Management server

Abstract

To provide a management server for enabling non-face-to-face delivery, thereby reducing the burden of a sender and a package collector.SOLUTION: A sender uses his or her own terminal to record a request for collecting a package and delivery address information such as an address of a delivery destination on a server. The sender puts a package 50 in front of an entrance door 32 of a house 31. A mobile terminal 21a of a package collector sequentially reads a bar-code 52 attached to the package 50 and a bar-code 344r of a sign 34 for declaration of intention hung on the entrance door 32. The read information is transmitted to the server. When identification information registered in the bar-code 344r and delivery information are transmitted simultaneously, a completion of collection is determined. A collection completion e-mail message is transmitted to the sender's terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management server, and more particularly to a management server that can reliably deliver packages without face-to-face contact in the case of collection. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, collection of parcels from homes where the recipient is not at home has become a problem for home delivery services. Conventionally, when a parcel collection request is received, the parcel delivery company would go to the sender's residence to pick up the parcel, or the sender would personally bring the parcel to the parcel delivery company's office and complete the procedures for sending it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2019-16157 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if a delivery company comes to the sender's residence to collect the package, the sender must wait at home until the delivery company arrives, and their movements are restricted until the collection is complete. Even if the sender is at home, they may be unable to hand over the package when the delivery company comes to collect it, such as while gardening, taking a bath, on the phone, or busy with housework. On the other hand, for women living alone, handing over the package face-to-face with the delivery company can be risky. Furthermore, due to the recent spread of infectious diseases, there are concerns that face-to-face exchange of packages may increase the chances of infection. However, the packages sent by the sender are not always valuable. Depending on the contents of the package, there are some packages that can be left at the doorstep without being handed over directly to the delivery person, and the delivery person can pick up the package at any time. Such packages are not particularly valuable, and there is no particular problem if they are taken away by a third party.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a non-face-to-face management server, thereby reducing the burden on deliverers and improving convenience for senders. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention, which solves the above problems, has the following configuration. (1) A receiving means for receiving, from a sender terminal of the sender, collection request information of a delivery to be left at the sender's home; a transmitting means for transmitting the received collection request information to a collector terminal of a collector, and when the collector collects the delivery item left at the sender's house, transmitting collection completion information to the sender terminal, and when the delivery item is delivered to the delivery destination, transmitting delivery completion information to the delivery destination terminal of the delivery destination; A management server comprising: The collection request information includes a comment from the sender, The delivery completion information includes the comment. Management server.

[0007] (2) The receiving means receives sender information including the sender's address from the sender terminal in advance, The transmission means transmits the collection request information and the sender information to the collector terminal, The management server a storage means for storing the received sender information; a deletion means for deleting the sender information from the storage means when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sender information was stored; The management server according to (1) further comprises:

[0008] (3) The management server further comprises a storage means for storing the sender information on a sign that is to be delivered to the sender and hung on the door of the sender's house, The sign carrying the sender information is delivered to the sender, The receiving means receives the sender information read from the collector terminal by the collector terminal from the intention indication sign, The management server further includes a determination means for determining whether the sender information received from the consignor terminal by the receiving means matches the sender information stored in the storage means, The transmitting means transmits collection completion information to the sender terminal when the result of the determination is affirmative. (2) The management server described in (2).

[0009] (4) The collection request information includes delivery information regarding the delivery item, The storage means further stores the delivery information. The management server further comprises a conversion means for converting the delivery information into a format that can be read by the collector terminal, The transmitting means transmits the converted delivery information to the sender terminal, The converted delivery information is attached to the delivery, The receiving means receives the delivery information attached to the delivery and read by the delivery collector terminal from the delivery collector terminal, The determination means further determines whether the delivery information received from the collector terminal by the receiving means matches the delivery information stored in the storage means, The transmitting means transmits collection completion information to the sender terminal when each result of the determination is affirmative. (3) The management server described in (3).

[0010] (5) When each result of the judgment is a positive judgment, the sending means sends to the collector terminal the collection request information, the sender information, and the delivery slip information including the delivery information, The slip information is printed by the collector terminal. (4) The management server described in (4).

[0011] (6) The carrying means encrypts the sender information and carries it on the intention indicator, The receiving means receives the encrypted sender information from the collector terminal, The management server further comprises a decryption means for decrypting the encrypted sender information received by the receiving means. (3) The management server described in (3). [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the invention described in claim 1, delivery can be made without meeting the recipient, reducing the burden on the deliverer and providing convenience to the sender, and comments from the delivery requester can be sent to the delivery destination when the delivery is completed. According to the invention described in claim 2, the sender information is deleted when a predetermined time has passed since it was stored in the storage means, thereby eliminating the sender's anxiety that the sender information will continue to be stored indefinitely. According to the invention described in claim 3, if the sender information received from the collector terminal matches the sender information stored in the storage means, collection completion information is sent to the sender terminal, so that if the delivery item is collected correctly, collection completion information can be sent to the sender terminal.

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 4, furthermore, when the delivery information received from the collector terminal matches the delivery information stored in the storage means, collection completion information is sent to the sender terminal. Therefore, compared to the invention of claim 3, when the delivery is collected correctly, collection completion information can be sent to the sender terminal. According to the invention described in claim 5, the slip information is sent from the management server to the collector terminal, and the slip information is printed by the collector terminal, thereby eliminating the burden on the sender and collector of writing the slip information on slip paper. According to the invention as set forth in claim 6, the sender information is encrypted and carried on the intention indication marker, so that it is possible to prevent the sender information from being read from the intention indication marker and used for malicious purposes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the present invention is used. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an overall front view showing the configuration of the surface of the intention indication sign. [Figure 3] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a system configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile terminal of a deliverer and a server of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the mobile terminal of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the server of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of a screen displayed on a recipient terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of a screen displayed on a recipient terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of a screen displayed on a recipient terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image generated as delivery completion information. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the configuration of the rear surface of the intention indication sign. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of a screen displayed on a sender terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of a screen displayed on a sender terminal. [Figure 14] 10 is an overall plan view showing an example of a slip output based on slip information generated by a server. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a delivery system according to a first modified example. [Figure 16]This figure shows how, when a user purchases a will-expression marker, the user's information and designated delivery company are registered (member registration) with the management server, and the management server then stores the user's information in a barcode on the will-expression marker. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing information stored in a storage unit of a management server at the time of member registration. [Figure 18] 10 is a timing chart of the delivery system of the first modified example. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart of a revocation determination processing program executed by the management server. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing information stored in a storage unit of a management server when a collection request is made. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing information about the collection requester displayed on the display unit of the collector terminal and a message prompting the collector to read two barcodes. [Figure 22] 10 is a diagram showing how a barcode carrying information about a delivery item, printed out by a user terminal that has requested collection of the delivery item, is attached to the package. FIG. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart of a member registration invitation processing program executed by the management server. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing information to be compared in an information match determination executed by the management server. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing error information displayed on the display unit of the collector terminal when the management server determines that the information does not match in the information match judgment. [Figure 26] This is a diagram showing a message that prompts printing out a slip, which is displayed on the display unit of the collector terminal when the management server determines that the information matches in the information match judgment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a message prompting printing out of a slip is displayed, the collector terminal receives a printout instruction from the collector, prints out the slip, and the collector attaches the slip to the package. [Figure 28] 10 is a timing chart of a delivery system according to a second modified example. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how, in the third modified example, when a user purchases a will indicating marker, the user's information is encrypted using a key and stored in the barcode of the will indicating marker. [Figure 30] 10 is a timing chart of a delivery system according to a third modified example. [Figure 31] 10 is a timing chart of a delivery system according to a fourth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, one preferred embodiment of the delivery system, server, intention indicator and mobile terminal of the present invention, as well as the accompanying delivery system will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 is a perspective view showing how the present invention is used. The present invention is a home delivery system in which a parcel 50 as a delivery item is not directly handed over between the sender or receiver and the delivery person, but is instead placed in front of the front door 32 of the sender's or recipient's house 31, thereby allowing confirmation of the completion of receipt of the parcel and the completion of delivery. A delivery slip 51 is attached to the package 50, listing the address and name of the delivery destination, and a barcode 52, which is a piece identification information carrying means carrying piece identification information, is displayed on the same side as the delivery slip. This barcode 52 may be printed on a sticker and attached to the package 50, or it may be printed directly on the surface of the package. Note that the identification information carrying means does not have to be a coded identifier, and may be represented by a string of numbers or letters.

[0016] A post slot 33 is provided at the front door 32 of a house 31, which is a potential delivery destination for a delivery item, so that mail and the like can be dropped off inside the house. The front door 32 has an open / close sensor that detects whether the door is open or closed. A camera 351 is located near the top of the front door 32. The camera 351 has a shooting range outside the front door 32 and is positioned so that it can shoot images of left-behind packages 50 and the actions of the delivery person. A human presence sensor 352 is also located near the front door 32. The human presence sensor is a sensor that detects humans, and is configured so that the camera 351 takes images from the time the human presence sensor detects a human until a predetermined time has passed since the human presence sensor no longer detects a human.

[0017] The motion sensor may be one that detects infrared rays emitted by humans, one that constantly emits infrared rays and reacts when the infrared rays cross, or one that detects humans by detecting changes in light or sound. The motion sensor 352 may be installed on the outside of the front door 32. The human presence sensor 352 and camera 351 are controlled by a control device (not shown). The control device has a control unit, a communication unit, and a recording unit, and is connected to a communication network (described later) via the communication unit to receive a shooting instruction signal supplied from the communication network. The recording unit records the video captured by the camera 351 together with the shooting time. Based on the shooting instruction signal received via the communication unit, the control unit switches the human presence sensor 352 to an operating state, and causes the camera 351 to capture images from the time the human presence sensor 352 detects a person until a predetermined time has passed since it no longer detects a person.

[0018] An intention sign 34 is hung on the knob of front door 32. As shown in Figure 2, intention sign 34 is made of a vertically long rectangular plate 341, which has an insertion hole 342a for hanging on the doorknob, and a recess 342b formed above the insertion hole 342a into which the shaft of the doorknob fits. Furthermore, a plurality of holes 343 are formed above insertion hole 342a, and a string is passed through these holes 343 to form a loop so that it can be hung anywhere other than the doorknob, that is, anywhere of your choice.

[0019] At the bottom of the intention indication marker 34, there is provided a leave-and-leave intention indication area 345 in which the recipient indicates their intention to accept the leave-and-leave, and further nearby there is displayed a barcode 344 as information carrying means carrying sign identification information unique to each intention indication marker 34. For example, the barcode 344 can be a variable barcode that differs for each intention indication marker 34.

[0020] Additionally, multiple pieces of delivery company identification information are arranged between the delivery intention indication area 345 and the barcode 344. This delivery company identification information is information for identifying the company that will deliver the item from the sender to the recipient, and includes visual information 347a-c consisting of characters, figures, or symbols individually set for each company, and two-dimensional barcodes 346a-c, which are company identification information holding means unique to each delivery company. The company identification information is information for identifying the company that will deliver the item and indicates the company that uses this intention indication 34. The visual information 347a-c is composed of figures or symbols that symbolize each company, or characters that indicate the company's name. By visually recognizing this visual information 347a-c, the delivery person can recognize that the recipient has used the intention indication 34 to instruct the item to be delivered by the delivery company to which the delivery person belongs to leave the item. The two-dimensional barcodes 346a-c are provided corresponding to the visual information 347a-c, respectively, and carry unique identification information assigned to each delivery company indicated by the visual information 347a-c. This identification information is identified when read by the mobile terminal 2na, and the destination to which the unique sign identification information of each intention indication sign 34 is sent is determined based on this identification information. In other words, the sign identification information is sent to each delivery company's server after being assigned. In the illustrated example, three types of delivery company identification information are displayed, which indicates that the recipient can indicate their intention to leave the parcel at their door with three delivery companies. For example, if the recipient agrees to leave the parcel at their door with one delivery company, one delivery company identification information is displayed.

[0021] Even in the case of a delivery company that does not display delivery company identification information, it is possible to take a photograph of the intention indication sign 34 and use it as evidence of delivery completion, as will be described later. The leave-at-rest delivery intention expression area 345 displays a message such as "Please leave the package here," and below that is an arrow indicating where to leave the package. By placing this intention expression sign 34 in a location that is easily visible to the delivery person, the delivery person is informed of the delivery person's consent to the leave-at-rest delivery. Note that even without providing the leave-at-rest delivery intention expression area 345, the delivery person can be deemed to have consented (or requested) to leave the package at rest simply by placing the intention expression sign 34 on the outside of the door 32.

[0022] Multiple intention indicators 34 may be provided, each with a different content for the drop-off intention indication area 345 and barcode 344. The reason for providing multiple indicators is that the information displayed in the drop-off intention indication area 345 can be different. For example, as described above, the front side of the drop-off intention indication area 345 could say, "Please leave the parcel here," while the back side of the drop-off intention indication area 345 could say, "Please leave the parcel here. Please ring the doorbell when the parcel has been left." This allows for multiple uses depending on the intended purpose. Alternatively, the drop-off intention indication area 345 may be surface-treated to receive erasable ink, allowing for any text to be written each time the parcel is used. This configuration allows the recipient to convey a different message to the deliverer depending on the situation each time the parcel is left-off.

[0023] The information carrying means may be the recipient's signature instead of the barcode 344. The recipient's signature may be stored as image information, and the image information may be stored in association with the sign identification information. The server uses signature authentication software to compare the stored image of the signature with the image of the signature sent from the mobile terminal, and determines whether the two signatures are those of the same person.

[0024] The delivery person carries mobile terminal 21b and places package 50 in front of front door 32 of house 31 while the recipient is away, and then reads barcode 52 on package 50 and barcode 344 on intention indicator 34 with mobile terminal 21b. The order of reading can be arbitrary, or alternatively, intention indicator 34 may be removed from the knob of door 32 and placed near barcode 52 on package 50, and both barcode 344 and barcode 52 may be photographed and read at the same time.

[0025] The reading of the barcode 344 on the intention indication sign 34 and the reading of the barcode 52 on the baggage 50 may be performed without reading each code, but may be simply captured as a photographed image, which may then be saved and sent to the server. The identification information carried by each barcode 52, 34 (or image information if the information carrying means is an uncoded identifier or sign) is read within the mobile terminal 21b, and each read identification information is transmitted to the server via a wireless communication line. As the information carrying means and the delivery identification information carrying means, in addition to a barcode, which is a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code (for example, a matrix type two-dimensional code) may be used.

[0026] The server extracts the parcel's delivery destination location information stored in association with the parcel identification information based on the received parcel identification information. It also extracts delivery destination information previously stored in association with the tag identification information in the delivery destination information storage unit, and compares it with the extracted delivery destination information to determine whether they match. If they match, it sends delivery completion information to the mobile terminal 21b, and notifies the recipient's terminal of the delivery completion and the completion date and time information.

[0027] Here, even if the delivery destination identification information corresponding to the sign identification information is not stored in the delivery destination identification information storage unit, the fact that the sign identification information has been sent to the server means that an intention to leave the parcel at the door has been sent, and therefore delivery can be considered complete upon receiving the sign identification information and the delivery item identification information. When the mobile terminal 21b is notified of the completion of delivery, information such as the date and time of delivery is printed (output) from the printer, and the deliverer places the printed delivery slip through the post slot 33.

[0028] The above-described delivery procedure will be explained in detail below using flowcharts and the like. Note that the barcodes 34, 52 may be RFID (radio frequency identifier), which exchanges information via short-range wireless communication using electromagnetic fields or radio waves from an RF tag with embedded ID information, such as an IC tag. Alternatively, the barcodes may be configured to read characters by optically reading identification information composed of text information. As mentioned above, the barcodes may also be image information such as the recipient's signature or an image of the recipient's face.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the system configuration of delivery system 100. In this embodiment, the delivery system, which includes a server and a mobile terminal, is intended for cases where a person who accepts delivery to a member has registered in advance and delivers packages to that member. However, the system can also be used by unregistered users who do not register and simply use an intention indicator 34. Members register their name (name, company name, etc.), location information of the location where the package can be delivered (e.g., address information, latitude and longitude information), and conditions for allowing delivery to a member (e.g., date and time specification: delivery to a member is permitted only on days other than Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM the following morning, etc.); weight specification: limited to packages over 20 kg, etc.; size specification: limited to packages over 30 liters, etc.; contents specification: limited to non-perishable foods, etc.).

[0030] The server 2 sets such information as sign identification information provided for each intention sign 34, and for each identification information, stores the above-mentioned location information, information on conditions for allowing delivery to a designated location, name, unique identification information (ID, password) assigned to each unique identification information assigned to each member, contact information (email address, telephone number, etc.), etc., in association with the identification information. This information is registered in the server's memory when the intention sign 34 is purchased, but it is not necessary to input the above information just by purchasing the sign.

[0031] If no information is entered at the time of purchase, when the intention indicator 34 is first used to perform a delivery to a customer, the delivery destination information associated with the delivery item identification information attached to the delivered item is entered as the information associated with the indicator identification information. For example, the addressee stored as the delivery destination information is entered as the member's name, and the address stored as the delivery destination information is entered as the location information of the location where the member's package can be delivered. In addition, the contents, size, and weight of the package stored as the delivery destination information, and the actual delivery date and time may be stored as delivery conditions.

[0032] Such delivery conditions may be set automatically by accumulating information about the parcel that has been left at rest (contents of the parcel, size of the parcel, weight of the parcel, actual delivery date and time) and information about the acceptance of the parcel each time a parcel is left at rest, and then using the accumulated information and the acceptance of the parcel. Alternatively, if the user of the intention indication sign 34 does not wish to register, the information executed at the end of delivery as described above will not be accumulated at all.

[0033] The server also stores registration information for deliverers. Delivers are, for example, people who apply when a sender calls for deliverers, and the registration information includes the terminal information of the deliverer, information that identifies the deliverer (terminal information such as name, age, sex, address, email address, and mobile phone number, and unique identification information (ID and password) assigned to each deliverer), etc.

[0034] Similarly, the server also stores registration information for senders. A sender is a person who sends a package, and the registration information includes the sender's terminal information, information identifying the sender (terminal information such as name, age, sex, address, email address, and mobile phone number, and unique identification information (ID, password) assigned to each deliverer), etc. The server also stores associated delivery identification information for packages sent by the sender. The unique delivery identification information assigned to a package to be sent is stored in association with information about the recipient, information about the deliverer who delivers the package, and information about delivery completion. The information about delivery completion includes information about the delivery completion time, location information at the time of delivery completion, and evidence information showing the completion of delivery (for example, image information of the package and the intention indicator, information combining the identification information of the package and the identification information of the intention indicator, etc.).

[0035] When a deliverer is requested to send a parcel and accepts the request, information about the recipient (delivery address, name, telephone number), information about the deliverer (delivery person's unique identification number, mobile phone number, etc.), and information about the delivered item (slip number, contents, desired delivery date and time, etc.) are registered from the sender's terminal to server 2. Server 2 records the sender information in association with each of the above input information. Each delivery company may have its own server 2. Unique identification information is assigned to each delivery company, and delivery completion information is transmitted from the mobile terminals 21a, 22a to 2na to each server.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the delivery system 100 is configured by connecting mobile terminals 21a, 22a to 2na possessed by the deliverer, terminals 21b, 22b to 2nb possessed by the recipient, terminals 21c, 22c to 2nc possessed by the sender, and server 2 via a network Ne. The network Ne includes various wireless communication lines and internet service provider base stations that connect them, etc. Note that the network Ne only needs to be connectable at any time, and does not need to be connected all the time. The terminals 21b, 22b to 2nb held by the recipient are, for example, general-purpose personal computers (PC) 1a, notebook PCs 1b, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) 1c, mobile phones 1d, smartphones, and other multi-function mobile terminals such as tablet-type terminals, and have at least the function of receiving delivery notifications, such as email software.

[0037] The mobile terminals 21a, 22a to 2na of the deliverers all have the same configuration, and multiple deliverers each carry a mobile terminal 2na. The mobile terminals carried by the deliverers may be, for example, smartphones (mobile terminals equipped with a mobile operating system). Furthermore, they may also be equipped with application software for deliverers. In the case of such terminals, it is necessary that they at least have a camera function as a reading unit.

[0038] An example of the internal configuration of the portable terminal 2na will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the portable terminal 2na as a communication terminal. The user terminal 1 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a control means, an input unit 12, a display unit 13 as a display means, a communication unit 14 as a transmitting means and a receiving means, a position detection unit 141, a RAM 15, a storage unit 16, a reading unit 17, a printer 19, etc., and each unit is connected by a bus 17. The CPU 11 loads a specified program from various application programs such as system programs stored in the storage unit 16 into a work area (not shown) in the RAM, executes various processes in accordance with the program in response to data input from the input unit 12, and stores the processing results in the work memory in the RAM 15.

[0039] The CPU 11 also generates display information for displaying the processing results and outputs it to the display unit 13. The CPU 11 loads a barcode reading program from the storage unit 16 into the work memory, and uses this barcode reading program to extract identification information carried in the barcode information read via the reading unit 17, and stores the identification information in the storage unit 16. Furthermore, when delivery completion information is received via the communication unit 14, the CPU 11 displays the delivery completion information on the display unit 13 and causes the printer 19 to output a delivery completion notice slip.

[0040] Alternatively, if specific location information or delivery destination location information is obtained directly from the IC tag, the working memory compares both pieces of location information to determine whether they match, generates information regarding delivery completion, outputs it to the display unit 13 or printer 19, and notifies the server 2 via the communication unit 14.

[0041] The input unit 12 comprises a keyboard (input means) having kana / alphanumeric input keys, cursor keys, various function keys, etc., and a mouse (designation means) which is a pointing device. The display unit 13 is configured with a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like, and displays various display data on the screen in accordance with instructions of a display signal input from the CPU 11. The communication unit 14 is connected to an external network via wireless communication, and ultimately communicates with the server 2.

[0042] A RAM (Random Access Memory) 15 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU 11 and data processed by these various programs. The storage unit 16 has a storage medium, which is configured, for example, as a semiconductor memory, on which programs, data, etc. are stored in advance. This storage medium stores the system program, various processing programs corresponding to the system, and data processed by the various processing programs, etc.

[0043] The reading unit 17 is configured with one or both of a reading device that optically reads barcodes and a device that reads information by short-distance wireless communication using electromagnetic fields, radio waves, etc. Alternatively, the reading unit 17 may have a photographing means such as a camera that reads signs, character signs, etc. as images, and a voice recognition means that is configured with an auditory information acquisition means such as a microphone that acquires sound or voice, and a voice conversion means that converts the auditory information acquired by the microphone into text information.

[0044] The mobile terminal 2na may also have a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information about the mobile terminal's location. The location information acquisition unit may use, for example, a system in which a GPS receiver receives signals from several of the approximately 30 GPS satellites in the sky, allowing the receiver to know its current location.

[0045] The recipient terminals 21b, 22b, etc. owned by the recipient of the package are, for example, desktop or notebook personal computers, or mobile terminals such as smartphones, which are terminal devices that can connect to a communication network such as the Internet. Like the mobile terminal 2na described above, the recipient terminals have a CPU 41, an input unit 42, a display unit 43, a communication unit 44, a RAM 45, and a storage unit 46, and also have software (a browser) for connecting to the communication network. The recipient terminal can use the browser to view desired pages on the Internet and can perform desired input tasks on those pages via the input unit 42.

[0046] Next, the server 2 will be described. The main configuration of the server 2 is substantially the same as that of the mobile terminal 2na described above, and therefore the same reference numerals are used for the respective components (see FIG. 4), and illustrations and descriptions of the configuration will be omitted. Below, the characteristic functions of the server 2 and the database provided in the server 2 will be described in detail. The server 2 is configured with a CPU 21 as a processing means, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24 as a transmitting / receiving means, a RAM 25, a memory unit 26 as a memory means, etc., and each unit is connected by a bus 27.

[0047] The storage unit 26 includes various databases for storing the system program, the signature verification program, various processing programs corresponding to the system, and information supplied from the mobile terminal 2na (described later). The storage unit 26 also includes a database for storing data. The database has multiple storage areas. The first storage area is a delivery information storage area serving as a delivery information storage means. Various pieces of information are stored in the delivery information storage area when a package is arranged for delivery. The stored information includes delivery item identification information, which is set for each package. Associated with this delivery item identification information are location information of the delivery destination (address and name of the delivery destination) specified when the package was arranged for delivery, information on the attributes of the package contents (documents, perishable goods, fragile goods, items requiring refrigeration, etc.), information on the package weight, information on the package size, information on the shipping location, and information on the sender (name, address, and contact information (email address) of the sender). This information is input as data at a package dispatching center or collection reception center and provided to the server 2 via the communication network Nc. The delivery item identification information is determined at the time of data input, and a barcode 52 is simultaneously issued as a delivery item information storage means carrying the delivery item identification information.

[0048] The issued barcode 52 is printed, for example, on a sticker and affixed to the surface of the package 50. If an IC tag is issued instead of a barcode as the delivery information carrying means, all of the information stored in the first storage area may be stored in the IC tag. When an IC tag is issued, it is preferable that it be affixed to the inside surface of the box in which the package 50 is packed or to the back side of the attached shipping slip 51, rather than to the surface of the package 50. This can prevent damage to the IC tag due to contact with other packages during the transport of the package 50.

[0049] The second storage area is a delivery destination identification information storage area serving as a delivery destination identification information storage means. The delivery destination identification information storage area stores location information (address information, latitude and longitude information) of points that can be designated as delivery destinations for deliveries, associated with sign identification information. The sign identification information is already carried in a barcode 344 printed on the plate 341. The information stored in association with the sign identification information includes the name (name, corporate name, etc.) of the owner of the sign identification information, contact information (email address, phone number), and condition information for allowing delivery to the parcel (e.g., date and time conditions: days other than Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are permitted for delivery to the parcel, time conditions such as 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM the following morning, weight conditions such as packages weighing 20 kg or more, size conditions such as packages weighing 30 liters or more, and attribute conditions such as packages not requiring refrigeration and packages not perishable). This information is stored and input by the purchaser (the recipient of the parcel) via the input unit 22, for example, when purchasing a sign indicating intention. When an IC tag is issued instead of a barcode as the information carrying means, all of the information stored in the first storage area may be stored in the IC tag. In addition to the above, the recipient's signature may be stored as image information instead of the barcode, and the sign identification information may be carried in this signature image.

[0050] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts shown in Figures 1 and 2 and Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the mobile terminal, and Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the server 2. As shown in Figure 1, the deliverer places the package 50 in front of the entrance of the house 31 when the recipient is not at home, and when the deliverer confirms that the recipient is not at home, the deliverer inputs into the mobile terminal whether or not the recipient is at home (step S101). If the recipient is at home, the deliverer can hand over the package as is, completing the delivery (step S105). If the recipient is not at home, the deliverer checks whether or not there is an intention indicator 34 around the front door 32. If there is no intention indicator 34, the deliverer sends a message to the server that the recipient is not at home (step S109). At this time, the date and time when the deliverer confirmed that the recipient is not at home is also sent. After the message that the recipient is not at home is sent, the deliverer will redeliver the package at a later date.

[0051] If the intention indicator 34 is present, the barcode 52 of the parcel 50, which is the delivery, is read by the reading unit 17 of the mobile terminal 21a (step S111). The CPU 11 detects delivery identification information from the barcode 52, and stores the delivery identification information in the memory unit 16 (at this time, information on the time of reading is also stored) (step S113). Before a predetermined time has elapsed from step S111, the barcode 344 is read (at this time, information on the time of reading is also stored) (steps S115, S119). This predetermined time is set, for example, in the range of about 15 to 60 seconds. This is to ensure that the location of the parcel 50 and the location of the delivery destination are the same. If this predetermined time has elapsed, an error message is displayed on the display unit 13 (step S117), and the delivery must be retried from step S111.

[0052] The order of reading may be reversed. Barcode 344 may be read first, and barcode 52 may be read within a predetermined time. In other words, step S119 may be executed first, and then step S111 may be executed after step S115. If the interval between the reading of barcode 52 and barcode 344 is within the predetermined time in step S115, the processing from step S121 onwards is executed. Note that when reading barcode 52 of the delivery piece in step S111, location information of mobile terminal 21a may be detected and stored. Furthermore, if the delivery person visually checks the delivery company identification information assigned to each delivery company on intention indication marker 34 and the identification information of the delivery company to which the delivery person belongs is included, in step S119, the two-dimensional barcode of the delivery company to which the delivery person belongs is also read from among two-dimensional barcodes 346a-c.

[0053] After step S119, the CPU 11 detects the sign identification information from the barcode 344 and the two-dimensional barcode, and stores the sign identification information in the storage unit 16 (step S121). (If a signature is written instead of the barcode 344, the signature is photographed and the photographed image is stored.) The delivery identification information and sign identification information (or signature image) stored in steps S113 and S121 are transmitted to the server 2 via the communication unit 14 (step S123). The information transmitted to the server 2 may include, in addition to the delivery identification information and sign identification information (or signature image), information indicating the date and time of reading, and location information of the mobile terminal at the time of reading. Furthermore, the company handling the delivery is determined based on the unique identification information of the delivery company read from the two-dimensional barcodes 346a-c, and the server of the determined delivery company is selected and the information is transmitted to that server.

[0054] The determination result is received from the destination server 2 (step S125), and if it is determined that delivery is complete (step S127), the display unit 13 displays that delivery is complete (step S131), and a delivery completion notice is output from the printer 19 (step S133). If the terminal does not have a printer, the data is converted into an image file or the like and stored. The delivery completion notification slip displays, for example, delivery destination information, delivery destination specific information, delivery completion date and time, etc. If delivery destination specific information is not stored, delivery destination information and delivery completion date and time, etc. are displayed. The display executed in step S131 includes a display indicating the delivery method. That is, this is either simply leaving the package 50 at the front door, or leaving the package 50 at the front door and then ringing a call buzzer at the front door. If the latter method is displayed, the delivery person presses the call buzzer after leaving the package 50. Even if such an instruction is not displayed, if there is an instruction to press the buzzer in the delivery intention area 345 of the intention indication sign 34, the same delivery method will be performed.

[0055] If the determination result is not that delivery is complete, an error message is displayed on the display unit 13 (step S129). When an error message is displayed, the deliverer is informed that there is a high possibility that the delivery location is incorrect, and is prompted to reconfirm the delivery address. The content of the error message may include a message that the delivery destination specific information stored in association with the sign identification information does not match the delivery destination information, or a message that the delivery destination information does not match the conditions for allowing delivery to a designated location stored in association with the sign identification information.

[0056] The processing of the server 2 executed in response to the processing of the mobile terminal 21a as described above will now be described. When the sender sends the package 50, the server 2 stores the delivery item identification information in the delivery information storage means (step S201), and subsequently acquires the delivery destination information and information about the package (step S203), associates it with the delivery item identification information stored in step S201, and stores it in the delivery information storage means (step S205). The delivery destination information includes the location information (address, etc.) of the delivery destination, the addressee, etc. The information about the package includes information about whether or not to accept delivery to a designated location, weight information, size information, and attribute information (type of package: perishable food, documents, clothing, etc.; handling information: fragile, do not fold, upside down, handle with care, keep refrigerated, keep frozen, etc.).

[0057] A delivery advance notice is sent to the recipient terminal by email (step S207). Note that if information about the recipient is not stored, this email will not be sent. Figure 7 shows screen 6 of the recipient terminal on which the delivery advance notice email is displayed. As shown in Figure 7, the email displays an area 61 displaying the scheduled delivery date and time, an area 62 displaying delivery information such as the contents of the package to be delivered and the sender's name, and, if delivery to be left at rest is desired, an address display area 63 (an area instructing the user to input information permitting delivery at rest) displaying the address of an input page on the Internet for entering information permitting delivery at rest.

[0058] FIG. 8 shows an Internet-based page for inputting information for consenting to delivery without leaving the parcel, which is linked to the address display area 63. The input page 7 displays a consent information input area 71 for inputting consent information for delivery without leaving the parcel, a condition input area 72 for inputting conditions for consenting to delivery without leaving the parcel, and a specified delivery content input area 73. The consent information input area 71 displays options for consenting to delivery without leaving the parcel, and the user selects this option if consent is given. The condition input area 72 is used to input conditions for consenting to delivery without leaving the parcel. For example, there are options for time zone conditions: an option for inputting the time zone for which delivery without leaving the parcel, weight conditions: an input area for inputting the weight of the parcel for which delivery without leaving the parcel (e.g., 10 kg or less), and volume conditions: an input area for inputting the volume of the parcel for which delivery without leaving the parcel (e.g., 5 liters or less). The specified delivery content input area 73 displays options for the method of delivery without leaving the parcel. Two options are displayed: simply leaving the parcel at the front door, and leaving the parcel at the front door and then pressing the call buzzer. When input is complete, the user presses the send button 76.

[0059] It is determined whether or not the delivery acceptance information has been entered on input page 7 (step S209), and if so, the entered conditions are stored (step S210), and if not, it is determined whether or not an absence report based on step S109 of the mobile terminal processing has been received (step S211).If not received, step S219 is executed, and if received, a delivery absence notice is sent simultaneously to the receiver's terminal and the sender's terminal to inform the receiver that the delivery was made but the receiver was not at home and the delivery could not be made (step S213).

[0060] This notification is made by email. FIG. 9 shows a screen 8 of the recipient's terminal on which the email notification of delivery failure is displayed. As shown in FIG. 9, the email displays a delivery failure information display area 81 that displays information indicating that the recipient was not home at the time of delivery and delivery was not possible, an area 82 that displays the delivery date and time, an area 83 that displays delivery information such as the contents of the delivered package and the sender's name, and an address display area 84 (an area for instructing the recipient to leave the package at rest) that displays the address of an online input page for entering information permitting delivery at rest if the recipient wishes to have the package left at rest for the next redelivery. The online page for entering information permitting delivery at rest linked to the address display area 84 is the same as that shown in FIG. 8. It is determined whether information has been entered on the page for entering information permitting delivery at rest linked to the address display area 84 (step S215), and if so, the entered conditions are stored (step S217). If information permitting delivery at rest has already been entered in step S209, it is updated to the information entered in step S215.

[0061] At the sender's terminal that receives the delivery notification by email based on step S213, an area similar to the area 81 displaying delivery failure information, an area 82 displaying the delivery date and time, and an area 83 displaying delivery information such as the contents of the delivered package and the sender's name, is displayed on the screen shown in Fig. 9. However, in area 83, the recipient's name is displayed instead of the sender's name.

[0062] When the mobile terminal 21a receives the delivery item identification information and the marker identification information through the processing of step S123 (step S219), it compares the received delivery item identification information with the delivery item identification information stored in the delivery information storage means, and identifies the location information of the delivery destination specified at the time of shipping and information about the package (step S221). It is determined whether the tag identification information has been stored (step S223). On the other hand, if the tag identification information has not been stored, the delivery destination information stored in association with the delivery piece identification information received at the same time as the tag identification information is stored as delivery destination specification information in association with the tag identification information (step S225). Step S225 can also be set not to be executed at the recipient's option. Receipt of the sign identification information means that the intention to accept the delivery to the parcel has been expressed, so step S235 is executed.

[0063] If the delivery destination specifying information associated with the received sign identification information is stored in the delivery destination specifying information storage means, the received sign identification information is compared with the delivery destination specifying information stored in the delivery destination specifying information storage means to identify the location information where the intention indicator is located (step S227). Here, it is determined whether the location information of the delivery destination identified in step S221 matches the location information of the intention indicator of the delivery destination to which the delivery is actually made identified in step S227 (step S229). If they do not match, error information is sent to the mobile terminal 21a (step S231). If they match, it is clear that the delivery has been made to the delivery destination specified at the time of delivery, and it can be determined that the delivery has been completed.

[0064] Here, there may be conditions for approving delivery to a designated location. In other words, if the location information matches, the following process is carried out. The conditions for approving delivery to a designated location, which are stored in association with the sign identification information, are compared with the information about the package stored in association with the delivery identification information, and it is determined whether the package conditions and delivery date and time match the conditions for approving delivery to a designated location (step S233). If they do not match, error information is sent to the mobile terminal 21a (step S231). This error information also includes the content of the error. For example, the delivery location is different, it is outside the time period for delivery to a designated location, the weight is not such that delivery to a designated location is acceptable, etc.

[0065] When such error information is received, the recipient can connect to server 2 via a communication line such as the Internet and cancel or change the conditions for accepting delivery to the recipient. For example, the condition of "until 8 PM" can be changed to "until 10 PM." As described above, if there are conditions for accepting delivery to the recipient stored in step S217 in addition to the conditions for accepting delivery to the recipient stored in association with the sign identification information, the conditions for accepting delivery to the recipient will be applied with priority given to the conditions stored in step S217. In other words, the most recently set conditions take priority.

[0066] If they match, it is clear that the parcel has been delivered to the delivery destination specified at the time of delivery, so it can be determined that the delivery is complete, and a message to that effect is sent to the mobile terminal 21a (step S235 → step S125). Based on this message, the mobile terminal executes step S125. The message also includes information about the delivery method. It should be noted that if the recipient has not selected to record the delivery destination specific information associated with the label identification information, steps S229, S233, S237, and S239 are not executed. If the delivery is complete, a notification of the completion of delivery is sent to the recipient terminal (step S237).

[0067] The destination is sent to the email address associated with the sign identification information in the delivery destination specification information storage means. Similarly, an operation start signal is sent to the control device that controls the human presence sensor 352 and camera 351 (step S239). This activates the human presence sensor 352, and if the left package 50 is stolen, the camera 351 can capture a video of the theft. By receiving such an email notification to the recipient's email address, the recipient can immediately know that the delivery has been completed. This means that, for example, if the recipient is at home, they can immediately open the door and collect the package. This prevents problems such as accidentally leaving the package outdoors.

[0068] The intention indication sign 34 does not have to be made of a plate, and may be integrated with the front door, for example, by providing a window on the surface of the door 32, and when the window is opened, the sign identification information is displayed inside. If the window of the door 32 is open, the delivery person can recognize that "I have consented to leaving the parcel at the door," and read the displayed sign identification information. If the window is closed, the delivery person can recognize that "I have not consented to leaving the parcel at the door."

[0069] Next, the processing of step S233 will be described. Step S233 is a process for approving whether or not to approve delivery to a designated location. First, it is determined whether conditions restricting delivery to a designated location have been set. If no conditions have been set, step S235 is executed. If conditions have been set, the conditions for approving delivery to a designated location that are stored in association with the sign identification information are checked one by one against the information about the package. The conditions for the date and time for approving delivery to a designated location, the weight conditions for approving delivery to a designated location, the size conditions for approving delivery to a designated location, and other attribute conditions are all checked against the information about the package, and if all conditions are met, step S235 is executed, and if even one condition is not met, step S231 is executed.

[0070] In addition to the configuration example described above, the process when the deliverer's mobile terminal 21a does not have the function of decoding barcodes will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 5. As a process on the mobile terminal 21a side, in step S111, a barcode 52 serving as a delivery information holding means is photographed by the camera, which is the imaging means of the mobile terminal 21a. The delivery information holding means to be photographed is not limited to the barcode 52. Any information that is unique enough to specifically identify the delivery may be used, such as a slip attached to the package 50, a slip number written on the slip, a delivery address, a sender address, and a description of the contents. When taking a photograph, the photographing date and time and location information are also acquired, and in step S113, these are stored in the storage unit 16 together with the image information acquired by photographing.

[0071] Before a predetermined time has elapsed (step S115), in step S119, an image of the area where the information carrying means of the intention indication marker 34 is displayed is acquired. That is, the image is captured by a camera, which is an imaging means provided in the mobile terminal 21a. The information carrying means is not limited to the barcode described above, and may be any unique identification information that can be visually recognized. For example, it may be a combination code of numbers or Roman letters assigned to each intention indication marker 34, a signature, a facial photograph, etc. In step S121, these images are stored in the memory unit 16. At this time, the simultaneous image capture date and time is also acquired and stored.

[0072] Then, in step S122, the image information stored in steps S113 and S121, i.e., the image of the delivery information carrier of the parcel 50 and the image of the information carrier of the intention indicator 34, are combined into a single image. As shown in FIG. 10, a single image information 9 is generated that includes an image area 91 of the information carrier and an image area 92 of the delivery information carrier. This image includes a display area 93 in which the time information and location information at the time of execution of step S111, or the time information and location information at the time of execution of step S119, are superimposed on the generated image information and displayed as visual information. For example, the time information is combined using numbers in the order of year, month, day, and time. Furthermore, the location information is displayed, for example, as north latitude and east longitude using numbers. These dates and times are displayed to indicate the date, time, and location of delivery completion. Note that the reading order may be reversed. First, the barcode 344 is read, and then the barcode 52 is read within a predetermined time. That is, step S119 may be executed first, and step S111 may be executed after step S115.

[0073] Furthermore, when combining the image of the delivery information carrying means of the parcel 50 and the image of the information carrying means of the intention display sign 34 into one image, the image of the delivery information carrying means may be superimposed with the photographing time and photographing location information of the delivery, and the image of the information carrying means of the intention display sign 34 may be superimposed with the photographing time and photographing location information of the intention display sign 34.

[0074] In step S123, the generated image information, which is the generated delivery completion information, is sent to server 2. Server 2 associates the received image information with the unique identification information of the deliverer and records it in storage unit 26, and also sends the image to the sender's terminal. The image information generated in step S122 is attached to the delivery completion email addressed to the sender shown in FIG. 9. The image generated in step S122 is saved in storage unit 16 of the deliverer's mobile terminal as evidence of delivery completion. If the recipient later complains that the package was not delivered, the image can be used as evidence of delivery completion. Similarly, the sender can also retain evidence of delivery completion. Furthermore, since the generated image remains on server 2 as delivery completion information, even if the deliverer, recipient, or sender tampers with the generated image, the original image remains on server 2, which has the effect of preventing fraudulent activities.

[0075] Furthermore, if the image acquired in step S119 is a barcode, a step of reading the information carried in this barcode may be provided in the processing of the mobile terminal or server, and information about the recipient may be extracted from the unique identification information carried in the barcode 344, and an email such as that shown in FIG. 9 may be sent to the recipient's email address, with the image information generated in step S122 attached to the email. It is also possible to send the image information stored in steps S113 and S121 to the server 2, where the two images are synthesized.

[0076] In the above configuration, instead of photographing the information carrier and the delivery information carrier separately, the intention indication sign 34 may be removed from the knob of the door 32 and placed near the delivery information carrier (barcode 52) of the package 50, and the information carrier and the delivery information carrier may be photographed simultaneously to include both the information carrier and the delivery information carrier in a single image. In this case, in step S122, the photographing date and time and the location information may be combined.

[0077] Next, we will explain the case where it is used as a delivery system. The components shown in Figures 1 to 4 are the same, but the back side of the intention indication sign 34 is used. Figure 11 shows the configuration of the back side of the intention indication sign 34. At the bottom of the intention indication sign 34, there is provided a non-face-to-face delivery intention indication area 345r in which the sender indicates their intention to request non-face-to-face delivery, and further nearby there is displayed a barcode 344r as information carrying means carrying sign identification information unique to each intention indication sign 34.

[0078] Additionally, multiple pieces of delivery company identification information are arranged between the non-face-to-face delivery intention indication area 345r and the barcode 344r. This delivery company identification information is information for identifying the company that will deliver the item from the sender to the recipient, and includes visual information 347ar-cr consisting of characters, figures, or symbols individually set for each company, and two-dimensional barcodes 346ar-cr, which are company identification information holding means unique to each delivery company. When this identification information 346ar-cr is read by the mobile terminal 2na, it is identified, and based on this identification information, the destination to which the sign identification information unique to each intention indication sign 34 is sent is assigned. In other words, it is assigned and sent to the server of each delivery company.

[0079] The non-face-to-face delivery intention indication area 345r displays a message such as "Please collect this package," and below that is an arrow indicating where to place the package. By placing this intention indication sign 34 in a location that is easily visible to the delivery person, the delivery person is informed of the delivery person's consent to non-face-to-face pickup. Note that even without providing the non-face-to-face delivery intention indication area 345r, the delivery person can also consent to (or request) non-face-to-face delivery by simply placing the intention indication sign 34 on the outside of the door 32.

[0080] The server side is also provided with a sender identification information storage means for storing sender identification information in association with intention information, a delivery item related information acquisition means for acquiring delivery item information on the delivery item from the sender and delivery destination information on the delivery destination of the delivery item, a delivery item related information storage means for storing delivery item information on the delivery item input by the sender and delivery destination information on the delivery destination of the delivery item in association with intention information, a delivery information storage means for storing sender information of the delivery item in association with delivery item identification information, and a delivery item identification related information storage means. Sender identification information includes the sender's name, address, telephone number, email address, etc. Delivery information includes the attributes of the delivery item (including perishables, items that need to be frozen, items that need to be top-side down, fragile items, precision equipment, size, weight, waterproofing, etc.). Delivery destination information includes the recipient's name, address, telephone number, email address, etc.

[0081] When the receiving means receives the intention information and the delivery item identification information, the server extracts the sender information of the delivery item from the delivery information storage means based on the received delivery item identification information, and also extracts the delivery item information and delivery destination information from the delivery item related information storage means based on the received intention information, and stores the extracted delivery item information, delivery destination information and sender information in the delivery item identification related information storage means in association with the delivery item identification information.

[0082] Furthermore, the server has a determination means for determining that delivery is complete when it receives from the portable terminal 2na the sender's unique identification code carried on the barcode 344r read by the portable terminal 2na and the delivery identification information also read by the portable terminal 2na. This determination is made on the condition that it is confirmed that the sender information associated with the identification information carried on the barcode 344r matches the information of the sender who entered the delivery information and the delivery destination information. Furthermore, the server has slip information generating means for generating slip information based on the information stored in the piece identification related information when the determining means determines that delivery has been completed.

[0083] 12 shows an internet page for inputting collection information (hereinafter, "delivery" will be expressed as "collection"). Input page 10A is displayed on the screen when specific information such as an ID that identifies the sender and a password are input from a specific portal site. Input page 10A displays collection schedule information input area 101A for entering non-face-to-face collection schedule information, time zone input area 102A for entering desired collection time zone, and non-face-to-face collection content designation information input area 103A. In collection consent information input area 101A, the desired date of collection is entered. Entering this date indicates consent to non-face-to-face collection. In non-face-to-face collection content designation information input area 103A, a designation area 104A for specifying the collection method is provided.

[0084] There are two options: collection only, or collection work and a doorbell to notify the sender of the collection. If the sender is at home but prefers not to meet face-to-face, it is useful to be notified of the completion of collection by a doorbell. Once the collection information has been entered, the user presses button 105A, which takes them to a screen for entering the delivery address, and then enters the delivery destination information and delivery item information, which is information about the attributes of the delivery item. The attributes of the delivery item are information about the contents of the delivery item, such as perishable goods, documents, size, and weight. These input items are stored in the delivery-related information storage means in association with the intention information that identifies the sender.

[0085] When a collection request is received from the sender, the address (sender's address) stored in association with the identification information of the intention indication marker 34 is displayed on the terminal of the deliverer, and the deliverer heads to that address. As shown in Figure 1, if a barcode (delivery identification information carrying means) carrying delivery identification information previously distributed by the sender is affixed to the package 50, which is the delivery item at the front door, the deliverer reads this barcode and the barcode 344r of the intention indication marker 34, and transmits the read information to the server.

[0086] The server determines whether the sender information identified by barcode 344r matches the information of the shipping requester who requested collection and entered the delivery item information and delivery destination information. If they do not match, it sends error information to the delivery person's mobile terminal, informing them that the collection destination is incorrect. If they match, it performs the following process. If a barcode (delivery item identification information carrying means) is not affixed to the package, the deliverer's mobile terminal generates delivery item identification information upon reading the barcode 344r of the intention indication marker 34, and transmits the generated delivery item identification information and intention indication identification information to the server. In this case, the server generates slip information based on the received delivery item identification information and intention indication identification information, and transmits the generated slip information to the deliverer's mobile terminal. The deliverer's mobile terminal prints a slip based on the received slip information, and affixes the slip to the package 50.

[0087] At the same time, the server sends an email to the sender's terminal notifying them that collection has been completed. Figure 13 shows the display screen of the sender's terminal, showing the collection completion notification email. Screen 10B displays collection completion date and time display area 101B and delivery related information display area 102B, which displays information related to the delivery. The slip 10C printed by the deliverer's mobile terminal has, for example, as shown in Figure 14, a slip number (delivery identification information) display area 102C, a delivery destination information display area 103C, a sender information display area 104C, a delivery information display area 105C, and an identification information holding means display area 106C.

[0088] (First Modification) Next, a first modified example of the delivery system of the present invention will be described. Since the delivery system of the first modified example has the same configuration as the delivery system of the embodiment described above, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the delivery system of the first modified example is shown in Figure 15. As shown in Figure 15, the delivery system of the first modified example includes a management server device (hereinafter referred to as the "management server") 300, a plurality of user terminals 302N1, 302N2, etc., and a plurality of delivery company systems 304N1, 304N2, etc. The management server 300, the plurality of user terminals 302N1, 302N2, etc., and the plurality of delivery company systems 304N1, 304N2, etc. are connected to each other via a network Ne.

[0089] Management server 300 manages a plurality of delivery company systems 304N1, 304N2, etc. For example, management server 300 can instruct a delivery company system of a delivery company specified by user terminal 302N1 to pick up and deliver a package. The multiple delivery company systems 304N1, 304N2... are delivery company systems for multiple delivery companies pre-selected from a large number of delivery companies. The delivery company systems 304N1... include a delivery company server device (hereinafter referred to as the "delivery company server") 306, multiple collector terminals 321N1..., and multiple deliverer terminals 322N1.... The collector terminals 321N1... and the deliverer terminals 322N1... have the same configuration. The deliverer terminals 322N1... function as collector terminals when collecting packages. The collector terminals 321N1... function as deliverer terminals when delivering packages. The delivery company server 306 manages the multiple collector terminals 321N1... and the multiple deliverer terminals 322N1.... Specifically, the delivery company server 306 determines which collection terminal 321N1... is responsible for collection for each region, and which delivery terminal 322N1... is responsible for delivering the package for each region, and instructs the corresponding terminal to collect or deliver the package. The other delivery company systems 304N2... have the same configuration as the delivery company system 304N1, so their explanation is omitted. Note that the number of delivery company terminals and the number of collection terminals may differ for each delivery company.

[0090] The multiple user terminals 302N1, 302N2, etc. have the same configuration and include a computer having the aforementioned CPU 21 (see FIG. 4), ROM, RAM 25, and input / output ports to which an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24, a storage unit 26, and a printer 19 are connected. The management server 300 and the delivery company server 306 have the same configuration as the user terminal 302N1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. As described above, the collector terminals 321N1··· and the deliverer terminals 322N1··· have the same configuration as the portable terminal 2na shown in FIG. 4, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] Next, a description will be given of membership registration in the first modified example when a user purchases an intention indication marker 34. The intention indication marker 34 in the first modified example is substantially similar to the intention indication marker 34 in the embodiment described above (see FIG. 11), but does not have the visual information 347a-c and two-dimensional barcodes 346a-c of the intention indication marker 34 in the embodiment described above (see FIG. 11). 16 shows how, when a user purchases an intention indication marker 34, the user registers (membership registration) information about the user and the designated delivery company with the management server 300, and the management server 300 causes the intention indication marker 34 to carry information about the user (i.e., the purchaser of the intention indication marker 34) in a barcode 344r. As shown in FIG. 16, in member registration when a user purchases an intention indication marker 34, first, the user terminal 302N1 accesses the homepage (Hp) of the management server 300. The user terminal 302N1 transmits the ID and password, information about the user (purchaser of the intention indication marker 34), and designated delivery company information to the management server 300 via the homepage (Hp).

[0092] The ID is a code (ID) that distinguishes each individual user, and the PW is a code that is combined with the ID to identify the user. User information includes the user's address, name, age, email address, and other information. Other information includes, for example, a mobile phone number, gender, date of birth, and occupation. The information specifying the delivery company is, for example, information specifying the company to request collection or deliver the package from among predetermined delivery companies (e.g., Company A, Company B, and Company C).

[0093] The management server 300 attaches or prints a barcode 344r carrying the user's information to the intention indication marker 34. The intention indication sign 34 thus produced is mailed to the user's home. FIG. 17 shows the information stored in memory area 316 of memory unit 26 of management server 300 at the time of member registration. As described above, at the time of member registration, ID and PW, user information, and information specifying the delivery company are transmitted from user terminal 302N1 to management server 300. Management server 300 stores the member registration information such as ID and PW, user information, and delivery company (e.g., Company A) and the date of member registration in memory area 316M1 for the user in memory area 316, corresponding to each other. This completes the member registration of the user. Memory area 316 also includes memory areas 316M2, etc., in which member registration information of other users is stored.

[0094] Management server 300 manages the member registration information stored in memory area 316 based on the date of member registration. Specifically, management server 300 deletes (erases) the member registration information stored in memory area 316 if a predetermined period of time, for example, one year, has passed since the date of member registration. Since member registration information is deleted after the predetermined period of time has passed, it is possible to alleviate users' concerns that their personal information may be used without permission after they stop using the system.

[0095] Next, the operation of the delivery system of the first modified example will be explained. Figure 18 shows a timing chart of the delivery system of the first modified example. Note that the operation of the delivery system will be explained below using an example in which the user terminal of the collection requester is user terminal 302N1, the user terminal of the delivery destination of the package is user terminal 302N2, and the delivery company system of delivery company A is delivery company system 304N1.

[0096] In step 352, the user terminal 302N1 makes a collection request to the management server 300. Specifically, the CPU 21 of the user terminal 302N1 accesses the homepage HP of the management server 300 via the communication unit 24 and transmits the ID, password, and collection request information to the management server 300. The collection request information includes the collection date and time, the address and name of the delivery recipient, comments to the delivery recipient, the delivery recipient's email address, and package information. The management server 300, to which the collection request has been made, determines in step 353 whether the membership has expired. 19 shows a flowchart of the revocation determination processing program executed by the management server 300. As shown in Fig. 19, in step 353A, the CPU 21 of the management server 300 determines whether or not an ID and PW are stored in the memory area 316 of the management server 300. If the determination in step 353A is affirmative, the revocation determination process proceeds to step 353D.

[0097] As described above, management server 300 deletes member registration information stored in memory area 316 if one year has passed since the date of member registration. Therefore, for example, even if member registration information is stored in memory area 316, it will be deleted if one year has passed since its registration, and the determination in step 353A will be negative.

[0098] If the determination in step 353A is negative, in step 353B, the CPU 21 of the management server 300 sends a message of non-registration and membership registration to the user terminal 302N1 via the communication unit 24. The content of the message may be, for example, "Your membership registration has not been completed or has expired. Please register as a member." The message is displayed on the display unit 23 of the user terminal 302N1, and the user learns that their membership registration has not been completed or has expired, and sends their membership registration information to the management server 300. Upon receiving the member registration information, CPU 21 of management server 300 performs member registration processing in step 353C. As a result, the member registration information is stored in storage area 316, as shown in Fig. 17. After step 353C, the revocation determination processing proceeds to step 353D.

[0099] In step 353D, the CPU 21 of the management server 300 stores the collection request information in the user's memory area 316M1 of the memory area 316, as shown in Fig. 20. When the processing of step 353D is executed, the expiration determination processing of step 353 in Fig. 18 ends. When the expiration determination process of step 353 in Figure 18 is completed, the CPU 21 of the management server 300 sends the collection request information and information on the collection requester (user's address and name) to the delivery company server 306 of the specified delivery company A via the communication unit 24 in step 354.

[0100] In step 356, the CPU 2121 of the delivery company server 306 transmits the collection date and time and information about the collection requester to the collector terminal 321N1 of the collector in charge of the area including the address of the collection requester. In step 358, the CPU 11 of the collector terminal 321N1 displays the collection date and time and information about the collection requester on the display unit 13 of the collector terminal 321N1. Figure 21 shows a message 321D1 prompting collection and a message 321D2 prompting the collector to read two barcodes displayed on the display screen 321D of the display unit 13 of the collector terminal 321N1. As shown in Figure 21, the contents of the message 321D1 prompting collection are, for example, as follows: "Please collect it. Pickup date and time: A-B, 2022, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Collection address: Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture Name: ____ ____" This allows the collector to know when and where to collect the package.

[0101] The contents of message 321D2 prompting the reader to read the two barcodes are, for example, as follows: Please scan the barcode below at the collection point. Intention sign luggage"

[0102] The intention indicator icon 321D21 is an icon that notifies the collector terminal 321N1 that the barcode 344r of the intention indicator 34 has been read, and the luggage icon 321D22 is an icon that notifies the collector terminal 321N1 that the barcode 52 of the luggage 50 has been read. In step 355 of FIG. 18, the CPU 21 of the management server 300 creates an image of a barcode carrying information about the package, and transmits the image data to the user terminal 302N1.

[0103] Fig. 22 shows how a barcode carrying information about a package, printed out by user terminal 302N1 that requested collection, is attached to the package. As shown in Fig. 22, CPU 21 of user terminal 302N1 causes printer 19 to print out barcode image 52 based on image data of the barcode. The user attaches printed barcode image 52 to package 50 and places package 50 near the door where intention sign 34 is hung.

[0104] In step 400, CPU 21 of management server 300 executes a member registration solicitation process. Figure 23 shows a flowchart of the member registration solicitation process program executed by management server 300. As shown in Figure 23, in step 402, CPU 21 of management server 300 determines whether the delivery recipient is a member. Specifically, CPU 21 of management server 300 determines whether the address and name of the delivery recipient are stored in memory area 316 of memory unit 26 of management server 300.

[0105] If the delivery recipient is not a member, the determination in step 402 is negative, and in step 404, the CPU 21 of the management server 300 sends a membership registration invitation email via the communication unit 24 to the delivery recipient's email address included in the collection request information. The membership registration invitation email contains the following information: that the delivery requester has requested delivery of a package, that the package will be delivered in the near future, and that the collection requester may be a member; that the delivery recipient is not a member, that they are suggested to become a member, points to note if they become a member, that their membership registration will be deleted after a certain period of time has passed and that they will need to re-register as a member, etc.

[0106] The member registration solicitation processing program ends when the processing of step 404 is executed. If the delivery destination is a member, the determination of step 402 is affirmative, and the member registration solicitation processing program ends. As described above, in step 358 of FIG. 18, a message 321D1 prompting collection is displayed on the display screen 321D of the collector terminal 321N1 (see FIG. 21). For example, in the above example, the collector understands that he or she should go to the collection house of XXXXXX, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on A-B, 2022. The collector moves to the collection house while carrying the collector terminal 321N1.

[0107] As described above, the display screen 321D of the collector terminal 321N1 (see FIG. 21) displays a message 321D2 prompting the collector to read two barcodes: the barcode 344r of the intention indicator 34 and the barcode 52 of the package 50. Therefore, when the collector arrives at the collection house, the collector reads the two barcodes using the reading unit 17 of the collector terminal 321N1. Specifically, the collector, for example, first touches the intention indicator icon 321D21 to notify the collector terminal 321N1 that the barcode 344r of the intention indicator 34 has been read. The collector then brings the reading unit 17 of the collector terminal 321N1 close to the barcode 344r of the intention indicator 34. The reading unit 17 of the collector terminal 321N1 reads the barcode 344r of the intention indicator 34. Next, the collector touches the package icon 321D22 to notify the collector terminal 321N1 that the barcode 52 of the package 50 has been read. The collector brings the reading unit 17 of the collector terminal 321N1 close to the barcode 52 of the package 50. The reading unit 17 of the collector terminal 321N1 reads the barcode 52 of the package 50.

[0108] When the reading of the two barcodes 344r and 52 is completed, the CPU 11 of the collector terminal 321N1 sends the information of each barcode directly to the management server 300 via the communication unit 14 in step 362. The CPU 11 of the collector terminal 321N1 may also send the information of each barcode to the management server 300 indirectly via the delivery company server 306 via the communication unit 14 to the management server 300.

[0109] In step 364, the CPU 21 of the management server 300 determines whether the collection person will correctly collect the collection requester's home by performing an information matching judgment. Figure 24 shows the information to be compared in the information matching judgment executed by the CPU 21 of the management server 300. Specifically, first, the CPU 21 of the management server 300 determines whether the collection requester information (user information) stored in the memory area 316 matches the collection requester information obtained by the reading unit of the collection person terminal 321N1 reading the barcode 344r of the intention indication marker 34.

[0110] Second, the CPU 21 of the management server 300 determines whether the collection information stored in the memory area 316 matches the collection information obtained by the reading unit of the collector terminal 321N1 reading the barcode 52 of the package 50. If at least one of these pieces of information does not match (364N), the CPU 21 of the management server 300 will send error information to the collector terminal 321N1.

[0111] Figure 25 shows the error information displayed on the display screen 321D of the collection terminal 321N1 when the CPU 21 of the management server 300 determines that the information does not match in the information match judgment (364N). Figure 25 shows an example where the collection requester information (user information) stored in the memory area 316 of the management server 300 does not match the collection requester information obtained by reading the barcode 344r of the intention indicator 34 by the reading unit of the collection terminal 321N1. Specifically, the collection requester's address does not match, and error information 321D3 stating "Collection address is incorrect" is displayed on the display screen 321D of the collection terminal 321N1.

[0112] This allows the collector to understand that the collection house they thought they had arrived at is not the collection requester's house, and they reconfirm the collection house address in the message 321D1 displayed on the display screen 321D of the collector terminal 321N1 and move to the correct address. The collector moves to the correct address, and the reading unit 17 of the collector terminal 321N1 reads each barcode again, and the communication unit 14 sends the information of each barcode to the management server 300. In step 364, the management server 300 determines whether the information matches.

[0113] If the above information matches (364Y), in step 368A, the CPU 21 of the management server 300 sends a collection completion notification email (see FIG. 13) notifying the user terminal 302N1 that the collection has been completed via the communication unit 24. Thus, the collection requester can know that the collection has been completed. In this way, even in the first modified example, the collection requester can request collection and delivery without meeting the customer in person.

[0114] This makes it convenient for the person requesting collection. For example, the person requesting collection does not have to wait at home until the collection person arrives, so their movements are not restricted until the collection is completed. Furthermore, even if they are at home, gardening, taking a bath, on the phone, or busy with housework, the delivery can be made. Furthermore, for women living alone, there is no risk of meeting the person collecting the package face-to-face for delivery. In addition, there is no risk of contracting infectious diseases that have become prevalent in recent years due to face-to-face delivery.

[0115] It also allows for convenience for the collector. For example, collection can be made even when the person requesting collection is not at home. Collection can also be made even when the person requesting collection is at home, gardening, taking a bath, on the phone, or busy with housework. In addition, there is no risk of infection with infectious diseases, which have become prevalent in recent years, due to face-to-face delivery.

[0116] In step 368B of Fig. 18, the CPU 21 of the management server 300 transmits the slip information to the collector terminal 321N1 via the communication unit 24. The slip information includes, for example, the address and name of the collection requester, the address and name of the delivery destination, package information, and the delivery date and time of the package. The CPU 11 of the collector terminal 321N1 to which the slip information has been sent executes the slip printing process in step 370. Specifically, when the slip information is sent, the CPU 11 of the collector terminal 321N1 displays a message prompting the user to print the slip. Figure 26 shows a message 321D4 that prompts the user to print out the slip, which is displayed on the display unit 13 of the collector terminal 321N1. As shown in Figure 26, the contents of the message 321D4 are, for example, as follows: "We have received your invoice information, so please print it out. Print

[0117] The print icon 321D41 is an icon for instructing the collector terminal 321N1 to print out a slip. The collector instructs the collector terminal 321N1 to print out a slip by touching the icon 3212D41. The CPU 11 of the collector terminal 321N1 causes the printer 19 to print out the slip. Figure 27 shows a message prompting the collector to print out the slip, and the collector terminal instructed to print out by the collector prints out the slip, and the collector attaches the slip to the package. As shown in Figure 27, the slip 51 printed out by the collector terminal 321N1 is attached to the package 50 by the collector.

[0118] In this way, since the slip 51 is attached to the package 50 by the package collector, the burden of the package collection requester creating the slip 51 and attaching it to the package 50 can be eliminated. The method of attaching the slip 51 to the package 50 is not limited to this. For example, the slip 51 may be printed at a business office, or prepared by the person requesting collection and attached to the package 50.

[0119] The package 50 with the delivery slip 51 attached is transported to the delivery destination office along delivery company A's transportation route. The deliverer then travels with the package 50 to the delivery destination house listed on the delivery slip 51 and delivers the package to the delivery destination house. After delivering the package to the delivery destination house, the deliverer uses the deliverer terminal 322N1 to send (i.e., report) to the management server 300 that the delivery has been completed. Upon receiving the report that the delivery has been completed, the management server 300 sends a delivery completion email to the user terminal 3402N2. This email includes the comments entered by the collection requester in the collection request information.

[0120] The comment may include, for example, a message attached to the package, package information, etc. For example, if the package is a birthday present for the recipient, the message may be "Happy Birthday." If the package is a food item, the package information may be, for example, the expiration date or cooking instructions.

[0121] (Second Modification) Next, a second modified example of the delivery system of the present invention will be described. Note that the delivery system of the second modified example has the same configuration as the delivery system of the first modified example described above, so the description of that will be omitted and the operation of the delivery system of the second modified example will be described. The operation of the second modified example is almost the same as the operation of the first modified example, so only the differences will be described below.

[0122] FIG. 28 shows a timing chart of the delivery system of the second modified example. In the first modification (see FIG. 18), the CPU 21 of the management server 300 determines whether the collection agent will correctly collect the collection from the collection requester's home by determining whether the information matches in step 364. If the information matches (364Y), the CPU 21 of the management server 300 sends a collection completion notification email to the user terminal 302N1 via the communication unit 24 in step 368A, notifying that the collection has been completed.

[0123] In contrast, in the second modified example (see FIG. 28), the collection requester information sent in step 354 first includes the address and name of the collection requester (i.e., the user) and the user's email address. After the slip printing process in step 370, the CPU 11 of the collector terminal 321N1 sends a collection completion notification email to the collection requester's email address via the communication unit 14 in step 370M, notifying that the collection has been completed. This allows the collection requester to know that the collection has been completed. Receiving the slip information means that the collector has arrived at the correct collection requester's home and is able to collect the item, so the collection completion notification email can be sent from the collector terminal 321N1 to the user terminal 302N1.

[0124] In this way, in the second modified example, when the collector has correctly collected the item, a collection completion notification email can be sent from the collector terminal 321N1 to the user terminal 302N1 according to the collector's wishes. If the slip information has been received, the collection completion notification email may be sent before the slip printing process in step 370 .

[0125] (Third Modification) Next, a third modified example of the delivery system of the present invention will be described. Note that the delivery system of the third modified example has the same configuration as the delivery system of the first modified example described above, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0126] Fig. 29 shows a third modified example in which, when a user purchases an intention indication marker, the user's information is encrypted using a key and stored on the barcode of the intention indication marker. As shown in Fig. 29, the management server 300 encrypts the user's information using a key, for example, by a common key encryption method, and stores the encrypted user's information on the barcode 344r.

[0127] In this way, the user information encrypted with a key is stored in the barcode 344r, which prevents the user information from being known to others and used without permission or reused by other businesses, thereby eliminating the user's anxiety that their personal information may be used without permission.

[0128] Next, the operation of the delivery system of the third modified example will be described. The operation of the third modified example is almost the same as the operation of the first modified example, so only the differences will be described below. FIG. 30 shows a timing chart of the delivery system of the third modified example. Among the two barcode information transmitted from the delivery terminal 321N1 in step 362, the information of the barcode 344r of the intention indicator 34 read by the reading unit 17 of the collection terminal 321N1 is encrypted using the above key.

[0129] Therefore, in step 363, the management server 300 uses the above key to decrypt the information of the barcode 344r of the intention indication marker 34 read by the reading unit 17 of the collector terminal 321N1, which is one of the two barcode information transmitted from the deliverer terminal 321N1.

[0130] (Fourth Modification) Next, a fourth modified example of the delivery system of the present invention will be described. Note that the delivery system of the fourth modified example has the same configuration as the delivery system of the first modified example described above, and therefore its description will be omitted. In the fourth variant, as in the third variant, as shown in FIG. 29, the management server 300 encrypts the user information using a key in a common key cryptosystem, and stores the encrypted user information in a barcode 344r. Next, the operation of the delivery system of the fourth modified example will be described. The operation of the fourth modified example is almost the same as the operation of the second modified example and the third modified example, so only the differences will be described below. FIG. 31 shows a timing chart of the delivery system of the fourth modified example.

[0131] In the fourth variant, in step 363, the management server 300 uses the above key to decrypt the information of the barcode 344r of the intention indicator 34 read by the reading unit 17 of the collector terminal 321N1, which is one of the two barcode information transmitted from the deliverer terminal 321N1.

[0132] In the fourth variant, unlike the third variant, the management server 300 does not send a collection completion notification email. In the fourth variant, as in the second variant, the collector terminal 321N1 sends a collection completion notification email to the user terminal 302N. However, in step 360, among the information of the two barcodes read by the reading unit 17 of the collector terminal 321N1, the information of the barcode 344r of the intention indicator 34 is encrypted using the above key.

[0133] Therefore, the CPU 11 of the collector terminal 321N1 accesses the homepage (Hp) of the management server 300 via the communication unit 14 in step 371 and receives the key from the management server 300. In step 374, the CPU 11 of the collector terminal 321N1 decrypts the information of the barcode 344r of the intention indicator 34 using the key.

[0134] In step 375, the CPU 11 of the collector terminal 321N1 sends a collection completion notification email to the collection requester's email address via the communication unit 14 to notify that the collection has been completed. Thus, the collection requester can know that the collection has been completed.

[0135] In the fourth modified example, the homepage (Hp) of the management server 300 is accessed and the key is received from the management server 300, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the management server 300 may transmit the key to the deliverer server 306 when transmitting information in step 354, and the deliverer server 306 may transmit the key to the deliverer terminal 321N1 when transmitting information in step 356.

[0136] In the first to fourth variants described above, as in the above-described embodiment, the deliverer terminal 322N1 may send a delivery advance notice email (see Figure 7) to the user terminal 302N2 before arriving at the delivery destination.

[0137] Also, in the first to fourth variants, as in the above-described embodiment, the deliverer terminal 322N1 may send a delivery notification email (see Figure 9) to the user terminal 302N2 if the delivery person arrives at the delivery destination but the recipient is not at home.

[0138] This specification discloses the following: [1] An intention indication sign that is selectively placed at the delivery destination of the delivery item and carries intention indication information that consents to leaving the item at the door; a delivery information holding means that is held on a delivery to be delivered to a pre-designated delivery point and that holds delivery identification information set for each delivery; reading means for reading intention information indicating consent to delivery to the delivery location from the intention indication sign and for reading delivery identification information from the delivery information holding means; a portable terminal having a transmitting means for transmitting the intention information and the delivery identification information read by the reading means to a server; a receiving means for receiving the intention information and the delivery identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal; a server having a determination means for determining that delivery is complete when the receiving means receives the intention information and the delivery identification information; A delivery system comprising:

[0139] [2] The delivery system described in [1] above, wherein the server has a notification sending means for sending information to the recipient or sender of the delivery item notifying them that delivery has been completed when the determination means determines that delivery has been completed.

[0140] [3] The server: a delivery destination specifying information storage means for storing delivery destination specifying information in association with the intention expression information; a delivery information storage means for storing delivery destination information of the delivery in association with the delivery identification information; a delivery destination specific information acquisition means for extracting delivery destination specific information from a delivery destination specific information storage means based on the intention expression information received by the receiving means; a delivery destination information acquisition means for acquiring delivery destination information from the delivery information storage means based on the delivery piece identification information received by the receiving means; The delivery system described in [1] or [2] above, wherein the determination means determines that delivery is complete when the receiving means receives the expression of intention information and delivery item identification information, provided that the relationship between the delivery destination identification information acquired by the delivery destination identification information acquisition means and the delivery destination information acquired by the delivery destination information acquisition means is a predetermined relationship.

[0141] [4] The intention information carried on the intention sign is carried in association with individual sign identification information assigned to each intention sign, The server The delivery system described in [3] above further comprises a delivery destination specific information writing means for writing the delivery destination information acquired by the delivery destination information acquisition means into the delivery destination specific information storage means as delivery destination specific information when the receiving means receives the intention information and delivery item identification information and, if the delivery destination specific information associated with the received intention information is not stored in the delivery destination specific information storage means.

[0142] [5] A receiving means for receiving from a mobile terminal: intention information read from an intention indication sign selectively placed at the delivery destination of the delivery and carrying intention information to accept leaving at the door; and delivery identification information read from a delivery information carrying means held on a delivery to be delivered to a pre-designated delivery destination and carrying delivery identification information set for each delivery; a delivery information storage means for storing information on a specified delivery destination of a delivery item and identification information of the delivery item, which information is provided before the delivery item is sent, in association with each other; A server that determines that delivery is complete when the piece identification information received by the receiving means is the piece identification information stored in the delivery information storage means.

[0143] [6] The server described in [5] above has a notification sending means for sending information notifying the recipient or sender of the delivery that the delivery has been completed when the determination means determines that the delivery has been completed.

[0144] [7] A delivery destination specific information storage means for storing delivery destination specific information in association with the intention expression information; a delivery information storage means for storing delivery destination information of the delivery in association with the delivery identification information; a delivery destination specific information acquisition means for extracting delivery destination specific information from a delivery destination specific information storage means based on the intention expression information received by the receiving means; and a delivery destination information acquisition means for acquiring delivery destination information from the delivery information storage means based on the delivery piece identification information received by the receiving means, The determination means is a server described in [5] or [6] above that, when the receiving means receives the expression of intention information and delivery item identification information, determines that delivery is complete if the relationship between the delivery destination identification information acquired by the delivery destination identification information acquisition means and the delivery destination information acquired by the delivery destination information acquisition means is a predetermined relationship.

[0145] [8] The intention information carried on the intention sign is carried in association with individual sign identification information assigned to each intention sign, The server described in [7] above further comprises a delivery destination specific information writing means for writing the delivery destination information acquired by the delivery destination information acquisition means into the delivery destination specific information storage means as delivery destination specific information if the delivery destination specific information associated with the received expression of intention information and delivery item identification information is not stored in the delivery destination specific information storage means when the receiving means receives the expression of intention information and delivery item identification information.

[0146] [9] A first reading means for selectively placing the delivery at the delivery destination of the delivery and reading intention information from an intention indication sign carrying intention information for accepting delivery to the delivery location; a second reading means for reading the piece identification information from the piece information holding means which holds the piece identification information set for each piece and is held on the piece to be delivered to a pre-specified delivery destination; The portable terminal has a transmitting means for transmitting the intention information read by the first reading means and the delivery identification information read by the second reading means to a server.

[0147]

[10] An intention indication sign that is selectively placed at the delivery destination of the delivery item and carries intention indication information that consents to leaving the item at the door, an information storage means for storing the sign identification information determined individually for each intention indicating sign; The sign identification information read by the mobile device is an intention indication sign that is sent to the server.

[0148]

[11] The intention indication sign described in

[10] above, in which the sign identification information is stored in a server in association with information specifying the potential delivery destination.

[12] The intention sign is a sign as described in

[10] or

[11] above, which is a sign piece selectively placed outside the door of the delivery destination.

[0149]

[13] An intention information reading step of reading, with a mobile terminal, intention information indicating consent to leaving the delivery from an intention indication sign that is selectively placed at the delivery destination of the delivery and carries intention information indicating consent to leaving the delivery; a delivery identification information reading step of reading, by a portable terminal, delivery identification information from a delivery information holding means which holds delivery identification information set for each delivery piece and which is held on the delivery piece to be delivered to a pre-specified delivery destination; a transmitting step of transmitting the intention information read in the intention information reading step and the delivery identification information read in the delivery identification information reading step from the mobile terminal to a server; a receiving step of receiving the intention information and the delivery identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal; A delivery completion confirmation method comprising a determination step of determining that delivery is complete when intention information and delivery identification information are received in the receiving step.

[14] A delivery completion confirmation method as described in

[13] above, which includes a notification sending step of sending information to the recipient or sender of the delivery item notifying them that delivery has been completed if the determination step determines that delivery has been completed.

[0150]

[15] An intention indication sign that is selectively displayed by the sender of the delivery item and carries intention indication information regarding the sender's intention to request non-face-to-face delivery of the item from the sender to the delivery company; a delivery information holding means for holding delivery identification information assigned to each delivery to be delivered to a pre-specified delivery destination, the delivery information holding means holding delivery identification information set for each delivery; reading means for reading intention information requesting non-face-to-face delivery from the intention indication sign and for reading delivery identification information from the delivery information holding means; a portable terminal having a transmitting means for transmitting the intention information and the delivery identification information read by the reading means to a server; a receiving means for receiving the intention information and the delivery identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal; a server having a determination means for determining that receipt of the parcel is complete when the receiving means receives the intention information and the delivery identification information; A delivery system comprising:

[0151]

[16] An intention indication sign that is selectively displayed by the sender of the delivery item and carries intention indication information regarding the sender's intention to request non-face-to-face delivery of the item from the sender to the delivery company; a delivery identification information generating means for generating delivery identification information set for each delivery to be delivered to a pre-specified delivery destination; a reading means for reading information indicating an intention to request non-face-to-face delivery from the intention indication sign; a transmitting means for transmitting the intention information read by the reading means and the delivery identification information generated by the delivery identification information generating means to a server; a mobile terminal having a slip output means for outputting a slip including a delivery piece identification information holding means holding delivery piece identification information based on slip information received from the server; a receiving means for receiving the intention information and the delivery identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal; a determining means for determining that delivery has been completed when the receiving means has received the intention information and the delivery identification information; a slip generation means for generating slip information including delivery identification information when the determination means determines that delivery has been completed; a server having slip information transmitting means for transmitting slip information generated by the slip generating means to a mobile terminal; A delivery system comprising:

[0152]

[17] A delivery system as described in

[15] or

[16] above, wherein the server has a notification sending means for sending information to the sender notifying that delivery has been completed when the determination means determines that delivery has been completed.

[18] The server: a sender identification information storage means for storing sender identification information in association with the intention expression information; a delivery-related information acquisition means for acquiring delivery information relating to the delivery item and delivery destination information relating to the delivery destination of the delivery item from a sender; a delivery-related information storage means for storing delivery information relating to the delivery item input by the sender and delivery destination information relating to the delivery destination of the delivery item in association with intention information; a delivery information storage means for storing sender information of the delivery in association with the delivery identification information; a delivery item identification related information storage means for extracting delivery item information and delivery destination information from the delivery item related information storage means based on the intention information and delivery item identification information received by the receiving means, extracting sender information of the delivery item from the delivery information storage means, and storing the extracted delivery item information, delivery destination information, and sender information in association with the delivery item identification information; When the determination means determines that delivery has been completed, The delivery system according to

[15] or

[16] above, wherein the slip information generating means generates slip information based on the information stored in the delivery item identification related information.

[0153] According to the inventions described in [1], [5] and

[13] above, if the recipient of the delivery agrees to leave the delivery at the door, they display an intention indicator outside the door. The deliverer then reads the intention information and delivery item identification information from the delivery item carrying means and intention indicator carried on the delivery item into a mobile terminal, and transmits the read intention information and delivery item identification information to a server. The server determines that the delivery is complete based on the received intention information and delivery item identification information. This configuration allows the delivery to be completed without directly handing the delivery item to the recipient, thereby improving the efficiency of delivery work for the deliverer. The recipient can receive the delivery without being restricted in their actions by handing over the delivery item. Since the intention indicator can be selectively displayed outside the door, the recipient has the choice of whether or not to leave the delivery at the door.

[0154] According to the inventions described in [2], [6] and

[14] above, when it is determined that delivery is complete, the recipient and sender are notified of the completion of delivery via their terminals, so that the recipient and sender can know immediately that the delivery has been completed. This makes it possible to collect the delivered item as soon as possible.

[0155] According to the inventions described in [3] and [7] above, delivery completion is determined when the delivery destination specification information and delivery destination information have a predetermined relationship, so that delivery completion can be determined more reliably. According to the inventions described in [4] and [8] above, when delivery is completed, if the identification information assigned to each intention indicator does not store the delivery destination specific information, the delivery destination information obtained based on the delivery item identification information sent together with the intention information is written as is as the delivery destination specific information, thereby eliminating the need to write information for each intention indicator.

[0156] According to the invention described in [9] above, by reading the intention information and the delivery item identification information using a single mobile terminal and simultaneously transmitting them to the server, it is possible to ensure that the delivery item has actually been delivered. According to the invention described in

[10] above, by indicating to the deliverer that you consent to the delivery by using an intention indicator, the deliverer can leave the delivery outside without handing it over to the recipient directly. The completion of the delivery can be verified by reading the individual identification indicator set for each intention indicator and sending it to the server when the delivery is completed.

[0157] According to the invention described in

[11] above, the label identification information is stored in the server in association with the delivery destination specific information that can be the delivery destination, so that it can be compared with the delivery item identification information read when the delivery is completed, and it can be reliably confirmed whether the item has been delivered to the correct destination. According to the invention described in

[12] above, the intention sign is a display piece that is selectively placed outside the door of the delivery destination, so if the delivery is not accepted, the display piece will not be placed outside the door, and only if the delivery is accepted, it is possible to choose not to place the display piece outside the door. Also, it can be manufactured inexpensively.

[0158] According to the invention described in

[15] above, the intention indicator informs the deliverer that a non-face-to-face delivery is being requested. The unique identification information is then read from the intention indicator, and the delivery item identification information attached to the delivery is sent to the server, allowing the sender to know that the delivery has been completed. The sender's activities are not restricted by the need to deliver the package. According to the invention described in

[16] above, in addition to the effect of claim 1, there is an advantage that if the delivery destination data is entered, there is no need to fill out a slip to be attached to the delivery item.

[0159] According to the invention described in

[17] above, a notification of the completion of receipt of the goods will be sent, so that the delivery of the goods can be known. According to the invention described in

[18] above, the server associates the delivery item information and delivery destination information with the delivery item identification information, so that the delivery status of the delivery item can be easily monitored via the delivery item identification information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1. Delivery system 2 Server 31 house 32 Entrance door 34 Intention sign 344 Barcode 50 luggage 52 Barcode 2na mobile device 2nb recipient terminal 300 Management Server 302N1, 302N2 User terminals 304N1, 304N2 Delivery Agent System 306 Delivery Company Server 321N1 Collector terminal 322N1 Delivery terminal 316, 316M1, 316M2 storage area 321D display screen 321D1 Message to encourage collection 321D2 Prompt to read two barcodes 321D21 Intention Sign Icon 321D22 Luggage icon 321D3 Error information 321D4 Message to prompt to print out slip

Claims

1. A receiving means for receiving, from a sender terminal of the sender, collection request information of the delivery to be left at the sender's home; a transmission means for transmitting the received collection request information to a collector's terminal, and when the collector collects the delivery item left at the sender's house, transmitting collection completion information to the sender's terminal, and when the delivery item is delivered to the delivery destination, transmitting delivery completion information to the delivery destination terminal of the delivery destination; A management server comprising: The collection request information includes a comment from the sender, The delivery completion information includes the comment. Management server.

2. The receiving means: The sender information read by the consignor terminal is further received from an intention indicating sign having a carrying means for carrying sender information including the sender's address, the intention indicating sign being installed at an arbitrary location in the sender's house, The management server includes: a storage means for storing sender information including the sender's address previously received by the receiving means; The method further includes a determination means for determining whether the sender information received from the consignor terminal by the receiving means matches the sender information stored in the storage means, The transmission means transmits the collection request information and the sender information to the collection terminal, If the result of the determination is a positive determination, further transmit collection completion information to the sender terminal. The management server according to claim 1 .

3. The management server, 3. The management server according to claim 2, further comprising a deletion means for deleting said sender information from said storage means when a predetermined time has elapsed since said sender information was stored.

4. The collection request information includes delivery information regarding the delivery item, The storage means further stores the delivery information. The management server further includes a conversion means for converting the delivery information into a format that can be read by the collection terminal, The transmitting means transmits the converted piece information to the sender terminal, The converted piece information is attached to the piece, The receiving means receives the delivery information attached to the delivery and read by the delivery collector terminal from the delivery collector terminal, The determination means further determines whether the delivery information received from the collector terminal by the receiving means matches the delivery information stored in the storage means, The transmitting means transmits collection completion information to the sender terminal when each of the results of the judgment is a positive judgment. The management server according to claim 3.

5. The transmission means transmits, when each of the results of the judgment is a positive judgment, to the collection terminal, slip information including the collection request information, the sender information, and the delivery information, The slip information is printed by the collector terminal. The management server according to claim 4.

6. The carrying means encrypts and carries the sender information on the intention indication mark, The receiving means receives the encrypted sender information from the collector terminal, The management server further comprises a decryption means for decrypting the encrypted sender information received by the receiving means. The management server according to claim 2.

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