Locker system and locker management method

Abstract

Disclosed is a locker system and a locker management method. The disclosed locker system is for managing a plurality of lockers provided in a predetermined space, and includes a locker control section that allocates a usable locker among the plurality of lockers to a user, a locker detection section that detects an internal state of the locker allocated to the user, and a user detection section that detects a position of the user in the predetermined space, wherein the locker control section can automatically perform a return process on the locker allocated to the user, based on detection results of the locker detection section and the user detection section.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2025-0056372 and 10-2025-0157109, filed on April 29, 2025 and October 27, 2025, respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a locker system and a locker management method. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, public facilities such as sports centers, swimming pools, schools, libraries, and saunas provide multiple lockers for visitors (or users) to securely store their personal belongings.

[0005] These lockers are typically limited in physical quantity. They operate by having multiple users temporarily assigned to empty lockers according to their access order, and then emptying and returning the lockers after use.

[0006] However, under the existing locker management method, it often happens that some users leave the facility without returning the locker after using it, due to personal negligence or intentional misconduct.

[0007] At this point, although the locker is ready for the next user, it remains in the "in use" state on the system. Therefore, compared to the total number of lockers in the facility, the number of lockers available for immediate use is reduced, leading to a significant decrease in the overall operational efficiency and actual utilization rate of the lockers, posing a serious problem.

[0008] As a result, although there were actually many vacant lockers, new users could not be assigned a locker because the system showed no available lockers, causing inconvenience. Furthermore, from the facility administrator's perspective, regularly checking unreturned lockers and manually resetting them presents management challenges and a waste of manpower. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a locker system and a locker management method.

[0010] This invention provides a locker system and locker management method, which can selectively return lockers based on their internal status when a user leaves a designated space without returning them.

[0011] This invention provides a locker system and locker management method, wherein the locker can be automatically returned even if the user does not make a separate return request, while minimizing the occurrence of returns against the user's wishes.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a locker system can be a locker system for managing multiple lockers installed within a predetermined space.

[0013] The locker system includes: a locker control unit that allocates usable lockers from the plurality of lockers to users; a locker detection unit that detects the internal state of the lockers allocated to the users; and a user detection unit that detects the position of the user within the predetermined space. Based on the detection results from the locker detection unit and the user detection unit, the locker control unit can automatically return the lockers allocated to the users.

[0014] The user detection unit can be used to detect whether a user has left the location, that is, to detect whether the user has left the predetermined space.

[0015] When the locker detection unit detects that the locker is empty and the user detection unit detects that the user has left, the locker control unit can process the locker assigned to the user into a returnable state that can be assigned to other users.

[0016] When the locker detection unit detects that the locker's internal state is that of an item storage state, and the user detection unit detects that the user has left the location, the locker control unit can maintain the locker assigned to the user in its current state for at least a certain period of time.

[0017] The locker control unit can provide users or administrators with prompts indicating that the locker is in the state of storing items.

[0018] The locker control unit can provide the prompt information and, after a certain period of time, process the locker to the returned state.

[0019] When the locker detection unit detects that the locker is empty and the user detection unit does not detect that the user has left, the locker control unit can maintain the locker assigned to the user in its current state for at least a certain period of time.

[0020] The locker detection unit may include at least one of a camera module and a distance sensor.

[0021] The user detection unit can directly detect the user's location through the user's carried terminal, or indirectly detect the user's location through facilities set up in the predetermined space.

[0022] The user detection unit can detect when the user leaves the predetermined space by detecting the user's location through the terminal.

[0023] The facility includes access control equipment used to detect users’ departure information.

[0024] Based on the exit information detected by the access device, the user detection unit can detect the user's departure location.

[0025] The facility includes motion equipment for detecting a user's motion information, and based on the motion information detected by the motion equipment, the user detection unit can detect when the user leaves the location.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, a locker management method is a locker management method for managing multiple lockers set up in a predetermined space, which may include: detecting the internal state of a locker assigned to a user and detecting the user's location; and automatically processing whether to return the locker based on the results of detecting the internal state of the locker and the user's location.

[0027] In detecting the internal state of the locker, it is possible to detect whether the locker is empty. In detecting the user's position, it is possible to detect whether the user is in a state of leaving the predetermined space.

[0028] In the process, when it is detected that the locker is empty and the user is away, the locker assigned to the user can be processed into a returnable state that can be assigned to other users. When it is detected that the internal state of the locker is that the items are stored and the user is away, the locker assigned to the user can be maintained in its current state for at least a certain period of time. When it is detected that the locker is empty and the user is staying in the predetermined space, the locker assigned to the user can be maintained in its current state for at least a certain period of time.

[0029] When it is detected that the locker is in the state of storing the items and the user is in the state of leaving, a prompt message indicating that the locker is in the state of storing items can be provided to the user or the administrator.

[0030] Other aspects, features, and advantages, besides those described above, will become clear from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention.

[0031] These general and specific aspects can be implemented using systems, methods, computer programs, or any combination of systems, methods, and computer programs. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a locker system according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a locker system according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 It is used for explanation Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the operation of the locker control unit in a central locker system.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of allocating lockers according to a user's request in a locker system according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of returning a locker according to a user's request in a locker system according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an example of the user detection department.

[0038] Figure 7 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an example of the user detection department.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a locker management method according to an embodiment of a locker system.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of returning a locker after prompting the user or administrator, according to an embodiment of a locker management method.

[0041] Symbol Explanation

[0042] 1: Locker System

[0043] 2: Lockers

[0044] 3: Locking part

[0045] 4: User Interface

[0046] 5: Locker Control Department

[0047] 10: Locker Inspection Department

[0048] 20: User Testing Department

[0049] 31: Terminal

[0050] 32: Access Control Equipment

[0051] 33: Sports equipment Detailed Implementation

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same constituent elements, and for clarity, the dimensions or thicknesses of each constituent element may be exaggerated.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a locker system 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a locker system 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 3 It is used for explanation Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the operation of the locker control unit 5 in the central locker system 1.

[0054] See Figures 1 to 3 The locker system 1 is a system for managing multiple lockers 2, which may include multiple lockers 2 and a locker control unit 5 for allocating usable lockers 2 from the multiple lockers 2 to users.

[0055] Multiple lockers 2 provide storage space for users to store their items, and the doors of the lockers 2 can be locked or unlocked by locking parts 3. In other words, the lockers 2 can be locked or unlocked by locking parts 3.

[0056] The locking unit 3 can be installed in the locker 2. The locking unit 3 can be an electronic lock (or digital lock) operated by an electrical signal. That is to say, the locking unit 3 does not have to be a mechanical lock operated by a physical key.

[0057] The locker control unit 5 can be connected to the locking unit 3. The locker control unit 5 can be connected to the locking unit 3 via wired or wireless means. For example, the locker control unit 5 can be connected to the locking unit 3 via wired or wireless means, directly or through a network. The locker control unit 5 can control the locking unit 3 to lock or unlock the locker 2.

[0058] The locker system 1 may further include a user interface 4 for receiving user requests. However, the user interface 4 may be an optional configuration of the locker system 1, or it may be a configuration independent of the locker system 1 as needed.

[0059] User interface 4 can receive user requests. For example, user interface 4 can receive user requests to use locker 2. For example, user interface 4 can receive user requests to return locker 2.

[0060] User interface 4 can receive user requests in various ways. For example, user interface 4 can receive user requests through at least one of touch input and voice input. Since the configuration of user interface 4 is well-known, a detailed description is omitted.

[0061] User interface 4 can receive user information. User information can be directly input by the user through touch, voice, etc., or obtained through conventional methods such as biometrics and tagging terminal 31.

[0062] The locker control unit 5 can be connected to the user interface 4. The locker control unit 5 can be connected to the user interface 4 via wired or wireless means. For example, the locker control unit 5 can be connected to the user interface 4 via wired or wireless means, directly or through a network. The locker control unit 5 can receive user requests through the user interface 4.

[0063] The locker control unit 5 can process the allocation or return of lockers 2 based on user requests received through the user interface 4.

[0064] The locker control unit 5 can store information about multiple lockers 2. The locker control unit 5 can also store information about which lockers 2 are available. Available lockers 2 can be vacant lockers that have not been allocated to other users. Available lockers 2 can also be returned lockers.

[0065] The locker control unit 5 can assign lockers 2 to users and change the assigned locker 2 to a used state to prevent the assigned locker 2 from being assigned to other users. For lockers 2 in a used state, the locker control unit 5 can store mapping information between the locker 2's number and the user.

[0066] The locker control unit 5 can convert a locker 2 that has been decided to be returned into a usable locker 2. For a usable locker 2, the locker control unit 5 can update and delete the mapping information between the locker 2 number and the user, and then store it.

[0067] The locker control unit 5 may include a management server (not shown). The management server can store information about multiple lockers 2. It can also store information about which lockers 2 are available. The management server can connect to other devices via a network, such as the locker detection unit 10, the user detection unit 20, and the locking unit 3, and can send and receive data. The management server can control the locking unit 3 based on information received from the locker detection unit 10 and the user detection unit 20.

[0068] In addition, the management server can connect to the exercise equipment 33, access device 32, terminal 31, etc. via the network and send and receive data. The management server can store the user's exercise schedule, list of exercise equipment 33, etc., and can store the user's exercise results from the information received from the terminal 31 or exercise equipment 33. However, the configuration of the locker control unit 5 is not necessarily limited to the management server; it can also be directly installed in the locker 2 as needed.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of allocating lockers 2 according to a user's request in a locker system 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of returning a locker 2 according to a user's request in a locker system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0070] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 The locker system 1 can allocate usable lockers 2 to users according to their requests.

[0071] The locker control unit 5 can receive a request to use the locker 2 via the user interface 4 (S11). The locker control unit 5 can also receive user information along with the request to use the locker 2.

[0072] The locker control unit 5 can assign a usable locker 2 from among multiple lockers 2 to a user (S12). For example, the locker control unit 5 can confirm the usable lockers 2 and user information, and can select one from the usable lockers 2. The locker control unit 5 can assign the usable locker 2 to the confirmed user. For example, the locker control unit 5 can connect the selected locker 2 and the user, and update and store it as the assigned locker 2 in the database.

[0073] The locker control unit 5 can notify the user of the assigned locker 2. For example, the locker control unit 5 can notify the user of the locker 2 number assigned to the user through the user interface 4, either visually or audibly.

[0074] The locker control unit 5 can control the locking status of the assigned locker 2. For example, the locker control unit 5 can control the locking unit 3 to lock or unlock the locker 2. For example, the locker control unit 5 can lock or unlock the assigned locker 2 according to the user's lock or unlock request.

[0075] See Figure 3 and Figure 5 The locker system 1 can return the assigned locker 2 according to the user's request.

[0076] The locker control unit 5 can receive a user's locker 2 return request via the user interface 4 (S21). The locker control unit 5 can also receive user information along with the locker 2 return request.

[0077] The locker control unit 5 can return the requested locker 2 (S22). For example, the locker control unit 5 can compare the received user information with the user information connected to the requested locker 2 to identify the user. After identifying the user, the locker control unit 5 can decide to return the locker 2 assigned to that user. The locker control unit 5 can perform the return process for the locker 2 that has been decided to be returned. For example, the locker control unit 5 can convert the locker 2 to an available state, update the database to delete the mapping between the locker 2 number and the user information, and store the data.

[0078] The locker control unit 5 can control the locking part 3 of the returned locker 2. For example, the locker control unit 5 can control the locking part 3 to lock the locker 2 or unlock the locker 2.

[0079] As described above, in the locker system 1 where the locker 2 can be returned via the user interface 4, the return of the locker 2 is relatively easy because the user does not need to physically contact the locker 2.

[0080] However, in this locker system 1, even if a user has actually finished using the locker 2 and it is available for other users, the locker 2 will remain in use (or allocated) unless the existing user requests its return. Therefore, the number of lockers 2 available for immediate use by a user is reduced relative to the total number of lockers 2 set up in the predetermined space.

[0081] On the other hand, multiple lockers 2 can be installed in narrow spaces within a predetermined area. For example, when the predetermined area is a sports center (or gymnasium) for exercise, the area occupied by multiple lockers 2 in the total area of ​​the sports center may be quite small to ensure sufficient exercise space. For example, the area occupied by multiple lockers 2 may be within 10% of the total area of ​​the predetermined space. For example, the area occupied by multiple lockers 2 may be within 5% of the total area of ​​the predetermined space. Therefore, the number of lockers 2 available to users may be insufficient relative to the number of users in the predetermined space. Thus, if there are unused lockers 2 that are not returned when the number of lockers 2 is insufficient, the overall operational efficiency and actual utilization rate of the lockers 2 may decrease significantly.

[0082] With this in mind, in the locker system 1 according to the embodiment, the locker 2 can be automatically returned even if the user does not take any further action to return it, such as making a return request.

[0083] See you again Figures 1 to 3 According to the embodiment, the locker system 1 may further include a locker detection unit 10 that can detect the internal state of the locker 2 and a user detection unit 20 that can detect the user's location.

[0084] The locker detection unit 10 can be installed on each of the multiple lockers 2. The locker detection unit 10 can be installed inside each of the multiple lockers 2, and can detect the internal status of each of the multiple lockers 2.

[0085] The locker detection unit 10 can detect whether the internal state of the locker 2 is empty. An empty internal state of the locker 2 means that there are no items inside the locker 2 except for the basic structures such as clothes hanger rods and hangers.

[0086] The locker detection unit 10 can be used to identify the items inside the locker 2.

[0087] For example, the locker detection unit 10 can be used to visually identify the interior of the locker 2. For example, the locker detection unit 10 may include a camera module that captures images of the interior of the locker 2. Through the camera module, it is possible not only to confirm whether the interior of the locker 2 is empty, but also to identify any remaining objects inside the locker 2.

[0088] For example, the locker detection unit 10 may include a distance sensor that illuminates a wave into the interior of the locker and receives the reflected wave. The distance sensor may be a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor that measures distance by calculating the time it takes for the wave to travel, but is not limited to this. The wave may be, for example, an ultrasonic wave or other types of wave, but is not limited to this. The distance sensor may be an ultrasonic sensor, but is not limited to this; it may include various types of sensors that measure distance in a non-contact manner, such as ultrasonic sensors.

[0089] As described above, the locker detection unit 10 may include at least one of a camera module and a distance sensor. However, the locker detection unit 10 is not limited to a camera module or a distance sensor; it can be modified in various ways as long as it detects the configuration inside the locker 2 in a non-contact manner.

[0090] User detection unit 20 can detect the user's location. User detection unit 20 can detect the user's location within a predetermined space. For example, user detection unit 20 can detect whether the user has left the predetermined space, i.e., whether the user has left the predetermined space. For example, user detection unit 20 can detect whether the user is in a state of leaving the predetermined space or in a state of remaining within the predetermined space. The predetermined space can be a space within a sports center, but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0091] Figure 6 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an example of the user detection unit 20. Figure 7 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an example of the user detection unit 20.

[0092] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 The user detection unit 20 can directly detect the user's location through the terminal 31 carried by the user, or indirectly detect the user's location based on the facility information set in the predetermined space.

[0093] See Figure 6 The user detection unit 20 can directly detect the user's location through the user's terminal 31. For example, the user detection unit 20 can detect the user's location based on information received from the terminal 31.

[0094] Terminal 31 can be a device registered in the locker control unit 5. Terminal 31 can be a terminal capable of sending and receiving data to and from the locker control unit 5 and the user detection unit 20 via wired or wireless network. Terminal 31 can include at least one of a portable terminal, wearable device, RFID card, NFC card, and head-mounted display. However, the type of terminal 31 is not limited to these; it can be any device that a user can carry.

[0095] User detection unit 20 can receive location information from terminal 31 and detect the user's location based on the received location information. User detection unit 20 can detect when a user leaves a predetermined space based on the user's location detected by terminal 31. For example, user detection unit 20 can detect when a user leaves a predetermined space by a certain distance based on the user's location detected by terminal 31. For example, user detection unit 20 can use the location information from terminal 31 to detect when a user leaves a predetermined space within a radius of 50 meters, 100 meters, or 200 meters. As another example, user detection unit 20 can detect when a user leaves a predetermined space for a certain period of time based on the user's location detected by terminal 31. For example, user detection unit 20 can use the location information from terminal 31 to detect when a user leaves a predetermined space for a certain period of time, such as 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes.

[0096] See Figure 7 The user detection unit 20 can indirectly detect the user's location based on information detected in facilities set up within a predetermined space.

[0097] As an example, the facility set up within the predetermined space may include an access control device 32 installed within the predetermined space. The access control device 32 can detect user exit information. The access control device 32 can detect user exit information in various ways. For example, the access control device 32 can detect user exit information through user marking actions or biometrics. For example, the access control device 32 can also identify users through a camera module to detect user exit information. The access control device 32 can send and receive data to the user detection unit 20 via wired or wireless networks.

[0098] User detection unit 20 can detect whether a user has left the designated space based on the user's exit information detected by access device 32, that is, whether a user's location has been left. The user's exit information may include the user's exit time. For example, user detection unit 20 can detect the user's location leaving immediately after the user leaves, or it can detect the user's location leaving after a reference time has elapsed. The reference time after exit can be 30 minutes or longer. For example, the reference time after exit can be from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

[0099] As another example, the facilities set up within the predetermined space may include exercise equipment 33 set up within the predetermined space. There may be multiple pieces of exercise equipment 33.

[0100] The exercise device 33 is a device for user exercise and can detect the user's movement. For example, the exercise device 33 can detect the user's exercise information. For example, the exercise information may include the user's exercise time. For example, the exercise information may include the end time when the user finishes exercising.

[0101] The motion device 33 can send and receive data to the user detection unit 20 via wired or wireless network.

[0102] The user detection unit 20 can detect the user's departure from the motion device 33 based on the user's motion information detected in the motion device 33. For example, the user detection unit 20 can detect the user's departure from the motion device 33 based on the end time detected in the motion device 33. For example, the user detection unit 20 can detect the user's departure from the motion device 33 when the elapsed time from the end time exceeds a reference time. For example, the reference time can be 30 minutes or longer. For example, the reference time can be from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

[0103] In the above embodiments, the user detection unit 20 is exemplarily described for detecting the user's position based on information detected from the terminal 31, the access device 32, and the motion device 33, but it is not limited thereto. The user detection unit 20 can detect the user's position based on information detected from at least one of the terminal 31, the access device 32, and the motion device 33. Furthermore, various modifications can be made as long as the user detection unit 20 can detect the user's position.

[0104] The following describes the locker system 1, which includes the above configuration, and the management method of the lockers 2 using the system.

[0105] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a locker 2 management method for a locker system 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of returning a locker 2 after prompting the user or administrator, according to an embodiment of a locker 2 management method.

[0106] See Figure 1 and Figure 8 According to the locker system 1 of the embodiment, even if the user does not make a separate return request, the user detection unit 20 and the locker detection unit 10 can selectively process the return of the locker 2 assigned to the user.

[0107] For example, the internal state of the locker 2 can be detected by the locker detection unit 10, and the user's position can be detected by the user detection unit 20 (S31).

[0108] For example, the user detection unit 20 can detect the user's location to determine whether the user has left the designated space. When the user detection unit 20 detects that the user has left, it can selectively return the locker 2 based on the internal state of the locker 2.

[0109] For example, when the system detects that a user has left their location and that locker 2 is vacant, locker control unit 5 can process locker 2 assigned to the user into a return state that can be assigned to other users (S32). For example, locker control unit 5 can change locker 2 assigned to the user from a used state to a returned state. For example, locker control unit 5 can change locker 2 to a returned state and lock locker 2 using locking unit 3.

[0110] For example, when the locker is detected to be in a stored state and the user's location has been moved, the locker control unit 5 can process the locker 2 to a state different from the returned state for at least a certain period of time. For example, the locker control unit 5 can maintain the locker 2 in its current state for at least a certain period of time (S33). For example, the locker control unit 5 can maintain the locker 2 in a user-occupied state for at least a certain period of time.

[0111] The locker control unit 5 can provide the user or administrator with a prompt message indicating that the locker 2 is in the state of having items stored (S34). Accordingly, it can induce the user or administrator to retrieve the items from the locker 2.

[0112] See Figure 9 The locker control unit 5 can provide a prompt and, after a certain period of time, process the locker 2 to the returned state (S35). This allows for the management of the locker 2, providing users or administrators with a certain period of time to retrieve items from inside, while also making the locker 2 available for use by other users after a certain period.

[0113] See you again Figure 8 When the user detection unit 20 does not detect the user leaving the location, that is, when it detects that the user is staying in the predetermined space, the locker control unit 5 can process the locker 2 assigned to the user into a state different from the returned state.

[0114] For example, even if locker 2 is detected to be vacant, when a user is detected to be in a lingering state, locker control unit 5 may not process locker 2 into a returned state for at least a certain period of time. Locker control unit 5 may maintain locker 2 in its current state for at least a certain period of time (S36). For example, even if locker 2 is detected to be vacant, when a user is detected to be in a lingering state, locker control unit 5 may maintain locker 2 in its current used state for 30 minutes or longer. However, when locker 2 remains vacant for a certain period of time, such as 30 minutes or longer, locker control unit 5 may process locker 2 into a returned state. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the returned of the assigned locker 2 against the user's will.

[0115] For example, when locker 2 is in the stored state and a user is detected in the stationary state, locker control unit 5 does not process locker 2 into the returned state. Locker control unit 5 maintains locker 2 in its current state (S37).

[0116] As described above, in the locker system 1 according to the embodiment and the locker management method using the system, by including both the locker detection unit 10 and the user detection unit 20, the locker 2 can be automatically returned even if the user does not make a separate return request, and the situation of returning the locker 2 against the user's wishes can be minimized.

[0117] If the locker system 1 does not include a user detection unit 20, the user's location cannot be confirmed. Therefore, even if the user does not store any items in the locker 2 but intends to use it, the locker 2 may be returned against the user's will.

[0118] Conversely, if the locker system 1 does not include the locker detection unit 10, the internal state of the locker 2 cannot be confirmed. Consequently, if a user temporarily leaves the sports facility with personal luggage (or items) stored in the locker 2, the locker 2 may be automatically returned against the user's wishes. In this case, there is a risk of the user's personal luggage being lost.

[0119] In contrast, in the locker system 1 and the locker management method using the system according to the embodiment, by detecting the user's location while detecting the internal state of the locker 2, the locker 2 can be automatically returned even if the user does not make a separate return request, and the situation of returning the locker 2 against the user's wishes can be minimized.

[0120] On the other hand, the above embodiments are mainly described using the example of locker system 1 for automatically returning lockers 2, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, in addition to the function of automatically returning lockers, locker system 1 can also use locker detection unit 10 and user detection unit 20 to provide useful information to users or administrators.

[0121] For example, when the locker system 1 according to the embodiment detects an item inside the locker 2 by the locker detection unit 10, it can provide a notification message to the user or administrator.

[0122] For example, when a user enters a request to return locker 2, if an item is detected inside locker 2, the user can be informed that there is still an item inside locker 2. Accordingly, the user can confirm whether there is an item inside locker 2 during the return request process, which can prevent items from being lost.

[0123] For example, even if locker 2 is returned according to the user's return request, if an item is detected inside locker 2, locker system 1 can still inform the administrator that there is still an item inside locker 2. Accordingly, the administrator can notify the user that there is an item, or can directly retrieve the user's item.

[0124] By automatically returning the lockers 2 using the locker system 1 described above, the lockers 2 can be managed smoothly even within a narrow space within a predetermined area. For example, with the locker system 1 according to the embodiment, the lockers 2 can be used even if the number of lockers 2 is small, without causing inconvenience to the user. For example, even if the area occupied by multiple lockers 2 in a predetermined space such as a sports center is 10% or less, the lockers 2 can be used without causing inconvenience to the user.

[0125] According to the locker system and locker management method of the present invention, when a user leaves the space without returning the locker, the locker can be selectively returned based on its internal state.

[0126] Furthermore, the locker system and locker management method according to embodiments of the present invention can automatically process the return of lockers even if the user does not make a separate return request, while minimizing the possibility of processing the return against the user's wishes.

[0127] Other aspects, features, and advantages, besides those described above, will become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention. These general and specific aspects can be implemented using systems, methods, computer programs, or any combination of systems, methods, and computer programs.

Claims

1. A locker system for managing multiple lockers installed within a predetermined space, comprising: A locker control unit that allocates usable lockers from the plurality of lockers to users; A locker detection unit, used to detect the internal condition of the locker assigned to the user; as well as The user detection unit is used to detect the location of the user within the predetermined space. Based on the detection results of the locker detection unit and the user detection unit, the locker control unit automatically returns the locker assigned to the user.

2. The locker system according to claim 1, wherein, The user detection unit is used to detect whether a user has left the location, that is, to detect whether the user has left the predetermined space.

3. The locker system according to claim 2, wherein, When the locker detection unit detects that the locker is empty and the user detection unit detects that the user has left, the locker control unit will process the locker assigned to the user into a returnable state that can be assigned to other users.

4. The locker system according to claim 3, wherein, When the locker detection unit detects that the locker's internal state is that of an item storage state, and the user detection unit detects that the user has left the location, the locker control unit will maintain the locker assigned to the user in its current state for at least a certain period of time.

5. The locker system according to claim 4, wherein, The locker control unit provides users or administrators with prompts indicating that the locker is in the state of storing items.

6. The locker system according to claim 5, wherein, After providing the prompt information and waiting for a certain period of time, the locker control unit processes the locker into the returned state.

7. The locker system according to claim 3, wherein, When the locker detection unit detects that the locker is empty and the user detection unit does not detect that the user has left the location, the locker control unit will maintain the locker assigned to the user in its current state for at least a certain period of time.

8. The locker system according to claim 1, wherein, The locker detection unit includes at least one of a camera module and a ranging sensor.

9. The locker system according to claim 1, wherein, The user detection department The user's location is detected directly through the user's portable device, or The user's location is detected indirectly by facilities set up within the predetermined space.

10. The locker system according to claim 9, wherein, The user detection unit detects when the user leaves the predetermined space by a certain distance based on the user's location detected by the terminal.

11. The locker system according to claim 9, wherein, The facility includes access control equipment used to detect users' departure information. Based on the exit information detected by the access device, the user detection unit detects the user's departure location.

12. The locker system according to claim 9, wherein, The facilities include sports equipment. It is used to detect the user's motion information. Based on the motion information detected by the motion device, the user detection unit detects that the user has left the location.

13. A locker management method for managing multiple lockers installed within a predetermined space, comprising: Detect the internal status of the locker assigned to the user, and detect the user's location; as well as Based on the detection results of the internal state of the locker and the user's location, the system automatically determines whether to return the locker.

14. The locker management method according to claim 13, wherein, The detection process includes checking whether the locker's interior is empty, and checking whether the user is in a state of leaving the predetermined space. The system automatically processes whether the locker should be returned. When it is detected that the locker is empty and the user is away, the locker assigned to the user will be processed to a return state where it can be allocated to other users. When it is detected that the internal state of the locker is that it is in the stored state and the user is in the departed state, the locker assigned to the user will be maintained in its current state for at least a certain period of time. When it is detected that the locker is vacant and the user is staying in the predetermined space, the locker assigned to the user will be maintained in its current state for at least a certain period of time.

15. The locker management method according to claim 14, wherein, When it is detected that the locker is in the state of storing the items and the user is in the state of leaving, a prompt message indicating that the locker is in the state of storing items is provided to the user or the administrator.

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