Delivery Management System, Delivery Management Device, and Delivery Management Method

Abstract

Provided are a delivery management system, a delivery management device, and a delivery management method that can protect a delivery item during delivery without increasing the workload of handing over the delivery item. The delivery management system (100) includes: a storage structure (4) that is configured to be openable and closable and stores the delivery item (10); a locking mechanism (43) that locks the storage structure (4) in the closed state; a position detection unit (52, 72) that detects the position of the storage structure (4); and a locking control unit (51, 71) that controls the locking mechanism (43) based on the positional relationship between the opening / closing area (PA, DA) set as the area for opening / closing the storage structure (4) and the position of the storage structure (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery management system, a delivery management device, and a delivery management method. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method has been proposed in which a container is locked while a delivery item is stored in the container to protect the delivery item (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In the structure of Patent Document 1, there is a structure for electrically locking and unlocking the container using an electronic key, and after authentication based on a delivery item ID, a password, or a facial authentication image of a delivery item recipient, the container is unlocked using the electronic key.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-094168 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the structure of Patent Document 1, authentication for unlocking the container is required when receiving a delivery item, and there is a problem that it takes time and effort.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a delivery management system, a delivery management device, and a delivery management method that can protect a delivery item during delivery without increasing the workload of handing over the delivery item.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The delivery management system is characterized by including: a storage structure (4) that is configured to be openable and closable and stores a delivery item (10); a locking mechanism (43) that locks the storage structure (4) in a closed state; a position detection unit (52, 72) that detects the position of the storage structure (4); and a locking control unit (51, 71) that controls the locking mechanism (43) based on the positional relationship between an opening / closing area (PA, DA) set as an area where the storage structure (4) is opened and closed and the position of the storage structure (4).

[0011] In the above structure, it is also possible that when the position of the storage structure (4) is within the opening / closing area (PA, DA), the locking control unit (51, 71) releases the locking of the storage structure (4) through the locking mechanism (43), and when the position of the storage structure (4) is not within the opening / closing area (PA, DA), the locking control unit (51, 71) locks the storage structure (4) through the locking mechanism (43).

[0012] In the above structure, it is also possible that the delivery management system includes an opening / closing determination unit (54, 74) that determines whether the storage structure (4) has been opened or closed. The opening / closing area (PA, DA) includes a loading area (PA) for storing the delivery item (10) in the storage structure (4). The locking control unit (51, 71) locks the storage structure (4) through the locking mechanism (43) in at least any one of the following cases: after the storage structure (4) is opened or closed in the loading area (PA), the storage structure (4) moves outside the loading area (PA); or after the storage structure (4) is opened or closed in the loading area (PA), it is predicted that the storage structure (4) will move outside the loading area (PA).

[0013] In the above structure, it is also possible that the opening / closing area (PA, DA) includes a removal area (DA) for removing the delivery item (10) from the storage structure (4). When the storage structure (4) moves to the removal area (DA), the locking control unit (51, 71) releases the locking of the storage structure (4) through the locking mechanism (43).

[0014] In the above structure, it is also possible that the delivery management system includes: an identification unit (53, 73) that identifies the delivery item (10) stored in the storage structure (4); a storage unit (60, 80) that stores area designation information (61) specifying the position or range of the removal area (DA) corresponding to each delivery item (10) stored in the storage structure (4); and a notification unit (58, 94) that gives a notification when the position of the storage structure (4) is outside the removal area (DA) specified by the area designation information (61) corresponding to the delivery item (10) when the delivery item (10) has been removed from the storage structure (4).

[0015] In the above structure, it is also possible that the storage structure (4) is mounted on the vehicle (3), and when the speed and / or acceleration of the vehicle (3) is equal to or higher than a specified value, the locking control unit (51, 71) locks the storage structure (4) through the locking mechanism (43).

[0016] In the above structure, it is also possible that the locking control unit (51, 71) refers to the date-time specifying information (65) of a specified date and time or time period, and at the date and time or time period specified by the date-time specifying information (65), locks or unlocks the storage structure (4) through the locking mechanism (43).

[0017] In the above structure, it is also possible that the delivery management system includes monitoring units (111, 112) that monitor the storage structure (4) in the opening / closing areas (PA, DA).

[0018] The delivery management device is characterized by including: a locking mechanism (43) that is provided on a storage structure (4) and locks the storage structure (4) in a closed state, the storage structure (4) being configured to be openable / closable and store a delivery item (10); and a control device (5) that has a position detection unit (52) for detecting the position of the storage structure (4) and a locking control unit (51) for controlling the locking mechanism (43), the locking control unit (51) controlling the locking mechanism (43) based on the positional relationship between the opening / closing areas (PA, DA), which are areas set as the area for opening / closing the storage structure (4), and the position of the storage structure (4).

[0019] The delivery management method is implemented through the following structure. In this structure, a locking mechanism (43) is provided on an openable / closable storage structure (4) that is configured to be openable / closable and store a delivery item (10), the locking mechanism (43) locking the storage structure (4) in a closed state. The delivery management method is characterized in that, in the delivery management method: the position of the storage structure (4) is detected; and the locking mechanism (43) is controlled based on the position of the storage structure (4) and the positional relationship between the opening / closing areas (PA, DA), which are areas set as the area for opening / closing the storage structure (4), and the position of the storage structure (4).

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] The delivery management system of the present invention includes: a storage structure that is configured to be openable and closable and stores delivery items; a locking mechanism that locks the storage structure in a closed state; a position detection unit that detects the position of the storage structure; and a locking control unit that controls the locking mechanism based on the positional relationship between the opening / closing area set as the area for opening and closing the storage structure and the position of the storage structure.

[0022] According to this structure, since the locking mechanism is controlled based on the position of the storage structure, it is possible to protect the delivery items during delivery and to take out the delivery items without going through complicated procedures. Thus, it is possible to protect the delivery items without increasing the workload during the handover of the delivery items.

[0023] In the above structure, it may also be that when the position of the storage structure is within the opening / closing area, the locking control unit unlocks the storage structure through the locking mechanism, and when the position of the storage structure is not within the opening / closing area, the locking control unit locks the storage structure through the locking mechanism.

[0024] According to this structure, the storage structure can be opened and closed within the opening / closing area, and at positions other than the opening / closing area, the storage structure is locked. Therefore, the operator for delivering the delivery items can load and unload the delivery items within the opening / closing area without performing complicated operations such as authentication processing, and since the storage structure is locked outside the opening / closing area, it is possible to reliably protect the delivery items.

[0025] In the above structure, it may also be that the delivery management system includes an opening / closing determination unit that determines whether the storage structure has been opened and closed, the opening / closing area includes a loading area for storing the delivery items in the storage structure, and the locking control unit locks the storage structure through the locking mechanism in at least any one of the following cases: after the storage structure is opened and closed in the loading area, the storage structure moves outside the loading area; after the storage structure is opened and closed in the loading area, it is predicted that the storage structure will move outside the loading area.

[0026] According to this structure, when the delivery items are stored in the storage structure within the opening / closing area, it is possible to lock the storage structure and protect the delivery items. In addition, when there are no delivery items stored in the storage structure, the storage structure is not locked, so the storage structure can be used for purposes other than delivery.

[0027] In the above structure, it may also be that the opening / closing area includes an unloading area for taking out the delivery items from the storage structure, and when the storage structure moves to the unloading area, the locking control unit unlocks the storage structure through the locking mechanism.

[0028] According to this structure, an operator who delivers a delivery item can quickly open the storage structure in the retrieval area and retrieve the delivery item.

[0029] In the above structure, it may also be that the delivery management system includes: an identification unit that identifies the delivery item stored in the storage structure; a storage unit that stores area designation information specifying the position or range of the retrieval area in correspondence with each of the delivery items stored in the storage structure; and a notification unit that notifies when the position of the storage structure is outside the retrieval area specified by the area designation information corresponding to the delivery item when the delivery item has been retrieved from the storage structure.

[0030] According to this structure, a notification is made when an operator who delivers a delivery item retrieves the delivery item at a location outside the opening / closing area, so that mis-delivery of the delivery item can be prevented. Therefore, when multiple delivery items are stored in the storage structure for delivery, they can be retrieved in the retrieval area designated for each delivery item, and a notification is made when the retrieval area is mistaken. As a result, the mental burden on the operator who performs the delivery and the labor for confirming the recipient can be reduced. Also, even when multiple delivery items are stored in the storage structure, delivery can be easily performed, so that an improvement in the operation efficiency of delivery can be achieved.

[0031] In the above structure, it may also be that the storage structure is mounted on a vehicle, and when the speed and / or acceleration of the vehicle is a predetermined value or more, the locking control unit locks the storage structure through the locking mechanism.

[0032] According to this structure, when the storage structure is within the opening / closing area but has a high possibility of moving outside the opening / closing area, the storage structure is locked before moving outside the opening / closing area, so that the delivery item can be protected more reliably.

[0033] In the above structure, it may also be that the locking control unit refers to date / time designation information designating a specified date / time or time period, and locks or unlocks the storage structure through the locking mechanism at the date / time or time period designated by the date / time designation information.

[0034] According to this structure, the storage structure can be used for purposes different from the storage of delivery items, and the purpose of using the storage structure can be distinguished according to the date / time.

[0035] In the above structure, it may also be configured to include a monitoring unit that monitors the storage structure in the opening / closing area.

[0036] According to this structure, in the opening / closing area, it is possible to monitor, suppress, or detect inappropriate handling of the delivery item during the period when the locking of the storage structure is released.

[0037] The delivery management device of the present invention is characterized by including: a locking mechanism provided in the storage structure that locks the storage structure in a closed state, the storage structure being configured to be openable / closable and store delivery items; and a control device having a position detection unit that detects the position of the storage structure and a locking control unit that controls the locking mechanism, the locking control unit controlling the locking mechanism based on the positional relationship between the opening / closing area of the area set to open / close the storage structure and the position of the storage structure.

[0038] According to this structure, since the locking mechanism is controlled according to the position of the storage structure, it is possible to protect the delivery item during delivery and to take out the delivery item without going through complicated procedures. Thus, it is possible to protect the delivery item without increasing the workload during the handover of the delivery item.

[0039] The delivery management method of the present invention is realized by the following structure. In this structure, a locking mechanism is provided in an openable / closable storage structure configured to be openable / closable and store delivery items, the locking mechanism locking the storage structure in a closed state. The delivery management method is characterized in that in the delivery management method: the position of the storage structure is detected; and the locking mechanism is controlled based on the positional relationship between the position of the storage structure, the opening / closing area set as the area for opening / closing the storage structure, and the position of the storage structure.

[0040] According to this method, since the locking mechanism is controlled according to the position of the storage structure, it is possible to protect the delivery item during delivery and to take out the delivery item without going through complicated procedures. Thus, it is possible to protect the delivery item without increasing the workload during the handover of the delivery item. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the delivery management system of the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the delivery management system.

[0043] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery management system in the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the exit determination process.

[0045] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery management system in the second embodiment.

[0046] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery management system in the third embodiment.

[0047] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the area designation information in the fourth embodiment.

[0048] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery management system in the fourth embodiment.

[0049] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery management system in the fourth embodiment.

[0050] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the delivery management system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0051] Figure 11 is a block diagram of the locking control device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0052] Figure 12 is a timing chart showing the operation of the delivery management system according to the fifth embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0054] [1. First Embodiment]

[0055] [1-1. Delivery Management System]

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the delivery management system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0057] The delivery management system 100 is a system that manages the delivery of the delivery item 10, and includes an in-vehicle unit 31 mounted on the vehicle 3. The delivery management system 100 may include an information management server 2, and the information management server 2 is connected to the in-vehicle unit 31 via a communication network 11 in a manner capable of data communication.

[0058] The delivery item 10 is a portable object sent from a sender (not shown), and a person or a place is designated as the recipient. In Figure 1 , for ease of explanation, the person transporting the delivery item 10 is set as the operator U1, and the person designated as the recipient of the delivery item 10 is set as the receiver U2. Figure 1 The structure is only an example. For example, the delivery item 10 may be transported by multiple persons, or may be transported by a working machine or a robot. The presence of the receiver U2 is not necessary, and the delivery item 10 may also be transported to the place designated as the recipient.

[0059] The delivery management system 100 is a system that protects the delivery item 10 and manages it to ensure reliable delivery of the delivery item 10 during the process of an operator U1 transporting the delivery item 10 to a recipient U2.

[0060] As a unit for transporting the delivery item 10, Figure 1 as an example, a vehicle 3 equipped with a storage box 4 is shown. The vehicle 3 is a motorized two-wheeler, and the storage box 4 is fixed to the rear of the vehicle 3.

[0061] The storage box 4 is a storage structure for storing the delivery item 10. Specifically, the storage box 4 is a hollow container having an opening through which the delivery item 10 can be taken in and out, and a lid 41 that can be opened and closed is provided at the opening.

[0062] A locking mechanism 43 that can be electrically locked and unlocked is provided on the lid 41 ( Figure 2 ). When the locking mechanism 43 is locked, the lid 41 remains in a closed state. In the following description, the state in which the locking mechanism 43 is locked is referred to as the locked state, locking is expressed as locking, and unlocking is expressed as unlocking.

[0063] The vehicle 3 is provided with a control device 5. As will be described later, the control device 5 controls the locking and unlocking of the storage box 4 based on the position, driving state, etc. of the vehicle 3.

[0064] The control device 5 can perform data communication with the information management server 2 through the communication network 11. For example, it receives data indicating the conditions for locking and unlocking the storage box 4 from the information management server 2. The communication network 11 can be an open network such as the Internet or a closed network such as a wireless communication line network managed by a mobile communication carrier. The communication network 11 can include communication lines such as public line networks and dedicated lines, and can also include devices not shown such as routers and servers.

[0065] Here, the place where the delivery item 10 is stored in the storage box 4 is set as the loading area PA, and the place where the delivery item 10 is taken out from the storage box 4 and handed to the recipient U2 is set as the unloading area DA. The loading area PA is a region that includes the location designated as the loading place of the delivery item 10 and has a prescribed size. For example, the loading area PA may be a circle drawn with the designated location as the center and a designated radius. Alternatively, the loading area PA may be a region surrounded by coordinates of three or more points set in a manner that includes the designated location. The unloading area DA is the same. It may be a circle drawn with the location designated as the receiving place of the delivery item 10 as the center and a designated radius, or it may be a region surrounded by coordinates of three or more points set in a manner that includes the designated location. In addition, the loading area PA and / or the unloading area DA may be set according to the administrative area of the local government, or may be a specific arterial road. The above-mentioned designated location may be a fixed location such as a specific residence, or may be a location that can move like the position of the recipient's portable terminal.

[0066] The operator U1 opens the lid 41 at the loading place located in the loading area PA and stores the delivery item 10 in the storage box 4. The operator U1 drives the vehicle 3 and moves towards the receiving place. When arriving at the receiving place, the operator U1 opens the lid 41, takes out the delivery item 10, and hands it to the recipient U2.

[0067] In the delivery management system 100, during the period when the vehicle 3 moves from the loading place to the receiving place, the storage box 4 is locked so that the delivery item 10 cannot be taken out from the storage box 4. Thereby, the delivery item 10 is protected during the movement of the vehicle 3, and the wrong taking out of the delivery item 10 at a place other than the receiving place is prevented. Specifically, the control device 5 releases the lock of the storage box 4 in the loading area PA including the loading place. The control device 5 locks the storage box 4 when it determines that the vehicle 3 has left the loading area PA. After that, the control device 5 locks the storage box 4 until the storage box 4 enters the unloading area DA, and releases the lock of the storage box 4 when it determines that the vehicle 3 has entered the unloading area DA. Therefore, even if the operator U1 mistakes a place other than the unloading area DA for the receiving place and tries to open the lid 41, since the lid 41 will not open, the delivery item 10 will not be sent to a place other than the receiving place.

[0068] A monitoring device 111 is provided in the loading area PA. The monitoring device 111 is, for example, a camera installed around the loading location and capturing an area including at least a part of the loading location and / or the area where the vehicle 3 parks. In addition, a monitoring device 112 is provided in the unloading area DA. The monitoring device 112 is, for example, a camera installed around the receiving location and capturing an area including at least a part of the receiving location and / or the area where the vehicle 3 parks. The monitoring devices 111 and 112 can perform data communication with the information management server 2 via the communication network 11 and send the captured image data to the information management server 2. The monitoring devices 111 and 112 may also communicate with the control device 5 and send the captured image data to the control device 5.

[0069] In this way, the delivery management system 100 can monitor the loading area PA through the monitoring device 111 as the monitoring unit, and can monitor the unloading area DA through the monitoring device 112 as the monitoring unit.

[0070] Through the monitoring devices 111 and 112, during the period when the vehicle 3 parks while the storage box 4 is unlocked, inappropriate handling of the lid 41 can be suppressed or detected. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the improper removal of the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4 before it is delivered to the recipient U2.

[0071] [1-2. Structure of the on-vehicle unit]

[0072] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the delivery management system 100.

[0073] The on-vehicle unit 31 is a delivery management device that manages the delivery of the delivery item 10, and includes a control device 5 and a locking mechanism 43 provided in the storage box 4. The on-vehicle unit 31 may also include a GNSS 44 mounted on the vehicle 3 and a delivery item detection unit 45. The locking mechanism 43, the GNSS 44, and the delivery item detection unit 45 are connected to the control device 5. In addition, the control device 5 may also be connected to the ECU 32 possessed by the vehicle 3. The ECU 32 is a device that controls the running of the vehicle 3. The ECU 32 detects the operations of the operator U1, detects the running speed of the vehicle 3, the rotational speed of the drive source, etc., and controls the drive source and the brake of the vehicle 3 based on the detection results. The ECU 32 can be referred to as a running control device that controls the running of the vehicle 3.

[0074] The locking mechanism 43 is an electronic lock that fixes the lid 41 in a closed state and is electrically controlled by the control device 5.

[0075] The GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) 44 detects the position of the storage box 4 based on signals transmitted from artificial satellites, etc., and outputs position information indicating the detected position to the control device 5.

[0076] The delivery item detection unit 45 is a functional unit that detects the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a structure. A structure in which the in-vehicle unit 31 does not have the delivery item detection unit 45 may also be adopted. The delivery item detection unit 45 has, for example, Figure 2 any one or more of the wireless tag reader 46, camera 47, and weight sensor 48 shown.

[0077] The wireless tag reader 46 can be used when a wireless tag is attached to the delivery item 10. The wireless tag refers to a tag such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifer) tag that holds identification information and can transmit and receive information in a non-contact manner through wireless communication. The wireless tag reader 46 reads the information recorded in the wireless tag of the delivery item 10 under the control of the control device 5 and outputs the read result to the control device 5. The wireless tag reader 46 can also determine the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4 and identify the delivery item 10 by analyzing the read result. In this case, the wireless tag reader 46 outputs the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 and the identification result of the delivery item 10 to the control device 5.

[0078] The camera 47 is a digital camera that photographs the inside of the storage box 4. The camera 47 performs photographing under the control of the control device 5 and outputs the photographed image data to the control device 5. The camera 47 can also analyze the photographed image data to determine the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4. In addition, the camera 47 can also identify the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4 by reading identification character codes, image codes, barcodes, etc. attached to the outer packaging of the delivery item 10. In this case, the camera 47 outputs the determination result of the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 and the identification result of the delivery item 10 to the control device 5.

[0079] The weight sensor 48 detects the weight of the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4 under the control of the control device 5 and outputs the detected value to the control device 5. The weight sensor 48 can also analyze the detected value of the weight to determine the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4. In this case, the weight sensor 48 outputs the determination result of the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 to the control device 5.

[0080] The control device 5 includes a processor 50, a memory 60, an interface 55, an external communication unit 56, an operation unit 57, and a notification unit 58.

[0081] The processor 50 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microcomputer, etc., and controls each part of the control device 5 by executing a program (not shown) stored in the memory 60. The memory 60 stores the program executed by the processor 50 and the data processed by the processor 50. The memory 60 includes semiconductor storage elements such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), a magnetic storage device, and stores the program and data in a non-volatile manner. The memory 60 may also be structured to include a RAM (Random Access Memory) and temporarily store the program and data. The control device 5 may also include an SoC (System on Chip) that integrates the processor 50 and the memory 60.

[0082] The memory 60 is a storage unit that stores the area designation information 61, the opening / closing conditions 65, and the delivery item information 66.

[0083] The area designation information 61 includes the loading area information 62 indicating the loading area PA and the unloading area information 63 indicating the unloading area DA.

[0084] The loading area information 62 includes information for determining the boundary between the loading area PA and the outside. For example, when the loading area PA is within a circle of a specified size centered on the loading location, the loading area information 62 includes the coordinates of the loading location and a distance corresponding to the radius of the loading area PA. Additionally, for example, the loading area information 62 may also include the coordinates of three or more points forming the boundary of the loading area PA. The unloading area information 63 includes information for determining the boundary between the unloading area DA and the outside. For example, when the unloading area DA is within a circle of a specified size centered on the receiving location, the unloading area information 63 includes the coordinates of the receiving location and a distance corresponding to the radius of the unloading area DA. Additionally, for example, the unloading area information 63 may also include the coordinates of three or more points forming the boundary of the unloading area DA.

[0085] The loading area information 62 may not be information that can directly determine the loading area PA. For example, the loading area information 62 may be information that can define the boundary of the loading area PA based on the coordinates of the loading location when the coordinates of the loading location are given. Specifically, the radius of the loading area PA centered on the loading location, etc., can be cited. Similarly, the unloading area information 63 may not be information that can directly determine the unloading area DA. For example, the unloading area information 63 may be information that can define the boundary of the unloading area DA based on the coordinates of the receiving location when the coordinates of the receiving location are given. Specifically, the radius of the unloading area DA centered on the receiving location, etc., can be cited.

[0086] The loading area information 62 and the unloading area information 63 are included in the delivery instruction information 13 sent from the information management server 2. When the control device 5 receives the delivery instruction information 13 from the information management server 2, the area designation information 61 extracted from the received delivery instruction information 13 is stored in the memory 60.

[0087] The opening / closing condition 65 is information that defines the conditions for locking the storage box 4 by the locking mechanism 43 and the conditions for unlocking. In the present embodiment, the opening / closing condition 65 defines that the locking mechanism 43 locks when the storage box 4 has exited the loading area PA and when the storage box 4 has exited the unloading area DA. In addition, the opening / closing condition 65 defines that the locking of the storage box 4 is released by the locking mechanism 43 when the storage box 4 enters the loading area PA from outside the loading area PA and when it enters the unloading area DA from outside the unloading area DA. The opening / closing condition 65 may also include information that defines a criterion for determining the situation where the storage box 4 has entered the loading area PA, has exited the loading area PA, has entered the unloading area DA, and has exited the unloading area DA.

[0088] The opening / closing condition 65 may also include conditions that specify the date and time, period for locking the storage box 4 and / or the date and time, period for unlocking the storage box 4. In this case, the opening / closing condition 65 is not limited to including conditions specified by a specific date and time, period, and may also include conditions specified by day of the week, time period. For example, the opening / closing condition 65 may also include conditions such as making the storage box 4 in an unlocked state on a specific day of the week, holidays, the rest day of the operator U1, etc. In this case, the locking control unit 51 controls the locking mechanism 43 in accordance with the date and time, period specified by the opening / closing condition 65 based on the current time measured by the RTC (Real Time Clock) provided in the processor 50, and performs the locking of the storage box 4 and the unlocking of the storage box 4. In this case, the opening / closing condition 65 is used as date and time designation information.

[0089] According to this structure, the storage box 4 can be used for purposes different from those when storing and delivering the delivery item 10, and the purpose of using the storage box 4 can be distinguished according to the date and time. For example, the operator U1 can freely use the vehicle 3 on days when no delivery service is carried out, and use the storage box 4 for storing goods unrelated to delivery.

[0090] The delivery item information 66 is information related to the predetermined delivery item 10 to be transported using the storage box 4, and it at least includes information specifying the residence and location of the person who is the recipient of the delivery item 10. In this case, the coordinates of the receiving location are specified by the delivery item information 66. The delivery item information 66 may also include information specifying the loading location. In addition, when the delivery item detection unit 45 can identify the delivery item 10, the delivery item information 66 may also include information specifying the receiving location or the loading location corresponding to the information for identifying the delivery item 10.

[0091] The processor 50 includes a locking control unit 51, a position detection unit 52, and a delivery item identification unit 53. These respective functional units are implemented through the cooperation of hardware and software by the processor 50 executing a program.

[0092] The locking control unit 51 refers to the opening / closing condition 65 and makes a determination on whether to lock the storage box 4 through the locking mechanism 43 and whether to unlock it based on the position of the storage box 4 detected by the position detection unit 52. When the locking control unit 51 determines to lock the storage box 4, it causes the locking mechanism 43 to operate to lock the storage box 4. In addition, when the locking control unit 51 determines to unlock the storage box 4, it causes the locking mechanism 43 to operate to unlock it.

[0093] The position detection unit 52 detects the current position of the storage box 4 by obtaining position information from the GNSS 44, and outputs the detected position to the locking control unit 51.

[0094] In addition, when the ECU 32 is connected to the control device 5, the position detection unit 52 obtains the vehicle speed signal output by the control device 5, thereby detecting the traveling speed and / or acceleration of the vehicle 3.

[0095] When the delivery item recognition unit 53 is connected to the control device 5 by the delivery item detection unit 45, it determines the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 in the storage box 4 based on the detection value input from the delivery item detection unit 45. When the delivery item detection unit 45 has a function of outputting a determination result of the presence or absence of the delivery item 10, the delivery item recognition unit 53 obtains the determination result output by the delivery item detection unit 45. In addition, when it is necessary to identify the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4, the delivery item recognition unit 53 functions as an identification unit and identifies the delivery item 10 based on the detection value output by the delivery item detection unit 45. When the delivery item detection unit 45 has a function of outputting a result of identifying the delivery item 10, the delivery item recognition unit 53 obtains the identification result output by the delivery item detection unit 45.

[0096] The opening / closing determination unit 54 detects the opening and closing of the lid 41. For example, when the locking mechanism 43 includes a switch-type sensor that detects whether the lid 41 is in a closed state, the opening / closing determination unit 54 determines whether the lid 41 is open or closed by obtaining the detection state of the locking mechanism 43. In addition, the opening / closing determination unit 54 can also determine whether an operation of opening the lid 41 has been performed in the loading area PA and the unloading area DA.

[0097] The interface (I / F) 55 connects the control device 5 to a device external to the control device 5. In Figure 2 this structure, the ECU 32 is connected to the interface 55. In addition, each of the locking mechanism 43, the GNSS 44, and the delivery item detection unit 45 is connected to the interface 55.

[0098] The external communication unit 56 performs communication with the information management server 2 under the control of the processor 50 and receives the delivery instruction information 13 from the information management server 2. The external communication unit 56 extracts the loading area information 62 and the unloading area information 63 from the received delivery instruction information 13 and stores them in the memory 60. In addition, when the delivery instruction information 13 includes the delivery item information 66, the external communication unit 56 extracts the delivery item information 66 and stores it in the memory 60.

[0099] The operation unit 57 has operation detection units such as an operation member and a touch sensor, and accepts operations by the operator U1 and the like. When the operation unit 57 detects an operation, it outputs a signal indicating the operation content to the processor 50. The operation unit 57 can also be arranged at a position separated from the control device 5. For example, it can be provided on the storage box 4.

[0100] The notification unit 58 includes a speaker that outputs sound to the operator U1, a liquid crystal display that displays images and text, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) indicator, and the like. The notification unit 58 makes notifications by outputting sound, displaying images or text, lighting the LED indicator, etc. under the control of the processor 50. The notification unit 58 may also be arranged at a position separated from the control device 5. For example, it may be provided in the storage box 4.

[0101] [1-3. Operation of the Delivery Management System]

[0102] Figure 3 It is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery management system 100, especially showing the operation of the control device 5. Figure 3 The operations shown are executed by the processor 50. In the first embodiment, since the control device 5 does not require the delivery item detection unit 45, the delivery item identification unit 53, the opening / closing determination unit 54, the operation unit 57, and the notification unit 58, it may also be configured not to include them.

[0103] Figure 3 The operation is executed at the start of the operation of the control device 5. For example, before the delivery item 10 is stored in the storage box 4, the operator U1 makes Figure 3 the operation start. For example, when the operator U1 starts the delivery of the delivery item 10, the Figure 3 operation starts. At the start time of the Figure 3 operation, the locking mechanism 43 is in a state of locking the storage box 4.

[0104] The control device 5 detects the position of the storage box 4 (step S101). The control device 5 compares the detected position of the storage box 4 with the loading area information 62 included in the area designation information 61 (step S102), and determines whether the storage box 4 is within the loading area PA (step S103). If it is determined that the storage box 4 is not within the loading area PA (step S103: no), the control device 5 returns to step S101. The control device 5 may also execute step S101 after waiting for a preset time.

[0105] If it is determined that the storage box 4 is within the loading area PA (step S103: yes), the control device 5 controls the locking mechanism 43 to unlock the storage box 4 (step S104). Thereby, the delivery item 10 can be stored in the storage box 4.

[0106] After that, the control device 5 performs an exit determination process (step S105).

[0107] Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing the exit determination process in detail.

[0108] In the exit determination process, the control device 5 detects the position of the storage box 4 (step S121). The control device 5 compares the detected position of the storage box 4 with the loading area information 62 included in the area designation information 61 (step S122), and determines whether the storage box 4 is outside the loading area PA (step S123).

[0109] When it is determined that the storage box 4 is outside the loading area PA (step S123: Yes), the control device 5 determines that the storage box 4 has exited from the loading area PA (step S127), and transfers to Figure 3 step S106.

[0110] When it is determined that the storage box 4 is not outside the loading area PA (step S123: No), that is, when the storage box 4 is within the loading area PA, the control device 5 detects the speed of the vehicle 3 based on the vehicle speed signal output by the ECU 32 (step S124). The control device 5 determines whether the speed of the vehicle 3 is equal to or higher than a preset speed (step S125). Here, the speed used as the determination criterion in step S125 is included in the opening / closing condition 65, for example. When the speed of the vehicle 3 is equal to or higher than the set speed (step S125: Yes), the control device 5 determines that the storage box 4 has exited from the loading area PA (step S127), and transfers to Figure 3 step S106.

[0111] When an affirmative determination is made in step S125, although the storage box 4 is not outside the loading area PA, the vehicle 3 is at a speed equal to or higher than the set speed. Therefore, it is predicted that the storage box 4 will move outside the loading area PA. In Figure 4 the operation example, when an event occurs in which the storage box 4 has moved outside the loading area PA (step S123: Yes) or it is predicted that the storage box 4 will move outside the loading area PA (step S125: Yes), the control device 5 determines in step S127 that the storage box 4 has exited from the loading area PA.

[0112] When the speed of the vehicle 3 is lower than the set speed (step S125: No), the control device 5 determines that the storage box 4 has not exited from the loading area PA (step S126), and transfers to Figure 3 step S106.

[0113] When the control device 5 determines in the exit determination process that the storage box 4 has not exited from the loading area PA (step S106: No), it returns to step S105. Here, the control device 5 may also execute step S105 again after waiting for a preset time.

[0114] When it is determined in the exit determination process that the storage box 4 has exited the loading area PA (step S106: Yes), the control device 5 controls the locking mechanism 43 to lock the storage box 4 (step S107).

[0115] After that, the control device 5 detects the position of the storage box 4 (step S108). The control device 5 compares the detected position of the storage box 4 with the take-out area information 63 included in the area designation information 61 (step S109), and determines whether the storage box 4 is within the take-out area DA (step S110). When it is determined that the storage box 4 is not within the take-out area DA (step S110: No), the control device 5 returns to step S108. The control device 5 may also execute step S108 after waiting for a preset time.

[0116] When it is determined that the storage box 4 is within the take-out area DA (step S110: Yes), the control device 5 controls the locking mechanism 43 to unlock the storage box 4 (step S111). Thereby, the delivery item 10 can be taken out from the storage box 4.

[0117] In Figure 4 an example in which the locking control unit 51 uses the traveling speed of the vehicle 3 to perform the exit determination process is shown, but this is just an example. For example, the acceleration of the vehicle 3 may also be used to perform the exit determination process. In this case, the locking control unit 51 calculates the acceleration of the vehicle 3 in step S124, and determines in step S125 whether the acceleration of the vehicle 3 is equal to or greater than the set acceleration. Here, the acceleration as the determination criterion is included in the opening / closing condition 65, for example. In addition, the locking control unit 51 may also perform the determination by combining both the speed and acceleration of the vehicle 3 in step S125.

[0118] As described above, the delivery management system 100 includes: a storage box 4 that is configured to be openable and closable and stores delivery items; a locking mechanism 43 that locks the storage box 4 in the closed state; a position detection unit 52 that detects the position of the storage box 4; and a locking control unit 51 that controls the locking mechanism 43 based on the positional relationship between the opening / closing area set as the area for opening and closing the storage box 4 and the position of the storage box 4.

[0119] The in-vehicle unit 31 as the delivery management device includes: a locking mechanism 43 that is provided on the storage box 4 and locks the storage box 4 in the closed state, the storage box 4 being configured to be openable and closable and store delivery items; and a control device 5 that has a position detection unit 52 for detecting the position of the storage box 4 and a locking control unit 51 for controlling the locking mechanism 43, the locking control unit 51 controlling the locking mechanism 43 based on the positional relationship between the opening / closing area set as the area for opening and closing the storage box 4 and the position of the storage box 4.

[0120] The delivery management method executed by the delivery management system 100 can be exemplified by a method implemented through the following structure. In this structure, a locking mechanism 43 is provided in an openable and closable storage box 4 configured to be able to open and close and store delivery items. The locking mechanism 43 locks the storage box 4 in the closed state. The feature of this delivery management method is that in this delivery management method: the position of the storage box 4 is detected; and the locking mechanism 43 is controlled based on the positional relationship between the opening and closing area set as the area where the storage box 4 is opened and closed and the position of the storage box 4.

[0121] Through the delivery management system 100, the in-vehicle unit 31 constituting the delivery management system 100, and the delivery management method executed by the delivery management system 100, the locking state of the storage box 4 is controlled according to the position of the storage box 4. Therefore, it is possible to protect the delivery item 10 during delivery by locking the storage box 4, and the operator U1 can take out the delivery item 10 without going through complicated procedures. Thus, it is possible to protect the delivery item 10 without increasing the operation load when handing over the delivery item 10.

[0122] The locking control unit 51 releases the lock of the storage box 4 through the locking mechanism 43 when the position of the storage box 4 is within the opening and closing area, and locks the storage box 4 through the locking mechanism 43 when the position of the storage box 4 is not within the opening and closing area. Therefore, the operator U1 can open the lid 41 to load and unload the delivery item 10 without complicated operations such as authentication processing at the loading place and the receiving place. In addition, since the storage box 4 is locked outside the loading area PA and the unloading area DA, the delivery item 10 can be reliably protected.

[0123] In the delivery management system 100, the opening and closing area includes the unloading area DA for taking out the delivery item from the storage box 4. The locking control unit 51 releases the lock of the storage box 4 through the locking mechanism 43 when the storage box 4 has moved to the unloading area DA. Therefore, the operator U1 can quickly open the lid 41 and take out the delivery item 10 at the receiving place.

[0124] The storage box 4 is mounted on the vehicle 3. The locking control unit 51 locks the storage box (4) through the locking mechanism 43 when the speed and / or acceleration of the vehicle 3 is above a specified value. Thus, the storage box 4 is locked before it moves to the place where it should be locked, so that the delivery item 10 can be protected more reliably. For example, even when the storage box 4 has not exited outside the loading area PA, the storage box 4 can be locked when the possibility of exiting outside the loading area PA is high.

[0125] In the delivery management system 100, the locking control unit 51 can also refer to the opening / closing condition 65 specifying a date and time or a time period, and lock or unlock the storage box 4 through the locking mechanism 43 at the date and time or within the time period specified by the opening / closing condition 65. In this case, the storage box 4 can be used for a purpose different from the storage of the delivery item 10, and the purpose of using the storage box 4 can be distinguished according to the date and time.

[0126] The delivery management system 100 is provided with monitoring devices 111 and 112 for monitoring the storage box 4 in the opening / closing area. Therefore, in the loading area PA and the unloading area DA where the storage box 4 is unlocked, inappropriate handling of the delivery item 10 can be monitored, suppressed, or detected.

[0127] [2. Second Embodiment]

[0128] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery management system 100 in the second embodiment, and particularly shows the operation of the control device 5. Figure 5 The operation is executed by the processor 50.

[0129] The delivery management system 100 in the second embodiment has the same structure as the above-described first embodiment except that an operation unit 57 needs to be provided. Therefore, the description of the structure of the delivery management system 100 is omitted in the second embodiment. In Figure 5 the description, the same step numbers are assigned to the same processes as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

[0130] In the second embodiment, when the control device 5 determines that the position of the storage box 4 is within the loading area PA (step S103: Yes), it shifts to the unlocking standby state (step S131). In the unlocking standby state, the control device 5 determines the presence or absence of an unlocking operation (step S132), and waits if there is no unlocking operation (step S132: No). The unlocking operation is, for example, an operation performed by the operator U1 on the operation unit 57. Alternatively, a wireless signal indicating unlocking may be transmitted from a portable terminal (not shown) used by the operator U1, and when the control device 5 receives this wireless signal through the external communication unit 56, it is determined that there is an unlocking operation. When it is determined that there is an unlocking operation (step S132: Yes), the control device 5 unlocks the storage box 4 (step S104).

[0131] In addition, when the control device 5 determines that the position of the storage box 4 is within the take-out area DA (step S110: Yes), it transitions to the unlocking standby state (step S133). In the unlocking standby state, the control device 5 determines whether there is an unlocking operation (step S134), and waits if no unlocking operation has been performed (step S134: No). The unlocking operation is, for example, an operation performed by the operator U1 on the operation unit 57. When it is determined that an unlocking operation has been performed (step S134: Yes), the control device 5 unlocks the storage box 4 (step S135).

[0132] Thus, in the second embodiment, when the position of the storage box 4 is within the loading area PA or the take-out area DA, the delivery management system 100 waits for an unlocking operation without unlocking the storage box 4. Therefore, even if the storage box 4 is located in the loading area PA or the take-out area DA, the lock will not be released unless the operator U1 or the recipient U2 performs an unlocking operation. Therefore, the lock of the storage box 4 is released only when the operator U1 or the recipient U2 gives a clear unlocking instruction, so that the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4 can be more reliably protected until the delivery item 10 is delivered to the recipient U2.

[0133] In steps S132 and S134, it may be configured that the unlocking operation is performed by a portable terminal (not shown) used by the operator U1. In this case, when the operator U1 operates the portable terminal to cause the portable terminal to send a wireless signal indicating unlocking, and the control device 5 receives this wireless signal through the external communication unit 56, it is determined in steps S132 and S134 that there is an unlocking operation. According to this configuration, the operator U1 can easily unlock the storage box 4 by operating the portable terminal. In addition, since the operation of the operator U1's portable terminal is required to unlock the storage box 4, the delivery item 10 can be more reliably protected. For example, if the portable terminal used by the operator U1 has an authentication function, the delivery item 10 can be more reliably protected because authentication is required to unlock the storage box 4.

[0134] In addition, in step S134, it may also be configured such that the unlocking operation is performed by the portable terminal 18 used by the recipient U2. In this case, when the recipient U2 operates the portable terminal 18 to cause the portable terminal 18 to transmit a wireless signal indicating unlocking, and the control device 5 receives this wireless signal through the external communication unit 56, it is determined in step S134 that there is an unlocking operation. According to this configuration, the recipient U2 can easily unlock the storage box 4 by operating the portable terminal 18. In addition, since the consent of the recipient U2 and the operation of the portable terminal 18 are required to unlock the storage box 4, the delivery item 10 can be protected more reliably. For example, if the portable terminal 18 has an authentication function, authentication by the recipient U2 is required to unlock the storage box 4, so the delivery item 10 can be protected more reliably.

[0135] In the case of performing the unlocking operation using the portable terminal used by the operator U1, the control device 5 may not have the operation unit 57.

[0136] [3. Third Embodiment]

[0137] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery management system 100 in the third embodiment, particularly showing the operation of the control device 5. The delivery management system 100 in the third embodiment has the same structure as the first embodiment described above, except that it is necessary to provide the delivery item identification unit 53 and / or the opening / closing determination unit 54. Therefore, the description of the structure of the delivery management system 100 is omitted in the third embodiment. In addition, in the Figure 6 description, the same step numbers are assigned to the processes that are the same as those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and the description is omitted.

[0138] In the third embodiment, when the control device 5 determines that the position of the storage box 4 is within the loading area PA and unlocks the storage box 4 (step S104), it detects the situation where an operation related to the storage box 4 has been performed (step S141). The control device 5 determines whether the storage box 4 has received the delivery item 10 based on the detection result of step S141 (step S142).

[0139] In step S141, the control device 5 performs the detection of the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 executed by the delivery item identification unit 53 and / or the opening / closing detection of the storage box 4 executed by the opening / closing determination unit 54.

[0140] Specifically, the delivery item identification unit 53 causes the delivery item detection unit 45 to perform the detection and determines the presence or absence of the delivery item 10. Here, the delivery item identification unit 53 may also identify the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4 based on the detection result of the delivery item detection unit 45.

[0141] The opening / closing determination unit 54 detects whether the storage box 4 is opened or closed. In step S141, at least any one of the detection of the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 and the opening / closing determination of the storage box 4 is performed.

[0142] For example, the control device 5 may also make a determination in step S142 based on the detection result of any one of the delivery item recognition unit 53 and the opening / closing determination unit 54. For example, when the delivery item recognition unit 53 detects that the delivery item 10 exists inside the storage box 4, a positive determination is made in step S142. Additionally, for example, when the opening / closing determination unit 54 detects that the storage box 4 has been opened or closed, a positive determination is made in step S142.

[0143] Furthermore, the control device 5 may also use the detection results of both the delivery item recognition unit 53 and the opening / closing determination unit 54 to make a determination. In this case, when the delivery item recognition unit 53 detects that the delivery item 10 is inside the storage box 4 and the opening / closing determination unit 54 detects that the storage box 4 has been opened or closed, the control device 5 makes a positive determination in step S142. Additionally, when the determination results of the delivery item recognition unit 53 and the opening / closing determination unit 54 are contradictory, a positive determination may be made in step S142, or a notification may be made through the notification unit 58.

[0144] When it is determined that the delivery item 10 is not stored in the storage box 4 (step S142: No), the control device 5 executes an exit determination process (step S143). The details of step S143 are the same as Figure 4 the steps S121 to S127 shown. In step S143, it is determined whether the storage box 4 has exited from the loading area PA in a state where the delivery item 10 is not stored in the storage box 4.

[0145] When the control device 5 determines in the exit determination process of step S143 that the storage box 4 has not exited from the loading area PA (step S144: No), it returns to step S141. Here, the control device 5 may also execute step S141 again after waiting for a preset time.

[0146] When it is determined in the exit determination process that the storage box 4 has exited from the loading area PA (step S144: Yes), the control device 5 ends this process.

[0147] That is, when the storage box 4 has exited the loading area PA while the delivery item 10 is not stored in the storage box 4, the storage box 4 is not locked. Therefore, the vehicle 3 can travel with the storage box 4 in an openable and closable state. For example, the operator U1 can use the vehicle 3 when not performing the operation of delivering the delivery item 10 and can use the storage box 4 as a trunk. Therefore, the operator U1 can use the vehicle 3 for both the operation of delivering the delivery item 10 and personal use.

[0148] When it is determined that the delivery item 10 is stored in the storage box 4 in the loading area PA (step S142), the control device 5 updates the delivery item information 66 stored in the memory 60 (step S145). In step S145, the identification information of the delivery item 10 identified by the delivery item detection unit 45 in step S141 is written in the delivery item information 66. Alternatively, instead of the identification information of the delivery item 10, information indicating the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 in the storage box 4 may be written in step S145.

[0149] After updating the delivery item information 66, the control device 5 executes an exit determination process (step S146). The details of step S146 are the same as those of steps S121 to S127 and step S143 shown in Figure 4 In step S146, it is determined whether the storage box 4 has exited the loading area PA while the delivery item 10 is stored in the storage box 4.

[0150] When it is determined in the exit determination process of step S146 that the storage box 4 has not exited the loading area PA (step S147: No), the control device 5 returns to step S146. Here, the control device 5 may also execute step S146 again after waiting for a preset time.

[0151] When it is determined in the exit determination process that the storage box 4 has exited the loading area PA (step S147: Yes), the control device 5 controls the locking mechanism 43 to lock the storage box 4 (step S148). In this way, when the storage box 4 has exited the loading area PA while the delivery item 10 is stored in the storage box 4, the storage box 4 is locked, and the delivery item 10 can be reliably protected.

[0152] After that, when it is determined that the position of the storage box 4 is within the unloading area DA (step S110: Yes), the control device 5 shifts to the unlocking standby state (step S133). In the unlocking standby state, the control device 5 determines the presence or absence of an unlocking operation (step S134), and waits when there is no unlocking operation (step S134: No). When it is determined that there is an unlocking operation (step S134: Yes), the control device 5 unlocks the storage box 4 (step S135).

[0153] After unlocking the storage box 4, the control device 5 performs detection of the delivery item 10 in the storage box 4 (step S149), and determines whether the delivery item 10 has been taken out from the storage box 4 (step S150).

[0154] In step S149, the control device 5 performs detection of the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 executed by the delivery item identification unit 53 and / or detection of the opening and closing of the storage box 4 executed by the opening and closing determination unit 54 in the same manner as in step S141, for example. The delivery item identification unit 53 causes the delivery item detection unit 45 to perform detection and determines the presence or absence of the delivery item 10. Here, the delivery item identification unit 53 may also identify the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4. The opening and closing determination unit 54 detects whether the storage box 4 has been opened and closed. In step S149, at least any one of the detection of the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 and the opening and closing determination of the storage box 4 is performed. In step S150, the control device 5 may make a determination based on the detection result of any one of the delivery item identification unit 53 and the opening and closing determination unit 54 in the same manner as in step S142, or may make a determination based on the detection results of both. For example, in the case where the detection result of any one of the delivery item identification unit 53 and the opening and closing determination unit 54 conforms to the storage box 4 having been opened and closed and the delivery item 10 having been taken out, an affirmative determination is made. In addition, for example, in the case where the determination result of any one of the delivery item identification unit 53 and the opening and closing determination unit 54 indicates that the storage box 4 has not been opened and closed, the control device 5 makes a negative determination in step S150.

[0155] When the control device 5 determines that the delivery item 10 has not been taken out from the storage box 4 (step S150: No), it returns to step S149. The control device 5 may also execute step S149 after waiting for a preset time.

[0156] When the control device 5 determines that the delivery item 10 has been taken out from the storage box 4 (step S150: Yes), it updates the delivery item information 66 and ends this process.

[0157] Thus, in the third embodiment, the delivery management system 100 has an opening / closing determination unit 54 or a delivery item identification unit 53 that determines the presence or absence of opening / closing of the storage box 4. The opening / closing area includes a loading area PA where the delivery item is stored in the storage box 4. After the storage box 4 is opened / closed in the loading area PA, the locking control unit 51 locks the storage box 4 through the locking mechanism 43. That is, the locking control unit 51 locks the storage box 4 in at least any one of the following cases: after the storage box 4 is opened / closed, the storage box 4 has moved outside the loading area PA; it is predicted that the storage box 4 will move outside the loading area PA. Thus, when the delivery item 10 has been stored in the storage box 4 in the loading area PA, the storage box 4 is locked until the delivery item 10 is delivered in the pickup area DA, thereby being able to protect the delivery item 10. In addition, since the storage box 4 is not locked when the delivery item 10 is not stored in the storage box 4, the storage box 4 and the vehicle 3 equipped with the storage box 4 can be used for purposes other than the delivery of the delivery item 10.

[0158] [4. Fourth Embodiment]

[0159] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the area designation information 61 in the fourth embodiment. Figure 8 and Figure 9 FIG. is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery management system 100 in the fourth embodiment, particularly showing the operation of the control device 5.

[0160] The delivery management system 100 in the fourth embodiment has the same structure as the first embodiment described above, except that the wireless tag reader 46 or the camera 47 of the delivery item detection unit 45 and the delivery item identification unit 53 are essential. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the description of the structure of the delivery management system 100 is omitted. In Figure 8 and Figure 9 the operations common to the first to third embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0161] In the fourth embodiment, when a plurality of delivery items 10 are stored in the storage box 4, the control device 5 distinguishes each delivery item 10 based on the detection result of the delivery item detection unit 45.

[0162] As Figure 7 shown, the area designation information 61 stored in the memory 60 includes a plurality of loading area information 62 and pickup area information 63 corresponding to the plurality of delivery items 10. The loading area information 62 and the pickup area information 63 correspond to the delivery item ID 64 that is the identification information of the delivery item 10. That is, the memory 60 stores the loading area information 62 and the pickup area information 63 in correspondence with the delivery item ID 64 of each delivery item 10.

[0163] In Figure 7 and Figure 8 the following example is shown: A plurality of delivery items 10 are stored in the storage box 4 in one loading area PA, and the delivery items 10 are taken out from the storage box 4 in the take-out area DA specified for each delivery item 10 by the area specification information 61. That is, an example in which the same loading area PA is specified for the plurality of delivery items 10 is shown.

[0164] When the control device 5 determines that the delivery item 10 has been stored in the storage box 4 in the loading area PA (step S142: Yes), it acquires the delivery instruction information 13 of the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4 and stores it as the area specification information 61 (step S161). For example, in step S141, the control device 5 identifies the delivery item 10 through the delivery item detection unit 45, acquires the identification information of the delivery item 10, and generates or updates the area specification information 61. In step S161, the control device 5, for example, designates the identification information of the delivery item 10 identified in step S141 to the information management server 2 and requests the information management server 2 to send the delivery instruction information 13, and acquires the delivery instruction information 13 sent by the information management server 2 in response to this request.

[0165] The control device 5 updates the delivery item information 66 so as to include information related to the delivery item 10 detected in step S141 (step S162). In step S162, the delivery instruction information 13 acquired in step S161 may also be used to update the delivery item information 66.

[0166] After that, the control device 5 executes an exit determination process (step S146) and determines whether the storage box 4 has exited from the loading area PA (step S147). When the storage box 4 has exited from the loading area PA (step S147: Yes), the control device 5 locks the storage box 4 through the locking mechanism 43 (step S148).

[0167] The control device 5 detects the position of the storage box 4 (step S108) and compares the detected position with the area specification information 61 (step S163). In step S163, the position detected in step S108 is compared with the plurality of take-out area information 63 included in the area specification information 61. The control device 5 determines whether the position of the storage box 4 is within the take-out area DA specified by a certain take-out area information 63 (step S164).

[0168] When it is determined that the position of the storage box 4 is not within the take-out area DA specified by any of the take-out area information 63 (step S164: No), the control device 5 returns to step S108. The control device 5 may also execute step S108 after waiting for a preset time.

[0169] When it is determined that the position of the storage box 4 is within the pickup area DA specified by any one of the pickup area information 63 (step S164: Yes), the control device 5 shifts to the unlocking standby state (step S165). In this unlocking standby state, the control device 5 determines the presence or absence of an unlocking operation in the same manner as in step S133 above (step S166), and stands by during the period when no unlocking operation is performed (step S166: No).

[0170] When it is determined that an unlocking operation has been performed (step S166: Yes), the control device 5 unlocks the storage box 4 through the locking mechanism 43 (step S167).

[0171] Here, the control device 5 detects the delivery item 10 inside the storage box 4 through the delivery item detection unit 45 (step S168). In step S168, the wireless tag reader 46 or the camera 47 is used to identify the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4. Based on the detection result of step S168, the control device 5 determines whether one or more delivery items 10 have been taken out from the storage box 4 (step S169).

[0172] When it is determined that no delivery item 10 has been taken out (step S169: No), the control device 5 returns to step S168. The control device 5 executes step S168 after standing by for a preset time. On the other hand, when it is determined that the delivery item 10 has been taken out (step S169: Yes), the control device 5 identifies the taken-out delivery item 10 (step S170). The control device 5 refers to the area designation information 61 (step S171). In step S171, the control device 5 refers to the delivery item ID 64 corresponding to the pickup area DA where the storage box 4 is located in the area designation information 61.

[0173] The control device 5 determines whether the delivery item 10 taken out from the storage box 4 is a deliverable delivery item 10 (step S172). In step S172, the determination is made based on whether the delivery item 10 identified in step S170 corresponds to the delivery item ID 64 referred to in step S171.

[0174] When the delivery item 10 taken out from the storage box 4 is not a deliverable delivery item 10 (step S172: No), the control device 5 causes the notification unit 58 to execute a notification (step S173) and returns to step S168.

[0175] When the delivery item 10 taken out from the storage box 4 is a deliverable item 10 (step S172: Yes), the control device 5 updates the area designation information 61 and the delivery item information 66 (step S174). In step S174, for example, the loading area information 62, the take-out area information 63, and the delivery item ID 64 related to the delivery item 10 determined in step S170 are deleted from the area designation information 61. Additionally, for example, information indicating that the delivery item 10 determined in step S170 has been completely delivered is appended to the delivery item information 66.

[0176] Then, the control device 5 refers to the area designation information 61 and / or the delivery item information 66 to determine whether all the delivery items 10 stored in the storage box 4 have been taken out (step S175). When there is an undelivered delivery item 10 (step S175: No), the control device 5 returns to step S108. When all the delivery items 10 have been taken out (step S175: Yes), the control device 5 ends this process.

[0177] In the above operation, the control device 5 can also use the weight sensor 48 as a unit for identifying the delivery item 10. For example, the weight detected by the weight sensor 48 can be obtained in step S168, and the determinations in steps S169 and S172 can be made based on the detected change in weight. In this case, the delivery item detection unit 45 only needs to include at least the weight sensor 48. Additionally, the control device 5 can also obtain the delivery instruction information 13 including information related to the weight of the delivery item 10 from the information management server 2.

[0178] Thus, in the fourth embodiment, the delivery management system 100 has a delivery item identification unit 53 for identifying the delivery items 10 stored in the storage box 4. The delivery management system 100 has a memory 60 that stores the area designation information 61 specifying the position or range of the take-out area DA in correspondence with each of the delivery items 10 stored in the storage box 4. The delivery management system 100 has a notification unit 58 that notifies when the position of the storage box 4 is outside the take-out area DA specified by the area designation information 61 corresponding to the delivery item 10 when the delivery item 10 has been taken out from the storage box 4.

[0179] Accordingly, when the operator U1 picks up the delivery item 10 at a location other than the designated pick-up area DA, a notification is made, thus preventing misdelivery of the delivery item 10. Accordingly, when the operator U1 stores a plurality of delivery items 10 in the storage box 4 for delivery, the delivery item 10 can be picked up at the pick-up area DA designated for each delivery item 10. When the operator U1 makes a mistake in the pick-up area DA for picking up the delivery item 10, a notification is made, thus reducing the psychological burden on the operator U1 and the labor for confirming the recipient. Also, even when a plurality of delivery items 10 are stored in one storage box 4, delivery can be easily performed, thus improving the operation efficiency of delivery.

[0180] [5. Fifth Embodiment]

[0181] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of the delivery management system 101 of the fifth embodiment.

[0182] In the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the structural parts common to the delivery management system 100 described in the first to fourth embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0183] The delivery management system 101 has a locking control device 7 and a vehicle-mounted unit 9 instead of the vehicle-mounted unit 31 included in the delivery management system 100.

[0184] The structure of the delivery management system 101 is a structure in which the functions executed by the control device 5 are separated into a locking control device 7 and a vehicle-mounted unit 9. That is, the structure of the delivery management system 101 is a split structure in which the structural parts installed in the storage box 4 or the vehicle 3 are used as the vehicle-mounted unit 9, and the structural parts that execute the same control functions as the control device 5 are used as the locking control device 7.

[0185] The locking control device 7 is connected to the information management server 2 via the communication network 11 in a manner capable of data communication, and receives various data such as delivery instruction information 13 from the information management server 2.

[0186] The vehicle-mounted unit 9 includes a locking mechanism 43, a GNSS 44, and a delivery item detection unit 45 in the same manner as the vehicle-mounted unit 31. The vehicle-mounted unit 9 includes a vehicle-side control unit 91, a first communication unit 92, an operation unit 93, and a notification unit 94. The operation unit 93 has operation detection units such as operation members and touch sensors in the same manner as the operation unit 57, and accepts operations by the operator U1 and the like. When the operation unit 93 detects an operation, it outputs a signal indicating the operation content to the vehicle-side control unit 91. The operation unit 93 may be arranged at a position separated from the vehicle-mounted unit 9. For example, it may be provided in the storage box 4.

[0187] The notification unit 94 includes a speaker that outputs sound to the operator U1, a liquid crystal display that displays images and characters, an LED indicator, etc. The notification unit 94 performs notification by outputting sound, displaying images or characters, lighting the LED indicator, etc. according to the control of the vehicle side control unit 91. The notification unit 94 may also be arranged at a position separated from the in-vehicle unit 9. For example, it may be provided in the storage box 4.

[0188] The first communication unit 92 performs communication with the locking control device 7 according to the control of the vehicle side control unit 91.

[0189] The vehicle side control unit 91 is connected to the first communication unit 92, the operation unit 93, and the notification unit 94. The vehicle side control unit 91 is connected to the locking mechanism 43, the GNSS 44, and the delivery object detection unit 45. The vehicle side control unit 91 performs communication with the locking control device 7 through the first communication unit 92.

[0190] The vehicle side control unit 91 acquires the detection results of the GNSS 44 and the delivery object detection unit 45 at a preset sampling period. The vehicle side control unit 91 detects the operation in the operation unit 93 based on the signal input from the operation unit 93. The vehicle side control unit 91 sends the detection data 17 to the locking control device 7. The detection data 17 includes data related to the detection results of the GNSS 44 and the delivery object detection unit 45 and data related to the operation of the operation unit 93.

[0191] In addition, the vehicle side control unit 91 may also be connected to the ECU 32. In this case, the vehicle side control unit 91 acquires the vehicle speed signal output by the ECU 32, and generates and sends the detection data 17 showing the speed of the vehicle 3 represented by the vehicle speed signal and the acceleration calculated from the vehicle speed signal.

[0192] The vehicle side control unit 91 receives the locking control data 19 from the locking control device 7, and operates the locking mechanism 43 according to the locking control data 19. For example, when the locking control data 19 is data indicating that the storage box 4 is to be locked, the vehicle side control unit 91 operates the locking mechanism 43 to lock the storage box 4. In addition, for example, when the locking control data 19 is data indicating that the locking of the storage box 4 is to be released, the vehicle side control unit 91 operates the locking mechanism 43 to release the locking of the storage box 4.

[0193] In addition, when the locking control data 19 is data indicating that notification is to be performed by the notification unit 94, the vehicle side control unit 91 causes the notification unit 94 to perform notification.

[0194] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the structure of the locking control device 7.

[0195] The locking control device 7 is a device that undertakes the control functions executed by the control device 5 in the first to fourth embodiments. The locking control device 7 includes a processor 70, a memory 80, and a second communication unit 76.

[0196] The processor 70 is composed of a CPU, a microcomputer, etc. in the same way as the processor 50, and controls each part of the locking control device 7 by executing a program (not shown) stored in the memory 80. The memory 80 stores the program executed by the processor 70 and the data processed by the processor 70. The memory 80 includes semiconductor storage elements such as flash ROMs and magnetic storage devices, and stores programs and data in a non-volatile manner. The memory 80 may also be structured to include a RAM and temporarily store programs and data. The locking control device 7 may also include a SoC that integrates the processor 70 and the memory 80.

[0197] The memory 80 is a storage unit that stores the storage area designation information 61, the opening / closing conditions 65, and the delivery item information 66 in the same way as the memory 60.

[0198] The processor 70 includes a locking control unit 71, a position detection unit 72, and a delivery item identification unit 73. These respective functional units are realized through the cooperation of hardware and software by the processor 70 executing a program.

[0199] The function of the locking control unit 71 is equivalent to that of the locking control unit 51. Similarly, the position detection unit 72 is equivalent to the position detection unit 52, the delivery item identification unit 73 is equivalent to the delivery item identification unit 53, and the opening / closing determination unit 74 is equivalent to the opening / closing determination unit 54.

[0200] The locking control unit 71 refers to the opening / closing conditions 65, and based on the position of the storage box 4 detected by the position detection unit 72, determines whether to lock the storage box 4 through the locking mechanism 43 and whether to unlock it. When the locking control unit 71 determines to lock the storage box 4, it generates locking control data 19 indicating locking and sends it to the in-vehicle unit 9 through the second communication unit 76. When the locking control unit 71 determines to unlock the storage box 4, it generates locking control data 19 indicating unlocking and sends it to the in-vehicle unit 9.

[0201] The position detection unit 72 obtains the position information of the GNSS 44 from the detection data 17 sent by the in-vehicle unit 9. The position detection unit 72 detects the current position of the storage box 4 based on the obtained position information and outputs the detected position to the locking control unit 71. In addition, when the detection data 17 includes data of the vehicle speed signal based on the ECU 32, the position detection unit 72 obtains the traveling speed and / or acceleration of the vehicle 3 from this data.

[0202] The delivery item identification unit 73 determines the presence or absence of the delivery item 10 in the storage box 4 based on the detection result of the delivery item detection unit 45 included in the detection data 17. When the detection data 17 includes the determination result of the delivery item detection unit 45 for determining the presence or absence of the delivery item 10, the delivery item identification unit 73 obtains the determination result of the delivery item detection unit 45. When it is necessary to identify the delivery item 10 stored in the storage box 4, the delivery item identification unit 73 identifies the delivery item 10 based on the detection result of the delivery item detection unit 45 included in the detection data 17. When the delivery item detection unit 45 has a function of outputting the result obtained by identifying the delivery item 10, the delivery item identification unit 73 obtains the identification result of the delivery item detection unit 45 from the detection data 17.

[0203] The opening / closing determination unit 74 detects the opening and closing of the lid 41. For example, when the locking mechanism 43 includes a switch-type sensor for detecting whether the lid 41 is in the closed state, the opening / closing determination unit 74 obtains the detection state of the locking mechanism 43 from the detection data 17 and determines whether the lid 41 is open or closed. In addition, the opening / closing determination unit 74 can also determine whether the lid 41 has been opened in the loading area PA and the unloading area DA based on the detection data 17.

[0204] The second communication unit 76 communicates with the information management server 2 under the control of the processor 70 and receives the delivery instruction information 13 from the information management server 2. The second communication unit 76 extracts the loading area information 62 and the unloading area information 63 from the received delivery instruction information 13 and stores them in the memory 80. In addition, when the delivery instruction information 13 includes the delivery item information 66, the second communication unit 76 extracts the delivery item information 66 and stores it in the memory 80.

[0205] The locking control device 7 and the in-vehicle unit 9 can also be configured to be connected by a communication cable. In this case, the first communication unit 92 and the second communication unit 76 can be configured to include: a connector for connecting the communication cable; and a communication interface circuit for inputting and outputting signals with respect to the communication cable. The locking control device 7 and the in-vehicle unit 9 can also be configured to perform wireless communication. In this case, the first communication unit 92 and the second communication unit 76 can be configured to include an antenna and a wireless communication interface circuit for inputting and outputting wireless signals.

[0206] Figure 12 It is a timing chart showing the operation of the delivery management system 101 of the fifth embodiment.

[0207] The delivery management system 101 can execute the operations of the delivery management system 100 described in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments. In each of these operations, the locking control device 7 and the in-vehicle unit 9 cooperate to execute the function of the control device 5.

[0208] Figure 12 The time sequence shown is executed by the processor 70 and the vehicle - side control unit 91.

[0209] The locking control device 7 requests the in - vehicle unit 9 for detection data 17 at a preset cycle or preset timing (step S201). The in - vehicle unit 9 receives the request from the locking control device 7 (step S301), and acquires the detection value of the delivery detection unit 45 (step S302). In step S302, the vehicle - side control unit 91 may also acquire the vehicle speed signal output by the ECU 32 and the operation state of the operation unit 93, etc. The vehicle - side control unit 91 generates detection data 17 including the detection value acquired in step S302 and sends it to the locking control device 7 (step S303).

[0210] The locking control device 7 receives the detection data 17 (step S202) and determines the control state of the locking mechanism 43 based on the received detection data 17 (step S203). Specifically, the operation of step S203 is equivalent to the process of determining to unlock the storage box 4 in steps S103, S110, S132, S134, S166, and the process of determining to lock the storage box 4 in steps S106, S147.

[0211] When it is determined to unlock the storage box 4 (step S204: Yes), the locking control device 7 generates locking control data 19 indicating unlocking and sends it to the in - vehicle unit 9 (step S205). The in - vehicle unit 9 receives the locking control data 19 and operates the locking mechanism 43 according to the locking control data 19 to unlock the storage box 4 (step S304). The operation of step S304 is equivalent to steps S104, S111, S135, S167, for example.

[0212] When the storage box 4 is not unlocked (step S204: No), the locking control device 7 determines whether to lock the storage box 4 (step S206). Here, when the storage box 4 is not locked (step S206: No), the locking control device 7 ends this process. For example, the locking control device 7 may also start operating from step S201 after waiting for a preset time.

[0213] When it is determined to lock the storage box 4 (step S206: Yes), the locking control device 7 generates locking control data 19 indicating locking and sends it to the in - vehicle unit 9 (step S207). The in - vehicle unit 9 receives the locking control data 19 and operates the locking mechanism 43 according to the locking control data 19 to lock the storage box 4 (step S305). The operation of step S305 is equivalent to steps S107, S148, for example.

[0214] The delivery management system 101 shown in the fifth embodiment includes: a locking control device 7 that determines the locking and unlocking of the storage box 4; and a vehicle-mounted unit 9 that is mounted on the vehicle 3 together with the storage box 4 and performs the locking and unlocking of the storage box 4. With this structure, the locking control device 7 that controls the locking and unlocking can be separated from the vehicle 3. For example, it can be configured that the locking control device 7 is implemented by an application program of a portable terminal (not shown) used by the operator U1 or the portable terminal 18. In this case, since the locking and unlocking of the storage box 4 can be controlled by a device separable from the vehicle 3, it is possible to prevent the storage box 4 from being locked and unlocked against the will of the operator U1. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a further improvement in safety performance. In addition, when the storage box 4 is, for example, a device that can be detached from the vehicle 3, the structure of the vehicle-mounted unit 9 fixed to the storage box 4 can be simplified.

[0215] [6. Other Embodiments]

[0216] In each of the above embodiments, as the storage structure for storing the delivery item 10, the storage box 4 fixed to the vehicle 3 is exemplified. And, as the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism 43 that locks the lid 41 by the control of the control device 5 so that the delivery item 10 cannot be taken out is exemplified. This is an example. For example, the storage box 4 as the storage structure may also be detachable from the vehicle 3. In this case, the locking mechanism 43 may also be a mechanism that locks the storage box 4 so that it cannot be detached from the vehicle 3. That is, the locking mechanism 43 may also make the storage box 4 in a state where it can be detached from the vehicle 3 and a state where it is fixed to the vehicle 3.

[0217] In addition, the vehicle 3 may be a motorized two-wheeler, may be a non-powered bicycle, or may not be a two-wheeler. For example, the vehicle 3 may be a cart, a trolley, a hoisting vehicle, etc. for transporting goods, may be a four-wheeled vehicle, or may also be a goods vehicle such as a truck or a trailer. In this case, the storage structure for storing the delivery item 10 may be a container fixed to the carriage or cargo platform of the vehicle 3, or a part of the structure of the vehicle 3 may function as the storage structure. Specifically, the cargo box of a box truck may also be used as the storage structure.

[0218] In each of the above embodiments, as an example of the unit for detecting the position of the storage structure, the use of the GNSS 44 mounted on the vehicle 3 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the position detection function of an in-vehicle navigation device, a portable terminal device including a smartphone or a smartwatch, or other external devices may also be used. In this case, the control device 5, the locking control device 7, or the vehicle-mounted unit 9 may also acquire the position information detected by the above external device and use the acquired position information as the position of the storage box 4.

[0219] In the above-described embodiments, a configuration is shown in which the control device 5 and the locking control device 7 obtain the speed or acceleration of the vehicle 3 based on the vehicle speed signal output from the ECU 32. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the position information detected by the GNSS 44 or the like may be used, and the speed or acceleration of the vehicle 3 may be calculated based on the change in the position of the storage box 4.

[0220] The processors 50 and 70 in the above-described embodiments may also be composed of a plurality of processors, and the specific manner is arbitrary. In addition, the control device 5 and the locking control device 7 may be configured to be assembled into a car navigation device or the like mounted on the vehicle 3. Further, the control device 5 may be configured as a device that is not fixed to the vehicle 3. For example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone owned by the operator U1 may be used as the control device 5.

[0221] In addition, Figure 2 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 are schematic diagrams showing the functional structures of the delivery management systems 100 and 101 and the locking control device 7, respectively, which are distinguished according to the main processing contents for easy understanding of the present invention. The structures of the delivery management systems 100 and 101 and various devices constituting them are not limited to the above-described figures, and may be configured by other classification methods. In addition, the processing of each structural element may be executed by one hardware unit or by a plurality of hardware units. In addition, the processing of each structural element may be executed by one program or by a plurality of programs.

[0222] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0223] 2 Information Management Server

[0224] 3 Vehicle

[0225] 4 Storage Box (Storage Structure)

[0226] 5 Control Device

[0227] 7 Locking Control Device

[0228] 9 On-Vehicle Unit

[0229] 10 Delivery Item

[0230] 13 Delivery Instruction Information

[0231] 31 On-Vehicle Unit (Delivery Management Device)

[0232] 32 ECU

[0233] 41 Lid

[0234] 43 Locking Mechanism

[0235] 44 GNSS

[0236] 45 Delivery Object Detection Unit

[0237] 46 Wireless Tag Reader

[0238] 47 Camera

[0239] 48 Weight Sensor

[0240] 50, 70 Processor

[0241] 51, 71 Locking Control Unit

[0242] 52, 72 Position Detection Unit

[0243] 53, 73 Delivery Object Identification Unit (Identification Unit)

[0244] 54, 74 Opening / Closing Judgment Unit

[0245] 55 Interface

[0246] 56 External Communication Unit

[0247] 57, 93 Operation Unit

[0248] 58, 94 Notification Unit

[0249] 60, 80 Memory (Storage Unit)

[0250] 61 Area Designation Information

[0251] 62 Loading Area Information

[0252] 63 Unloading Area Information

[0253] 65 Opening / Closing Condition (Date / Time Designation Information)

[0254] 66 Delivery Object Information

[0255] 91 Vehicle-Side Control Unit

[0256] 100, 101 Delivery Management System

[0257] 111, 112 Monitoring Device (Monitoring Unit)

[0258] DA Unloading Area (Opening / Closing Area)

[0259] PA Loading Area (Opening / Closing Area)

Claims

1. A delivery management system, characterized in that, Comprising: A storage structure (4) configured to be openable and closable and store a stored item (10) as a portable object; A locking mechanism (43) that locks the storage structure (4) in a closed state; A position detection unit (52, 72) that detects the position of the storage structure (4); A locking control unit (51, 71) that controls the locking mechanism (43) based on the positional relationship between an opening / closing area (PA, DA) set as the area for opening / closing the storage structure (4) and the position of the storage structure (4); and An opening / closing determination unit (54, 74) that determines whether the storage structure (4) has been opened or closed, The opening / closing area (PA, DA) includes a loading area (PA) for storing the stored item (10) in the storage structure (4), The locking control unit (51, 71) locks the storage structure (4) by the locking mechanism (43) in any of the following cases: after the storage structure (4) is opened or closed in the loading area (PA), the storage structure (4) moves outside the loading area (PA); after the storage structure (4) is opened or closed in the loading area (PA), it is predicted that the storage structure (4) will move outside the loading area (PA).

2. The delivery management system according to claim 1, characterized in that When the position of the storage structure (4) is within the opening / closing area (PA, DA), the locking control unit (51, 71) releases the lock of the storage structure (4) by the locking mechanism (43); when the position of the storage structure (4) is not within the opening / closing area (PA, DA), the locking control unit (51, 71) locks the storage structure (4) by the locking mechanism (43).

3. The delivery management system according to claim 1, characterized in that The opening / closing area (PA, DA) includes an unloading area (DA) for taking out the stored item (10) from the storage structure (4), When the storage structure (4) moves to the unloading area (DA), the locking control unit (51, 71) releases the lock of the storage structure (4) by the locking mechanism (43).

4. The delivery management system according to claim 3, characterized in that The delivery management system comprises: An identification unit (53, 73) that identifies the stored item (10) stored in the storage structure (4); A storage unit (60, 80) that stores area designation information (61) specifying the position or range of the unloading area (DA) corresponding to each stored item (10) stored in the storage structure (4); and A notification unit (58, 94) that gives a notification when the position of the storage structure (4) is outside the unloading area (DA) specified by the area designation information (61) corresponding to the stored item (10) when the stored item (10) has been taken out from the storage structure (4).

5. The delivery management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking control units (51, 71) refer to the date and time designation information (65) designating a specified date and time or time period, and lock or unlock the storage structure (4) through the locking mechanism (43) at the date and time or time period designated by the date and time designation information (65).

6. The delivery management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the delivery management system is provided with monitoring units (111, 112), and the monitoring units (111, 112) monitor the storage structure (4) in the opening / closing areas (PA, DA).

7. A delivery management device, characterized in that, comprising: a locking mechanism (43) which is provided on the storage structure (4) and locks the storage structure (4) in a closed state, and the storage structure (4) is configured to be openable and closable and store the stored item (10) which is an object that can be carried; and a control device (5) which has a position detection unit (52) for detecting the position of the storage structure (4), a locking control unit (51) for controlling the locking mechanism (43), and an opening / closing determination unit (54, 74) for determining whether the storage structure (4) has been opened or closed, the locking control unit (51) controls the locking mechanism (43) based on the positional relationship between the opening / closing area (PA, DA) set as the area for opening / closing the storage structure (4) and the position of the storage structure (4), the opening / closing area (PA, DA) includes a loading area (PA) for storing the stored item (10) in the storage structure (4), the locking control units (51, 71) lock the storage structure (4) through the locking mechanism (43) in any one of the following cases: after the storage structure (4) is opened or closed in the loading area (PA), the storage structure (4) moves outside the loading area (PA); after the storage structure (4) is opened or closed in the loading area (PA), it is predicted that the storage structure (4) will move outside the loading area (PA).

8. A delivery management method is implemented by the following structure, in which a locking mechanism (43) is provided on an openable and closable storage structure (4) configured to be openable and closable and store a stored item (10) which is an object that can be carried, and the locking mechanism (43) locks the storage structure (4) in a closed state, the delivery management method is characterized in that in the delivery management method: detect the position of the storage structure (4); determine whether the storage structure (4) has been opened or closed; and control the locking mechanism (43) based on the position of the storage structure (4) and the positional relationship between the opening / closing area (PA, DA) set as the area for opening / closing the storage structure (4) and the position of the storage structure (4). The opening / closing area (PA, DA) includes a loading area (PA) in which the stored item (10) is stored in the storage structure (4). In any of the following cases, the storage structure (4) is locked by the locking mechanism (43): after the storage structure (4) is opened / closed in the loading area (PA), the storage structure (4) moves outside the loading area (PA); after the storage structure (4) is opened / closed in the loading area (PA), it is predicted that the storage structure (4) will move outside the loading area (PA).

Images