Method and system for delivering parcels

Abstract

To provide a home delivery service that reduces the burden on home delivery businesses, home delivery personnel, and users and enables packages to be delivered at low cost, and to provide a system and a server for realizing this home delivery method. [Solution] The delivery method includes obtaining locker information including the usage status of multiple lockers from multiple delivery boxes, each of which has multiple lockers; obtaining from each of multiple delivery companies the size and quantity of the packages and a box identifier that identifies one of the delivery boxes designated as the location for the packages; identifying one of the multiple lockers owned by the designated delivery box for each of the multiple packages based on the size and quantity of the packages and the locker information; and providing the delivery company with a locker identifier that identifies the identified locker for each of the multiple packages.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for delivering packages and a system and a server for implementing the method. [Background technology]

[0002] When a package is delivered to a user, the user may not be able to receive it for various reasons. In this case, the package is delivered to a delivery box installed in, for example, an apartment building where the user lives, or a commercial facility such as a station or a convenience store, and the user is notified that the package has been delivered, allowing the user to remove the package from the delivery box at any time. This reduces the burden and cost of delivering the package again, and also relieves the user from time constraints since he or she does not need to wait for the package to be delivered. It can also prevent theft of products and leakage of personal information (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-64072 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a novel home delivery method, and a system and a server for implementing this home delivery method. Alternatively, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a home delivery method that reduces the burden on home delivery companies, home delivery personnel, and users and enables parcels to be delivered at low cost, and a system and a server for implementing this home delivery method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a delivery method that includes acquiring locker information including the usage status of the lockers from a plurality of delivery boxes, each of which has a plurality of lockers, acquiring from each of a plurality of delivery companies the size and quantity of packages and a box identifier that identifies one of the delivery boxes designated as a storage destination for the packages, specifying, for each of the plurality of packages, one of the plurality of lockers in the designated delivery box based on the size and quantity of the package and the locker information, and providing, for each of the plurality of packages, the locker identifier that identifies the specified locker to the delivery company.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is a management server. This management server is configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of delivery boxes, each having a plurality of lockers, and to be able to communicate with delivery servers managed by a plurality of delivery companies via a network. This management server is further configured to execute the following: receive a locker information signal including the usage status of the plurality of lockers from the plurality of delivery boxes; receive a designation request signal including information on the size and quantity of packages and a box identifier for identifying one of the delivery boxes designated as a storage destination of the packages from each of the plurality of delivery servers; identify one of the number of lockers owned by the designated delivery box based on the size and quantity of the packages and the above-mentioned usage status for each of the plurality of packages; and transmit a locker identification signal including a locker identifier for identifying the identified locker to the delivery server for each of the plurality of packages. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a home delivery method and a home delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional home delivery method. [Figure 4]Schematic top view and perspective view of a container that can be used in a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic front view for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, etc. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below.

[0009] In the drawings, the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part may be shown diagrammatically compared to the actual embodiment in order to make the explanation clearer, but it is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In this specification and each figure, elements having the same function as those described with respect to the previous figures may be given the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations may be omitted. This reference numeral is used to collectively represent multiple identical or similar structures, and a hyphen and a natural number are added after the reference numeral when representing each of them individually. In addition, a lowercase alphabet may be added after the reference numeral when indicating a part of a structure.

[0010] 1. Delivery system FIG. 1(A) shows a schematic diagram of a home delivery method according to one embodiment of the present invention. This home delivery method can be used to pick up products ordered by a user from a provider (hereinafter, simply referred to as a seller) 130 of products and services (hereinafter, products and services are collectively referred to as products) in electronic commerce using a terminal 120 at a logistics warehouse 140, and deliver the products directly or via a hub (not shown) from the logistics warehouse 140 to a home delivery box 150 available to the user. The order for the product may be made directly to the seller 130, or may be made on an electronic commerce platform (hereinafter, simply referred to as a platform) 180 provided by a third party (platform provider) for the user or seller 130. The former is called a company-site-type electronic commerce, and the latter is called a mall-type electronic commerce. This home delivery method can also be used by a user to ship packages, and can be used, for example, to ship not only products put up for sale in electronic commerce, but also packages unrelated to electronic commerce.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1(B), the delivery system 100 includes a management server 110, a seller server 132 managed by a seller 130, a delivery server 142 for managing a logistics warehouse 140 where goods are stored, a platform server 182 for constructing a platform 180, and a delivery box 150 that is a storage and delivery destination of goods. The delivery system 100 may include a plurality of seller servers 132, a plurality of delivery servers 142, a plurality of platform servers 182, and a plurality of delivery boxes 150, and FIG. 1(B) shows an example including first to third seller servers 132-1 to 132-2, first to third delivery servers 142-1 to 142-2, first to third platform servers 182-1 to 182-3, and first to third delivery boxes 150-1 to 150-2. The management server 110, the seller server 132, the delivery server 142, the platform server 182, and the delivery box 150 are connected to each other via a network 102 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Here, the network 102 is a communication network such as the Internet or a wide area network, and mediates communication between various communication terminals and servers.

[0012] Delivery box 150 may be an existing delivery box. All of delivery boxes 150 may be managed by one business operator, or may be configured by multiple delivery boxes managed by multiple businesses. Furthermore, the specifications of the multiple delivery boxes 150 may be the same as each other, or at least one of the specifications may be different from the others. Each delivery box 150 has multiple lockers. The sizes of the multiple lockers in each delivery box 150 may be the same as each other, or at least one of the lockers may be different from the others. An identifier (box ID) is assigned to each delivery box 150 to identify it, and an identifier (locker ID) is assigned to each of the multiple lockers in each delivery box 150 to identify each locker.

[0013] Each locker of the delivery box 150 may be equipped with a sensor or a camera for grasping the presence or absence of a package in the locker and the arrangement state of the package. Various information acquired by the sensor or the camera is transmitted to the management server 110 via the network 102. The delivery box 150 may further be equipped with a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of each locker. For this reason, the delivery box 150 may be configured so that, for example, when the locker is opened, a camera is used to capture the internal arrangement state as an image (still image or video), and when the locker is closed, the image data is transmitted to the management server 110 together with the time of opening and closing the locker. Note that instead of placing a camera inside the locker to grasp the state inside the locker, an external camera may be provided outside the delivery box 150, and the external camera may be used to capture the situation inside the locker and the state of the delivery staff storing and collecting the package. This associates the log of the opening and closing of the locker with the image, and the package is appropriately arranged in the locker, enabling more secure delivery. For example, even when storing multiple packages in one locker, it is possible to exert a deterrent effect against unstable and improper arrangement and loading. The log of locker opening and closing may be transmitted from management server 110 to delivery server 142.

[0014] The delivery server 142 may have a function of managing the products stored in the logistics warehouse 140, and managing the delivery in response to user orders and shipping instructions. Alternatively, another server (product management server) may manage the products, and the delivery server 142 may manage the delivery in response to instructions from the product management server. In this case, the product management server is included in the delivery system 100, and the delivery server 142 is mainly managed by a delivery company. Alternatively, the seller server 132 may manage the products in the logistics warehouse 140, and the delivery server 142 managed by the delivery company may manage the delivery. The following explanation will be given using an example of a case where the company that manages the logistics warehouse 140 also manages the delivery.

[0015] The platform server 182 is a server that constructs a platform. The seller 130 can sell products using the platform even if he / she does not have his / her own website, and users can view and order various products on the platform.

[0016] The terminal 120 is a terminal equipped with a communication function that can be operated by a user, and examples of the terminal 120 include a stationary (desktop) computer, a notebook computer, or a portable communication terminal such as a mobile phone, tablet, or smartphone.

[0017] In addition, in this home delivery method, the delivery area of ​​the parcel may be limited. For example, only large cities or major cities may be specified as the delivery area, and this home delivery method may not be applied to other areas. Considering the reality that most users want home delivery to large cities and their suburbs, sufficient customer satisfaction can be obtained even if the application area of ​​this home delivery method is limited in this way.

[0018] 2.Delivery method 2-1. Parcel delivery First, the present delivery method will be described using a case in which a product ordered by a user from a seller 130 is delivered to a delivery box 150.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2(A), a user uses a terminal 120 to access a seller server 132 via a network 102 and place an order for a product. The product is stored in a logistics warehouse 140, where the product is picked up and delivered, either packaged or unpackaged (packaged-less), as parcels from the logistics warehouse 140 to a delivery box 150, either directly or via a hub (not shown). The following explanation mainly uses a company-owned website-type electronic commerce as an example, but in a mall-type electronic commerce, a platform server 182 functions in place of the seller server 132.

[0020] There are no restrictions on the type of product, and a wide variety of products can be handled as parcels using this delivery method and delivery system, such as clothing, shoes, books, stationery, toys, food, cosmetics, etc. In addition, the products may be rental items (rental shoes, rental costumes, rental bags, etc.) or samples (sample cosmetics, sample food, etc.).

[0021] When a user orders a product, the user can specify any delivery box 150 as the delivery destination, i.e., the place where the package will be stored. For example, the user may specify a delivery box 150 provided in the apartment building where the user lives, or a delivery box 150 installed near a commercial facility such as a train station or a convenience store. If the recipient of the package is not the user who ordered the product, the user may specify a delivery box 150 desired by the recipient.

[0022] When the order is confirmed, the seller 130 accesses the delivery server 142 via the seller server 132 and issues a delivery instruction for delivering the product for each order. Specifically, together with this delivery instruction, a signal (delivery command signal) including information on the order of the product (order information) is sent to the delivery server 142. The order information may include information for identifying the product (e.g., product name, identifier attached to the product, product number or model number, etc.), quantity, user information (user's name, address, user ID for identifying the user, etc.), information on the delivery destination of the package (recipient information for identifying the recipient, such as the name, address, and email address of the recipient of the package, delivery box 150 selected by the user or recipient, etc.), desired delivery date and time, etc. The delivery instruction may be issued to a specific delivery server 142, or may be issued to the delivery server 142 by appropriately selecting one of multiple logistics warehouses 140 of delivery companies according to the package.

[0023] After that, the products are picked in the logistics warehouse 140 based on the delivery instruction, and are bundled as parcels to be delivered to the delivery box 150. At this time, an identifier is assigned to each parcel on the delivery server 142, and delivery information associated with this identifier is generated. The delivery information is broadly divided into information about the parcel and information about the delivery. The information about the parcel includes the size and shape of the parcel, whether it is upside down or not, whether it is fragile, and the like. The size and shape of the parcel may be obtained by measuring each parcel with a 3D scanner, and is determined from the specifications of the packaging material when the product is packaged using a standard packaging material. Alternatively, when a container described later is used, it is determined from the specifications of the container. The information about the delivery includes user information and recipient information, as well as the box ID and the desired delivery date and time when the user or recipient specifies the delivery box 150.

[0024] Thereafter, the delivery information is provided to management server 110. That is, along with some or all of the delivery information, a signal (designation request signal) is sent from delivery server 142 to management server 110, requesting that delivery box 150 at the delivery destination be designated and that the locker be identified. The delivery information included in the designation request signal may include the size, shape, quantity, whether or not the box is upside down, information regarding the delivery destination of the package, the desired delivery date and time, and the like, and may also include the box ID if the user or recipient has designated delivery box 150. Furthermore, the delivery information included in the designation request signal may include recipient information.

[0025] The management server 110 receives designation request signals provided from the multiple delivery servers 142 to obtain delivery information for each of the multiple parcels. Furthermore, the management server 110 obtains information (locker information) related to the usage status from each delivery box 150. Specifically, the management server 110 is configured to grasp the usage status of each delivery box 150 by obtaining, as needed or periodically, the locker IDs of lockers in use (i.e., lockers in a state where a parcel is stored) and lockers not in use (i.e., empty) from each delivery box 150. Furthermore, a storage device (not shown) is connected to the management server 110, and information related to the size (opening size, depth, height) of the locker associated with the locker ID is stored in the storage device. In this way, in this delivery method, the delivery information provided from the multiple delivery servers 142 and the locker information obtained from the multiple delivery boxes 150 are consolidated in the management server 110 and managed in a centralized manner.

[0026] The management server 110 matches the lockers of each delivery box 150 with the parcels. More specifically, first, a delivery box 150 for storing each of the multiple parcels is specified based on the delivery information. The delivery box 150 may be specified by selecting one of the delivery boxes 150 installed in a location closest to the parcel delivery destination (i.e., the address of the recipient), or, if a delivery box 150 is installed at the destination of the parcel, by selecting that delivery box 150. If multiple delivery boxes 150 are installed at the destination of the parcel (e.g., an apartment building, etc.) and their usage times (e.g., only at night, only during the day, etc.) are limited, a delivery box 150 that can be used at the scheduled delivery time may be specified. For example, a delivery box 150 whose usage time is limited to daytime (e.g., from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., etc.) may be specified preferentially. Note that, if a delivery box 150 is specified by the user or the recipient, the delivery box 150 is automatically specified.

[0027] Next, the management server 110 identifies the optimal locker for storing each package based on the delivery information and the locker information. Specifically, for each package, a locker that can store the package and has the smallest storage volume is selected from the empty lockers in the specified delivery box 150. For example, a locker that is larger than the volume of the package and has the smallest storage volume may be selected. Alternatively, a locker that has a height larger than the height of the package and has the smallest storage volume may be selected. After that, a locker identification signal including the locker ID of the identified locker is transmitted to the delivery server 142. This allows each delivery company to know the locker identified for storing the package. If there is no empty locker in the specified delivery box 150, a signal may be transmitted to the delivery server 142 to notify that the delivery box 150 is currently unavailable. In this case, a locker identification signal may be transmitted to the delivery server 142 at the time when a locker that can store the package is secured based on the locker information. If the package is large and cannot be stored in any of the lockers in the specified delivery box 150, a signal may be transmitted to the delivery server 142 to notify that the delivery method is not available. Alternatively, if the specified delivery box 150 is unavailable for some reason such as those described above, an available delivery box in the vicinity of the specified delivery box 150 may be specified, and a signal may be sent to the delivery server 142 to notify the delivery server of the box ID and locker ID.

[0028] In this delivery method, even if multiple parcels are delivered from different logistics warehouses 140 or by different delivery companies, the parcels for the same recipient are delivered and stored in the same locker, making it possible to use the delivery box 150 more efficiently. Specifically, the management server 110 determines whether there are multiple parcels for the same recipient among the multiple parcels based on the delivery information including the recipient information acquired from the multiple delivery servers 142. If it is determined that there are multiple parcels for the same recipient, the management server 110 further matches these multiple parcels with the lockers and identifies a locker that can simultaneously store multiple parcels for the same recipient from the lockers of the specified delivery box 150. For example, a locker may be identified by appropriately using an algorithm that provides a certain solution to a three-dimensional packing problem based on the shape and size of each of the multiple parcels for the same recipient. Examples of the algorithm that may be used at this time include a genetic algorithm, a bottom-left (BL) method, and a three-dimensional best-fit (3BF) method. Alternatively, a locker that has a height greater than the sum of the heights of the parcels and has the smallest storage volume may be selected. Alternatively, a locker may be selected that has a capacity volume greater than the sum of the volumes of the luggage and that has the smallest storage volume.

[0029] When a locker capable of simultaneously storing multiple packages for the same recipient is identified, the locker ID of the identified locker is transmitted from the management server 110 to the delivery server 142 of one or more delivery companies that deliver the packages. As a result, each delivery company can store the packages it handles in the same locker 152, making it possible to reduce the number of lockers 152 used. This contributes to more efficient use of the delivery box 150. In this case, by transmitting a log of the opening and closing of the locker 152 from the management server 110 to the delivery server 142, the delivery company can also know the locker opening and closing history, thereby preventing crimes such as theft and delivery accidents.

[0030] As described above, in the present home delivery system 100, the product management server may function independently of the home delivery server 142. In this case, the product management server receives the home delivery command signal from the seller server 132, and the products are packed into packages in the logistics warehouse 140 according to the home delivery instructions contained in the home delivery command signal. After that, the identifiers given to each package and the home delivery information associated with the identifiers are transmitted from the product management server to the home delivery server 142.

[0031] As described above, in this home delivery method, the delivery information and the locker information are managed in a unified manner by the management server 110, and matching between the luggage and the locker 152 is performed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2B, each luggage 104 can be stored in a locker 152 suitable for it. For example, the luggage 104-1 having a large volume can be stored in the locker 152-1 having a large storage volume, and the luggage 104-2 having a small volume can be stored in the locker 152-2 having a small storage volume. In other words, it is possible to prevent inefficient use of the lockers caused by storing the luggage 104-2 having a small volume in the locker 152-1 having a large storage volume. In addition, since home delivery is possible after the locker 152 for storing the luggage 104 is secured in advance, it is possible to prevent an increase in home delivery costs and a waste of human resources, such as when the luggage 104 is delivered to the designated home delivery box 150, but there is no available locker 152 for storing the luggage, and therefore redelivery is necessary.

[0032] In contrast, in the conventional delivery method, as shown in FIG. 3(A), the delivery information and locker information of multiple delivery companies are not managed in a centralized manner, so each delivery company cannot grasp the usage status of the delivery box 150 at the delivery destination. Therefore, it is not possible to grasp whether the locker 152 of the delivery box 150 at the delivery destination is available before delivery, and even if the package is delivered to the delivery box 150, if there is no available locker 152, it is necessary to deliver it again. In addition, since the locker 152 and the package 104 are not matched, there are frequent cases where the locker 152 cannot be used effectively due to mismatching between the locker 152 and the package 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(B), small packages 104-3 and 104-4 may be stored in lockers 152-3 and 152-4, which have large storage volumes, respectively. In this case, even if other empty lockers 152 are available, the locker that can store the large package 104-5 may not be available. In this case, redelivery is also necessary, which causes an increase in delivery costs and a consumption of human resources.

[0033] Therefore, it can be said that the present delivery method is a more efficient method, capable of delivering parcels at a lower cost than conventional delivery methods, and capable of making effective use of human resources.

[0034] In this home delivery method, the product may be delivered without packaging. That is, a container having the same size and shape may be used, the product may be stored in the container directly or in a flexible bag, and the container may be delivered to the home delivery box 150 as luggage. The product is removed from the container and stored in a specified locker 152 directly or in a flexible bag. Note that the product packaged in cardboard or the like may be stored in the container, and the container may be delivered to the home delivery box 150 as luggage.

[0035] The container may have any configuration, but may be, for example, a container 160 as shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B). The container 160 basically includes a body 162, and may further include a lid 164, a handle 168, a trench 172, a lock 176, a protrusion 174, a tag 170, and the like.

[0036] The main body 162 provides a space for storing goods, and may be entirely or partially transparent. For example, the front panel may be transparent so that the inside can be observed. There are no restrictions on the size of the container 160, but for example, the length of the inside dimension in the y direction of the main body 162 is 150 mm to 600 mm, 200 mm to 500 mm, or 200 mm to 400 mm, and is typically a length (297 mm) corresponding to A4 size. The length of the inside dimension in the width direction (x direction) of the frontage is 100 mm to 500 mm, 150 mm to 400 mm, or 200 mm to 300 mm, and is typically a width (210 mm) corresponding to A4 size. The height of the inside dimension (length in the z direction) is 50 mm to 20 mm, 75 mm to 150 mm, or 90 mm to 125 mm, and is typically 100 mm. Since the size of the products ordered by most users is within the range described above, by configuring container 160 to satisfy the above parameters, most of the products to be delivered can be delivered using container 160.

[0037] Although not shown, a cushioning material for protecting the product from impact may be provided on the inner surface of main body 162. Examples of the cushioning material include a sheet containing animal fibers such as felt, a sponge such as urethane foam or polystyrene foam, an (air) cushion, and a sheet containing an artificial polymer such as polysiloxane or polyethylene.

[0038] The optional lid 164 has a function of closing the space formed by the main body 162, thereby preventing the product from falling out of the container 160 during home delivery of the container 160. The lid 164 may be configured to be removable from the main body 162 without being fixed to the main body 162, or may be connected to the main body 162 via a hinge 166 or the like. The structure of the lid 164 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. For example, the main body 162 may be configured so that a part of the main body 162 (front plate, side plate, or end plate) can be opened and closed, and the openable front plate, side plate, or end plate may function as a lid. In this case, a top plate may be provided on the main body 162.

[0039] Handle 168 is provided on the front panel, which allows container 160 to be easily transported. Lock 176 is a mechanism for preventing lid 164 from opening unintentionally, and its configuration is determined appropriately. Lock 176 preferably has a structure that allows it to be locked and unlocked without the use of a key. For example, it may be a rotating pin or plate that engages with main body 162. By configuring lock 176 so that it can be locked and unlocked without the use of a key, it becomes unnecessary to require the delivery person who delivers the package to have a key, and it becomes possible to easily remove the product.

[0040] The tag 170 has a function of storing or displaying an identifier for identifying each container 160, and for example, a two-dimensional code or a barcode is printed on the tag 170. Alternatively, the tag 170 may be an ID chip capable of short-range wireless communication.

[0041] Although not shown, a sensor or camera for determining the presence or absence of a commodity may be provided inside main body 162. An example of the sensor is a reflective sensor that uses laser light. An example of the camera is a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. The presence or absence of a commodity is determined by a signal from the sensor or by analyzing an image acquired by the camera, which makes it possible to prevent a commodity from being left behind.

[0042] The trench 172 and the protrusion 174 are provided so as to mesh with each other when multiple containers 160 are stacked, and are preferably provided so as to extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the container 160 (the y direction in Fig. 4(A) and Fig. 4(B)). By providing the trench 172 and the protrusion 174 at the same time in this manner, when multiple containers 160 are stacked, the x-direction shift between the containers 160 is prevented, and the containers 160 can be stacked safely while being high and preventing the load from collapsing. This not only improves the safety of the work, but also contributes to space saving when sorting the containers 160. Furthermore, when multiple containers 160 are loaded onto a transport cart 178 called a basket cart, since all the containers 160 have the same size and shape, many containers 160 can be loaded onto the transport cart 178 in an orderly manner without creating any wasted space (see Fig. 5). Therefore, a large number of containers 160 can be delivered efficiently and safely using a small number of transport carts 178. This will also contribute to reducing the number of vehicles used for home delivery, improving work safety and reducing home delivery costs.

[0043] Furthermore, by delivering the container 160 as a package and storing the product removed from the container 160 in the locker 152, the need for packaging materials such as cardboard used in the delivery of products is reduced. Also, the need for cushioning materials, which take up a large volume of packaging materials, is eliminated or significantly reduced. Therefore, not only is the burden of folding and disposing of packaging materials and cushioning materials eliminated or reduced, but the amount of waste resulting from packaging materials and cushioning materials can be significantly reduced. This can be said to contribute to the prevention of environmental pollution and the establishment of a carbon-free society.

[0044] 2-2.Shipping your package As described above, this home delivery method can also be applied when a user sends a package as a sender. As an example, a case in which a user uses the platform 180 to send a product that the user has put up for sale as a package to another user (hereinafter, also referred to as an orderer or recipient) will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Descriptions of configurations that are the same as or similar to those described for home delivery of packages may be omitted.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, the user receives a notification from the platform provider that the put-up product has been ordered by the buyer. That is, the user's terminal 120 receives from the platform server 182 one or more signals including order information including information for identifying the put-up product, the quantity of the product, and information about the buyer (such as name, address, shipping destination, and the box ID of the delivery box 150 at the shipping destination) together with the notification that the put-up product has been ordered. The user who receives this notification appropriately packs the product, arbitrarily selects a delivery company, and notifies the selected delivery company of a shipping request to ship the product as a package. More specifically, together with the shipping request, a signal (shipping request signal) including information about the shipment of the package (shipping information) is transmitted from the terminal 120 to the delivery server 142 managed by the delivery company. The delivery company at this time may be a company that also manages the logistics warehouse 140, or may be a company that does not manage the logistics warehouse 140. The shipping information includes user information (here, sender information for identifying the sender), as well as the size, shape, and quantity of the package, the box ID of the delivery box 150 designated by the user to store the package, and may further include the scheduled date and time when the user will store the package in the delivery box 150. The shipping information may further include information for identifying the product (such as the product name and type of product), the delivery destination (recipient information for identifying the recipient, such as the address, name, and email address of the recipient, and the delivery box 150 of the delivery destination), and the like. Note that, instead of the size, shape, and quantity of the package, image data of the package acquired by the user may be included in the shipping information. In this case, the image data may be analyzed on the delivery server 142 to estimate the size, shape, and quantity. Alternatively, if the product can be stored in the container 160, a notification that the user will ship the product using the container 160 may be included in the shipping information. When the container 160 is used, the user does not need to excessively pack the product using packing materials such as cardboard or cushioning materials, so that not only can the delivery cost be reduced, but also resources can be saved by saving packing time and reducing the amount of packing materials.

[0046] 6, the user may not select a delivery service provider by himself, but may send a shipping request signal directly to the management server 110 via the terminal 120. In this case, the shipping information may include the desired delivery service provider. The management server 110 selects a delivery service provider (or the delivery service provider if the user has specified one) and sends a shipping request signal to the delivery server 142.

[0047] The home delivery server 142 that has received the shipping request signal transmits all or a part of the shipping information to the management server 110. That is, together with all or a part of the shipping information, a designation request signal that requests the user to specify the locker of the home delivery box 150 designated to store the package is transmitted from the home delivery server 142 to the management server 110. The shipping information included in the designation request signal may include the size, shape, and quantity of the package, whether it is upside down or not, the delivery destination of the package, the recipient information, the planned date and time of the user to store the package, the desired delivery date and time, and the box ID of the delivery box 150 in which the package is to be stored or the delivery box 150 as the delivery destination of the recipient is specified by the user. As a result, similar to the delivery of the package, the shipping information provided by the multiple home delivery servers 142 and the locker information acquired from the multiple home delivery boxes 150 are consolidated and centrally managed by the management server 110.

[0048] As in the case of delivering a package, the management server 110 further performs matching between the lockers of each delivery box 150 and the package. That is, based on the shipping information and the locker information, the management server 110 identifies the most suitable locker 152 from among the lockers 152 of the delivery box 150 designated by the user to store the package. Specifically, the management server 110 identifies a locker that can store the package and has the smallest storage volume from among the empty lockers of the delivery box 150 designated by the user to store the package. Then, the management server 110 transmits a locker identification signal including the locker ID of the identified locker 152 to the delivery server 142. The locker identification signal is also transmitted to the user's terminal 120 directly or via the delivery server 142. This locker identification signal may include information (collection information) such as the name and address of the delivery box 150, the number of the locker 152, and the collection date and time of the package. This allows the user and each delivery company to know the locker 152 identified to store and collect the package.

[0049] If there is no vacant locker in the specified delivery box 150, a signal may be sent to the delivery server 142 to notify that the delivery box 150 is currently unavailable. In this case, after a locker that can store the package is secured based on the locker information, the locker is identified and a locker identification signal including the locker ID is sent to the user's terminal 120 and the delivery server 142. If the package is large and cannot be stored in any of the lockers 152 in the specified delivery box 150, a signal may be sent to the user's terminal 120 and the delivery server 142 to notify that the delivery method is unavailable. Alternatively, if the specified delivery box 150 is unavailable for some reason as described above, a delivery box that is available near the specified delivery box 150 may be specified, and a signal may be sent to the delivery server 142 to notify the box ID and locker ID of the package.

[0050] An authentication key for the user to operate the delivery box 150 may be transmitted to the user's terminal 120 together with the locker identification signal or separately from the locker identification signal. The authentication key is generated in the management server 110 or the delivery server 142. The authentication key generated directly in the management server 110 is transmitted to the terminal 120 from the management server 110 directly or via the delivery server 142. When the authentication key is generated in the delivery server 142, the authentication key is transmitted from the delivery server 142 to the terminal 120. The format of the authentication key is arbitrary, and may be a two-dimensional code, a barcode, a password, or a personal identification number, and is configured to be displayed on the display screen of the terminal 120. The user can unlock the identified locker 152 by having the delivery box 150 recognize the authentication key or by entering a password or a personal identification number.

[0051] When the apartment building in which the user lives has a delivery locker 150 designated by the user for storing packages, an authentication key may not be generated or transmitted, and a signal for enabling the user to use the locker 152 may be transmitted from delivery server 142 or management server 110 to delivery locker 150. In this case, the user can unlock the specified locker 152 by operating delivery locker 150 using a dedicated key or card for operating delivery locker 150 that the user possesses.

[0052] When the user places the package in the specified locker 152, it is also possible to confirm the placement of the package by a sensor 154 (see FIG. 2(B)). For this reason, the delivery box 150 may be configured to transmit a signal (a placement notification signal) notifying that the package has been placed to the management server 110 and / or the delivery server 142 based on information obtained from the sensor 154. This allows the delivery person to start retrieving the package after confirming that the user has placed the package, thereby enabling effective use of human resources.

[0053] 3. Delivery method flow An example of applying the above-mentioned home delivery method to business-to-customer transactions (BtoC model) and customer-to-customer transactions (CtoC model) will be described with reference to flowcharts.

[0054] 3-1. How packages are delivered in the BtoC model Here, the seller 130 is a company that provides products, and a user places an order for products with the seller 130 without going through the platform 180. In a mall-type BtoC model, the seller 130 corresponds to the platform provider. As shown in FIG. 7, the user first uses the terminal 120 to access the seller server 132 and place an order for a product. At this time, the user transmits a signal including information required for ordering the product (order information) to the seller server 132 (S100). As described above, the order information may include information specifying the product and the like, as well as the box ID of the delivery box 150 at the delivery destination. When the user receives the package, the user becomes the recipient.

[0055] When an order for a product is placed, the seller server 132 transmits a home delivery command signal including order information to the home delivery server 142 (S102). The home delivery server 142 checks the inventory status and expected arrival status of the product in the logistics warehouse 140 and judges whether the product can be ordered. Although not shown, if it is judged that the product can be ordered, a signal to notify the terminal 120 or the seller server 132 that the order by the user has been confirmed may be transmitted. When the order is confirmed, the product is picked and packed in the logistics warehouse 140 according to the order contents and is compiled as a parcel to be delivered. The packaging may be cardboard or a flexible bag (for example, a bag made of an artificial polymer such as polyethylene, nylon, or cellophane, or a paper envelope). The bag may be transparent or non-transparent.

[0056] At this time, the size and shape of the package are determined. For example, if the packaging material is a standardized cardboard, the size and shape of the package are determined by the standard. If the product is packaged in a flexible bag, a 3D scanner may be used to measure the shape and size of the packaged product. The product may be stored in the container 160 without being packaged or packaged in a flexible bag. In this case, the shape and size of the product or the product packaged in the flexible bag are the shape and size of the package. By using the container 160, the movement of the product within the container 160 is restricted, so that the need to pack cushioning materials such as air cushions, recycled paper, and polystyrene foam with the product is greatly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to greatly reduce the consumption of waste associated with home delivery of products.

[0057] Thereafter, in order to identify the locker 152 that will store the package, the delivery server 142 transmits a designation request signal to the management server 110 together with the delivery information of the package (S104). As described above, the delivery information may include the size, shape, quantity, whether the package is upside down or not, the delivery destination of the package, the delivery date and time, etc., of the package, and may also include the box ID if the user has designated a delivery box 150 as the delivery destination of the package. Furthermore, the delivery information included in the designation request signal may include recipient information. Typically, a delivery company handles multiple packages, and therefore designation request signals for multiple packages will be transmitted from the delivery server 142.

[0058] A signal (locker information signal) including locker information is sent from the multiple delivery boxes 150 at any time or periodically to the management server 110 (S106). Therefore, the management server 110 can always grasp the usage status of the locker 152 of each delivery box 150. When the management server 110 receives a designation request signal from the delivery server 142, it matches the locker 152 of each delivery box 150 with the package. If the user does not designate a delivery box 150, one of the delivery boxes 150 installed in a location closest to the address of the recipient is designated, and matching with the locker 152 of that delivery box 150 is performed. If there are multiple packages for the same recipient and a locker 152 that can simultaneously store multiple packages is available, one locker 152 may be specified for these multiple packages. When the locker 152 is specified for each package, a locker identification signal including the box ID and locker ID of the delivery box 150 is sent to the delivery server 142 (S108). If an authentication key is generated by the management server 110, the authentication key may be sent to the delivery server 142 simultaneously or individually. Although not shown, the authentication key may be transmitted directly from the management server 110 to the terminal 120 .

[0059] Upon receiving the locker identification signal, the delivery server 142 checks the arrangement of a vehicle for delivery and the loading status of the vehicle, and estimates the scheduled delivery date and time of the package. Then, together with the authentication key or separately from the authentication key, it transmits a signal (delivery information signal) to the terminal 120 to notify the scheduled delivery date and time and the delivery box 150 and its locker 152 in which the package will be stored (S110). This allows the user to know the scheduled delivery date and time of the package. The delivery server 142 may further transmit a signal including the scheduled delivery date and time to the seller server 132 (S112).

[0060] After this, the parcel is delivered. The parcel is delivered by storing it in the specified locker 152. When a container 160 is used, the product is removed from the container 160 and stored in the locker 152, and the container 160 is collected by a delivery person. Since the locker 152 is reserved in advance, there is no need to redeliver the parcel because the locker 152 is not available at the time of delivery, and this can prevent an increase in costs for redelivery and a waste of human resources. When the delivery is completed, the delivery server 142 transmits a signal including a delivery completion notification to the terminal 120 and the seller server 132 (S114, S116). This delivery completion notification may be transmitted to the management server 110. This allows the seller 130 to recognize that the product has been delivered to the user, and the user to recognize that the ordered product has been delivered. The delivery completion notification may include the number of parcels delivered in a day, the number of parcels stored in the specified locker 152, the number of parcels currently stored in the specified locker 152, and the like. If such information is included, the user can remove the packages from the locker 152 after all the packages to be delivered have been delivered. Also, if multiple packages are being delivered, the user can remove the packages from the locker 152 as each package is delivered.

[0061] Thereafter, the user operates delivery box 150 using the authentication key or a dedicated key or card to unlock locker 152 in which the package is stored, and removes the package. After the package is removed, a signal (receipt notification signal) notifying that the package has been removed may be transmitted from delivery box 150 to management server 110 and / or delivery server 142 based on information obtained from sensor 154 (S118, S120). At this time, an external camera provided inside locker 152 or outside delivery box 150 may be used to capture images of the state inside locker 152 and the state of the delivery staff storing the package, and the captured images may be transmitted to management server 110 and / or delivery server 142 along with the opening and closing times of locker 152.

[0062] Even when one user individually orders products from multiple sellers 130 and multiple companies deliver these products as parcels, this delivery method can be used to provide a highly efficient delivery service. For example, an example in which one user individually orders products from a first seller 130-1 and a second seller 130-2, and the products of the first seller 130-1 and the second seller 130-2 are managed in a first logistics warehouse 140-1 and a second logistics warehouse 140-2, respectively, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0063] A user accesses the first seller server 132-1 and the second seller server 132-2 individually using the terminal 120 to place an order for a product. At this time, the user transmits a signal including information required for ordering the product (order information) to the first seller server 132-1 and the second seller server 132-2, respectively (S130, S132).

[0064] When an order for a product is placed, the first seller server 132-1 and the second seller server 132-2 access the first home delivery server 142-1 and the second home delivery server 142-2 of the first logistics warehouse 140-1 and the second logistics warehouse 140-2 where the product is stored, respectively, and transmit a home delivery command signal including the order information (S134, S136). Each home delivery server 142 checks the inventory status and expected arrival status of the product at each logistics warehouse 140, and judges whether or not the product can be ordered. If it is judged that the product can be ordered, a signal to notify the terminal 120 and / or the seller server 132 that the user's order has been confirmed may be transmitted.

[0065] After this, the first home delivery server 142-1 and the second home delivery server 142-2 transmit a designation request signal to the management server 110 together with the home delivery information of the parcels in order to identify the locker 152 that will accommodate each parcel (S138, S140). When the management server 110 receives the designation request signal, it matches the locker 152 with the parcel based on the home delivery information and the locker information transmitted from the home delivery box 150 (S142). As described above, the home delivery information may include recipient information. Therefore, the management server 110 can easily determine whether there are multiple parcels for the same recipient among the parcels to be delivered by using the recipient information. When it is determined on the management server 110 that there are multiple parcels for the same recipient, it identifies the locker 152 that can simultaneously accommodate the parcels for the same recipient, and transmits a locker identification signal including the box ID of the home delivery box 150 and the locker ID of the identified locker to the first home delivery server 142-1 and the second home delivery server 142-2 (S144, S146).

[0066] The first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2 that have received the locker identification signal check the arrangement of a vehicle for delivery and the loading status of the vehicle, and estimate the scheduled delivery date and time of the parcel. Although not shown, a delivery information signal for notifying the scheduled delivery date and time and the delivery box 150 in which the parcel is stored and its locker 152 is then transmitted to the terminal 120. An authentication key may be included in the delivery information signal, or the authentication key may be transmitted separately from the first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2 to the terminal 120. The first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2 may further transmit a signal including all or part of the information included in the delivery information signal to the first seller server 132-1 and the second seller server 132-2, respectively. The first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2 may transmit the delivery information signal and the authentication key to the management server 110 instead of to the terminal 120 (S148, S150). The first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2 may not generate the authentication key, and the management server 110 may generate the authentication key. In this case, the delivery information and the authentication key are transmitted from the management server 110 to the terminal 120 together (S152), thereby preventing confusion of the user.

[0067] After this, the parcels are delivered, and after the delivery is completed, a signal including a delivery completion notification is transmitted from the first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2, or from the management server 110 to the terminal 120 (S154). The delivery completion notification may be transmitted from the management server 110 or the delivery server 142 to the seller server 132 (S156, S158). After the parcels are removed, a receipt notification signal may be transmitted from the delivery box 150 to the management server 110 and / or the delivery server 142 (S160, S162, S164). In this delivery method, even if the parcels are delivered by different delivery companies, multiple parcels ordered by the user are stored in one locker 152. Therefore, the user can remove multiple parcels at the same time by operating the delivery box 150 once.

[0068] 3-2. How to ship packages in the CtoC model In this section, an example of applying this home delivery method to a CtoC model will be described. Here, the explanation will be given assuming a case where a first user uses the platform 180 to put up a product and a second user (i.e., the orderer and product recipient) orders this product. Explanations of configurations that are the same as or similar to the configurations described in the application example to the BtoC model may be omitted.

[0069] When an order for a product is placed, a signal including order information is sent from platform server 182 to first user terminal 120-1 along with a notification that the product has been ordered (S180). The orderer may specify delivery box 150 as the delivery destination of the product, in which case the order information includes the box ID of delivery box 150 specified by the orderer.

[0070] The first user accesses the delivery server 142 managed by a delivery company selected by the first user, and transmits a shipping request signal including shipping information from the terminal 120-1 to the delivery server 142 (S182). When the first user directly accesses the management server 110, the shipping request signal is transmitted from the terminal 120-1 to the management server 110 (S184). In this case, the shipping request signal is further transmitted to the delivery server 142 of the delivery company selected by the management server 110 or the delivery company desired by the first user (S186). The delivery server 142 that has received the shipping request signal transmits a specification request signal from the delivery server 142 to the management server 110, requesting that the locker of the delivery box 150 specified by the user to store the package be specified (S188).

[0071] The management server 110, which has received the designation request signal, matches the lockers 152 with the packages based on the locker information transmitted from the multiple delivery lockers 150 (S190) and the size, shape, quantity, whether the package is upside down, image data, and other information contained in the designation request signal. That is, the management server 110 identifies a locker 152 that matches the size, shape, and quantity of the packages from the lockers 152 of the delivery lockers 150 specified by the user. If the user has not specified a delivery locker 150 for storing the package, the designation request signal does not include the box ID of the delivery locker 150. In this case, it is sufficient to specify one of the delivery lockers 150 closest to the user's address. After the locker 152 is identified, a locker identification signal including the locker ID is transmitted to the delivery server 142 (S192).

[0072] When the locker identification signal is received by the delivery server 142, the delivery server 142 transmits a signal including collection information to the terminal 120 (S194). At this time, the delivery server 142 may transmit an authentication key to the terminal 120. Note that the signal including the collection information and the authentication key may be transmitted from the management server 110 to the terminal 120 (S196).

[0073] The user operates the delivery box 150 using an authentication key or a dedicated key or card, and stores the package in the specified locker 152. If the delivery box 150 can determine the presence or absence of the package by the sensor 154, it may transmit a signal (a storage notification signal) to the management server 110 and / or the delivery server 142 to notify that the package has been stored (S198, S200). This allows the delivery server 142 to know that the package has been stored in the locker 152 specified on the delivery server 142, so that the delivery staff can reliably collect the package. After this, a signal to notify that the collection of the package has been completed is transmitted from the delivery server 142 to the terminal 120 (S202). As with the storage of the package by the delivery staff in the BtoC model, an external camera installed inside the locker 152 or outside the delivery box 150 may be used to capture images of the state inside the locker 152 and the state of the delivery staff collecting the package, and the captured images may be transmitted to the management server 110 and / or the delivery server 142 together with the opening and closing times of the locker 152.

[0074] 4. Application As described below, by applying a home delivery method that is one embodiment of the present invention, it becomes possible to use the home delivery box 150 more efficiently and to provide a variety of user services.

[0075] For example, since the management server 110 can receive user information, the number of times the user has used the delivery system 100 may be counted using the user information and stored as a user score in a storage device provided in the management server 110 as needed. The management server 110 may be configured to provide services such as preferential reservation of lockers 152 when shipping luggage and setting of dedicated lockers to users with high user scores. For example, the upper limit of the number of lockers available may be set high for users with high user scores, and low for users with low user scores. Alternatively, information regarding the user score may be transmitted from the management server 110 to the delivery server 142 at any time, periodically, or in response to a request from the delivery server 142. This allows delivery companies and the like to manage user scores, and services such as discounts on delivery and shipping fees and cashbacks may be provided based on the user scores.

[0076] Alternatively, the management server 110 may be configured to preferentially specify, among the lockers 152 of each delivery box 150, a locker 152 that is easier to use, i.e., a locker 152 that allows easy storage and removal of a package, according to the user score. More specifically, when a user with a low user score uses the delivery system 100, a locker 152 is randomly specified from among a plurality of lockers 152 that are suitable for the package, or is specified in order of least frequent use. This allows the frequency of use of the lockers 152 to be equalized, suppressing deterioration of some or specific lockers 152, and preventing breakdowns. On the other hand, when a user with a high user score uses the delivery system 100, the delivery program may be configured to preferentially select a specific locker 152 from among the lockers 152 that are suitable for the package. The specific locker 152 may be appropriately determined in consideration of convenience, such as ease of storage and removal of a package.

[0077] Alternatively, the user score may be weighted using the occupancy time of the locker 152. For example, in a BtoC model, the occupancy time of the locker 152 may be the time from the time when the parcel delivery completion notification is sent to the terminal 120 or the time when the delivery completion notification is received by the management server 110 to the time when the receipt notification signal is sent to the management server 110. In a CtoC model, the occupancy time may be the time from the time when the signal including the collection information is sent from the management server 110 to the terminal 120 to the time when the storage notification signal is received by the management server 110. The user score may be weighted using an average occupancy time obtained by dividing the occupancy time of each user by the number of times the delivery system 100 is used. Alternatively, the user score may be weighted when the occupancy time is shorter than a predetermined time.

[0078] Furthermore, the management server 110 may be configured to notify the occupancy time to the delivery server 142 from the management server 110 at any time, periodically, or in response to a request from the delivery server 142. This allows the delivery company or the like to know the occupancy time for each locker 152. Therefore, in this delivery method, the parcel of a user who has occupied a locker 152 for a long period of time (for example, for a period of three days or more, one week or more, or one month or more) may be collected. This makes it possible to secure more available lockers 152 and increase the turnover rate of the lockers 152.

[0079] Alternatively, the user may be given an opportunity to earn a user score by utilizing the time the locker 152 is occupied. For example, a larger user score may be given to the user if the user collects or stores the luggage within a certain period from the time when the management server 110 transmits the signal including the delivery completion notification or the signal including the collection information to the user's terminal 120. In this case, the signal including the delivery completion notification or the signal including the collection information may be configured so that a display can be displayed on the terminal 120 indicating that a larger user score can be earned by collecting or storing the luggage within the certain period. Furthermore, the signal including the delivery completion notification or the signal including the collection information may include an instruction to display a screen on the user's terminal 120 on which the user can answer the date and time when the user will collect or store the luggage. A larger user score may be given if the user collects or stores the luggage by the date and time answered by the user.

[0080] Alternatively, a user may be given an opportunity to earn a user score based on the number of empty lockers 152 in the delivery box 150. If a user is delayed in collecting a package, the number of empty lockers 152 decreases, which affects the delivery of other packages. In order to prevent such an adverse effect, when the ratio of empty lockers 152 decreases (for example, when the ratio of the number of empty lockers 152 to the total number of lockers 152 in each delivery box 150 becomes 30% or less, 20% or less, or 10% or less), a signal including a promotion notice to prompt the user to receive the product may be transmitted from the management server 110 to the terminal 120 of the user who has not yet collected the package. At this time, the signal including the promotion notice may be configured so that it is possible to display on the terminal 120 that a user score can be earned by collecting the package. Furthermore, the signal including the promotion notice may be configured so that it is possible to display on the terminal 120 that a higher user score can be earned the shorter the time until the package is collected. When the user collects the package, the management server 110 may add a certain user score, or may add a user score according to the time from the time of the notification of the promotion notice to the time the user collects the package.

[0081] The above-described embodiments of the present invention may be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. In addition, a display device according to any of the embodiments may be combined as appropriate by a person skilled in the art to add or remove components or modify the design, or to add or omit steps or modify conditions, and the combination is included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the gist of the present invention.

[0082] Even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the aspects of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100: home delivery system, 102: network, 104: parcel, 104-1: parcel, 104-2: parcel, 104-3: parcel, 104-4: parcel, 104-5: parcel, 110: management server, 120: terminal, 120-1: terminal, 130: seller, 130-1: first seller, 130-2: second seller, 132: seller server, 132-1: first seller server, 132-2: second seller server, 132-2: second seller server, 140: logistics warehouse, 140-1: first logistics warehouse, 140-2: second logistics warehouse, 140-3: third logistics warehouse, 142: home delivery server, 142-1: first home delivery server, 142-2: second home delivery server, 142-3: third 3 delivery server, 150: delivery box, 150-1: third delivery box, 150-2: second delivery box, 150-3: third delivery box, 152: locker, 152-1: locker, 152-2: locker, 152-3: locker, 154: sensor, 160: container, 162: main body, 164: lid, 166: hinge, 168: handle, 170: tag, 172: trench, 174: protrusion, 176: lock, 178: transport cart, 180: platform, 182: platform server, 182-1: first platform server, 182-2: second platform server, 182-3: third platform server

Claims

1. A method for delivering parcels by storing the parcels in a plurality of parcel delivery boxes each having a plurality of lockers, A management server that is communicatively connected to the delivery box and configured to acquire identifiers of the lockers in use and the lockers not in use from the delivery box acquires the size, shape, and quantity of the parcels from a delivery server that is communicatively connected to the management server and configured to manage the delivery of the parcels; The method includes the management server identifying one of the plurality of lockers based on the size, shape, and quantity of the luggage and the size of each of the plurality of lockers.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the management server determining whether there are multiple packages for the same recipient among the packages.

3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the management server transmitting the identifier of the identified locker to the home delivery server.

4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the delivery server transmitting an identifier of the delivery box to the management server.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein identifying the one of the plurality of lockers is performed by selecting the locker that can accommodate the package and has a smallest volume.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the management server transmitting the identifier of the identified locker to a terminal of a recipient of the package.

7. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the home delivery server transmitting the identifier of the identified locker to a terminal of a recipient of the package.

8. The method further includes storing the cargo in one container selected from a plurality of containers having the same shape and size; The method according to claim 1 , wherein storing the package in the delivery box is performed by storing the selected container in the identified locker.

9. A delivery system including a delivery box having a plurality of lockers and a management server connected in communication therewith, The management server includes: The size, shape, and quantity of the parcels to be delivered to the parcel box are acquired from a parcel server that is communicatively connected to the management server and configured to perform parcel delivery management of the parcels; A parcel delivery system configured to identify one of the plurality of lockers based on the size, shape, and quantity of the parcel and the size of each of the plurality of lockers.

10. The home delivery system described in Claim 9, wherein the management server is further configured to determine whether there are multiple packages for the same recipient among the packages.

11. The delivery system according to claim 10 , wherein the management server is configured to transmit an identifier of the specified locker to the delivery server.

12. The delivery system according to claim 10 , wherein the delivery server is configured to transmit an identifier of the delivery box to the management server.

13. The home delivery system of claim 9 , wherein the management server is configured to identify the one of the plurality of lockers by selecting the locker that can accommodate the package and has a smallest volume.

14. The home delivery system according to claim 9 , wherein the management server is configured to transmit an identifier of the identified locker to a terminal of a recipient of the package.

15. The delivery system according to claim 10 , wherein the delivery server is configured to transmit an identifier of the identified locker to a terminal of a recipient of the package.

16. The home delivery system of claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality of lockers is configured to store the package and to accommodate one selected from a plurality of containers having the same shape and size.

Images