JP2015092959A - Article receiving system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an article receiving system in which an article storage part of an article receiving device disposed in a public or semi-public space is made to function as a coin locker on standby, and a specific article storage part is used in article receiving services when the article receipt of a delivery article is necessary.SOLUTION: An article storage part 101 of an article receiving device 100 has an article receiving mode for receiving the dispatching or arriving articles, and a coin locker mode for providing luggage storage services. An article receiving management server 500 manages article receipt using the article storage part of the article receiving device. When performing the article receipt by using a specific article storage part 101, the article storage part is switched from the coin locker mode to the article receiving mode by the lead of the server 500. In the other period when the article receipt is not required, the article storage part provides the luggage storage services by the coin locker mode.

Description

  The present invention relates to an article receiving system, and more particularly to an article receiving system for sending or receiving an article such as a home delivery using an article receiving apparatus that is disposed in a public or semi-public space and can also be used as a so-called coin locker.

  Conventionally, an article collection device called a delivery box (or delivery locker) is arranged in an apartment house (a condominium, etc.) to receive a delivery item (various items such as a delivery item, a postal item, or a food). Are known.

  In this type of configuration, the delivery person accommodates the delivery in the article storage section (article collection box) of the article collection device, and the addressee (recipient) such as a resident of the apartment house is an authentication means such as an ID card. Is used to unlock the article storage unit containing the delivery addressed to him and receive the delivery. There is also known an operation in which an article storage unit is allocated exclusively to a specific resident, but there are also many operations in which the article storage unit is used in a shared form in order from the one that has an empty item storage unit. Thus, in an operation in which the article storage unit is shared, the delivery person designates the destination room number and the like, and the delivery item is accommodated in the vacant article storage unit, and the destination resident is displayed on the console of the article receiving device. Necessary information such as the number of the article storage unit in which the received and delivered items are stored can be obtained via a notification means such as an electronic mail or an interphone.

  It is also considered that this type of article storage unit is used for delivery of home deliverables (unlocking the article storage unit containing the shipment by giving an ID card to a specific delivery company that collects goods, etc.) In addition, this kind of goods collection device can also be used for shipping and receiving home deliveries by placing it in places other than apartment houses, such as public or semi-public spaces such as railway station stores or convenience store stores. It is considered. For example, these goods receiving apparatuses are arranged in public or semi-public spaces in various parts of the country (or even when bordered) regardless of the arrangement distance. Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for performing authentication related to unlocking an article storage unit used for shipping and arrival using a mobile phone.

Japanese Patent No. 4556545

  A configuration in which goods collection devices are arranged in public or semi-public spaces in various places and used for sending or arriving home deliveries is convenient for users who tend to be absent, and is based on delivery to the home of the addressee. It is also possible to operate such that the goods receiving device is used only when there are no people.

  In this way, when delivering or arriving a delivery item using an article receiving device arranged in a public or semi-public space, the user (sender / destination) registers with a specific member service, for example. First of all, it is conceivable to allocate a dedicated article storage unit. In this way, in the operation using the article storage section like a post office box, the article storage section becomes a dead space during the period when neither delivery nor arrival is made except for users who deliver or arrive deliveries like every day. However, if the service is charged, there is a problem that the more expensive it is, the less expensive it is to be shipped or received from the user.

  On the other hand, according to the operation in which the article storage unit is not allocated exclusively to a specific user and is shared and used by many users, the above problem is solved. When the goods storage unit is used in a shared manner, when delivering a delivery item, the delivery item is stored in a specific item storage unit until the delivery company collects and picks up the delivery item. The period from when a delivery agent or the like stores a delivery item in the storage unit until the recipient takes it out is the physical period (excluding the period for reservations, etc.) of each item storage unit, The article storage unit can be used for shipping or arrival of another delivery item during other periods, thereby achieving excellent space utilization efficiency.

  In such an operation in which the article storage unit is shared, the articles are stored in the article storage unit such as delivered and arrived deliveries by appropriate means such as e-mail or communication from the console provided in the article receiving apparatus. Further, the parties related to the arrival event, for example, the delivery company and the addressee are notified. After the article is stored in the article storage section, the article storage section is locked with an electronic lock or the like, and unlocked by the authentication operation of the delivery company or the addressee, and then the article is taken out from the article storage section.

  On the other hand, in the operation of sharing and using the article storage unit, since the article storage unit is not reserved exclusively for a specific user for both shipping and arrival, the public technology (or semi-public) space such as a station head in the conventional technology. There is a problem that it cannot be confirmed whether or not there is a vacant article storage unit that can be used in the apparatus unless it moves to the vicinity of the article receiving apparatus arranged in the apparatus.

  Also, a coin locker is conventionally known as a device having a similar configuration arranged in a public space such as a station. Coin lockers probably originated from the temporary storage service for luggage (baggage / small parcels) that has been mainly provided to passengers and other customers by railway stations and other specialists in the past. It is a device that automates (unmanned) the traditional baggage custody service by combining the means to control locking and unlocking of lockers. The initial coin locker locking means used a simple charging device or a mechanical tumbler key controlled by a timer device or the like, but in recent coin lockers, the key means is an authentication means such as a card key and An electronic lock is used, and the entire timing, locking / unlocking control, billing control, and the like are controlled purely electronically using a control means such as a computer.

  Considering the configuration of the above-described article receiving device and coin locker, the schematic form is very much in that the locking / unlocking has a plurality of article storage units (compartments) for storing articles controlled by electronic locks. It is similar and does not require major hardware changes, and the article storage part of the coin locker that has already been arranged, for example, at the station front by changing the degree of changing the configuration of the control system. It is considered that it can be used for receipt (for example, shipment or arrival) of deliverables.

  And the structure which can use temporarily the goods storage part of the coin locker arrange | positioned in public spaces, such as a station front, for receipt (for example, dispatch and arrival) of goods (for example, delivery) according to a user's demand. If it exists, it is considered that the coin locker can function as an article receiving device as required, and the utilization efficiency of the arrangement space of the device can be dramatically improved.

  In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present invention is to allow an article storage unit of an article receiving apparatus disposed in a public or semi-public space to function as a coin locker during normal standby, and to collect articles (for example, shipping or receiving) When there is a need for (arrival), a specific article storage unit is made available for the article collection service.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in an article receiving system for delivering or receiving articles using a plurality of article receiving apparatuses arranged at a distance from each other in public or semi-public spaces, the article receiving apparatus is a delivery company. An article storage unit that is used by switching to one of an operation mode of an article receipt mode for providing an article receipt service for an article to be shipped or received by an article delivery and a coin locker mode for providing a luggage storage service. A configuration is adopted in which the goods collection service or the luggage storage service is provided by the goods storage unit in accordance with the mode switching.

  Alternatively, when a server for managing the receipt of the article using the article storage unit of the article receiving apparatus is provided, and when it is necessary to collect the article using a specific article storage unit of the article receiving apparatus, The operation mode of the article storage unit is switched from the coin locker mode to the article receipt mode under the initiative of the server, and the article storage unit is not required to receive the article in the article storage unit. Adopts a configuration that operates as a coin locker that provides the luggage storage service in the coin locker mode.

  Alternatively, database means for storing availability information indicating whether or not a specific article storage unit of the article receiving apparatus can be used for new article reception is provided, and the specific article storage section of the article receiving apparatus is used. Thus, when it is necessary to collect the goods, the server refers to the database means to determine whether or not a specific article storage unit can be used in the goods collection mode.

  The present invention can provide an article collection service or a luggage storage service by switching the operation mode of the article storage unit of the article collection apparatus arranged in the public or semi-public space by the above characteristic configuration. There is an excellent effect.

  In particular, according to the configuration in which the article storage unit of the article receiving device is placed on standby in the coin locker mode, when it becomes necessary to receive the article related to the article delivery service, the article receiving service for the delivery item is switched from the coin locker mode to the article receiving mode. On the other hand, in other periods when it is not necessary to collect goods, it is possible to provide a luggage storage service in the coin locker mode, for example, for the goods collection service only,物品 The product storage unit that is dedicated exclusively for the specific user who receives the product is not used, and the product storage unit can be operated as a coin locker during the period when it is not necessary to collect the delivered product. There is an excellent effect that the efficiency can be dramatically improved.

  Whether or not a specific article storage unit of the article collection device can be used in the article collection mode depends on whether or not a server that manages the receipt of articles using the article storage unit can use the specific article storage unit for receiving new articles. This can be determined by referring to the database means for storing the availability information indicating that.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the goods receipt system which employ | adopted this invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an article receiving device arranged at a certain installation place in the article receiving system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a database used by a center for managing an article receiving apparatus in the article receiving system of FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which showed the mode of the delivery control in the goods receipt system of FIG. 1, and the update of the database of FIG. 3 accompanying it. It is the flowchart figure which showed the example of control of the coin locker service provided in the goods receipt system of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of an article receiving system employing the present invention, particularly a configuration related to a network architecture. In FIG. 1, reference numerals S1, S2,... Sn are article receiving devices (FIG. 2 to be described later) used for sending and receiving articles, and these article receiving devices S1, S2,. (Or semi-public) placed in a space. The installation locations of the article receiving devices S1, S2,... Sn are remote from each other, and are located throughout the country or across borders as long as the merchandise delivery company (B1, B2,... Described later) can cover the delivery. It doesn't matter.

  In this embodiment, the article receiving devices S1, S2,... Sn are configured as dedicated hardware for receiving (shipping or arriving) the articles, and any of the article receiving devices S1, S2,. Can be configured as a coin locker device placed at the station of a railway station or the like.

  In the following, the article receiving devices S1, S2... Sn receive their articles (compartments: abbreviations such as “box” depending on the context) depending on the context) to receive (ship or receive) articles according to the user's reservation operation or the like. ) It will be described as a device having a coin locker function that can be switched to use or coin locker (luggage custody) application, but the article storage unit (compartment) receives and sends (ships) the article to the article receiving devices S1, S2,. (Alternatively, an apparatus having only an article receiving function used only for the purpose of use may be included (the operation described later concerning only the article receiving is the same for such an apparatus dedicated to receiving articles).

  Details of the configuration of the article receiving devices S1, S2,... Sn as a device dedicated to receiving goods or as a coin locker (baggage deposit) device will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Symbols B1, B2,... Indicate delivery companies such as courier companies and carriers, and U1, U2,... Indicate users (communication terminals) that are senders or recipients of articles delivered by the present system. .

  The state of the article receiving devices S1, S2,... Sn, particularly the article receiving (shipping and arrival) by each article receiving device is managed by the center 500 (server computer).

  As in the present embodiment, the goods collection system configured such that the goods collection devices S1, S2,... Sn can be used by switching to two services of goods collection and coin lockers (baggage storage), goods collection and coin lockers (baggage storage). There are several different forms of arrangement of servers and management organizations that manage these two services as follows.

  (1) The article collection management center 500 is used for goods collection and coin locker services for devices (either S1, S2,... Sn) that can be used for goods collection (shipping and arrival) services and coin locker (baggage storage) services. to manage.

  (2) The article collection service of the apparatus (S1, S2,... Sn) that can be used for both goods receipt (shipping and arrival) and coin locker (baggage custody) services is managed by the article collection management center 500, and the coin locker service. Is managed by a management server 501 (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1 because it may be unnecessary as in (1) above) provided separately for coin locker business management.

  In the case of (2) above, the coin locker service is managed by the management server 501 arranged by, for example, an installation organization dedicated to coin lockers. In addition, the center 500 for receiving and receiving goods and the management server 501 for coin locker service communicate with each other to exchange available information on the compartment of the coin locker, so that a compartment that can be used for receiving and receiving goods can be determined. It can be used by switching to the receipt mode.

  In the following, for the sake of simplification, as described in (1) above, both the article receipt and coin locker services will be described with a focus on the configuration managed by the article receipt management center 500. However, as shown in (2), the coin locker service A case where a server 501 for managing the server is separately provided will be briefly described as necessary.

  Each of the above blocks can communicate with each other using a predetermined communication protocol via a network 206 constituted by the Internet (or an intranet) or the like. Specifically, the users U1, U2,..., Delivery companies B1, B2,... Use a communication terminal such as a PC (personal computer) or a portable terminal when communicating via the network 206.

  The center 500 communicates with the users U1, U2,..., Delivery companies B1, B2,... And monitors the status of the article receiving devices S1, S2,. Manage the shipment and arrival of goods. Specifically, the block shown as the center 500 in FIG. 1 is constituted by an article receipt management server (server computer) disposed in the center 500, and the communication and management related to article receipt are controlled by this article receipt management. Executed by the server.

  To the center 500, the article receiving devices S1, S2,... Sn inform the center 500 of the state of each article storage unit (101 described later) of the own machine, so at least in each article storage unit (101). It is assumed that a package sensor signal indicating whether or not an article related to the article collection service (or a coin locker service) is stored, and a locking signal indicating the locked state of the door of each article storage unit (101) can be transmitted. The center 500 recognizes the article storage status and the locked state of each article storage unit (101) of the article receiving devices S1, S2,... Sn using these baggage sensor signals and locking signals, and based on that, the article receiving devices S1, S2 ... manages the delivery of articles using Sn.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of one article receiving device S1, S2,... Sn shown in FIG. In the following, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the article receiving apparatus configured to use the article storage unit 101 for both the article receiving service and the coin locker service will be mainly described. The configuration of the article receiving device used in the above will also be described as necessary.

  The article receiving apparatus 100 in FIG. 2 corresponds to one of the article receiving apparatuses S1, S2,... Sn in FIG. 1, and is used for shipping and receiving articles (for example, public spaces such as train stations or convenience store stores). Semi) Can be placed in public space. In such an installation mode, when the apparatus has a coin locker function, the article storage unit 101 of the article receiving apparatus 100 is operated as a coin locker during a period when it is not necessary to use it for receiving goods (shipping or arrival). Is possible.

  Alternatively, when the article receiving apparatus 100 is configured as an apparatus dedicated to an article receiving service without a coin locker function, it can be arranged as a so-called delivery box apparatus or the like in an apartment house such as an apartment. The article storage unit of the receiving apparatus 100 can be used for sending and receiving articles.

  Note that the article receiving apparatus 100 may be configured such that a part of the plurality of article storage units 101, 101,... Is arranged as a mailbox when the article receiving apparatus 100 is arranged in an apartment house such as a condominium. Each of the storage units 101, 101... Is provided with a posting port (not shown), and the surface opposite to the posting port (not shown) is opened and closed by an electric lock (or number key) for taking out mail items. A door (not shown) is provided.

  When the article storage units 101, 101,... Are provided for an article storage service such as a delivery product, at least one door for storing articles (and for taking out articles) is provided. Moreover, when arrange | positioning in apartment houses, such as an apartment, the door (not shown) for a resident to take out a delivery thing can also be provided in the other side of the said door. Locking / unlocking of these doors is controlled by an electric lock (not shown). In addition, the article storage units 101, 101... Are each provided with a luggage sensor (not shown) constituted by a transmission type or a reflection type optical sensor in order to transmit the above-described luggage sensor signal. These article storage units 101, 101... Are preferably prepared in a plurality of sizes (S, M, L...) So that they can be selected according to the size of the articles to be stored.

  The console 103 constitutes a user interface means for controlling locking, unlocking, or billing settlement of the article storage unit 101 related to the article receipt service or coin locker service. For example, the opening and closing of the doors of the article storage units 101, 101... Is controlled by the control unit 200 (described later) in accordance with an operation performed by a delivery company such as an article sender or destination person or a courier on the console 103.

  The console 103 is provided with a display 104 composed of an LCD panel (or further a touch panel), a keyboard 105 composed of function keys and numeric keys, and a card reader 106 that reads information from an ID card 111 as authentication means.

  In addition, the console 103 is provided with a printer 107 that employs an arbitrary printing method such as a thermal transfer method or an ink jet method as a printing unit. The printer 107 can be used to print a shipping slip (invoice) when shipping an article using the article storage unit 101.

  The ID card 111 can be configured as a prepaid card as well as used for the article collection mode of the article storage unit 101 that mainly ships and arrives for articles for delivery. Regarding the receipt of goods, the ID card 111 is used as one of authentication means for opening and closing (especially unlocking) the article storage unit 101 (the electric lock of the door), and has a right to open and close the item storage unit 101. Can be distributed to the addressee or delivery company.

  Further, when the ID card 111 is configured as a prepaid card of a predetermined method, the prepaid card can be operated to be used for billing settlement in the coin locker mode, for example.

  The ID card 111 includes a magnetic card, an IC card, a communication device that can transmit / receive authentication information to / from the card reader 106 by infrared or wireless communication, and the like.

  As the authentication information recorded on the ID card 111 regarding the receipt of goods, a combination of a user name and a password can be used. When using a public key authentication method, a secret key unique to the ID card 111 in the public key authentication method can usually be recorded. On the side that authenticates the ID card 111 (for example, the article receiving device 100), for example, the public key associated with the article storage unit to be unlocked, that is, the public key generated in a pair with the secret key of the specific ID card 111 Can be permitted to unlock the article storage section.

  Further, as an authentication means related to opening / closing (especially unlocking) the article storage unit 101 (an electric lock of the door), instead of using the ID card 111, for example, a user name and password that can be input from the keyboard 105 of the console 103 are used. Authentication information such as a combination can also be used as an authentication means.

  The authentication means as described above (authentication information such as a combination of a user name and a password input from the ID card 111 configured as described above, a keyboard, or the like) uses the article collection device 100 to send and receive articles. (For example, a user who has registered as a member for the goods receipt service) and a delivery service provider (such as a courier service) that provides the delivery service (in a form that can be used in a fixed or only one-time manner) )publish.

  It is assumed that a (general) user who ships or arrives at an article can receive the above-mentioned authentication means by, for example, registering as a member for a specific service related to article delivery. Such a specific service is provided by an operating organization (or an affiliated organization) of the center 500 in FIG. 1 that manages the receipt of goods, and the organization also provides the delivery company (B1, B2,. Issue authentication information for vendors in the form of a combination of user name and password.

  Further, for example, when the article receiving apparatus 100 is arranged in an apartment house, the ID card 111 is operated so that each occupant of the apartment house holds, and the ID number in which the room number is recorded as ID information. It can be configured by a card or the like. In such an operation mode, ID information of an ID card held by a specific resident of the apartment house is related to the specific service provided by the operation (or affiliated organization) of the center 500 that manages the receipt of goods. The user registration for the resident is established.

  In member registration for the specific service provided by the management organization of the center 500 (or its affiliated organization), the (general) user involved in the shipment and arrival of goods is required to provide information such as address, apartment name, room number, and telephone number. A report is requested, and the reported information is stored in a member information database managed by the center 500.

  When the article collection device 100 is arranged in an apartment house such as a condominium, the ID card 111 is used for the entrance door of the apartment house (for example, an entrance door (not shown) that is auto-lock controlled) or for each resident. You may also serve as the card key which functions as a key which opens and closes a living room.

  The display 104 and the keyboard 105 of the console 103 can be used not only for the operation of the article storage unit 101 at the time of delivery or arrival of goods regarding the receipt of goods for delivery, but also for the management work of the article collection apparatus 100, etc. In the operation of the coin locker mode, it is used for locking and unlocking the article storage unit, or a charging operation related thereto.

  Regarding charging in the coin locker mode, it is not necessary when only the ID card (prepaid card) 111 is used. However, in order to make it possible to use bills, coins, etc. for the payment settlement, the charging device 112 is arranged on the console 103. To do. This billing device 112 is composed of a bill and coin insertion and counting mechanism, an authenticity determination mechanism, and the like, similar to those used in known coin lockers. In addition, the charging device 112 can be arranged not only on the console 103 but also on the side of each article storage unit 101.

  The control unit 200 of the article receiving device 100 locks / opens the article storage units 101, 101... Of the article receiving device 100 in response to an operation of presenting the ID card 111 (or user name + password input, etc.) on the console 103. Open / close control of electric lock to be locked. In addition, regarding the locking of the article storage unit 101, a structure in which the electric lock is locked by an operation of closing the door of the article storage unit may be employed.

  The left side of FIG. 2 shows the structure of the control system of the article receiving apparatus 100. The control unit 200 includes a CPU 201 as a main control unit, a ROM 202 storing a program to be described later, a RAM 203 used as a work area, and the like.

  Furthermore, an external storage device 207 composed of an HDD or a nonvolatile memory card is connected to the control unit 200, and programs and management database information described later are stored in this external storage device 207. Further, the control unit 200 is provided with a real-time clock 211 so that system control according to the current time can be performed.

  The control unit 200 is connected to the network 206 (FIG. 1) via a network interface 204 (for example, an IEEE 802.3 network interface or a predetermined WAN interface).

  In FIG. 2, only the center 500 is shown on the network 200. As described above, the center 500 is an article receipt management server computer arranged by an operating organization of the article receipt system, and the server computer of the center 500 stores articles using the article receipt apparatus 100 (S1, S2,... Sn). It has a database 300 for managing delivery (shipping and arrival). This database 300 is configured using a storage area such as an HDD of a server computer of the center 500.

  Next, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the operation of the article receiving mode of the article storage units 101, 101... Of the article receiving apparatuses S1, S2. A database configuration (FIG. 3) necessary for the delivery and an example of processing for sending and receiving articles (FIG. 4) will be described. Further, the control in the coin locker service provided by the article storage units 101, 101, ... of the article receiving devices S1, S2, ... Sn will be described later with reference to FIG.

  3 shows an example of the data structure of the database 300 (FIG. 2) used for managing the shipment and arrival of articles by the article receiving apparatuses S1, S2,... Sn having different installation locations shown in FIG. . Further, on the right side of FIG. 3, the configuration of the database 400 necessary for controlling the coin locker service provided by the article storage units 101, 101... Of the article receiving devices S1, S2. It is.

  3, the database 300 shows data records (in the row direction) corresponding to the article storage units b1, b2,... Of the article receiving devices S1, S2,. The database 300 includes a database 310 (fields 311 and 312: first database) and a database 320 (fields 321 to 326: second database) related to the database 310 as a relational database.

  In FIG. 3 (the same applies to FIG. 4 to be described later), mnemonics (b1, b2,..., S, M, L,. Closed, etc.) is an example, and the data representation format in the actual database is arbitrary.

  In the present embodiment, the database 310 includes a reservation operation page and the like which will be described later by the user who is the sender or the destination (U1, U2,... In FIG. 1) and the delivery company (B1, B2,. Access authority is granted to allow browsing.

  In the database 310, one record is assigned to each article storage unit b1, b2,... Of each article receiving device (S1, S2,...) Having a different installation location. Each record in the database 310 has a box number (field 311) accessible to the user (U1, U2... In FIG. 1) and the merchant (B1, B2. Alternatively, each field stores usage availability information (field 312) indicating whether or not it can be used for a coin locker service ("OK" or "NO").

  As the box number of the field 311, values such as b 1, b 2,... For each article receiving device (S 1, S 2,...) With different installation locations are the size information (S, M, L, etc.) (Displayed in parentheses in the figure) and stored.

  For example, information (address, etc.) related to the installation location of the article collection device (S1, S2,...) Necessary for the reservation operation described later is stored in another database associated with the installation location (S1, S2,...). Alternatively, a separate field can be provided in the database 310 for storage.

  The database 310 is managed by, for example, the article receipt management server of the center 500. However, when the coin locker service of the article receipt apparatus (all of S1, S2,..., Or any one) is managed by another management server 501. In response to an event such as the start and end of a coin locker service by the individual article storage units (b1, b2,...), A signal in a specific format is transmitted from the management server 501 to the article collection management server of the center 500. Accordingly, the article receipt management server of the center 500 updates the availability information of each article storage unit (b1, b2,...).

  Similarly, the database 320 managed by the article collection management server of the center 500 is composed of data records used for managing the shipment and arrival of articles related to the article collection service of each article collection apparatus (S1, S2, S3...). A record corresponding to each article storage unit (b1, b2, b3...) Is composed of fields 321 to 326.

  The data in the fields 321 to 325 of the database 320 is used internally by the server of the center 500 to manage the shipment and arrival of articles. In contrast to the database 310, users (U1, U2,... ) And vendors (B1, B2,... In FIG. 1) are given access authority that cannot be accessed directly.

  Further, the field 326 of the database 320 stores information indicating whether the operation mode of each article storage unit (b1, b2, b3...) Is currently the article receipt mode (T) or the coin locker mode (M). Is done.

  The database 310 and the database 320 are linked to a relational relationship by a known database method using the box number of the article storage unit of both databases as a key. That is, the box number (field 311) of the database 310 is linked to the relation of the box number (field 321) of the database 320, and the value (usable or unusable) of the availability information (field 312) of the database 310 is linked. (Predetermined data value shown) is updated from time to time by the database software of the server of the center 500 based on the change in the contents of the fields 322 to 325 of the data record having the same box number in the field 321 of the database 320.

  Fields 322 to 325 of the database 320 respectively include delivery data (field 322) such as identification information (address, contact information, e-mail address, etc.) of the sender and addressee for controlling delivery of the article, and the article storage unit. Each information of authentication information (field 323) for unlocking, information on presence / absence of luggage in the article storage unit (field 324), and lock state information (field 325) indicating the unlocking / locking state of the article storage unit is stored. To do.

  The delivery data in the field 322, for example, identification information (address, contact information, e-mail address, etc.) of the sender and destination is managed by the delivery of the traders (B1, B2,...) Using only hard copy shipping slips. In this case, it is not always necessary to manage by the database 300 of the center 500, and in this case, it is not necessary to store in the field 322. However, in the configuration in which a shipping slip is created (printed) as described later, The same information as that described in the slip is stored in the field 322.

  Further, the authentication information (PW1, PW2,...) Stored in the field 323 indicates that a certain article storage unit shifts to a closed state, that is, an article to be shipped or arrived is stored in the article storage unit, and an electronic lock of the door is stored. Is transferred to the locked state, and is generated as authentication information for unlocking the article storage unit.

  As such authentication information, it is conceivable to use a one-time password first. For example, after an article to be shipped or arrived is stored in a specific article storage unit and an electronic lock on the door is locked, the server of the center 500 has a right to unlock the article storage part. A value generated as a one-time password in accordance with a trader (B1, B2,...) Or a specific user (U1, U2,...) Is stored in the field 323. Thereafter, for example, an e-mail or other dedicated message means is appropriately sent to a specific trader (B1, B2,...) Or a specific user (U1, U2...) Having the authority to unlock the article storage unit. The password information in the field 323 is used to notify the user or the trader having the unlocking authority to input the notified password (or further the user name) from the keyboard 105 of the console 103 or the like, and the article storage unit is used. Can be unlocked.

  Further, in the field 323, a combination of a user name and a password recorded on an ID card 111 held by a trader (B1, B2...) Or a user (U1, U2...) Who has the authority to unlock the article storage unit, Or in the public key authentication method, a method of storing public key information paired with the secret key recorded on the card may be adopted.

  The verification of the password stored in the field 323 of the database 320 required for unlocking (or locking) the article storage unit described later is performed by the server of the center 500 or each article collection device (S1, S2,...). It is assumed that this is performed by the control unit (200). In this password verification operation, for example, communication by a predetermined protocol between the server of the center 500 and the control unit (200) of each article collection device (S1, S2,...) (Usually encryption for this type of application) The password entered through the console 103 of the control unit (200) of each article receiving device (S1, S2,...) Through which the article storage unit is actually unlocked (or locked). The information and the password stored in field 323 of database 320 are collated.

  Also, in the field 324, information on the presence / absence of luggage in the article storage unit corresponding to the record is stored. As described above, the article storage unit 101 of the article receiving apparatus (S1, S2,...) Is provided with the luggage sensor, and each article receiving apparatus (S1, S2,...) The package sensor signal is transmitted to the center 500. Then, the server of the center 500 updates the value of the field 324 in the record corresponding to each article storage unit of each article receiving device (S1, S2,...) In response to receiving the package sensor signal.

  The field 325 stores a value (“open” or “closed”) indicating the locked state of the door of the article storage unit. The state of the electronic lock of the door of the article storage unit 101 of the article receiving device (S1, S2,...) Is detected by the control unit 200 of each article receiving device (S1, S2,...), And each article receiving device (S1, S2). ...) transmits the above-mentioned locking signal when the state of the electronic lock of the door changes. The server of the center 500 updates the value of the field 325 in the record corresponding to each article storage unit of each article collection device (S1, S2,...) In response to receiving the locking signal.

  In addition, as described above, the field 326 of the database 320 indicates whether the operation mode of each article storage unit (b1, b2, b3...) Is currently the article receipt mode (T) or the coin locker mode (L). The article collection management server of the center 500 is updated so that the information shown is stored.

  In this embodiment, the article storage units (b1, b2, b3...) Of the article receiving apparatus (S1, S2,...) That are also used for the article receiving service and the coin locker service are provided for the coin locker service when not provided for the article receiving service. That is, in the standby state for receiving goods, the article storage unit is operated to be used as a coin locker. When a specific article storage unit in the coin locker mode is in an empty (usable) state, the article storage unit can be reserved for use in shipment or arrival of an article, and thereby control can be switched to the article collection mode. Is done. In the database 320, the field 326 of the record corresponding to the specific article storage unit (b1, b2, b3...) Is updated by the article receipt management server of the center 500 to indicate the current operation mode in response to such mode switching. Is done.

  Each record having fields 421 to 426 on the right side of FIG. 3 includes a database 400 (first table) for controlling the operation of the coin locker mode of the article storage unit (b1, b2, b3...) Of the article receiving device (S1, S2,...). 3 databases). This database 400 is stored in the article collection management server of the center 500 when the article receipt management server of the center 500 also manages the operation of the coin locker mode, and when the coin locker mode is managed by another management server 501, the management server 501.

  The field 421 of the database 400 stores the box number of the article storage unit (b1, b2, b3...) Of the article receiving device (S1, S2,...) As in the field 321 of the database 320 described above.

  The field 422 stores billing information that is updated in conjunction with the timing information in the field 423. The timekeeping information in the field 423 is provided by the article storage unit (b1, b2, b3...) Of the box number timed by the real time clock (211) of the article receiving device (S1, S2. Updated to show the accumulated time information.

  The fields 424 and 425 store the detection information of the parcel sensor of the article storage unit (b1, b2, b3...) And information related to the locked state, similarly to the fields 324 and 325 of the database 320 described above.

  In the field 426, the current operation mode of the article storage unit (b1, b2, b3...) Is either the article receipt mode (T) or the coin locker mode (L) as in the field 326 of the database 320 described above. Updated to show.

  In the example of FIG. 3, valid values (values other than “−”) are written in the fields 422 to 424 in the article storage unit in the coin locker mode (L) instead of the article receipt mode (T). The article storage section b2 of the received article collection apparatus S1, the article storage section b1 of the article collection apparatus S2, and the article storage section b4 of the article collection apparatus S3 are actually in the luggage storage state in the coin locker mode, and other article collection modes. The article storage unit (in coin locker mode (L)) not in (T) is in a standby state (no baggage is stored) in coin locker mode.

  In particular, in the coin locker mode (L), a valid value (a value other than “−”) is written in the fields 422 to 424, and the article storage unit b2 of the article receiving apparatus S1 in the luggage storage state, the article receiving apparatus. The article storage section b1 of S2 and the article storage section b4 of the article receiving device S3. These article storage sections cannot be used for sending or receiving other articles (of course, for other coin locker services). The value of the field 312 of the record corresponding to the box is “No”.

  In the database 320 of FIG. 3, the field 326 of the record corresponding to the article storage unit (b1, b2,...) Of each article receiving device (S1, S2,...) Indicates the article receiving mode (T). When a valid value (a value other than “−”) is written in 322 to 324, the article storage unit is occupied for shipment or by an article arrived, and these article storage units are other items. Therefore, the value in the field 312 of the record corresponding to the corresponding article storage unit in the database 310 is “No”. Of course, all of the article storage units in use are in a locked state, and the state of the electronic lock in the field 325 of the record corresponding to the article storage unit is “closed”.

  In the database 320 of FIG. 3, the field 326 of the record corresponding to the article storage unit (b1, b2,...) Of each article receiving device (S1, S2,...) Indicates the coin locker mode (L), and the field When the value of 322 to 324 is “−”, the article storage unit is not used for shipping or for arrived articles, and these article storage units are used for shipping or arrival of new articles. The value in the field 312 of the record corresponding to the corresponding article storage unit in the database 310 is “OK”.

  In this embodiment, the unused article storage unit (the coin locker mode is used at this time if the apparatus is used for both article receipt and coin locker of the present embodiment. If the apparatus is dedicated to receiving goods, the article storage mode is used). For security reasons, the device is waiting in the locked state instead of waiting in the unlocked state, and the state of the electronic lock in the field 325 of the record corresponding to the unused article storage unit is also “closed”. Yes. When an unused article storage unit is used in an article receipt mode for a delivery item or a coin locker mode, the electronic lock is unlocked at a necessary timing, but the value in the field 325 is “open” only during the unlock period. To control. However, depending on the security policy, it is a matter of course that an operation may be performed in which an unused article storage unit is made to stand by in an unlocked state as in the conventional coin locker device.

  In addition, in the coin locker mode as described above, when an unused article storage unit is made to stand by in a locked state, use availability display means (not shown) such as an LED for displaying an empty state is provided in the vicinity of each article storage unit. Alternatively, it is desirable that an unused article storage unit can be specified via the display 104 of the console 103.

  In the present system, it is desirable that the delivery company (B1, B2,...) Related to the receipt of goods is registered in the user database managed by the server of the center 500.

  On the other hand, the user (U1, U2,...) Who uses the delivery service (shipping and arrival) of goods temporarily (in the case of re-delivery after the absence) temporarily (as once) Only) Considering the demand for using the goods receiving device (S1, S2,...), User registration with “member registration” continuity is not always necessary.

  In addition, a user who uses each article storage unit (b1, b2,...) Of the article receiving device (S1, S2,...) Only in the coin locker mode (for example, a passenger or a passenger who passes through a station concourse at the installation location of the device, etc.) Even for an unspecified number of users, user registration with “member registration” continuity is not necessarily required.

  Also, the authentication information of the user name (ID) and password (or key information in the public key authentication method) corresponding to the user registration of the delivery company (B1, B2,...) And the user (U1, U2...) Is stored. The ID card 111 does not necessarily have to be issued for every user registration (for example, when authentication information such as a user name and a password is used, it can be input manually from the console 103 or the like).

  However, as in the case of the delivery company (B1, B2,...), The user (U1, U2...) Who uses the article delivery service (shipping and arrival) performs user registration prior to providing the delivery service or using the delivery service. It may be more desirable to handle the issuance of a unique user name (or authentication information such as a password or key information in a public key authentication method).

  Such user registration can be performed by network communication, for example. For example, a registration operation page (for example, an HTML format) provided by the center 500 (server) via the network 200 to a delivery company (B1, B2,...) Or a user (U1, U2,...) Using a communication terminal such as a PC or a portable terminal. Use a format such as, preferably access the registration operation page for the delivery company and user respectively, and enter the organization name or user name, address, contact information (phone number and e-mail address) from the input form of the registration operation page Etc.) and billing information (such as an account number or a credit card number for which a bank withdrawal is desired) can be entered.

  Further, such user registration is performed by the operator of the center 500 and the registration information similar to the above in the center 500 by the face-to-face procedure between the operator of the center 500 and the delivery company (B1, B2...) Or user (U1, U2...). It can also be performed by a procedure that is input to the server.

  In addition, it is desirable to require that a driver's license be presented for address confirmation and identity confirmation as necessary when registering the user of the delivery company and user according to the rules. Such documents can be presented by the above-mentioned face-to-face procedure, and in the above-mentioned procedure by network communication, a copy of the document is exchanged using a communication means such as mail, or an image of the document is displayed. Can also be uploaded via the above registration operation page.

  When the above user registration is completed, a unique user name (user ID) or a password (or key information in the public key authentication method) for the delivery company (B1, B2...) Or the user (U1, U2...) Issue authentication information. Such authentication information can be recorded in the above-described ID card and issued in the form of transferring or lending the card to a delivery company (B1, B2,...) Or a user (U1, U2,...).

  FIG. 4 shows how goods are received (shipped and received) and delivered by a delivery company in the above configuration.

  FIG. 4 shows how data in the database shown in FIG. 3 is updated in a display format similar to FIG. However, the display of the database contents is made by concatenating the fields 311 and 312 of the database 310 of FIG. 3 and the fields 322 to 325 of the database 320 as shown on the right side of step T1 in the upper left of FIG. It is a format. The display order of the other database contents in FIG. 4 is also in the same format as the display on the right side of step T1, but the reference numerals of the above fields are the fields whose state has mainly changed due to space constraints. Shows only about. FIG. 4 mainly shows the operation after each article storage unit (b1, b2,...) Of the article receiving device (S1, S2,...) Is switched from the coin locker mode to the article receiving mode. In addition, the field 326 of the database 320 is not shown.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the sender uses the article storage unit b2 (size is M) of the article receiving apparatus S1 to perform shipment. The delivery company unlocks the article storage unit b2 through a predetermined authentication procedure, takes out (collects) the article (package) accommodated by the sender, and delivers it to the address of the destination (consignee). In this embodiment, delivery data such as the address, name, and telephone number of the addressee is transmitted to the delivery company when the sender creates a shipping slip and stores it in the article storage unit b2 together with the package.

  This shipping slip must be created by hand-filling the necessary information in handwritten form on a form placed in the vicinity of the goods receiving device S1 (a predetermined format used by the delivery company, such as a carbon copy of several sheets). However, in the example of FIG. 4, the sender inputs necessary items from the console 103 of the article receiving apparatus S <b> 1 and outputs them using the printer 107. In this case, delivery data (Data2 in the figure) such as the address, name, and telephone number of the addressee is stored in the field 322 in the record corresponding to the article storage unit b2 of the database 320, and this record is stored in the center 500. Can be managed by the server.

  In the control example of FIG. 4, the delivery company basically delivers the goods (packages) to the addressee's whereabouts and completes the arrival by face-to-face procedures with the addressee. When the addressee is absent, the addressee can designate the article receiving apparatus as a re-delivery destination (it can also be directly received on the article receiving apparatus, but this example will be modified later) Explained as an example).

  Hereinafter, the article receipt and delivery procedure of FIG. 4 will be described in detail. The update process of the database by the article receipt management server of the center 500 shown in FIG. 4, the article receipt apparatus (S1, S2,...), The sender and the addressee (users U1, U2,...), The dispatcher (B1, B2,. The software necessary for communication control with the server is stored in an external storage device (or non-volatile ROM or the like) such as an HDD of the server in the form of a program executable by the server and control data. In addition, the software of the article receiving device (S1, S2,...) Is stored in the ROM 202 or the external storage device 207, and used by the sender, the addressee (users U1, U2,...), And the shipper (B1, B2,...). Software of communication terminals such as PCs and mobile terminals (mobile phones, smartphones, etc.) is stored in ROMs or flash memories of these terminals.

  Step T10 in FIG. 4 shows a dispatch operation by the sender (any of users U1, U2,...). Here, the sender uses his / her communication terminal (PC or portable terminal) or goes to the place of the article receiving device (S1 in this example) that he / she wants to use to send the article and uses the console 103. The server of the center 500 is accessed.

  At this time, the sender performs a predetermined login procedure via the user name and password assigned in the above-described user registration or the presentation of the ID card 111 (for example, when using the console of the article receiving apparatus S1). 3 and access the contents of the database 310 of FIG. 3 through a dedicated reservation operation page (in HTML format or the like) prepared in advance, and the article of the nearby article receiving apparatus convenient for accommodating the article to be shipped. Check the storage space availability. It should be noted that when the user is near the article receiving device (S1) and can identify the vacant article storage unit via the usability display means arranged in the vicinity of the article storage unit or the display 104 of the console 103, The operation can be omitted.

  The above-described reservation operation page includes the article storage units (b1,...) Of each article collection device (S1, S2,...) Obtained with reference to the database 310 of FIG. b2 ...) useability information and article storage unit size information are displayed, and the operating user (sender) selects a desired article collection device (one of S1, S2,...) on the display, and It is configured in advance so that an article storage unit having a desired size that can be used by a specific article receiving apparatus can be reserved. In the example of FIG. 4, since the article storage unit b2 of the article receiving device S1 is in an empty state (see the state of FIG. 3), this article storage unit is reserved for shipping.

  At this stage, all the article storage units of the article receiving device (S1, S2,...) Desired by the sender are in use, and there is no new article storage unit that can be reserved for shipping. Cases are also expected. Therefore, assuming such a case, it is possible to select a reservation form in which any one of the article receiving devices desired by the sender is specified, and the article storage unit having a desired size is reserved in the “waiting for waiting” state. It is desirable to configure a reservation operation page. Such “waiting for vacancy” reservations are registered in a queue (not shown) mounted on the memory of the center 500 on a first-come-first-served basis, and articles for a user who has a vacant storage unit of a desired size are first-come-first-served. A notification that the storage unit is usable is sent. For this notification, means such as e-mail can be used.

  Also, on the page provided by the goods receipt management server of the center 500, delivery data such as the address, name, and telephone number of the addressee is online (from their communication terminal or using the console 103 of the goods receipt apparatus S1). A shipping slip can be created by inputting. Stored in the field 322 of the database 320 as the input delivery data (Data 2), the sender stores the shipping slip printed out by the printer 107 of the article receiving apparatus S1 together with the article to be sent in the article storage unit b2. Can do. This shipping slip may be printed immediately when the operation of step T10 is performed from the console 103 of the article receiving apparatus S1, but when the operation of step T10 is performed from the sender's terminal. Is printed out by performing a predetermined operation on the console 103 of the article receiving apparatus S1 after the sender moves to the vicinity of the article receiving apparatus S1 to accommodate the article.

  In addition, on the shipping slip printed out, the shipping number unique to the delivery, the address of the sender and recipient, name, telephone number, etc. are printed in the form of character strings, barcodes, etc. It also includes a copy for the sender.

  As a result of the above-described reservation operation, the record corresponding to the article storage unit b2 of the article receiving device S1 in the database 320 of FIG. 3 changes to the state shown on the right side of Step T10. That is, the field 312 of the database 310 is in a “No” state indicating that the article storage unit cannot be used for other purposes. As a result, when another user views the state of the database 310 via the reservation operation page, the article storage unit is reserved and displayed as a state that cannot be used for other purposes.

  Further, in the field 322 of the database 320, the same delivery data (Data2) as the contents of the shipping slip is stored as described above. Further, the state of the electronic lock of the door of the article storage unit indicated by the field 325 of the database 320 is “closed”, and the article storage unit is controlled to be locked in this way during standby.

  Further, the mode information of the field 326 (not shown in FIG. 3: FIG. 4) of the database 320 is updated from the coin locker mode (L) to the article receipt mode (T), and the field 426 of the database 400 shown in FIG. Similarly, the article receiving mode (T) is changed, so that the article storage unit b2 cannot be used as a coin locker.

  When the coin locker mode is controlled by a management server 501 different from the article receipt management server of the center 500, the article receipt management server of the center 500 is controlled via the network 200. Communicates with the management server 501 to notify the management server 501 that the article storage unit b2 of the article receiving device S1 has been reserved for receiving goods, and the management server 501 responds accordingly to the database 400. The field 426 is changed to the article receipt mode (T). Thereafter, the operation of the article storage mode (T) of the article storage unit b2 is as follows. When the article storage related to the delivery or arrival of the delivery by the article storage unit b2 described later is completed, the operation mode of the article storage unit b2 is again set to the coin locker mode ( Until it is returned to (L), it is controlled by the article receipt management server of the center 500.

  Subsequently, as shown in steps T11, T12, and T13, billing, payment, and password issuance procedures are performed.

  The billing and payment procedures in steps T11 and T12 are, for example, a procedure for charging including the usage fee and the delivery fee of the goods receiving device. For example, the credit card information of the sender user is registered at the time of user registration in advance. If so, it may be billing and payment procedures for that account. Moreover, when operating with the console 103 of an article | item collection apparatus, the implementation which receives presentation etc. of a prepaid card or a portable terminal which has an equivalent payment function may be sufficient. In the payment procedure of step T12, the details of the fee are displayed and output (or printed by the printer 107), and an operation indicating the "acceptance" of the sender is requested via a button operation on the screen.

  When the billing and payment procedures in steps T11 and T12 are completed normally, a password (PW2) used when unlocking the article storage unit b2 is received in step T13 in order to store the articles to be shipped. The password (PW2) is stored in the field 323 of the database 320 as shown on the upper side of step T13. The password (PW2) is sent to the sender's communication terminal and displayed, or displayed on the display 104 of the console 103.

  Subsequently, the sender (after moving to the position of the article receiving device S1 if necessary) accommodates the article (package) to be shipped in the article storage unit b2 in step T14, and further notifies the password notified in step T13. (PW2) or further using the user's user name (user ID) information or the like, the article storage unit b2 is unlocked, and the article (package) to be shipped together with the shipping slip printed as described above is stored in the article storage unit b2. And lock the article storage section. This locking may be performed by operating the console 103 or by locking the electronic lock by closing the door of the article storage unit.

  During this operation, during the period in which the article storage unit b2 is in the unlocked state, a lock signal indicating the unlocked state is transmitted to the center 500 from the control unit 200 (FIG. 2) of the article receiving device S1, and the unlocking is performed accordingly. “Open” data indicating the lock state is stored in the field 325 of the database 320 (not shown).

  Then, in step T14, an article (package) and a shipping slip (excluding a copy of the shipping slip for the sender) are housed in the article storage section b2 and the article storage section is locked. Since the state of the luggage sensor and the electronic lock arranged in the section changes, the control section 200 (FIG. 2) of the article receiving device S1 transmits the luggage sensor and the locking signal corresponding to these changes to the server of the center 500. As a result, the server of the center 500 changes the state of the fields 324 and 325 of the database 320 to “with baggage” (illustrated by mnemonic P2) and “closed” as shown on the right side of step T14.

  If the state of the fields 324 and 325 of the database 320 has a load (illustrated by mnemonic P2) and does not change to “closed” for a certain time or longer (for example, several minutes), the console of the article receiving device S1. Through 103, an error warning can be issued, and a message prompting to store and lock the article can be output.

  In step T14, the state of the database 320 corresponding to the article storage unit b2 becomes the state on the right side of step T14, and when the locked state is completed, a predetermined communication terminal of the delivery company (such as a PC at a nearby sales office or a portable terminal of a collector) ) Is notified that the article to be delivered has been accommodated. For this notification, other arbitrary network protocols can be used besides electronic mail. This notification includes, for example, at least information that can identify the article receiving device S1 in which the article is stored and the article storage unit b2, and an unlocking password (PW2).

  In step T21 (upper right in FIG. 4), when the delivery company receives a notification that the article has been stored, in step T22 the position of the article receiving device S1 and the article storage unit b2 in which the delivery operator of the delivery company has received the article is stored. The article storage unit b2 is unlocked using the notified password (PW2), and the articles and delivery slips stored in the article storage unit b2 are taken out from the article storage unit b2. Thereafter, based on the description of the extracted delivery slip, each process of delivery to delivery can be performed in the same manner as delivery of a normal delivery item.

  As described above, the password (PW2) is collated by communication between the article receiving apparatus (in this case, S1), the server of the center 500, and the control unit (200) of each article receiving apparatus (S1, S2,...). (The same applies to each password described later).

  When the collection operator takes out the article and the delivery slip from the article storage unit b2, the server of the center 500 responds to changes in the package sensor signal and the locking signal transmitted by the article receiving apparatus S1 and The record corresponding to the article storage unit b2 is returned to the initial (standby) state shown in FIG. In particular, the field 312 of the database 310 is returned to “OK”, the contents of the fields 322 to 324 of the database 320 are reset to the initial values, and the value of the field 326 of the database 320 is also changed (the field 426 of the database 400 is the same). ) Return to the coin locker mode (L). Further, from the viewpoint of security described above, the electronic lock of the article storage unit b3 is locked, and the value of the field 325 of the database 320 is set to the “closed” state accordingly. Thereby, the article storage unit b2 of the article receiving device S1 is returned to the coin locker mode (L) and used for a new luggage storage service (or switching to the article receiving mode (T) for sending or receiving other articles). Will be able to.

  When returning the record corresponding to the article storage unit b2 of the article receiving device S1 to the initial state (coin locker mode) shown in FIG. 3, the server of the center 500 does not simply delete the data in the record. It is preferable to copy it to a delivery management database (not shown) so that the delivery status can be traced in response to redelivery control described later, or inquiries from users, delivery companies, and related organizations.

  Until the final delivery procedure is completed, a delivery transaction corresponding to a specific delivery slip (delivery and delivery processing: identified by a unique delivery number, etc.) is performed by the delivery company in the same way as a normal business. It is managed using other servers. For example, the items described in the shipping slip are input to a delivery management database (not shown) of a delivery company by a collection operator using a handy terminal or the like, and are managed by a known method until the final delivery processing is completed.

  The processing after step T23 in FIG. 4 shows an example of arrival (final delivery) processing for the addressee.

  In the present embodiment, processing for delivering an article to the addressee's whereabouts is the default. Upon arrival (final delivery), the delivery worker of the delivery company should deliver the delivery in the same manner as normal delivery of the delivery. Deliver the goods to the addressee's whereabouts.

  In step T23, if the addressee is at home, in step T25, the delivered item (package) is handed over to the addressee in the same manner as the delivery of a normal delivery item, and the imprint or signature of the addressee is given on the receipt. To complete the final delivery.

  On the other hand, when the addressee is absent, the delivery worker is notified that there is an undelivered deliverable due to the absence of the addressee at the time of delivery by a method such as leaving an absence notification slip in the mailbox of the addressee. .

  In the absence notification slip, as in the conventional delivery process, for example, a contact address and a contact method when redelivery is desired are described, and redelivery arrival using the nearest goods collection device is also possible. Write information to that effect.

  Designation of re-delivery arrival using the article receiving apparatus is made by preparing a specific re-delivery designation page (in HTML format or the like) on the server of the center 500 so that the addressee can use a PC or a portable terminal, for example. The address (URL / URI) is printed on the absence notification form in the form of a character string or a barcode.

  The address (URL / URI) expressed by a character string or barcode of the re-delivery designation page may be a unique address corresponding to a shipping number or the like peculiar to the article delivery. By such measures, the addressee can proceed with the operation after omitting manual input of an address, a name, a shipping number, and the like when redelivery is specified.

  By such control, for example, it is possible to easily cope with redelivery designation of an addressee who has no member registration. As described above, the redelivery designation page corresponding to the shipping number and the address (URL / URI) are generated by referring to the above delivery management database (not shown) and the delivery data (Data 2) used at the time of shipping. This is possible by using the data in the copied record.

  When the addressee is absent, if the addressee has made a contact (for example, by telephone contact with a sales office) requesting re-delivery using the absence notification form (branch from step T31 to T25), in step T25, it is the same as before. At the designated date and time of the addressee, the delivery worker redelivers the goods (package) to the addressee's whereabouts. Here, FIG. 4 is described so that the re-delivery is completed once, but of course, when the addressee is absent again for the re-delivery, a measure is taken to leave the absence notification slip once again.

  On the other hand, if the addressee desires redelivery arrival using the article receiving apparatus, the addressee accesses the server of the center 500 in step T32, and selects the nearest destination address (or the addressee's action schedule). Accordingly, an article receiving apparatus (S1, S2,...) That is convenient for collecting articles is selected, and one of the article storage units (b1, b2,...) Of the article receiving apparatus is reserved. This reservation process proceeds in substantially the same manner as the reservation process at the time of shipment described mainly with reference to step T10.

  If the recipient desires redelivery arrival using the article collection device, the goods collection device (S3 in the case of FIG. 4) that desires redelivery arrival from his / her communication terminal (PC, portable terminal, etc.) in step T32. The re-delivery specification page prepared in the server of the center 500 is accessed using the console 103 of FIG.

  At this time, the login procedure may be requested in the same manner as in step T10, but a redelivery designation page specific to the shipping number is prepared as described above, and the redelivery designation page is sent via a specific URL (URI). If it arrives, it is possible to omit the login procedure or the input of the delivery number, the address of the addressee, the name, etc. as described above.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the addressee can access the contents of the database 310 through the redelivery designation page in the same manner as described in step T10 in step T32, thereby confirming the availability of the article storage unit. In addition, it is possible to make a reservation for the article storage unit b3 of the article receiving apparatus S3 that is nearest or convenient for taking out articles. Of course, for this reservation, the field 312 in the record of the database 310 corresponding to the article storage unit b3 of the article receiving device S3 needs to be “available” (see the standby state in FIG. 3). There is. In addition, the article storage unit b3 of the article receiving apparatus S3 is in the coin locker mode as shown in, for example, the field 326 of the database 320 in FIG.

  When the reservation operation ends normally, the server of the center 500 changes the field 312 of the database 310 to the “No” state as shown on the right side of Step T32.

  Furthermore, the server of the center 500 generates a password (PW3 ') in step T41 by the above reservation operation. The generated password (PW3 ') is stored in the field 323 in the record of the database 310 corresponding to the article storage unit b3 of the article receiving device S3 as shown at the bottom of step T41. Further, the mode information of the field 326 (not shown in FIG. 3: FIG. 4) of the database 320 is updated from the coin locker mode (L) to the article receipt mode (T), and the field 426 of the database 400 shown in FIG. Similarly, the article receiving mode (T) is changed, so that the article storage unit b2 cannot be used as a coin locker.

  As described above, the re-delivery designation is completed, and the article storage unit (b3) of the re-delivery destination article collection device (S3) or the password for opening / closing the article storage unit (PW3 ') is determined.

  In response to this, a notification is sent from the server of the center 500 to the server of the delivery company (or the communication terminal of the delivery worker). At this time, the delivery transaction is naturally identified through the shipping number, and the password (PW3 ′) for opening and closing the article storage unit is also added to the delivery server (or the delivery terminal of the delivery or delivery operator). Will be notified.

  Thereafter, the delivery company (the operator) sends the article (package) corresponding to the delivery transaction for re-delivery to the position of the article storage unit b3 of the article receiving device S3 (depending on the recipient's reservation, The article storage unit b3 of the article receiving device S3 is opened using the notified password (PW3 ′) for opening and closing the article storage unit, and the article (package) is stored. It accommodates in the part b3 and locks the article storage part.

  As a result, the state of the package sensor and the electronic lock of the article storage unit b3 changes, so that the server of the center 500 changes the state of the fields 324 and 325 in the record of the database 310 corresponding to the article storage unit b3 of the article receiving device S3. Change is made as shown on the right side of step T42.

  Then, when the article (package) is stored in the article storage section b3 of the article receiving apparatus S3, the redelivery of the article (package) to the specified article storage section together with the password (PW3 ′) is completed in step T43. Notify the recipient. This notification can be performed by e-mail, for example. However, the notification of the password (PW3 ') can also be made to the communication terminal of the addressee performing the reservation operation or the console 103 of the article receiving apparatus (S3) even at the stage of step T32.

  Upon receiving the notice of completion of re-delivery, the addressee moves to the position of the article receiving device S3 and unlocks the article storage unit b3 of the article receiving device S3 using the notified password (PW3 ′) in step T44. Receive the redelivered goods.

  Accordingly, the state of the package sensor in the article storage unit b3 changes, so that the server of the center 500 includes a record in the database 310 corresponding to the article storage unit b3 of the article receiving device S3 as shown in the lower part of step T44. Change the state of fields 323 and 324 (no luggage and clear password). When the removal of the article is confirmed, the operation mode of the article storage unit b3 is returned from the article collection mode (T) to the coin locker mode (L), and the value of the field 326 of the corresponding database 320 is updated accordingly. The field 426 of the database 400 is updated similarly). Further, from the viewpoint of security described above, the electronic lock of the article storage unit b3 is in a locked state, and the value of the field 325 of the database 320 is in a “closed” state accordingly.

  Unlike the re-delivery to the addressee's whereabouts, the removal of the article in step T44 does not require the addressee to be at home and can be performed at any date and time convenient for the addressee.

  However, the occupation period of the article storage unit at the time of arrival can also be controlled so as not to exceed a certain period (for example, control in FIG. 5 described later). For example, if the article in step T44 has not been taken out after an appropriate period such as one to several days, it can be controlled to urge the recipient to take out the article by using means such as e-mail. . In addition, if the predetermined maximum occupation period has been exceeded, such as 10 days or more, an e-mail or the like is sent to the sender or delivery company so that the sender or delivery company can take measures such as returning it. It is also possible to send a contact message using means. Further, the control relating to the prompt for taking out the article according to the occupation period can also be performed with respect to taking out the shipped article shown in step T22.

  As described above, articles (packages) can be shipped and received using the article storage section of the article receiving device arranged in various places.

  Here, the advantage regarding the article collection mode of the present embodiment will be described. First, in the present embodiment, databases 310 and 320 (FIG. 3) are prepared in the server of the center 500, and among these databases, the database 320 related to delivery management, unlocking and locking of the article storage unit, and the like is the center 500. In the meantime, the database 310 is managed in a state that can be referred to by a user (sender, destination), or even a delivery company.

  Therefore, the availability information (field 312) in the database 310 is sent by the sender or the destination person regardless of the location of the article receiving apparatus via the reservation operation page of the article storage unit as shown in FIG. It is easy to refer to and identifies an article collection device and article storage unit that are convenient for shipping or arrival procedures, and can be reserved for delivery or arrival (in the example of FIG. 4 in the re-delivery procedure). Delivery or delivery of deliverables can be performed with good operability, and the article storage unit of the article collection device arranged in a public or semi-public space can be shared and used at a distance from each other. In the case where the article storage unit is not allocated exclusively, there are excellent effects such as high use efficiency of the space and providing services at low cost.

  In addition, in FIG. 4, on the assumption of delivery to the addressee's whereabouts, the arrival to the article storage unit of the article receiving device is shown as an example used for re-delivery after the absence of the addressee. It is also possible to operate in a form where the goods are received directly to the article storage unit of the article receiving apparatus. Hereinafter, as a modification, an operation mode in which the goods are received in the article storage unit of the article receiving apparatus will be described.

  When arriving at the article storage unit of the article receiving device, several modes of operation are possible as follows.

  (1) The shipper directly designates (reserves) an article receiving device and an article storage unit that should receive an article.

  (2) The destination person designates (reserves) an article receiving device and an article storage unit that should receive the article.

  Among the above, in the form (1), the sender designates (reserves) the article receiving device and the article storage unit (considered) that can be received by the addressee, for example, step T10 in FIG. In accordance with the same procedure as above, specify (reserve) the item collection device and the item storage unit used for arrival as well as dispatch, and specify it as the item delivery address (address of delivery address) on the delivery slip and delivery data in a specific description format Is.

  In the form of (2), for example, the user (who is the destination) has user registration in the form of membership registration of the article collection system, and the user registration database is managed by the server of the center 500. When the article collection device and the article storage unit are registered and designated as default article delivery destinations (delivery destinations), the goods are received directly on the article storage unit. In this embodiment, except for the case where the article storage unit is fixedly assigned to the (destination) user, for example, only the article receiving device for arrival needs to be registered and designated by the user. Need not be specified in advance.

  In the form (2), the database 310 is accessed through the reservation operation page of the article storage unit for arrival prepared in advance by the delivery company by the same process as that shown in step T32 and subsequent steps in FIG. Then, reserve a vacant article storage unit with the goods receiving device for arrival specified by the recipient, receive the unlocking password, arrive at the article storage unit, and then arrive at the recipient The article storage unit number and the unlocking password may be notified by e-mail or the like.

  As described above, in the form (2), the delivery company can access the database 310 as necessary, and the delivery company can determine the article storage unit for arrival, and the user can store the article in a fixed manner. Service form that allocates parts (usually, such a fixed allocation service for an article storage unit is more expensive than a service that uses the article storage unit for temporary use), and is simple and inexpensive. Direct arrival to the article storage unit can be used.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the control procedure when the article storage units (b1, b2,...) Of the article receiving device (S1, S2,...) Are operated in the article receiving mode or the coin locker mode will be described. The control procedure of FIG. 5 is implemented as a control program of the CPU 201 that constitutes the control unit 200 of the article receiving device (S1, S2,...), And is stored in the ROM 202, for example.

  FIG. 5 shows control loops related to opening / closing, article storage, locking / unlocking, article removal, etc. of one article storage unit (S1, S2,...) Of the article receiving apparatus (S1, S2,...) In the article receiving mode (T) and coin locker mode (L). It is a flowchart in a format common to both, and the wordings in some steps are described in a superordinate concept common to both the article receipt mode and the coin locker mode.

  It is assumed that the operation mode of the article storage unit has already been switched to either the article receipt mode (T) or the coin locker mode (L) by the above-described control immediately before the beginning of the control loop of FIG. 5, step T61. In addition, it is assumed that no article is stored in the article storage unit.

  In step T61, it is determined whether or not the opening condition for the article storage unit is satisfied. This determination is based on whether the console 103 or the like has performed a predetermined operation for instructing to open the article storage unit in an empty (usable) state in the console 103 in both the article receipt mode and the coin locker mode. This is done by examining. The operator at this time is a user (U1, U2...) Or a trader (B1, B2...) Or a coin locker user who receives goods.

  When the opening condition for the article storage unit is satisfied in step T61, the electronic lock on the door of the article storage unit is unlocked in step T62, and the operator stores the article (article for delivery or coin locker in the article storage unit). (Baggage deposited in the mode) is stored. If the article storage unit is in the coin locker mode, for example, it is possible to collect a deposit for charging by presenting a prepaid card (ID card 111) or inserting cash into the charging device 112 at this timing.

  Subsequently, in step T63, the electronic lock on the door of the article storage unit is locked in accordance with a predetermined operation on the console 103 or the like. In addition, a timer for measuring the article storage time (for example, a software timer managed by the CPU 201 using the time information of the real-time clock) is started at this time, for example. The control related to the article storage time can be performed in either the article receipt mode (T) or the coin locker mode (L). For example, to prevent the article from being stored for a certain period of time, This can be done from the standpoint of preventing accidents such as dumping and abandonment or forgetting to collect delivery items.

  Thereafter, in the determination loop of steps T64 and T68, whether the unlocking operation has been performed on the article storage unit in the console 103 or the like (T64), and the article storage time is a predetermined upper limit (for example, about a few days to several days). (T68) is detected.

  If step T64 is positive, it is determined in step T65 whether an unlocking condition is satisfied. The unlocking conditions here include, for example, that in the goods receipt mode (T), a valid card is input by presenting a merchant card (ID card 111), operation of the console 103, and in the coin locker mode (L). Either the payment with the prepaid card (ID card 111) is properly terminated.

  If step T65 is affirmed, the CPU 201 unlocks the electronic lock of the door of the article storage unit in step T66, whereby the operator can take out the article stored from the article storage unit.

  By unlocking and taking out the article in step T66, the article collection device, the article collection management server (or the coin locker management server), and a predetermined communication using a package sensor signal or a locking signal are performed. 320, 400 are updated. In particular, in the article receipt mode at the beginning of the process of FIG. 5, the article storage unit is in a standby state in which the article storage unit can be used by unlocking and taking out the article in step T66. (Or the coin locker management server) switches the operation mode of the article storage unit to the coin locker, and sets the value in the field 326 (or 426) of the record corresponding to the article storage unit of the database 320 (or 400) to the coin locker mode (L ).

  Further, if step T65 is denied due to, for example, authentication using an ID card or password failing, error processing is performed in step T67. Here, for example, error processing such as outputting an error message by voice, image, character display or the like on the console 103 can be performed. Thereafter, the process returns to the loop of steps T64 and T68 (for example, immediately before T64 or T68) after elapse of a predetermined waiting time.

  On the other hand, if the article storage time of the article storage unit has not reached the upper limit in step T68, the process loops to step T64 to continue the locking state and wait for the unlocking operation to be performed. In step T68, if the article storage time of the article storage unit has reached the upper limit, an excess process is performed in step T69.

  For example, in the coin locker mode, when the article storage time of about 3 days elapses, the article storage unit is forcibly unlocked and the article is transferred to another storage location (when these processes are mainly performed by the manual operation of a management worker) In general, when the upper limit of the article storage time is exceeded, for example, a flashing alarm indicator for calling a management worker, a predetermined control signal, or transmission of an e-mail is performed. In addition, regarding the receipt of goods for delivery, even if the goods are not transferred to another storage location, notifications to related parties, for example, consignees (addressees) and delivery companies can be made by sending an e-mail or the like. (However, even in the article collection mode, if the long storage period is exceeded, it may be possible to collect the article and move to another storage place in the same manner as in the coin locker mode). In step T69, the above excess processing is performed.

  When the excess processing in step T69 is completed, for example, in the coin locker mode, the control of the article storage unit that has become free by performing a predetermined recovery operation or the like is moved to the top of FIG. 5 while remaining in the coin locker mode.

  In the article receiving mode, for example, if the article is still stored, the control of the article storage unit is performed so as to wait for a related person, for example, a consignee (destination) person or a delivery company to perform an unlocking operation. Return to the T64 and T68 loop (eg, immediately before T64 or T68). At this time, the upper limit value of the article storage time is updated to a larger value so as not to become an infinite loop, or the counter for controlling the upper limit value update of the article storage time to be allowed only a few times is started, Measures such as are taken.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an article collection service or a luggage storage service by switching the operation mode of the article storage units of the article collection apparatus arranged in a public or semi-public space. There is an excellent effect of being able to.

  In particular, during normal standby, it functions as a coin locker, and when it becomes necessary to receive goods (for example, shipment or arrival), a specific article storage unit can be used for the article receiving service. Moreover, there is no need to use an article storage unit that is exclusively used for the article collection service or only for a specific user who receives the service, and it is not necessary to collect the articles for delivery. It is possible to operate as a coin locker, and there is an excellent effect that the utilization efficiency of the device arrangement space can be dramatically improved.

  Whether or not a specific article storage unit of the article collection device can be used in the article collection mode is whether the server that manages the receipt of articles using the article storage unit can use the specific article storage unit for new article collection. It can be determined by referring to the database means for storing the availability information indicating whether or not.

  In the above description, the article storage unit of the article receiving apparatus is described as waiting in the coin locker mode. However, this is merely for convenience, or such a configuration from the aspect of the article receiving service or the luggage storage service. There is no big reason for it to be natural, and in fact it doesn't make much sense to say what the standby mode of operation is when nothing is stored and unused. . For example, contrary to the above, the article storage unit of the article receiving apparatus may be mounted so that no article is stored and the standby operation mode is unused. In such a configuration, when a user who wants to use the article storage unit in the coin locker mode appears, the entire system is controlled except that the operation mode of the article storage unit needs to be switched to the coin locker mode according to an explicit or implicit operation. Can be implemented in substantially the same manner as described above, and there is no significant difference in the obtained effects.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100, S1 ... Sn Goods receipt apparatus 101 Goods storage part 103 Console 104 Display 105 Keyboard 107 Printer 201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
206 Network 300, 310, 320 Database 500 Center (goods receipt management server)
501 Management server U1, U2 ... User (sender or destination)
B1, B2 ... Delivery company

Claims (3)

In an article receiving system for sending or receiving articles using a plurality of article receiving apparatuses arranged at a distance from each other in public or semi-public spaces,
The article receiving apparatus is used by switching between an operation mode of an article receiving mode for providing an article receiving service for an article to be shipped or received by an article delivery by a delivery company, and a coin locker mode for providing a luggage storage service. Having a storage part,
The article collection system, wherein the article collection service or the luggage storage service is provided by the article storage unit in accordance with the switching of the operation mode.   The article collection system according to claim 1, wherein a server that manages the receipt of the article using the article storage unit of the article collection apparatus is provided, and the article collection is performed using a specific article storage unit of the article collection apparatus. The operation mode of the article storage unit is switched from the coin locker mode to the article receipt mode under the initiative of the server, and it is not necessary to collect the article in the article storage unit. In this period, the article storage unit operates as a coin locker that provides the luggage storage service in the coin locker mode.   3. The article receiving system according to claim 2, further comprising database means for storing availability information indicating whether or not a specific article storage unit of the article receiving apparatus can be used for receiving new articles. When it is necessary to collect the article using the specific article storage section, the server refers to the database means to determine whether the specific article storage section can be used in the article collection mode. Goods collection system characterized by.

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