Locker device

Abstract

A locker device according to the present invention is provided with a case, a door for opening and closing the case, a door locking device, an operation unit, and a control device for controlling the locking device according to the operation of the operation unit. The control device locks the locking device when the luggage is stored in the cabinet box and when the luggage is taken out of the cabinet box, so that the door is set to be in a closed state. The operation part comprises a taking-out button which is operated by a user to take out luggage from the cabinet box where the luggage is stored. When the taking-out button is operated, the control device unlocks the locking device to open the door of the cabinet box where the luggage is stored, the rear door of the cabinet box is closed, and unlocking of the locking device is maintained when it is judged that the luggage exists in the cabinet box according to the detection result of the luggage sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a locker device including a locker box capable of storing luggage, a door for opening and closing the locker box, and a locking device for unlocking the door. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as such technologies, there are known technologies described in, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3. Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe technologies related to normally closed coin lockers whose doors are always temporarily locked when the coin lockers are not in use.

[0003] Conventional coin lockers are typically normally open, unlocking their doors when no luggage is stored. This can lead to the locker boxes being thrown into the trash or used as unauthorized luggage storage, creating issues with hygiene and theft prevention, and burdening operators with management. In contrast, the normally closed coin lockers described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 temporarily lock their doors even when no luggage is stored, reducing this management burden.

[0004] In recent years, the mainstream of normally closed coin-operated lockers has been lockers that do not use physical buttons, but instead electrically lock and unlock the locking mechanism. For example, a user uses an operating unit on the locker device to identify an available locker box based on a number and then specifies that number to pay the usage fee. Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe payment methods using cash, while Patent Document 3 describes a payment method using a credit card, etc. When the locker device responds to the payment operation and confirms the payment of the usage fee, the locking mechanism of the designated locker box is unlocked and the door is opened, allowing luggage to be deposited. When the user deposits luggage, closes the door, and confirms the operation, the locking mechanism is locked. When luggage is deposited in this manner, the user is given a stub containing the designated locker box number to facilitate luggage retrieval. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe a system in which a barcoded paper receipt is issued from a locker device as a receipt when luggage is deposited. When luggage is retrieved, the issued paper receipt is scanned by a barcode scanner, thereby identifying the user and unlocking the locker's designated compartment, thereby opening the door. Meanwhile, Patent Document 3 describes a system in which a serial number, barcode, QR code (registered trademark), or other two-dimensional code is used in place of a paper receipt to identify the user and unlock the locker. [Prior art literature] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3113126 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3113263 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3220448 Summary of the Invention [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Furthermore, in the normally closed locker devices described in Patent Documents 1-3, to retrieve luggage from a designated locker, a user must unlock the locking device of the designated locker to open the door and then retrieve their luggage. In this case, for example, a situation may arise where, immediately after user (A) retrieves their luggage, a subsequent user (B) hastily places their luggage into the designated locker (X) before the door closes. In this case, if the door is closed, the normally closed locker device will lock the locking device in its normal standby mode, locking the door. In other words, in this state, the locker is locked after the previous user (A) retrieved their luggage. Therefore, the locker (X) into which the subsequent user (B) placed their luggage is assumed to be empty, and the door is locked. Consequently, another user (C) may subsequently select the designated locker (X) as available and empty. When the locking device of the designated locker (X) is unlocked, the door opens, allowing the luggage inside to be retrieved, creating a theft prevention problem.

[0007] The disclosed technology is made in view of the above reasons, and its purpose is to provide a locker device that can prevent the door from being locked even if a later user mistakenly tries to store luggage in the locker box after the previous user has taken out the luggage. [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0008] (1) To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, one aspect of the disclosed technology is a locker device comprising: a locker box capable of accommodating luggage; a door for opening and closing the locker box; a locking device for locking the door in an unlockable manner; an operating unit for accepting user operations; and a control device for controlling the locking device in accordance with the user's operation of the operating unit; the control device being configured to lock the locking device to lock the door in a closed state except when luggage is deposited into the locker box and when luggage is taken out of the locker box, the locker device is designed as follows: a luggage sensor for detecting whether there is luggage in the locker box is provided in the locker box; the operating unit includes a take-out button for the user to operate to take out the luggage from the locker box in which the luggage is deposited; when the user operates the take-out button, the control device unlocks the locking device to open the door of the locker box in which the luggage is deposited, and the door is then closed; and the locking device is kept unlocked when it is determined that there is luggage in the locker box according to the detection result of the luggage sensor.

[0009] According to the configuration (1) above, when a user operates the take-out button to remove luggage from the luggage storage compartment, the locking device is unlocked to open the door of the luggage storage compartment. Thereafter, when the door is closed, the locking device remains unlocked if the luggage sensor determines that there is luggage in the luggage storage compartment. Therefore, when a user removes luggage from the luggage storage compartment, the locking device will not be locked even if a subsequent user mistakenly stores luggage in the luggage storage compartment and closes the door.

[0010] (2) To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the following content is preferred, namely, in the above-mentioned structure (1), there is also a luggage light that operates to indicate whether there is luggage in the locker box, and the control device lights or flashes the luggage light while the control device determines that there is luggage in the target locker box based on the detection result of the luggage sensor after the user operates the take-out button.

[0011] According to the configuration (2), in addition to the function of the configuration (1), after the user operates the take-out button, the luggage light is turned on or flashed while the luggage sensor determines that there is luggage in the target box. Therefore, even if a subsequent user mistakenly deposits luggage into the box, the subsequent user will be notified of the mistaken deposit.

[0012] (3) In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the following content is preferred, that is, in the above-mentioned structure (1) or (2), there is also a reservation acceptance unit for accepting reservations for the use of the cabinet box, the control device is configured to record and manage the current status of the cabinet boxes in use and the unused cabinet boxes and manage the acceptance and recording of reservations for the use of the unused cabinet boxes from the reservation acceptance unit, and the control device stops accepting reservations for the use of the cabinet box that is judged to have luggage based on the detection result of the luggage sensor.

[0013] According to the configuration of (3), in addition to the functions of the configuration of (1) or (2), the control device also manages the utilization status of the locker box and manages the acceptance and recording of the use reservations for unused locker boxes. Here, when a user takes out luggage from a locker box that has luggage stored in it, the locker box temporarily appears to be empty. However, the control device stops accepting the use reservations for the locker box that is determined to have luggage based on the detection results of the luggage sensor. Therefore, when a user takes out luggage from the locker box, even if a subsequent user mistakenly deposits luggage in the locker box and another user wants to reserve the use of the locker box at the same time, the reservation will not be accepted.

[0014] According to the configuration of (1) above, even if a subsequent user mistakenly stores luggage in a locker box after a previous user has taken out the luggage, the door can be prevented from being locked.

[0015] According to the configuration of (2), in addition to the effects of the configuration of (1), the next user can also recognize the erroneous storage of luggage at an early stage and take appropriate measures.

[0016] According to the above-mentioned structure (3), in addition to the effects of the above-mentioned structure (1) or (2), even if the latter user mistakenly stores the luggage in the locker box after the previous user has taken out the luggage, it will prevent other users from making reservations to use the locker box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a front view showing the locker device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the locker device according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a standby screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 This is an authentication selection screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 This is an authentication execution screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 This is an authentication execution screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 This is an authentication execution screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 This is a locker selection screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 9 This is a take-out confirmation screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 10 This is a re-insertion confirmation screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 This is a locker unlocking screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 12 This is an end screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 13 This is a first warning screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 14This is a second warning screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 15 This is a locker unlocking screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 16 This is an end screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the first embodiment. Figure 17 This is a warning screen displayed on the display unit when the luggage take-out mode is executed according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a specific embodiment of the locker device of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0019] <First embodiment> First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0020] [About the structure of the locker device] Figure 1 The locker device 1 is shown with the help of a front view. Figure 2 The electrical structure of the locker device 1 is shown in the block diagram. The locker device 1 of this embodiment is installed in a railway station, for example, to temporarily store and keep luggage.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the locker device 1 is composed of a shell 10, a plurality of cabinet boxes 11, an operating unit 20 and a control device 30. The plurality of cabinet boxes 11 can accommodate luggage in the shell 10. The operating unit 20 is used to accept user operations so that the user can store or retrieve luggage in the cabinet boxes 11. The control device 30 controls the opening and closing, locking and unlocking of the cabinet boxes 11 and the display of the operating unit 20 according to the user's operation of the operating unit 20.

[0022] [About the composition of the cabinet] like Figure 1 As shown, the locker device 1 includes a plurality of locker boxes 11 that can accommodate the user's luggage. Figure 1 As shown, there are 2 layers × 12 rows of 24 cabinet boxes 11 in total. Figure 1 The two upper right-hand rows and the one lower right-hand row contain a plurality of small cabinet boxes 11a with a small front height. Furthermore, the number of cabinet boxes 11 and small cabinet boxes 11a in this embodiment is only an example and can be increased or decreased as needed. In addition, although the locker device 1 in this embodiment is like Figure 1 As shown, the plurality of cabinet boxes 11 and the small cabinet box 11 a are configured with different front heights. However, all of the plurality of cabinet boxes may be configured with the same front height.

[0023] A door 12 that can be opened and closed independently for each cabinet box 11, 11a is provided at the opening portion of the front surface of each cabinet box 11, 11a. The cabinet box number (0001 to 0031) for identifying the corresponding cabinet box 11, 11a is marked on the surface of each door 12. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the door 12 is, for example, a left-opening door that opens toward the left side in the figure relative to the cabinet box 11, 11a, but can also be set as a right-opening door that opens toward the right side in the figure relative to the cabinet box 11, 11a. Furthermore, the locking device 13 described later (refer to Figure 2 ) is provided inside each of the cabinet boxes 11, 11a. In this embodiment, the specific structure of the locking device 13 is omitted. In addition, each cabinet box 11, 11a is provided with a luggage sensor 40 (refer to Figure 2 As the luggage sensor 40, for example, a contact sensor that detects the presence of luggage by detecting the weight of the luggage or a non-contact sensor that detects the presence of luggage by detecting reflection of light waves or the like on the luggage can be used.

[0024] The door 12 of each cabinet 11 or 11a is provided with an operating lever 14 for the user to operate to request the locking device 13 to lock when the user stores the luggage in the cabinet 11 or 11a and closes the door 12. Figure 1 For the sake of convenience, the operating levers 14 are illustrated only on the doors 12 marked with door numbers “0001” and “0002”, and are omitted from illustration on the other doors 12.

[0025] [About the structure of the operation unit] like Figure 1 As shown, the operating unit 20 includes a camera 21, a liquid crystal display 22, a QR code scanner 23, a settlement terminal 24, and a printer 26. The camera 21 is used to identify the user, the liquid crystal display 22 is used to exchange information with the user, the QR code scanner 23 is used to read data such as a QR code (registered trademark) from the user, the settlement terminal 24 can read IC tags embedded in cash cards, and the printer 26 is used to print receipts, etc., which serve as proof of use. Data input from the user can be performed by the QR code scanner 23 and settlement terminal 24. Here, the cash card is, for example, a card capable of electronic money settlement, such as a transportation IC card. The display 22, QR code scanner 23, and settlement terminal 24 of the operating unit 20 serve as "authentication means" for authenticating the user. As described below, the display 22 displays at least one of virtual buttons, an illustration of a locker device, and text.

[0026] [Regarding the configuration of the control device] The control device 30 is disposed inside the operating unit 20 and controls the locking device 13 of each cabinet box 11 according to the user's operation of the operating unit 20. Figure 2 As shown, the control device 30 includes a CPU 31 and a memory 32. The memory 32 stores, for example, a deposit program 32a for controlling when depositing luggage into the locker boxes 11, 11a, and a retrieval program 32b for controlling when retrieval of luggage from the locker boxes 11, 11a. The control device 30 is electrically connected to the locking device 13, the operating lever 14, and the operating unit 20, and controls the locking device 13, the screen display on the display unit 22, and the like based on the deposit program 32a or the retrieval program 32b. Figure 2 For convenience, only one locking device 13 is shown in the figure, but in reality, the same number of locking devices 13 as there are locker boxes 11, 11a are connected to the control device 30. Furthermore, a communication unit 50 is connected to the control device 30, allowing the locker device 1 to communicate with a management device (not shown) via the communication unit 50. The management device is a higher-level device relative to the locker device 1 installed within the station or any other location. In this embodiment, the communication unit 50 is equivalent to an example of a "reservation acceptance unit" for accepting reservations for the use of the locker boxes 11, 11a. The control device 30 is configured to record and manage the current status of used locker boxes 11, 11a and unused locker boxes 11, 11a, and to manage the acceptance and recording of reservations for the use of unused locker boxes 11, 11a from the communication unit 50. A reservation program 32c for these purposes is provided in the memory 32. Furthermore, a luggage sensor 40 is connected to the control device 30. The control device 30 determines whether there is luggage in each of the cabinet boxes 11 and 11 a based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40 . Figure 2 For convenience, only one luggage sensor 40 is shown in the figure. However, in reality, the same number of luggage sensors 40 as there are locker boxes 11 and 11a are connected to the control device 30. Furthermore, the control device 30 stops accepting use reservations from the communication unit 50 (reservation acceptance means) for locker boxes 11 and 11a that are determined to contain luggage based on the detection results of the luggage sensors 40.

[0027] This control device 30 opens and closes the door 12 of each cabinet box 11, 11a automatically by controlling locking device 13. In addition, the locking device 13 of present embodiment locks each door 12 in closed state all the time, manually opens when opening the door 12, and manually closes or automatically closes by means of spring etc. when closing the door 12.

[0028] The locker device 1 of this embodiment is a so-called "normally closed locker device", and the control device 30 is configured to lock the locking device 13 to lock the door 12 in a closed state except when the user deposits luggage into the locker box 11, 11a and takes luggage out of the locker box 11, 11a.

[0029] [About the procedure for checking in your luggage] Next, the procedure for a user to deposit luggage in the locker device 1 will be described.

[0030] The state in which no luggage is stored in the plurality of cabinets 11, 11a (a state in which a user can store luggage) is a "standby mode". In the standby mode, the cabinets 11, 11a are locked. At this time, the locking device 13 locks the doors 12 of the cabinets 11, 11a in a closed state.

[0031] In standby mode, the user first initiates use of the locker compartment 11 or 11a by using the operating unit 20 to deposit luggage. The control unit 30 displays a virtual button on the display unit 22 for selecting deposit, and the user initiates the process by pressing this virtual button. At this point, the control unit 30 can notify the user of available empty lockers 11 or 11a by displaying their door numbers based on the detection results of the luggage sensor 40. The virtual button is a graphic icon displayed on the display unit 22, and is electrically activated by the user pressing it on the screen.

[0032] Thereafter, the control device 30 displays the usage fee on the display unit 22. The user who has confirmed the fee enters the usage data with the help of the QR code scanner 23 and the settlement terminal 24 to settle the fee. During the settlement, for example, the number inherent to the IC tag of the IC card read by the settlement terminal 24 is stored in the memory 32, and the data is used for authentication when the luggage is taken out. When the settlement is made, the control device 30 prints a receipt as proof of use through the printer 26. Furthermore, settlement is not limited to the form of using IC cards, and can also be other forms such as credit card settlement or QR code settlement, and multiple forms can also be selectively combined. In addition, when settlement is made in a manner other than IC card, a mark such as a QR code (registered trademark) for unlocking can also be printed on the receipt and authentication can be performed by reading the printed mark.

[0033] [About the procedure for taking out your luggage] Next, the procedure for a user to take out luggage from the locker device 1 will be described.

[0034] The user inputs the required data into the operating unit 20 to remove the luggage from the locker device 1. The control unit 30 displays a virtual button for selecting the removal option on the display unit 22, and the user begins processing by clicking this virtual button. In this case, if the daily usage fee of the locker device 1 is exceeded, such as when the locker device 1 is used over two days, the excess fee is deducted via a credit card or cashless settlement, and the balance is paid. When settlement is complete, the control unit 30 unlocks the locking device 13 and opens the door 12 of the locker box 11, 11a. The user removes the luggage from the locker box 11, 11a and closes the door 12. At this time, the control unit 30 locks the locking device 13 and locks the door 12 of the locker box 11, 11a in the closed state.

[0035] [Technical Features of the Locker Device of the Present Embodiment] To solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional normally closed locker device, the normally closed locker device 1 of this embodiment is configured to be able to implement a "luggage retrieval mode". The "luggage retrieval mode" is designed to prevent the door 12 from being locked even if a subsequent user mistakenly attempts to deposit luggage into the locker box 11, 11a after the previous user has just taken luggage out of the locker box 11, 11a.

[0036] About baggage retrieval mode In the present embodiment, the control device 30 is configured to sequentially transition the screen of the display unit 22 from a predetermined “standby screen” in response to the user's operation of the virtual button. Figures 3 to 16 2 shows the transition screen displayed on the display unit 22 when the "luggage take-out mode" is implemented. The control device 30 controls the dialogue-style screen transition on the display unit 22 related to the "luggage take-out mode" according to the pre-set take-out program 32b.

[0037] First, when the user faces the display unit 22 of the operation unit 20, the control device 30 displays the Figure 3The "standby screen" shown in FIG. This standby screen displays multiple virtual buttons 60 that can be tapped. At the top of the standby screen are a deposit button 61, operated by the user to deposit luggage into the drawer 11 or 11a; a take-out button 62, operated by the user to take luggage out of the drawer 11 or 11a; and a reopen button 63, operated by the user to instruct the door 12 to reopen. The reopen button 63 is specifically used when the user is re-depositing luggage into the drawer 11 or 11a, not for retrieving luggage from the drawer 11 or 11a. In this embodiment, luggage re-depositing by pressing the reopen button 63 can be performed within the "15-minute grace period." On the standby screen, the deposit button 61 and take-out button 62 are displayed horizontally, with the reopen button 63 positioned adjacent to the take-out button 62. The reopen button 63 is approximately the same width as the take-out button 62, but smaller in height. This size setting makes the take-out button 62, used more frequently than the re-entry button, stand out more prominently than the door-opening button 63, thus eliminating button manipulation errors. Furthermore, buttons 64 for instructing on luggage storage reservations, receipts, and outgoing storage reservations are displayed in the middle of the standby screen. Furthermore, a management menu button 65 for selecting the management of the luggage, a button 66 for instructions on usage and the size of the locker, and a language button 67 for selecting the display language are displayed in the lower layer of the standby screen.

[0038] When the "reopen mode" is activated, the user presses the reopen button 63 on the standby screen. In this embodiment, the door 12 can be reopened free of charge within a specified time period immediately after luggage is deposited. In this embodiment, the specified time period is set to "within 15 minutes." Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door 12 can be reopened multiple times within "within 15 minutes."

[0039] The user enters the "luggage retrieval mode" and presses the retrieval button 62 on the standby screen to retrieve the luggage.

[0040] When the take-out button 62 is pressed, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 4The "authentication selection screen" shown. The authentication selection screen displays text and multiple virtual buttons 60 that can be tapped to select an authentication method. The words "Take out" are displayed in the upper layer of the authentication selection screen. In addition, a plurality of authentication buttons for selecting one of the multiple authentication methods are displayed in the middle layer of the authentication selection screen. That is, an IC card button 71 for selecting the use of an IC card, a QR code button 72 for selecting the use of a QR code (registered trademark), and a number input button 73 for selecting number input are displayed as authentication buttons in the middle layer of the authentication selection screen. In addition, a cancel button 68 for canceling the operation, a usage button 74 for indicating instructions on usage, and a language button 67 are displayed in the lower layer of the authentication selection screen.

[0041] The payment method when checking in luggage varies depending on the user, so the user clicks an appropriate button from among the various buttons 71 to 73 .

[0042] Here, when the IC card button 71 is pressed, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 from the authentication selection screen to the Figure 5 The "Authentication Implementation Screen" is shown. This authentication implementation screen displays text, diagrams, and virtual buttons 60 that can be tapped. The words "IC Card Authentication" are displayed at the top of the screen. Furthermore, a diagram and annotation urging the operation of the authentication unit corresponding to the selected authentication method are displayed in the middle of the screen. Specifically, the annotation "Please touch the settlement terminal with your IC card" and an illustration indicating this are displayed in the middle of the screen. Furthermore, a Cancel button 68 and a Back button 70 are displayed in the lower layer of the screen.

[0043] On the other hand, when the QR code button 72 is pressed, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 6 The "Authentication Implementation Screen" is shown. This authentication implementation screen displays text, icons, and tappable virtual buttons 60. The words "QR Code Authentication" appear at the top of the screen. In the middle of the screen, a note appears, along with an icon indicating "Please hold the QR code to the scanner and scan it." Furthermore, a Cancel button 68 and a Back button 70 appear at the bottom of the screen.

[0044] When the number input button 73 is pressed, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 7The "Authentication Implementation Screen" is shown. This authentication implementation screen displays text, icons, and tappable virtual buttons 60. The words "Number Authentication" are displayed at the top of the authentication implementation screen. Furthermore, the middle layer of the authentication implementation screen displays a note saying "Please enter your 6-digit reservation number," a keypad button 75 for number input, a small display 76 showing the entered number, and a confirmation button 69. Furthermore, the bottom layer of the authentication implementation screen displays a cancel button 68 and a return button 70.

[0045] The user performs authentication according to the authentication method corresponding to the selected one of the three authentication execution screens.

[0046] Here, it is assumed that the user follows Figure 5 In this case, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 from the authentication implementation screen to the authentication implementation screen. Figure 8 The "locker selection screen" is shown. This locker selection screen displays text, diagrams, and virtual buttons 60 that can be tapped. The top layer of this locker selection screen displays the note "Please select the locker from which you want to retrieve your luggage." A diagram of the locker system and explanations related to the coloring in the diagram are displayed in the middle layer of this locker selection screen. The diagram of the locker system displays the numbers corresponding to the lockers 11 and 11a where the user has deposited their luggage, along with selection buttons 80 that can be operated to select these numbers. In this diagram, the lockers with numbers corresponding to the respective lockers 11 and 11a serve as selection buttons 80. Furthermore, a cancel button 68 and a return button 70 are displayed in the bottom layer of this locker selection screen.

[0047] When the user authenticates with an IC card, there may be multiple cabinets that are the target. Figure 8 In the illustration of the locker device on the locker box selection screen shown, the target locker box is displayed in a colored (eg green or yellow) manner. Figure 8 If there are multiple boxes that are the target, the corresponding boxes are displayed in a colored manner in the diagram of the locker device ( Figure 8 The user selects the cabinet box to be unlocked among the colored cabinet boxes by clicking. When there is only one cabinet box, the control device 30 skips the unlocking process. Figure 8 The drawer selection screen is displayed.

[0048] exist Figure 8 On the locker selection screen shown, the user clicks the locker box that he wants to unlock among the colored lockers. If the click is within "15 minutes" after the luggage is stored, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 9The "Retrieval Confirmation Screen" shown in FIG. This Retrieval Confirmation Screen displays text and multiple virtual buttons 60 that can be tapped. The words "Retrieval Confirmation" and the note "This is a retrieval within 15 minutes of depositing your luggage. To deposit your luggage again, tap "Re-deposit Luggage." To retrieve your luggage, tap "Re-retrieve."" are displayed at the top of the Retrieval Confirmation Screen. A "Re-deposit Luggage" button 78, which indicates the re-deposit of luggage, and a "Re-retrieve Luggage" button 79, which indicates the re-retrieval of luggage, are displayed at the middle of the Retrieval Confirmation Screen. Furthermore, a "Cancel" button 68 is displayed at the bottom of the Retrieval Confirmation Screen. This Retrieval Confirmation Screen is provided in the present embodiment, assuming that a user intends to re-deposit their luggage but mistakenly taps the "Retrieve" button 62 instead of the "Reopen Door" button 63.

[0049] When the user selectively presses any one of the buttons 78 and 79 on the removal confirmation screen, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 10 The "Re-insert Confirmation Screen" shown or Figure 13 If the baggage is taken out again even though it is within 15 minutes, the re-entry confirmation screen and the locker unlocking screen will not be displayed.

[0050] When the user presses the button 78 for re-placing luggage on the take-out confirmation screen, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 10 The "Re-deposit Confirmation Screen" is shown. This re-deposit confirmation screen displays text and multiple tappable virtual buttons 60. In the middle of this re-deposit confirmation screen, a note stating "You can re-deposit your luggage within 15 minutes of depositing it" and a small display 76 indicating the time elapsed since depositing it are displayed. Furthermore, a cancel button 68 and a confirm button 69 are displayed in the lower layer of this re-deposit confirmation screen.

[0051] Here, when the user presses the confirmation button 69, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 11 The "locker box unlocking screen" shown. The locker box unlocking screen displays text, an illustration, and a virtual button 60 that can be clicked. The top layer of the locker box unlocking screen displays the note "Can open the door". The middle layer of the screen displays the words "locker box number 0028" indicating the locker box to be targeted and an illustration of the locker device. In this case, the locker box 81 of "0028" to be targeted is flashed in a colored (for example, green) manner in the illustration of the locker device. Figure 11(The text is indicated by slash marks in the middle.) In addition, a note urging the user to operate the operating lever 14 after re-stowing the luggage and a diagram illustrating the operation of the operating lever 14 are displayed below the locker unlocking screen. Specifically, a note stating "Please lower the operating lever after re-stowing the luggage" and a diagram illustrating the operation of the operating lever 14 are displayed below the locker unlocking screen.

[0052] When the locker unlocking screen is displayed, the control device 30 actually unlocks the locking device 13 of the target locker 11 or 11a of the locker device 1. The user opens the door 12 of the locker 11 or 11a and takes out the luggage from the locker 11 or 11a, then closes the door 12 and lowers the operating lever 14 toward the closed side.

[0053] When the operating lever 14 is lowered toward the closed side, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 12 The "end screen" shown. The note "Thank you for using" is displayed in the middle layer of the end screen. Thereafter, the control device 30 returns the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 3 The standby screen is shown.

[0054] On the other hand, when users Figure 9 When the button 79 for still taking out is clicked on the take-out confirmation screen shown, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 13 The "first warning screen" is shown. The first warning screen displays text and a tappable virtual button 60. A note reading "If you remove the item, this box will no longer be usable. Are you sure?" is displayed in the middle of the first warning screen. Furthermore, a confirmation button 69 and a return button 70 are displayed below the first warning screen.

[0055] When the user presses the confirmation button 69 on the first warning screen, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 14 The second warning screen is displayed. This second warning screen displays text and a tappable virtual button 60. In the middle of this second warning screen, a note reads, "Warning: If you click 'Confirm,' your luggage will be deemed retrieved. We will not be responsible for lost luggage. Are you sure?" Furthermore, a confirmation button 69 and a return button 70 are displayed at the bottom of this second warning screen.

[0056] When the user Figure 14 When the confirmation button 69 is pressed on the second warning screen shown, the control device 30 causes the display unit 22 to display Figure 15The "cabinet unlocking screen" shown in FIG. The cabinet unlocking screen displays text and a diagram that can be clicked. The note "Can open the door" is displayed on the upper layer of the cabinet unlocking screen. The words "cabinet number 0028" indicating the cabinet 81 to be the target and a diagram of the locker device are displayed in the middle layer of the cabinet unlocking screen. In this case, the cabinet 81 to be the target "0028" is made to flash in a colored (for example, green) manner in the diagram of the locker device on the cabinet unlocking screen ( Figure 15 In addition, a note "Please remove your luggage from the flashing locker" is displayed below the locker unlocking screen.

[0057] Figure 15 The flashing drawer 81 in the locker device diagram displayed on the drawer unlock screen corresponds to an example of the "luggage light" of the disclosed technology, which operates to indicate whether luggage is actually stored in the drawer 11 or 11a. When the drawer unlock screen is displayed, the control device 30 unlocks the locking device 13 when the user operates the take-out button 62, opening the door 12 of the drawer 11 or 11a where the luggage is stored. The door 12 then closes, and the locking device 13 remains unlocked while the luggage sensor 40 determines that luggage is present in the drawer 11 or 11a. Furthermore, the control device 30 flashes the corresponding drawer 81 (luggage light) in the locker device diagram while the luggage sensor 40 determines that luggage is present in the drawer 11 or 11a after the user operates the take-out button 62. On the other hand, when the control device 30 determines that there is no luggage in the cabinet box 11, 11a based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40, it controls in the following manner: the corresponding cabinet box 81 in the diagram of the locker device is not flashed, but the locking device 13 is locked by closing the door 12 of the corresponding cabinet box 11.

[0058] Then, when the door 12 of the cabinet 11 from which the user has taken out the luggage is locked, the control device 30 changes the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 16 The "end screen" shown in FIG. The middle layer of the end screen displays the note "Thank you for using. Looking forward to your use again." Thereafter, the control device 30 returns the display of the display unit 22 to Figure 3 The standby screen is shown.

[0059] [Regarding the functions and effects of locker devices] According to the configuration of the locker device 1 of the present embodiment described above, in the operation of the above-mentioned "luggage retrieval mode", the control device 30 controls the user to Figure 3When the take-out button 62 on the standby screen shown is operated, the locking device 13 is unlocked to open the door 12 of the cabinet box 11, 11a where the luggage is stored, and then the door 12 is closed. When it is determined that there is luggage in the cabinet box 11, 11a based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40, the locking device 13 is kept unlocked.

[0060] Therefore, when a user removes luggage from a previously stored compartment 11 or 11a, even if a subsequent user mistakenly deposits luggage into the previously stored compartment 11 or 11a and closes door 12, locking device 13 will not be locked. Therefore, even if a subsequent user mistakenly attempts to deposit luggage into the compartment 11 or 11a from which the previous user removed their luggage, door 12 will not be locked. Consequently, a subsequent user can be prevented from mistakenly depositing luggage into the compartment 11 or 11a, thereby avoiding theft prevention issues associated with stored luggage.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above situation, a subsequent user who mistakenly attempts to deposit luggage performs a luggage deposit operation on the operating unit 20 according to the transition screen on the display unit 22. However, because the desired storage box 11, 11a already contains luggage, the control device 30 cannot recognize the storage box 11, 11a as empty based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40, and thus does not allow the luggage to be deposited in the storage box 11, 11a. The subsequent user then selects another empty storage box 11, 11a to deposit the luggage again.

[0062] According to the configuration of this embodiment, in the above-mentioned "luggage retrieval mode" operation, the control device 30 operates the luggage retrieval mode while the user determines that there is luggage in the target cabinet 11, 11a based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40 after the user operates the retrieval button 62. Figure 15 In the illustration of the locker device showing the locker unlocking screen, the locker 81 is displayed blinkingly.

[0063] Therefore, even if the latter user mistakenly deposits the luggage into the cabinet 11, 11a, the mistaken deposit will be notified to the latter user. Therefore, the latter user can recognize the mistaken deposit of the luggage early and deal with it.

[0064] According to the configuration of this embodiment, during the "luggage retrieval mode" operation, the control device 30 records and manages the current status of the used and unused locker boxes 11, 11a, and manages the acceptance and recording of use reservations for the unused locker boxes 11, 11a from the communication unit 50. Furthermore, the control device 30 stops accepting use reservations from the communication unit 50 for locker boxes 11, 11a that are determined to contain luggage based on the detection results of the luggage sensor 40.

[0065] According to the above configuration, the control device 30 manages the usage status of the locker boxes 11, 11a and manages the acceptance and recording of reservations for unused locker boxes 11, 11a. When a user removes luggage from a locker box 11, 11a that has been stored, that locker box 11, 11a temporarily appears empty. However, the control device 30 stops accepting reservations for lockers 11, 11a that are detected as containing luggage by the luggage sensor 40. Therefore, even if a subsequent user mistakenly deposits luggage into that locker box 11, 11a while a user is removing luggage from that locker box 11, 11a and another user attempts to reserve the same locker box 11, 11a at the same time, the reservation will not be accepted. Therefore, even if a subsequent user mistakenly deposits luggage into a locker box 11, 11a after the previous user has removed their luggage, another user is prevented from reserving the same locker box 11, 11a. As a result, even if the latter user directly places the luggage in the cabinet 11, 11a, it is possible to prevent another user who has made a reservation from opening the door 12 of the cabinet 11, 11a, thereby avoiding the anti-theft problem associated with placing the luggage.

[0066] According to the configuration of this embodiment, in the transition screen when the "Baggage Retrieval Mode" is executed, Figure 12 The ending screen shown is the same as Figure 15 The cabinet unlock screen shown is provided with Figure 13 The "1st warning screen" shown and Figure 14 The "2nd warning screen" is displayed, so you can deal with Figure 9 Incorrect operation of the virtual button 60 on the removal confirmation screen shown. Figure 9 When the button 78 for putting the luggage back in is operated on the take-out confirmation screen shown, the button 79 for taking out is mistakenly operated. This can prevent the use of the cabinets 11 and 11a from being terminated against the user's will.

[0067] <Second embodiment> In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and their description is omitted, with the description focusing on the differences.

[0068] In this embodiment, the content of the transition screen displayed on the display unit 22 when the "luggage take-out mode" is different from that in the first embodiment. Figure 12 The ending screen shown is the same as Figure 15 Set the cabinet unlock screen shown Figure 13 The "1st warning screen" shown and Figure 14 In contrast, in this embodiment, the second warning screen is displayed. Figures 3 to 16 The series of transitions shown will Figure 13 The "1st warning screen" shown and Figure 14 The "2nd warning screen" shown is deleted and Figure 8 The "Cabinet Selection Screen" shown is the same as Figure 9 Set the "Remove Confirmation Screen" shown Figure 17 The "Warning Screen" shown is used instead.

[0069] Figure 17 The warning screen shown displays text and a tappable virtual button 60. A note appears in the middle of the warning screen: "Warning: If you still attempt to remove your luggage, it will be considered removed. If you leave your luggage in the locker, it could be stolen by a third party. Are you sure?" Also, a confirmation button 69 and a return button 70 appear below the warning screen.

[0070] According to the configuration of this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the transition screen when implementing the "luggage take-out mode" is changed from a series of transition screens. Figure 13 The "1st warning screen" shown and Figure 14 The "2nd warning screen" shown is deleted and Figure 8 The "Cabinet Selection Screen" shown is the same as Figure 9 Set the "Remove Confirmation Screen" shown Figure 17 The "Warning Screen" shown is used as an alternative, so you can prevent Figure 9 The error in the operation between the button 78 for re-placing the luggage and the button 79 for continuing to take out on the take-out confirmation screen is shown.

[0071] <Other Implementation Methods> The disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented by changing part of the configuration as appropriate within the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0072] (1) In the above embodiment, the locker device 1 assumes that the user who deposits the luggage and the user who takes out the luggage are the same person. In contrast, it is also possible to assume that the user who deposits the luggage and the user who takes out the luggage are different people. Specifically, in recent years, the concept of using railway stations as logistics bases has become popular, so the following scenario is considered, that is, the transportation personnel who deliver the goods ordered by ordinary consumers become the users who deposit the goods, and the ordinary consumers who ordered the goods become the users who take out the goods. In this case, for example, a specific transportation personnel can use the locker device 1, and after the operation unit 20 authenticates the transportation personnel, the deposit program 32a is activated. Regarding the authentication when taking out the goods, for example, an authentication mark such as a QR code (registered trademark) can be sent to the mobile terminal of the ordinary consumer, and the retrieval program 32b is activated after the authentication of the mark.

[0073] (2) In the embodiment described above, Figure 15 The locker box 81 in the diagram of the locker device shown on the locker box unlocking screen is an example of a "luggage light". Figure 1 The illustrated operation unit 20 is provided with a dedicated light serving as a “luggage light”.

[0074] (3) In the above embodiment, the locker device 1 installed in a station is specifically described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a parcel locker installed in an apartment or the like may also be used.

[0075] The disclosed technology can be used, for example, in locker devices installed in stations. Description of the label

[0076] 1…Locker device 11…cabinet 11a…Small cabinet 12…doors 13…Locking device 20…Operation Department 30…Control device 40…Luggage sensor 50…Communications Department (Reservation Acceptance Unit) 62…Remove button 81…The locker box (luggage light) in the diagram of the locker device.

Claims

1. A locker device comprising: A cabinet box capable of storing luggage; A door, used for opening and closing the cabinet; a locking device for locking the door in an unlockable manner; an operation unit for accepting user operations; and a control device for controlling the locking device according to a user's operation of the operating portion; The control device is configured to lock the locking device to lock the door in a closed state except when the luggage is stored in the locker box and when the luggage is taken out from the locker box. The locker device is characterized in that: The cabinet box is provided with a luggage sensor for detecting luggage in the cabinet box. The operation unit includes a take-out button for the user to operate to take out the luggage from the locker box where the luggage is stored. When the user operates the take-out button, the control device unlocks the locking device to open the door of the cabinet box where the luggage is stored, and then the door is closed. When it is determined that there is the luggage in the cabinet box based on the detection result of the luggage sensor, the locking device is kept unlocked.

2. The locker device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also has a luggage light that operates to indicate whether the luggage is in the box. The control device turns on or flashes the luggage lamp while it is determined based on the detection result of the luggage sensor that the luggage is in the target locker box after the user operates the take-out button.

3. The locker device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a reservation receiving unit for receiving a reservation for use of the cabinet. The control device is configured to record and manage the status of the used cabinets and the unused cabinets and to manage the acceptance and recording of the use reservation of the unused cabinets from the reservation acceptance unit. The control device stops accepting the use reservation from the reservation accepting unit for the locker box in which the luggage is determined to be present based on the detection result of the luggage sensor.

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