JPH04311491A - Device for automatic delivery of baggage - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily solve difficulties arising from mishandling or forgetting of bringing a card by a delivery man, or missing of a card by a baggage receiver by providing a master card that can be used in the case of such difficulties. CONSTITUTION:As a master card is inserted into a magnetic card reader, as pass numbers are inputted by operating ten keys, and as a box number is inputted by operating ten keys, a control section is made ready for inputs by a release key, a registration key, and a finish key. As the release key is operated under the condition as mentioned above, the control section controls a box control section to unlock a locking mechanism of a baggage box whose number corresponds to the inputted box number. In the case of operation of the registration key, the control section controls the box control section to lock the locking mechanism that is unlocked by operation of the release key. In the case of operation of the finish key, processing by the master card finishes.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic baggage delivery system for, for example, a business operator to deliver parcels to recipients.

0002

[Background Art] Recently, in apartment complexes and other housing complexes, a large number of lockable and unlockable luggage boxes have been installed, and delivery companies and sellers such as supermarkets select one of these boxes to store packages to be delivered. A device has been developed in which the baggage recipient unlocks the corresponding baggage box and receives the baggage.

Specifically, the carrier and the package recipient each have a magnetic card with magnetically recorded information corresponding to each individual, and when the carrier stores the package to be delivered in a package box, the magnetic card is first read by a card reader. let In this state, if you key in the destination room number, an empty luggage box will be searched, unlocked, and displayed. Then, the trader selects an empty luggage box, stores the luggage, and closes the door, thereby locking the luggage box and setting a room number.

[0004] Furthermore, when the recipient receives the parcel from the luggage box, he or she first reads the magnetic card using a card reader. If you key in your personal identification number in this state, the luggage box to which your room number is set will be searched, unlocked, and displayed. Then, when the door of the corresponding luggage box is opened, the luggage is taken out, and the door is closed, the luggage box becomes an empty luggage box and is locked.

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, with this type of device, for example, a vendor may enter an incorrect room number and store the luggage in a luggage box, or a luggage recipient may forget the magnetic card, or a luggage recipient may not use the magnetic card. If an abnormal situation occurs, such as losing the luggage box, the luggage box cannot be unlocked, causing an inconvenience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic baggage transfer device that can easily deal with abnormal situations such as erroneous operations, forgotten cards, or lost cards, and can improve usability.

[0007]

[Means for solving the problem] The invention corresponding to claim 1 is:
A plurality of luggage boxes with unlockable doors, a card reading means for reading information on the information card, a means for inputting a destination room number, a means for inputting a PIN number, and an information card read by the card reading means. When the information is package delivery company information, when the destination room number is input using the destination room number input means, there is a means for searching each baggage box for an empty baggage box and unlocking the door of the empty baggage box; When the luggage is stored in the luggage box and locked, there is a means to set the destination room number entered in the luggage box, and a PIN code input when the information on the information card read by the card reading means is the luggage recipient information. When a PIN code is input by a means, a means is provided for searching the luggage box in which the corresponding destination room number is entered from each luggage box and unlocking the door of the luggage box, and a means for unlocking the luggage box from the luggage box unlocked by this means. means for canceling the setting of the destination room number for this luggage box when the luggage box is removed, a box number input means corresponding to each luggage box, and a box when the information on the information card read by the card reading means is master card information. A master unlocking means is provided for unlocking the door of the luggage box corresponding to the box number input by the number inputting means.

[0008] The invention corresponding to claim 2 also provides an identification number input means for the parcel delivery company and the parcel recipient, and when the information on the information card read by the card reading means is MasterCard information, the information is inputted by the identification number input means. If the identification number entered is the identification number of the package delivery company, the same process as when reading the package delivery company's information card is performed, and if the identification number input is the package recipient's identification number, the package recipient's information card is read. A master card processing means is provided that performs the same processing as when reading.

[0009]

[Operation] In the present invention having such a structure, the baggage delivery company information causes the card reading means to read its own information card, and by inputting the destination room number, an empty baggage box is searched and unlocked. . This allows the merchant to store the luggage in an empty luggage box. When the luggage is stored in the luggage box and locked, the destination room number is set in the luggage box. In this state, the recipient has the card reader read his or her information card, and then enters his or her personal identification number, which searches and unlocks the luggage box in which the corresponding destination room number has been entered. be locked. This allows the recipient to receive the parcel addressed to him/her from the luggage box.

[0010] Furthermore, if a situation occurs such as a vendor entering an incorrect room number and storing the luggage in a luggage box, or a luggage recipient losing the card, the person holding the MasterCard will be responsible for the management. The master card is read by the card reading means. After this, you can unlock the corresponding luggage box by inputting the box number. Therefore, the corresponding luggage box can be opened and the luggage can be taken out in the presence of the manager.

In addition, in the present invention, when the party with which the abnormal situation occurs is a business, the master card brought by the manager is read by the card reading means, and then the business can identify itself by inputting its own identification number. The state is the same as when the information card is read by the card reading means, and therefore, by inputting the destination room number, an empty luggage box is searched and unlocked. This way, even if a merchant forgets their card, it can be dealt with.

[0012] Furthermore, in the case where the recipient of the abnormal situation is the recipient of the parcel, the master card brought by the person in charge of management is read by the card reading means, and then the recipient of the parcel enters his/her own identification number. The state is the same as when the card is read by the card reading means, and the corresponding luggage box is searched and unlocked by inputting the password. This allows you to deal with the situation even if the package recipient loses the card.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a large number of luggage boxes 2 are provided in an outer case 1.
and one control box 3 are installed. these luggage boxes 2
There are small-sized luggage boxes, medium-sized luggage boxes, and large-sized luggage boxes, each with a locking mechanism on the door and a box number written on it.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control box 3 includes a character display 31, a magnetic card reader 32, a numeric keypad 33 used for inputting numbers, and buttons for "end", "registration", "cancellation", "confirmation", and "correction". '' function key 34, a luggage box indicator 35 equipped with an LED (light emitting diode) corresponding to each of the luggage boxes 2, a printer 36 used for issuing a receipt, etc., is provided. .

A circuit unit shown in FIG. 3 is housed in the control box 3. This circuit unit is provided with a control section 41 consisting of a CPU (central processing unit), memory, I/O ports, etc., and this control section 41 includes the character display 31, magnetic card reader 32, numeric keypad 33, function keys 34, A luggage box display 35 and a printer 36 are each connected. In addition, the control unit 41 includes each of the luggage boxes 2 and 2.
A box control section 42 is connected to drive and control the locking mechanism 21 provided in the baggage box and to receive a signal from a baggage detection sensor (not shown) provided in the baggage box.

FIG. 4 shows a magnetic card as an information card whose information is read by the magnetic card reader 32.
(a) is a magnetic card 11 in the baggage recipient's possession, on which his name and room number are written, and a magnetic stripe 11.
Information necessary for the recipient of the package is magnetically recorded on the package a. (b) is a magnetic card 12 held by a trader, on which the name of the trader is written, and information necessary for the trader is magnetically recorded on the magnetic stripe 12a. (c) is a master card 13 held by the person in charge of management, with magnetic stripe 1
Information necessary for a master card is magnetically recorded on the card 3a.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main processing. When the magnetic card reader 32 reads a magnetic card, it is determined whether the magnetic card is a vendor's magnetic card (delivery card) 12 or
Check whether the recipient's magnetic card (receipt card) 11 or Master Card 13 is used.

If the magnetic card (delivery card) 12 is used, delivery processing is performed, and if the magnetic card (receipt card) 11 is used, reception processing is performed.

If the master card 13 is used, the system waits for the user to enter a password using the numeric keypad 33. If it does not correspond to any card, the character display 31
Displays an error message.

When the reading card is the master card 13, when the PIN number is input, the system waits for the input of the box number using the numeric keypad 33, and when the box number is input in this state, the control section 41 Store the box number in memory.

In this state, the system waits for input of a release key and a registration key. When the release key is input, the control unit 41
controls the box control unit 42 to unlock the lock mechanism 21 of the luggage box corresponding to the input box number. Then, the corresponding LED of the luggage box display 35 is blinked. Further, when the registration key is input, the control section 41 controls the box control section 42 to lock the locking mechanism 21 of the luggage box corresponding to the input box number. Then, turn off the corresponding blinking LED.

Finally, the process waits for the end key to be input. When the end key is input, the series of processing by MasterCard ends. Furthermore, if the box number is input again before the end key is input, the next luggage box can be unlocked or locked.

As shown in FIG. 6, the delivery process first waits for input of the destination room number using the end key and numeric keypad 33. When the destination room number is input, the system waits for the confirmation key to be input. When the confirmation key is input in this state, it is checked whether the destination room number has been input correctly, and if it has been input correctly, an empty luggage box is searched from each luggage box 2 and the luggage box display 35 is controlled. and the corresponding LE
Make D blink. Then, the box control section 42 is controlled to unlock the locking mechanism 21 of the empty cargo box.

If the destination room number has not been entered correctly, a message to that effect is displayed on the character display 31 and the system waits for the destination room number to be input again or the end key to be input. If the end key is input in this state, the delivery process ends and returns to the main process.

When the input destination room number is correct and the empty luggage box is unlocked, the system waits for the end key to be input.

When the end key is input, it is checked whether the deposit has been completed or not, and if the deposit has not been completed, an error message is displayed on the character display 31. The check for completion of deposit at this time is performed, for example, by detecting the baggage using a baggage sensor provided in the baggage box and detecting that the door is blocked by a door sensor.

If the deposit has been completed, the blinking display on the luggage box display 35 is turned off, and the box control section 42 is controlled to lock the unlocked locking mechanism 21. Furthermore, the control section 41 controls the printer 36 to issue two receipts, for example. Of the two issued receipts, one is brought by the vendor, and the other is dropped into the mailbox of the recipient, for example.

Then, the system waits until the destination room number is input again or the end key is input. If the end key is input in this state, the delivery process ends and returns to the main process.

[0030] In the receiving process, as shown in FIG. 7, it is first checked whether or not there is a corresponding package. This is done by searching for the luggage box in which the destination room number corresponding to that number is set, since the number corresponding to the destination room number is recorded on the input magnetic card (receiving card) 11. .

If there is no corresponding package, the character display 31 displays a message indicating that there is no corresponding package.

[0032] If there is a corresponding baggage, the system then waits for input of a password using the numeric keypad 33. When the PIN number is input, it is checked whether the PIN number is correct, and if it is correct, the control unit 41 displays the luggage box display 35.
is controlled to blink the LED corresponding to the luggage box 2 in which the destination room number corresponding to the luggage recipient is set. It also controls the box control section 42 to unlock the locking mechanism 21 of the corresponding luggage box 2.

[0033] When the luggage box corresponding to the input password is correctly unlocked, the system waits for the input of the end key.

When the end key is input, it is checked whether or not the extraction has been completed, and if the extraction has not been completed, an error message is displayed on the character display 31. At this time, the removal completion check is performed by, for example, detecting the cargo using a cargo sensor provided in the cargo box and detecting that the door is closed using a door sensor.

If the removal has been completed, the blinking display on the luggage box display 35 is turned off, and the box control section 42 is controlled to lock the locking mechanism 21 of the corresponding luggage box. If there are still other blinking LEDs, the same operation is repeated, and when there are no more blinking LEDs, the baggage receiving process is completed and the process returns to the main process.

In an embodiment with such a configuration, an empty luggage box 2 is normally unlocked by the trader inserting the magnetic card 12 into the magnetic card reader 32 and inputting the destination room number using the numeric keypad 33. This is also notified by the luggage box display 35. Then, the package to be delivered is placed in one of the empty package boxes 2, the door is closed, and the door is locked by operating the confirmation key.

[0037] Furthermore, when the luggage recipient inserts the magnetic card 11 into the magnetic card reader 32 and inputs the password using the numeric keypad 33, the luggage box 2 in which the corresponding destination room number is set is unlocked and the luggage is removed. Box indicator 3
Informed by 5.

[0038] Then, the luggage recipient takes out the luggage from the unlocked luggage box 2 and closes the door, and the luggage box 2 is locked and becomes an empty luggage box from then on.

By the way, if the trader forgets his magnetic card, he will not be able to unlock the empty luggage box. Furthermore, if the recipient of the package loses the magnetic card, he or she will not be able to unlock the package box containing the package to be received. Furthermore, if a situation arises in which a vendor mistakenly enters a different destination room number, places a package in an empty luggage box 2, and locks it, the luggage box cannot be unlocked even if the carrier has the magnetic card 12. This problem arises.

[0040] Then, the person in charge of management who is in possession of the master card 13 is called. This administrator is Master Card 1
3 into the magnetic card reader 32, enter the password using the numeric keypad 33, and then ask the trader or recipient for the box number to be unlocked and enter that box number using the numeric keypad 33. Then, by operating the release key, the luggage box with the corresponding box number is unlocked, and the corresponding LED on the luggage box display 35 flashes. Furthermore, the unlocked luggage box is locked by operating the registration key. The corresponding LED that is blinking at this time is turned off.

[0041] In this way, even if an abnormal situation such as a wrong operation, forgetting the card, or losing the card occurs, it can be easily dealt with by using the MasterCard, and the usability can be improved. An example will be explained with reference to the drawings.

In this case, the control section 41 performs the main processing shown in FIG. 8 instead of the main processing shown in FIG.

That is, when the magnetic card reader 32 reads a magnetic card and the magnetic card is the master card 13, the system waits for an identification (ID) number to be input using the numeric keypad 33. When the identification number of the vendor is input using the numeric keypad 33, the control unit 41 performs the same process as the delivery process shown in FIG. Further, when the identification number of the parcel receiver is input using the ten key 33, the control section 41 performs the same processing as the receiving processing shown in FIG.

[0044] Therefore, by using the master card 13, if you are a vendor, you can execute the delivery process by inputting the vendor's identification number using the numeric keypad 33, and if you are a package recipient, you can enter the identification number of the vendor using the numeric keypad 33. The receiving process can be executed by inputting the identification number of the package recipient.

Therefore, in this embodiment as well, if the merchant forgets the magnetic card 12 or the recipient of the package loses the magnetic card, the master card 13 can be used to easily deal with the situation. Moreover, in this embodiment, since it is necessary to input the identification number of the merchant and the identification number of the parcel recipient, security can be further improved for the administrator when using the master card 13.

[0046] In the above embodiment, a magnetic card was used as the information card, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this.

[0047]

[Effects of the Invention] As described in detail above, according to the present invention, even if an abnormal situation such as a wrong operation, forgetting a card, or losing a card occurs, it can be easily dealt with, and the automatic baggage delivery device can improve usability. It is possible to provide

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation section of the control box in the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration in the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing each magnetic card used in the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing in the same embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing delivery processing in the same embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing baggage receiving processing in the same embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing main processing in another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 12, 13...Magnetic card, 2...Luggage box, 21...Lock mechanism, 3...Control box, 32...Magnetic card reader, 33
...Numeric keypad, 34...Function key, 41...Control unit,
42...Box control unit.

Claims (2)

[Claims] [Claim 1] A plurality of luggage boxes provided with unlockable doors, a card reading means for reading information on an information card, a destination room number input means, a password input means, and the card reading means. When the information on the read information card is luggage delivery company information, when the destination room number is input by the destination room number input means, means for searching for an empty luggage box from the respective luggage boxes and unlocking the door of the empty luggage box. Then, when the luggage is stored in the luggage box unlocked by this means and locked, there is a means for setting the destination room number entered in the luggage box, and information on the information card read by the card reading means. means for searching a luggage box in which a corresponding destination room number is input from each of the luggage boxes and unlocking the door of the luggage box when a PIN code is input by the PIN input means at the time of package recipient information; When a package is removed from the luggage box unlocked by this means, a means for canceling the setting of a destination room number for the luggage box, a box number input means corresponding to each of the luggage boxes, and a box number input means corresponding to each of the luggage boxes; The automatic luggage delivery device is characterized in that it is provided with master release means for unlocking the door of the luggage box corresponding to the box number input by the box number input means when the information on the information card entered is master card information. [Claim 2] A plurality of luggage boxes provided with unlockable doors, a card reading means for reading information on an information card, a destination room number input means, a password input means, and the card reading means. When the information on the read information card is luggage delivery company information, when the destination room number is input by the destination room number input means, means for searching for an empty luggage box from the respective luggage boxes and unlocking the door of the empty luggage box. Then, when the luggage is stored in the luggage box unlocked by this means and locked, there is a means for setting the destination room number entered in the luggage box, and information on the information card read by the card reading means. means for searching a luggage box in which a corresponding destination room number is input from each of the luggage boxes and unlocking the door of the luggage box when a PIN code is input by the PIN input means at the time of package recipient information; When the package is removed from the package box unlocked by this means, means for canceling the setting of the destination room number for the package box, means for inputting the identification number of the package delivery company and package recipient, and the card reading means. When the information on the read information card is master card information, and if the identification number input by the identification number input means is the identification number of the package delivery company, the same processing as when reading the information card of the package delivery company is performed, and An automatic baggage delivery device characterized by being provided with a master card processing means that performs the same processing as when reading a baggage recipient's information card if the input identification number is the baggage recipient's identification number.