential facility 80, and a notification unit 25 that notifies a notification destination determined based on the acquired second information and the acquired third information regarding the delivery when the acquired first information indicates that a delivery is present in the delivery box 50. The notification unit 25 issues a notification when the first authentication unit 26, which performs authentication when entering or exiting a specified area 81, successfully authenticates the identification information.

Such a delivery notification system 10 can notify a user about a delivery when the user passes through an entrance/exit of a specified area 81.

For example, the notification unit 47 also issues a receipt notification indicating that receipt of the delivery item has been completed when the delivery item is removed from the delivery box 50.

Such a delivery notification system 10 can notify the recipient that receipt of the delivery has been completed.

For example, the delivery notification system 10 further includes a notification destination setting unit 44 that sets the notification destination. The notification unit 47 notifies the notification destination that is set by the notification destination setting unit 44 and is determined based on the acquired third information.

Such a delivery notification system 10 can send notifications about deliveries to notification destinations set by the user.

In addition, for example, the notification destination setting unit 44 can set as notification destinations people who work in the non-residential facility 80 other than the person who is the addressee of the delivery item.

Such a delivery notification system 10 can notify users other than the user who is the addressee of the delivery about the delivery.

For example, the delivery notification system 10 further includes a removal condition setting unit 45 that sets the conditions for removing the delivery from the delivery box 50.

Such a delivery notification system 10 can reflect the conditions set by the user regarding the collection of the delivery.

For example, the delivery box 50 is unlocked when the second authentication unit 48 successfully matches the identification information acquired by the delivery box 50, and the removal condition setting unit 45 sets, as a condition, matching identification information used by the second authentication unit 48 to match the identification information.

Such a delivery notification system 10 can give the authority to retrieve a delivery to a user other than the user corresponding to the delivery's destination.

In addition, for example, the pick-up condition setting unit 45 can set, as the matching identification information, the identification information of a person who works in the non-residential facility 80 and is not the person who corresponds to the addressee of the delivery item.

Such a delivery notification system 10 can give the authority to retrieve a delivery to a user other than the user corresponding to the delivery's destination.

For example, the delivery notification system 10 further includes a home delivery management server 40 including an acquisition unit 46 and a notification unit 47. The acquisition unit 46 acquires third information provided from the entrance/exit management server 20 that manages entry to and exit from a specified area 81 in a non-residential facility 80 and that is pre-stored in the entrance/exit management server 20. The home delivery management server 40 is an example of a first server, and the entrance/exit management server 20 is an example of a second server.

Such a delivery notification system 10 can provide notifications regarding deliveries using third information that is pre-stored (registered) in the entry/exit management server 20. In other words, users can omit or simplify the procedures for receiving notifications regarding deliveries, and can receive notifications easily.

The delivery notification method executed by a computer such as the delivery notification system 10 includes a delivery information acquisition step (S29) for acquiring first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery in the delivery box 50 installed in the non-residential facility 80, a destination information acquisition step (S29) for acquiring second information regarding the destination of the delivery, a person information acquisition step (S30) for acquiring third information regarding a person engaged in work at the non-residential facility 80, and a notification step (S32) for notifying a notification destination determined based on the acquired second information and the acquired third information regarding the delivery when the acquired first information indicates the presence of a delivery in the delivery box 50 (arrival notification) regarding the delivery.

This delivery notification method can realize notifications regarding deliveries to users (people who work in non-residential facilities 80).

Other Embodiments
Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, in the above embodiment, a person who works in a non-residential facility is not limited to a person who belongs to a single business entity (such as a company). For example, in a single facility, if a first business entity and a second business entity different from the first business entity coexist, the person who works in the non-residential facility includes both the first business entity and the second business entity. In the delivery notification system, a person who belongs to the second business entity may be able to receive a notification regarding a delivery addressed to a person who belongs to the first business entity, and a person who belongs to the second business entity may be able to retrieve a delivery addressed to a person who belongs to the first business entity.

In the above embodiment, the delivery notification system is realized by multiple devices, but it may be realized as a single device. For example, the delivery notification system may be realized as a single device equivalent to a home delivery management server, or as a single device equivalent to an entrance/exit management server. The delivery notification system may also be realized by a single server that integrates the functions of the home delivery management server and the entrance/exit management server. In addition, when the delivery notification system is realized by multiple devices, the components of the delivery notification system may be distributed in any manner among the multiple devices.

In addition, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. For example, some or all of the information processing performed by the home delivery management server may be executed by the entrance/exit management server. Some or all of the information processing performed by the entrance/exit management server may be executed by the home delivery management server.

Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. When two devices communicate with each other in the above embodiment, a relay device (not shown) may be interposed between the two devices.

The order of the processes described in the above embodiment is merely an example. The order of the processes may be changed, and the processes may be performed in parallel.

In addition, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

In addition, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. For example, the present invention may be implemented as a delivery notification method executed by a computer such as a delivery notification system, or may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a delivery notification method. Also, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

10 Delivery notification system 20 Entrance/exit management server (second server)
24, 46 Acquisition unit (delivery information acquisition unit, destination information acquisition unit, and person information acquisition unit)
25, 47 Notification unit 26 First authentication unit 40 Home delivery management server (first server)
44 Notification destination setting unit 45 Take-out condition setting unit 48 Second authentication unit 50 Delivery box (delivery storage unit)
80 Facilities (Non-residential facilities)
81 Predetermined area

Claims (11)

a delivery information acquisition unit that acquires first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery in a delivery storage unit provided in the non-residential facility;
A destination information acquisition unit that acquires second information related to the destination of the delivery piece;
A person information acquisition unit that acquires third information related to a person engaged in work in the non-residential facility;
a notification unit that notifies a notification destination of a user corresponding to the destination indicated by the acquired second information, the notification destination being determined based on the acquired third information, when the acquired first information indicates that the delivery item is present in the delivery storage unit ;
the third information includes identification information required to enter a predetermined area within the non-residential facility;
The notification unit issues the notification when a first authentication unit, which performs authentication when entering the predetermined area or when exiting from the predetermined area, succeeds in authenticating the identification information.
Delivery notification system. The delivery notification system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit is further configured to issue a receipt notification indicating that receipt of the delivery has been completed when the delivery is removed from the delivery storage unit. Further, a notification destination setting unit that sets the notification destination is provided,
The delivery notification system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the notification unit issues the notification to the notification destination set by the notification destination setting unit, the notification destination being determined based on the acquired third information. The delivery notification system according to claim 3 , wherein the notification destination setting unit is capable of setting, as the notification destination, a person who is engaged in work at the non-residential facility other than a person who is a destination of the delivery. The delivery notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising a removal condition setting unit that sets conditions for removing the delivery from the delivery storage unit. The delivery storage unit is unlocked when the second authentication unit successfully collates the identification information acquired by the delivery storage unit,
6. The delivery notification system according to claim 5 , wherein the take-out condition setting unit sets, as the condition, identification information for verification used for verification of identification information by the second authentication unit. a delivery information acquisition unit that acquires first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery in a delivery storage unit provided in the non-residential facility;
A destination information acquisition unit that acquires second information related to the destination of the delivery piece;
A person information acquisition unit that acquires third information related to a person engaged in work in the non-residential facility;
a notification unit that notifies a notification destination of a user corresponding to the destination indicated by the acquired second information, the notification destination being determined based on the acquired third information, regarding the delivery item when the acquired first information indicates that the delivery item is present in the delivery storage unit;
a removal condition setting unit that sets conditions for removing the delivery from the delivery storage unit,
The delivery storage unit is unlocked when the second authentication unit successfully collates the identification information acquired by the delivery storage unit,
the extraction condition setting unit sets, as the condition, identification information for verification used for verification of identification information by the second authentication unit;
The delivery notification system, wherein the pick-up condition setting unit is capable of setting, as the verification identification information, identification information of a person engaged in work at the non-residential facility other than the person corresponding to the addressee of the delivery. a delivery information acquisition unit that acquires first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery in a delivery storage unit provided in the non-residential facility;
A destination information acquisition unit that acquires second information related to the destination of the delivery piece;
A person information acquisition unit that acquires third information related to a person engaged in work in the non-residential facility;
a notification unit that notifies a notification destination of a user corresponding to the destination indicated by the acquired second information, the notification destination being determined based on the acquired third information, regarding the delivery item when the acquired first information indicates that the delivery item is present in the delivery storage unit;
a first server including the delivery information acquisition unit, the destination information acquisition unit, the person information acquisition unit, and the notification unit;
The human information acquisition unit acquires the third information provided from a second server that manages entry into and exit from a specified area within the non-residential facility and that is pre-stored in the second server. 1. A delivery notification method implemented by a computer system, comprising:
a delivery information acquisition step of acquiring first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery in a delivery storage unit provided in the non-residential facility;
A destination information acquisition step of acquiring second information related to the destination of the delivery item;
A person information acquisition step of acquiring third information related to a person engaged in work in the non-residential facility;
a notification step of notifying a notification destination of a user corresponding to the destination indicated by the acquired second information, the notification destination being determined based on the acquired third information, when the acquired first information indicates that the delivery item is present in the delivery storage unit;
the third information includes identification information required to enter a predetermined area within the non-residential facility;
In the notification step, a first authentication unit that performs authentication when entering or exiting the predetermined area performs the notification when the authentication of the identification information is successful.
Delivery notification method. 1. A delivery notification method implemented by a computer system, comprising:
a delivery information acquisition step of acquiring first information regarding the presence or absence of a delivery in a delivery storage unit provided in the non-residential facility;
A destination information acquisition step of acquiring second information related to the destination of the delivery item;
A person information acquisition step of acquiring third information related to a person engaged in work in the non-residential facility;
a notification step of notifying a notification destination of a user corresponding to the destination indicated by the acquired second information, the notification destination being determined based on the acquired third information, regarding the delivery item when the acquired first information indicates that the delivery item is present in the delivery storage unit ;
a removal condition setting step of setting conditions for removing the delivery from the delivery storage unit,
The delivery storage unit is unlocked when the second authentication unit successfully collates the identification information acquired by the delivery storage unit,
In the extraction condition setting step, a verification identification information used for verification of the identification information by the second authentication unit is set as the condition,
In the pick-up condition setting step, identification information of a person who is engaged in work at the non-residential facility and who is not a person corresponding to the addressee of the delivery piece can be set as the verification identification information.
Delivery notification method. A program for causing a computer system to execute the delivery notification method according to claim 9 or 10 .

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