Storage device and control method of storage device

Abstract

To provide a storage device capable of suppressing an occurrence of error processing resulting from a mistake in an article storage place by notifying an article storage place in a storage chamber by the emission of light by a light emitting part when a door is unlocked.SOLUTION: A storage device 1 includes storage parts 11b-11f and a user interface part 121. The storage parts 11b-11f include a door 111 that can be locked, a storage chamber 112 which becomes a defined space when the door 111 is locked, an LED 113 arranged so as to emit a visible light ray to the inside of the storage chamber 112, and an illuminance sensor 114 disposed so as to receive the visible light ray emitted to the inside of the storage chamber 112, and store articles in the storage chamber 112. The user interface part 121 notifies that articles are to be placed in the storage chamber 112 in a state of blocking the visual light ray emitted to the inside of the storage chamber 112.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage device and a method for controlling the storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a locker device equipped with a cooling unit capable of cooling the inside of a box body. This locker device is equipped with a luggage sensor at the bottom of the box body, and a removable tray is disposed at the bottom of the box body, and a sensor window for the luggage sensor is formed in the tray. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-134902 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a storage device and a control method for the storage device that suppresses the occurrence of error processing due to the placement of luggage in a wrong location within a warehouse. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The storage device in the present disclosure has a storage interior that becomes a defined space when the door is opened, a light-emitting unit arranged to be able to irradiate visible light into the storage interior, and a light-receiving unit arranged to receive the visible light irradiated into the storage interior, and is equipped with a control unit that issues an alert if a light reception output value by the light-receiving unit is equal to or exceeds a predetermined value when the door is opened.

[0006] The control method for a storage device disclosed herein is a control method for a storage device having a storage interior that becomes a defined space when the door is closed, a light-emitting unit arranged to be able to irradiate visible light into the storage interior, a light-receiving unit arranged to be able to receive the visible light irradiated into the storage interior, and a control unit that controls the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, and includes the steps of acquiring a light-receiving output value by the light-receiving unit when the door is closed, and issuing an alert when the light-receiving output value is equal to or exceeds a predetermined value. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The storage device and the control method for the storage device disclosed herein are capable of suppressing the occurrence of error processing due to an incorrect location for placing the luggage by having a light-emitting unit emit light when the door is opened to indicate the location where the luggage is placed inside the warehouse with light. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a locker device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rocker device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a storage unit provided in a locker device according to a first embodiment, viewed obliquely from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a storage unit provided in a locker device according to a first embodiment, viewed obliquely from below. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a locker device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a timing chart showing an example of a flow of storing and retrieving luggage from the locker device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a timing chart showing an example of a flow of a storage process of the locker device according to the first embodiment (part 1). [Figure 8] 13 is a timing chart showing an example of a flow of a storage process of the locker device according to the first embodiment (part 2) [Figure 9]13 is a timing chart showing an example of a flow of a storage process of the locker device according to the first embodiment (part 3). [Figure 10] 1 is a timing chart showing an example of a flow of a retrieval process of the locker device according to the first embodiment (part 1). [Figure 11] 13 is a timing chart showing an example of a flow of a retrieval process of the locker device according to the first embodiment (part 2) [Figure 12] 1 is a timing chart showing an example of a flow of a re-delivery process of a baggage in a delivery process of the locker device according to the first embodiment (part 1). [Figure 13] 13 is a timing chart (part 2) showing an example of a flow of a re-delivery process of a baggage in the delivery process of the locker device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, a technology was known in which a receiving locker (or a parcel box) is equipped with electrical components for detecting packages on the bottom and top panels of the interior, and can detect the presence or absence of packages inside the locker. In addition, when a delivery person forgets to put in a package or a recipient forgets to receive a package, the receiving locker notifies the delivery person that the package has been put in or the recipient that the package has been received. However, conventional receiving lockers detect packages using infrared rays or the like. In receiving lockers, packages must be placed at specific positions on the bottom of the locker, but because humans cannot see infrared rays, the placement location of the package is indicated by a label or the like. However, if this indication is insufficient, the delivery person cannot recognize the correct placement location of the package, and an error process occurs due to the delivery person making a mistake in the placement location, making it necessary to place the package again in the correct placement location. The inventors discovered this problem, and in order to solve this problem, they came to constitute the subject of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a storage device and a control method for the storage device that suppress the occurrence of error processing due to the placement of luggage in a wrong location within a warehouse.

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming more redundant than necessary and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. In the following description, an example in which the present invention is applied to a locker device as a storage device will be described. [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. External configuration of the locker device] As shown in Fig. 1, the locker device 1 in this embodiment includes storage units 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3. The storage unit 11-1 includes a cooling device (an example of a temperature control unit) 11a-1 and storage sections 11b-1, 11c-1, 11d-1, 11e-1, and 11f-1. The storage unit 11-2 includes a cooling device 11a-2 and storage sections 11b-2, 11c-2, 11d-2, 11e-2, and 11f-2. The storage unit 11-3 includes a cooling device 11a-3 and storage sections 11b-3, 11c-3, 11d-3, 11e-3, and 11f-3. Hereinafter, "storage units 11b-1, 11c-1, 11d-1, 11e-1, 11f-1" may be abbreviated as "storage units 11b-1 to 11f-1", "storage units 11b-2, 11c-2, 11d-2, 11e-2, 11f-2" may be abbreviated as "storage units 11b-2 to 11f-2", and "storage units 11b-3, 11c-3, 11d-3, 11e-3, 11f-3" may be abbreviated as "storage units 11b-3 to 11f-3".

[0012] The storage units 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 have the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, the "storage units 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3" are collectively referred to as the "storage unit 11." The cooling devices 11a-1, 11a-2, and 11a-3 have the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, the "cooling devices 11a-1, 11a-2, and 11a-3" are collectively referred to as the "cooling device 11a." The storage sections 11b-1 to 11f-1, the storage sections 11b-2 to 11f-2, and the storage sections 11b-3 to 11f-3 have the same configuration. For this reason, hereinafter, "storage units 11b-1, 11b-2, 11b-3" will be collectively referred to as "storage unit 11b", "storage units 11c-1, 11c-2, 11c-3" will be collectively referred to as "storage unit 11c", "storage units 11d-1, 11d-2, 11d-3" will be collectively referred to as "storage unit 11d", "storage units 11e-1, 11e-2, 11e-3" will be collectively referred to as "storage unit 11e", and "storage units 11f-1, 11f-2, 11f-3" will be collectively referred to as "storage unit 11f".

[0013] In the storage unit 11, the cooling device 11a is disposed at the top, and the storage sections 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, and 11f are disposed in this order from the cooling device 11a downward. The temperature of the interiors 112 (not shown in FIG. 1, see FIG. 2) of the storage sections 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, and 11f is adjusted by the cooling device 11a. For this reason, the storage unit 11 provided in the locker device 1 has the cooling device 11a that adjusts the temperature of the interiors 112 and the storage sections 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, and 11f, and stores luggage (not shown) at a predetermined temperature in the storage sections 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, and 11f. Hereinafter, the "storage sections 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, and 11f" may be abbreviated as "storage sections 11b to 11f".

[0014] The cooling devices 11a-1, 11a-2, and 11a-3 adjust the temperatures of the storage sections 11b-1 to 11f-1, the storage sections 11b-2 to 11f-2, and the storage sections 11b-3 to 11f-3 to different temperature zones. In this embodiment, the cooling device 11a-1 adjusts the temperature of the insides 112 of the storage sections 11b-1 to 11f-1 to an outside air temperature (e.g., 25°C). The cooling device 11a-2 adjusts the temperature of the insides 112 of the storage sections 11b-2 to 11f-2 to a refrigerating temperature (e.g., 2°C to 5°C). The cooling device 11a-3 adjusts the temperature of the insides 112 of the storage sections 11b-3 to 11f-3 to a freezing temperature (e.g., -18°C). Therefore, the locker device 1 can store luggage at room temperature, in a refrigerated state, or in a frozen state depending on the type of luggage such as food.

[0015] The locker device 1 includes an interface unit 12 disposed next to the storage unit 11-1 on the opposite side to the side where the storage unit 11-2 is disposed. The interface unit 12 includes a user interface section 121, a non-contact key reader 122, and a QR code (registered trademark) reader 123, which will be described in detail later.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a schematic configuration of locker device 1 cut along line XX shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, for ease of understanding, luggage P1 normally placed in interior 112 of storage unit 11b-3 is typically shown, luggage P2 and P3 abnormally placed in interiors 112 of storage units 11c-3 and 11d-3 are typically shown, and cooling air circulating within storage unit 11-3 is shown by straight arrows.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the locker device 1 includes a housing 2 in which the storage sections 11b to 11f are disposed. The housing 2 includes an outer plate 21 disposed on the outside, an inner plate 23 disposed on the side of the storage sections 11b to 11f, and a heat insulating material 22 disposed between the outer plate 21 and the inner plate 23. The heat insulating material 22 is formed of, for example, urethane foam or hard urethane foam. The housing 2 has a structure in which the inside is insulated by the heat insulating material 22 and the front side is open. The housing 2 is disposed between the storage units 11-1 and 11-2, and the housing 2 is disposed between the storage units 11-2 and 11-3. Therefore, the storage units 11-1 and 11-2 are insulated by the heat insulating material 22, and the storage units 11-2 and 11-3 are insulated by the heat insulating material 22.

[0018] [1-1-2. Storage unit configuration] The configuration of the storage units 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 will be described. The storage units 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 have the same configuration. Therefore, the configuration of the storage units 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 will be described by taking the storage unit 11-3 as an example.

[0019] Each of storage sections 11b-3 to 11f-3 provided in storage unit 11-3 has a door 111, an interior 112, a light-emitting diode 113, an illuminance sensor 114, a bottom plate portion 115, a top plate portion 116, a pair of side plates 117, and a back plate 118, and stores luggage in interior 112.

[0020] The pair of side plates 117 and the back plate 118 are disposed with a predetermined gap between them and the housing 2. In FIG. 2, only one of the pair of side plates 117 is illustrated. Each of the pair of side plates 117 is disposed facing the inner plate 23 of the part of the housing 2 disposed between the storage units 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 with a predetermined gap. The pair of side plates 117 and the back plate 118 have substantially the same length in the longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal direction is disposed substantially parallel to the housing 2. The end edges of each of the side plates 117 on the back plate 118 side are connected to both left and right end edges of the back plate 118. The gap between the pair of side plates 117 and the housing 2 and the gap between the back plate 118 and the housing 2 form a flow path 81 through which the air cooled by the cooling device 11a-3 flows.

[0021] The bottom plate portion 115 and the top plate portion 116 are arranged opposite to each other with a predetermined gap. The top plate portion 116 is arranged above the bottom plate portion 115. The bottom plate portion 115 is arranged inside the lower end of each of the pair of side plates 117 and the back plate 118. The top plate portion 116 is arranged inside the upper end of each of the pair of side plates 117 and the back plate 118. Therefore, a gap of approximately the same length as the height of each of the pair of side plates 117 and the back plate 118 is provided between the bottom plate portion 115 and the top plate portion 116. In the storage unit 11-3, five bottom plate portions 115 and five top plate portions 116 are provided. The multiple bottom plate portions 115 and the top plate portions 116 are arranged in parallel in an alternating manner such that the bottom plate portion 115 is the bottom layer and the top plate portion 116 is the top layer.

[0022] The bottom plate portion 115, the top plate portion 116, the pair of side plates 117, and the back plate 118 are connected. This forms a box-shaped interior 112 with one of six sides open. The left and right sides of the interior 112 are defined by the pair of side plates 117, the back side is defined by the back plate 118, the bottom side is defined by the bottom plate portion 115, and the top side is defined by the top plate portion 116. Furthermore, the front side of the interior 112 is open, forming a box-shaped space capable of storing luggage as storage items. In the storage unit 11-3, the multiple interiors 112 are arranged in a row along the vertical direction.

[0023] A plurality of vent holes 117a are formed in the pair of side plates 117. The vent holes 117a are through holes that communicate between the flow path 81 and the interior 112. A plurality of vent holes 118a are formed in the back plate 118. The vent holes 118a are through holes that communicate between the flow path 81 and the interior 112.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the door 111 is disposed on the side where the interior 112 is opened. The door 111 has an outer door 111a and an inner door 111b. The inside of the inner door 111b is filled with a heat insulating material 111b-1. Therefore, the inner door 111b functions as a heat insulating door. The inner door 111b is rotatably supported by the storage sections 11b-3 to 11f-3, for example, by a hinge or the like (not shown). The inner door 111b has, for example, an annular seal member 111b-2 on a surface that faces the interior 112 when the inner door 111b closes the interior 112 (i.e., when in a closed state). The seal member 111b-2 is, for example, made of a packing or the like. When inner door 111b closes interior 112, sealing member 111b-2 is brought into close contact with storage sections 11b-3 to 11f-3 that form the opening of interior 112. In this way, inner door 111b can close interior 112, thereby isolating and insulating interior 112 from the external space in which locker device 1 is installed.

[0025] The inner door 111b has a handle 111b-3 provided on the outer door 111a side. The handle 111b-3 has a shape that can be gripped by a parcel delivery person or a parcel recipient. In this embodiment, the inner door 111b is biased by a biasing member (not shown) such as a spring member so as to close the opening of the interior 112. As a result, the inner door 111b closes the opening of the interior 112 unless it is operated by the delivery person or the recipient. Therefore, in the storage sections 11b-3 to 11f-3, the inner door 111b is prevented from remaining open.

[0026] The outer door 111a is provided on the outside of the inner door 111b. The outer door 111a is rotatably supported on the front surface of the storage units 11b-3 to 11f-3 by, for example, a hinge or the like (not shown). The outer door 111a is disposed on the front side (i.e., outside) of the inner door 111b at a predetermined interval from the inner door 111b. The outer doors 111a provided on the storage units 11b-3 to 11f-3 are provided on the open side of the housing 2 so that their front surfaces are flush with each other when closed. The outer door 111a closes the open side (i.e., front side) of the housing 2. In this embodiment, the outer door 111a is biased by a biasing member (not shown) such as a spring member so as to open the open side (i.e., front side) of the housing 2.

[0027] Each of the storage sections 11b to 11f has an electronic lock 119 (not shown in FIG. 2, see FIGS. 3 and 4) arranged on the opening side of the interior 112. The electronic lock 119 maintains the exterior door 111a in a closed state by being locked when the exterior door 111a is closed. As described above, the exterior door 111a is provided so as to be biased to open the front of the housing 2. Therefore, when the electronic lock 119 is unlocked, the exterior door 111a rotates in a direction that opens the front of the housing 2. On the other hand, even if the electronic lock 119 is unlocked and the exterior door 111a rotates in a direction that opens the front of the housing 2, the interior door 111b maintains a state in which the opening of the interior 112 is closed unless operated by a delivery person or a recipient.

[0028] In this manner, the door 111 is configured to be lockable. The 15 outer doors 111a are rotatably supported one by one by the storage units 11b-3 to 11f-3. The outer doors 111a are locked by an electronic lock 119, thereby keeping the storage units 11b-3 to 11f-3 closed. The 15 inner doors 111b are rotatably supported one by one by the storage units 11b-3 to 11f-3.

[0029] The interior 112 is configured to become a defined space when the door 111 is locked. More specifically, the interior 112 becomes a space defined by the inner door 111b, a bottom plate portion 115, a top plate portion 116, a pair of side plates 117, and a back plate 118, as the front open side of the interior 112 is closed by the inner door 111b.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the light-emitting diode (an example of a light-emitting unit) 113 is arranged so as to be able to irradiate visible light into the interior 112. Hereinafter, the light-emitting diode is abbreviated as "LED" (Light-Emitting Diode). The LED 113 is arranged on the bottom plate 115 of the interior 112. As shown in FIG. 3, an opening 115a is formed in the bottom plate 115. The LED 113 is arranged in a state exposed to the interior 112 through the opening 115a. This allows the LED 113 to irradiate visible light into the interior 112 through the opening 115a. The LED 113 may be configured to be able to emit light in a number of colors equal to or greater than the number of the storage units 11 (three or more colors in this embodiment). The LED 113 may also be configured to emit light in a different color for each of the storage units 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3.

[0031] Returning to Figure 2, illuminance sensor (an example of a light receiving section) 114 is disposed so as to be able to receive visible light irradiated onto the fridge interior 112. The illuminance sensor 114 is disposed on the top panel section 116. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the illuminance sensor 114 is disposed so as to protrude into the fridge interior 112. This improves the light receiving sensitivity of the illuminance sensor 114. The illuminance sensor 114 outputs to the interface unit 12 a detection current having an amount of current corresponding to the amount of visible light received.

[0032] 2, top plate 116 has a structure that is inclined from the open side of interior 112 toward back plate 118 (i.e., from front to rear) so as to narrow the space of interior 112. As a result, in the storage units 11b-3 to 11f-3, when condensation forms on top plate 116 as interior 112 is cooled, the inclination of top plate 116 allows the condensation to flow to the rear of interior 112. As a result, storage units 11b-3 to 11f-3 can prevent condensation from accumulating on top plate 116 and prevent the condensation from falling onto luggage stored in interior 112.

[0033] Since the top panel 116 is inclined, the light receiving surface (not shown) of the illuminance sensor 114 is disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the light emitting surface (not shown) of the LED 113. However, the light receiving surface of the illuminance sensor 114 is disposed, for example, within the range of the directivity angle of the LED 113. This allows the illuminance sensor 114 to increase the difference in the amount of visible light received between when the visible light irradiated from the LED 113 to the interior 112 is blocked by luggage and when it is not blocked. For this reason, the locker device 1 can determine whether or not luggage is placed in the interior 112 based on the amount of visible light received by the illuminance sensor 114, as will be described in detail later.

[0034] [1-1-3. Cooling system configuration] The configurations of the cooling devices 11a-1, 11a-2, and 11a-3 will be described. The cooling devices 11a-1, 11a-2, and 11a-3 have the same configuration. Therefore, the configurations of the cooling devices 11a-1, 11a-2, and 11a-3 will be described by taking the cooling device 11a-3 as an example.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, the cooling device 11a includes a compressor 91, a condenser 92, a condenser fan 93, an evaporator 94, and an evaporator fan 95. The compressor 91, the condenser 92, and the condenser fan 93 are disposed on a bottom plate portion 90 disposed on the storage portion 11b-3, and are covered by a box-shaped unit cover 110. As a result, the compressor 91, the condenser 92, and the condenser fan 93 are disposed within a space 110a of the cooling device 11a-3 defined by the unit cover 110. The unit cover 110 has an intake port 110b (see Fig. 1) on the front side and an outlet port 110c on the rear side.

[0036] The evaporator 94 and the evaporator fan 95 are disposed in a space between the bottom plate 90 of the cooling device 11a-3 and the top plate 116 of the storage unit 11b-3 so as to be recessed in the upper part of the housing 2. The compressor 91, the condenser 92, the condenser fan 93, the evaporator 94, and the evaporator fan 95 provided in the cooling device 11a-3 configure a refrigeration cycle in the cooling device 11a-3.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, a drain pan 110d is provided at the upper end of the storage unit 11-3. The space 110a and the flow path 81 are partitioned by the drain pan 110d. An evaporator 94 and an evaporator fan 95 are arranged above the drain pan 110d. An outlet opening 82 is formed at the rear end of the drain pan 110d to communicate the upper part of the drain pan 110d (i.e., the space in which the evaporator 94 and the evaporator fan 95 are arranged) with the flow path 81. A communication opening (not shown), which is a through hole that communicates the flow path 81 with the space 110a, is provided at least on one side of the left and right direction of the space 110a.

[0038] [1-1-2. Control configuration of the locker device] The control configuration of locker device 1 will be described using Fig. 5 with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the main parts of the control configuration of locker device 1. As described above, storage units 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 have the same configuration as each other, so in Fig. 5, the specific configuration of storage units 11-2 and 11-3 is omitted. Also, as described above, storage sections 11b-1 to 11f-1 have the same configuration as each other, so in Fig. 5, storage sections 11d-1 and 11e-1 are omitted, and the specific configuration of storage sections 11c-1 and 11f-1 is omitted.

[0039] 5, the interface unit 12 provided in the locker device 1 includes a user interface section 121, a non-contact key reader 122, a QR code reader 123, a controller 124, a storage section 125, and a communication section 126. In this embodiment, the controller 124 and the storage section 125 are provided separately and independently in the interface unit 12, but they may also be configured as an integrated integrated circuit (IC).

[0040] For example, a processor may be used as the controller 124. If a processor is used as the controller 124, various processes can be executed by reading the program from the storage unit 125 storing the program into the processor and executing the program by the processor. Therefore, the process contents can be changed by changing the program stored in the storage unit 125, so that the degree of freedom in changing the control contents can be increased. The controller 124 is configured with a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), etc.

[0041] The storage unit 125 is a rewritable non-volatile storage device, and stores the programs executed by the controller 124, information on whether or not luggage is being stored in the storage units 11b to 11f, information on whether or not a failure has occurred in the storage units 11b to 11f, etc. The storage unit 125 is configured, for example, with a semiconductor storage device such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) or an SSD (Solid State Disk), or a magnetic storage device. The storage unit 125 may also include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that forms a work area for temporarily storing programs and data.

[0042] The communication unit 126 is configured to be capable of wireless communication, for example, via a mobile line such as 4G or 5G, or a wireless LAN connection such as IEEE 802.16-compatible WiFi (registered trademark), or IEEE 802.16-compatible WiMax (registered trademark). The communication unit 126 is configured to be capable of communicating with a management device 201 that manages the locker device 1 via a communication network 200.

[0043] The user interface unit 121 is configured to include both an input interface unit and an output interface unit. The input interface unit is used by the user (i.e., the parcel delivery person and the parcel recipient) to input information to the locker device 1. The output interface unit is used, for example, by the locker device 1 to output information to the user. The input interface unit is configured, for example, by a pointing device configured with a transparent plate-like operating member. Such a transparent plate-like operating member can be of a contact type or a non-contact type. The output interface unit is configured, for example, by a display device provided below the input interface unit. As the display device, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device capable of displaying various types of characters, figures, etc. can be used. In this way, the user interface unit 121 is configured, for example, by a touch panel.

[0044] The user interface unit 121 displays and notifies information necessary for the work of storing and retrieving luggage in the storage units 11b to 11f based on information transmitted from the controller 124. For example, the user interface unit 121 displays and notifies a luggage delivery person of a method of placing luggage in the interior 112 (see FIG. 2). In other words, the user interface unit 121 corresponds to an example of a notification unit that notifies a luggage delivery person to place luggage in the interior 112 while blocking visible light irradiated to the interior 112. The user interface unit 121 also transmits information regarding operations performed by the luggage delivery person or the luggage recipient when storing and retrieving luggage in the storage units 11b to 11f to the controller 124. In this way, the user interface unit 121 is an input / output device that functions as a man-machine interface that relays between the user and the locker device 1.

[0045] The non-contact key reader 122 outputs data obtained by analyzing a one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code including information about the package, such as the package's management number, to the controller 124 .

[0046] The QR code reader 123 is composed of, for example, an infrared sensor, and is activated in response to a person approaching within a predetermined range around the locker device 1. When the QR code reader 123 detects a person approaching the locker device 1, it outputs a detection signal to the controller 124.

[0047] The controller 124 functions as, for example, a general control unit 124a, an interface control unit 124b, an LED control unit 124c, an illuminance detection unit 124d, an opening / closing control unit 124e, a temperature control unit 124f, and other functional blocks (not shown) by reading and executing a control program for the interface unit 12 stored in the storage unit 125. The control program may be downloaded from a management device 201 that manages the locker device 1 and stored in the storage unit 125, or may be read from a recording medium (magnetic disk, optical disk, flash memory, etc.) and stored in the storage unit 125.

[0048] The overall control unit 124a controls the locker device 1 in such a way as to suppress the occurrence of error processing due to the wrong location of luggage by collectively controlling the interface control unit 124b, the LED control unit 124c, the illuminance detection unit 124d, the opening / closing control unit 124e, and the temperature control unit 124f.

[0049] A non-contact key reader 122 is connected to the overall control unit 124a. As a result, data output from the non-contact key reader 122 is input to the overall control unit 124a. The overall control unit 124a uses the data input from the non-contact key reader 122 to manage the entry and exit of luggage.

[0050] The QR code reader 123 is connected to the overall control unit 124a. As a result, when the QR code reader 123 detects a human being in the vicinity of the locker device 1, a detection signal is input to the overall control unit 124a. The overall control unit 124a starts a baggage storage process or baggage delivery process when the detection signal is input from the QR code reader 123. The baggage storage process or baggage delivery process will be described in detail later.

[0051] The interface control unit 124b is connected to the overall control unit 124a and the user interface unit 121. The interface control unit 124b controls the user interface unit 121 based on control information input from the overall control unit 124a, and displays an image for notifying predetermined information on a display device provided in the user interface unit 121. The interface control unit 124b also receives an operation signal based on a user's operation of a pointing device provided in the user interface unit 121, and outputs the received operation signal to the overall control unit 124a. The interface control unit 124b may be configured to analyze the received operation signal and then output it to the overall control unit 124a, or may be configured to output the received operation signal to the overall control unit 124a without analyzing it. The interface control unit 124b may also be configured to analyze the received operation signal as necessary. The interface control unit 124b analyzes the received operation signal and outputs it to the overall control unit 124a, thereby reducing the processing load on the overall control unit 124a.

[0052] The LED control unit 124c is connected to the overall control unit 124a and the LEDs 113 provided in the storage units 11b to 11f. The LED control unit (an example of a light emission control unit) 124c controls the LEDs 113 to emit light in conjunction with the unlocking of the door 111 (see FIG. 2). The LED control unit 124c is configured to be able to individually control the LEDs 113 provided in each of the storage units 11b to 11f. This allows the LED control unit 124c to turn on only the LEDs 113 that are instructed to turn on by the overall control unit 124a, and to turn off only the LEDs 113 that are instructed to turn off by the overall control unit 124a.

[0053] Also, the LED control unit 124c causes the LEDs 113 to emit light in a color according to the temperature of the interior 112. As described above, in this embodiment, for example, the temperature of each of the interiors 112 of the storage sections 11b-1 to 11f-1 provided in the storage unit 11-1 is adjusted to room temperature. Also, the temperature of each of the interiors 112 of the storage sections 11b-2 to 11f-2 provided in the storage unit 11-2 is adjusted to a temperature for refrigeration. Furthermore, the temperature of each of the interiors 112 of the storage sections 11b-3 to 11f-3 provided in the storage unit 11-3 is adjusted to a temperature for freezing. For this reason, the LED control unit 124c controls the LEDs 113 provided in each of the interiors 112 of the storage sections 11b-1 to 11f-1 so as to emit light in a color from warm to neutral (for example, yellow). Also, the LED control unit 124c controls the LEDs 113 provided in the interiors 112 of each of the storage units 11b-2 to 11f-2 so as to emit light in a neutral to cool color (e.g., green), for example. Furthermore, the LED control unit 124c controls the LEDs 113 provided in the interiors 112 of each of the storage units 11b-3 to 11f-3 so as to emit light in a cool color (e.g., blue), for example. This allows the locker device 1 to intuitively suggest to the parcel delivery personnel the temperature range of the objects to be stored in the storage units 11b to 11f when storing the parcel in the storage units 11b to 11f.

[0054] The illuminance detection unit 124d is connected to the overall control unit 124a and the illuminance sensor 114. The illuminance detection unit 124d converts the detection current input from the illuminance sensor 114 into a detection voltage, and outputs the detection voltage to the overall control unit 124a. In the present embodiment, the detection voltage output from the illuminance detection unit 124d is an example of the received light output value, but the detection current from the illuminance sensor 114 may be used as the received light output value. The illuminance detection unit 124d may be configured to output a digital signal obtained by analog-to-digital conversion of the detection voltage to the general control unit 124a. The illuminance detection unit 124d is configured to be able to individually convert the detection current input from the illuminance sensor 114 provided in each of the storage units 11b to 11f into a detection voltage. When outputting the detection voltage to the general control unit 124a, the illuminance detection unit 124d also outputs information on the storage units 11b to 11f in which the illuminance sensor 114 that detected the detection voltage is provided. This allows the general control unit 124a to manage the placement state of the luggage in the interiors 112 of the storage units 11b to 11f.

[0055] The opening / closing control unit 124e is connected to the overall control unit 124a and the electronic locks 119 provided in each of the storage units 11b to 11f. The opening / closing control unit 124e is configured to be able to individually control the electronic locks 119 provided in each of the storage units 11b to 11f. This allows the opening / closing control unit 124e to unlock only the electronic locks 119 instructed to be unlocked by the overall control unit 124a, and lock only the electronic locks 119 instructed to be locked by the overall control unit 124a.

[0056] The temperature control unit 124f is connected to the general control unit 124a and the cooling device 11a. The temperature control unit 124f is configured to be able to individually control the cooling devices 11a-1, 11a-2, and 11a-3. This allows the temperature control unit 124f to individually control the temperature of each of the interiors 112 of the storage units 11b-1 to 11f-1, the temperature of each of the interiors 112 of the storage units 11b-2 to 11f-2, and the temperature of each of the interiors 112 of the storage units 11b-3 to 11f-3 so that they are within the temperature range specified by the general control unit 124a.

[0057] The non-contact key reader 122, the QR code reader 123, the interface control unit 124b, the LED control unit 124c, the illuminance detection unit 124d, the opening / closing control unit 124e and the temperature control unit 124f are not connected to each other, but are connected to the general control unit 124a via a communication bus line 124g.

[0058] [1-2. Operation] The operation of the locker device 1 configured as above will now be described. [1-2-1. Cooling system operation] The operation of the cooling devices 11a-1, 11a-2, and 11a-3 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The cooling devices 11a-1, 11a-2, and 11a-3 operate in the same manner as each other. Therefore, the operation of the cooling devices 11a-1, 11a-2, and 11a-3 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 using the cooling device 11a-3 as an example.

[0059] When the cooling device 11a-3 is operated, a refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 91, and the refrigerant is condensed by heat exchange with the outside air in the space 110a in the condenser 92, and then the pressure of the refrigerant is reduced and the refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 94. The refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 94 flows into the compressor 91.

[0060] In the cooling device 11a-3, when the condenser fan 93 is operated, outside air is drawn into the space 110a from the intake port 110b (see FIG. 1). The outside air drawn into the space 110a is heat exchanged in the condenser 92, and then blown out from the outlet 110c while cooling the compressor 91.

[0061] When the evaporator fan 95 operates, air inside the housing 2 is sucked into the space 110a. The air sucked into the space 110a passes through the evaporator 94 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant. The air cooled by heat exchange in the evaporator 94 is supplied from the blow-out opening 82 to a flow path 81 located on the back side of the housing 2. The cooled air flowing through the flow path 81 flows into each of the interiors 112 of the storage units 11b-3 to 11f-3 through each of the vent holes 118a provided in the back plate 118 of the storage units 11b-3 to 11f-3, as shown by the straight arrows in FIG. 2. The cooled air that has flowed into the interiors 112 cools the interiors 112, and then flows out into a flow path (not shown) located on the side of the housing 2 through the vent holes 117a provided in each of the pair of side plates 117. The cooled air that has flowed out into the flow path flows into the space 110a through a communication opening (not shown). In this way, the cooled air generated by the operation of the cooling device 11a-3 circulates inside the housing 2. When luggage is stored in the interior 112, the luggage is cooled by the cooled air flowing into the interior 112.

[0062] [1-2-2. Storage and retrieval operations of luggage in a locker device] 1 and 5, a description will be given of an operation of storing and retrieving luggage in and from the locker device 1 based on Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing flow of the storing and retrieving operation of luggage in and from the locker device 1.

[0063] The locker device 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) starts the baggage loading / unloading operation shown in FIG. 6 when the QR code reader 123 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) detects the presence of a human being. As shown in Fig. 6, when the locker device 1 starts a luggage storing / retrieving operation, first, in step S1, the interface control unit 124b (see Fig. 5) executes a request to select storing or retrieving, and proceeds to the process of step S2. Specifically, the interface control unit 124b causes the user interface unit 121 (see Figs. 1 and 5) to display an image for prompting a person in front of the locker device 1 to select storing or retrieving.

[0064] In step S2, the interface control unit 124b judges whether or not the storing process has been selected. If the interface control unit 124b judges that the person in front of the locker device 1 (i.e., the parcel delivery person) has operated the user interface unit 121 to select the storing process (step S2: YES), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to the process of step S3. On the other hand, if the interface control unit 124b judges that the person in front of the locker device 1 has not selected the storing process (step S2: NO), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to the process of step S4.

[0065] In step S3, the locker device 1 executes the storage process and ends the storage and retrieval operation of the luggage. The storage process will be described in detail later.

[0066] In step S4, the interface control unit 124b judges whether or not the take-out process has been selected. If the interface control unit 124b judges that the person in front of the locker device 1 (i.e., the recipient of the package) has operated the user interface unit 121 to select the take-out process (step S4: YES), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to the process of step S5. On the other hand, if the interface control unit 124b judges that the person in front of the locker device 1 has not selected the take-out process (step S4: NO), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to the process of step S6.

[0067] In step S5, the locker device 1 executes a retrieval process and ends the luggage entry / retrieval operation. The retrieval process will be described in detail later.

[0068] In step S6, the interface control unit 124b judges whether a predetermined time has passed since the selection of entry or exit was requested. If the interface control unit 124b judges that the predetermined time has not passed (step S6: NO), the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the interface control unit 124b judges that the predetermined time has passed (step S6: YES), the process ends the entry and exit operation of the luggage. There are cases where the QR code reader 123 detects a person who passes in front of the locker device 1, or where a person detected by the QR code reader 123 cancels the entry and exit of the luggage. For this reason, the locker device 1 is configured to end the entry and exit operation of the luggage when the predetermined time has passed in step S6.

[0069] [1-2-3. Storage operation during storage and retrieval of luggage in a locker device] The processing of the storing operation of luggage in the locker device 1 will be described based on Figures 7 to 9 with reference to Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6. Figures 7 to 9 are flow charts showing an example of the flow of the storing process in the storing and retrieving operation of luggage in the locker device 1.

[0070] 7, when the process of storing luggage in locker device 1 is started, in step S301, interface control unit 124b executes a request to input an order number, and the process proceeds to step S302. Specifically, interface control unit 124b causes user interface unit 121 to display an image requesting that a two-dimensional code printed on an order slip be read by non-contact key reader 122, for example, in order to have a person standing in front of locker device 1 input the order number.

[0071] In step S302, the central control unit 124a (see FIG. 5) determines whether or not an order number has been input. If the central control unit 124a determines that a person in front of the locker device 1 (i.e., a package delivery person) has input an order number, for example, by having the non-contact key reader 122 read a two-dimensional code (step S302: YES), the central control unit 124a proceeds to processing in step S303. On the other hand, if the central control unit 124a determines that a person in front of the locker device 1 has not input an order number (step S302: NO), the central control unit 124a proceeds to processing in step S320.

[0072] In step S303, the interface control unit 124b executes a request to select the temperature zone of the package, and proceeds to the process of step S304. Specifically, the interface control unit 124b causes the user interface unit 121 to display an image for prompting the package delivery person to select one of "room temperature," "refrigerated," and "frozen" as the temperature zone of the package.

[0073] In step S304, the interface control unit 124b determines whether or not the temperature zone of the package has been input. If the interface control unit 124b determines that the package delivery person has operated the user interface unit 121 to select the temperature zone of the package (step S304: YES), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to processing in step S305. On the other hand, if the interface control unit 124b determines that the package delivery person has not selected the temperature zone of the package (step S304: NO), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to processing in step S321.

[0074] In step S305, the central control unit 124a determines whether there is any vacant space in the storage sections 11b-11f (see FIG. 1) of the storage unit 11 for the temperature selected by the parcel delivery person. The central control unit 124a acquires the availability of the storage sections 11b-11f of the storage unit 11 for the selected temperature range from the memory unit 125 (see FIG. 5), and if it determines that there is an empty storage section (i.e., an unused storage section) (step S305: YES), it proceeds to processing in step S306. On the other hand, if the central control unit 124a determines that there is no empty storage section (step S305: NO), it proceeds to processing in step S322.

[0075] In step S306, the interface control unit 124b displays on the user interface unit 121 empty storage units among the storage units 11b to 11f that can store the package, requests the package delivery person to select one of the storage units 11b to 11f, and proceeds to processing in step S307. When requesting the selection of the storage units 11b to 11f, the interface control unit 124b displays on the user interface unit 121 that a plurality of storage units 11b to 11f can be selected. When requesting the selection of the storage units 11b to 11f, the interface control unit 124b also requests the package delivery person to touch a "decide" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 after finishing the selection of the storage units 11b to 11f. Furthermore, when requesting the selection of the storage units 11b to 11f, the interface control unit 124b also requests the package delivery person to touch a "cancel" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 if the package delivery person wishes to cancel the storage of the package without selecting one of the storage units 11b to 11f.

[0076] In step S307, the interface control unit 124b determines whether the selection of the storage units 11b to 11f has been confirmed. If the interface control unit 124b determines that the selection of the storage units 11b to 11f has been confirmed by the parcel delivery person touching the "Confirm" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 (step S307: YES), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to processing in step S308. On the other hand, if the interface control unit 124b determines that the selection of the storage units 11b to 11f has not been confirmed (step S307: NO), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to processing in step S323.

[0077] In step S308, the opening / closing control unit 124e (see FIG. 5) unlocks the electronic lock 119 (see FIG. 5) of the selected storage unit among the storage units 11b to 11f, and the process proceeds to step S309. When the opening / closing control unit 124e unlocks the electronic lock 119, the interface control unit 124b notifies the delivery person by displaying on the user interface unit 121 that the inner door 111b needs to be opened manually.

[0078] In step S309, the LED control unit 124c (see FIG. 5) turns on the LED 113 (see FIG. 2) provided in a selected storage unit among the storage units 11b to 11f, and the process proceeds to step S310.

[0079] In step S310, interface control unit 124b requests two operations from the parcel delivery person, and proceeds to processing in step S311 (see FIG. 8). As the first operation, interface control unit 124b requests that the parcel be placed in interior 112 (see FIG. 2) with the light of LED 113 blocked. As the second operation, interface control unit 124b requests that the door 111 be closed once the parcel has been placed in interior 112. Interface control unit 124b causes user interface unit 121 to display the requests for these two operations.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 8, in step S311, the opening / closing control unit 124e judges whether or not all selected storage units among the storage units 11b to 11f have been closed. If the opening / closing control unit 124e judges that all electronic locks 119 unlocked in step S308 are locked (step S311: YES), the process proceeds to step S312. On the other hand, if the opening / closing control unit 124e judges that at least one of all electronic locks 119 unlocked in step S308 is not locked (step S311: NO), the process proceeds to step S315 (see Fig. 9).

[0081] In step S312, the central control unit 124a judges whether the placement conditions of all the luggage stored in the process of step S310 are good or not. If all the detected voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d are lower than a preset first judgment voltage, the central control unit 124a judges that the placement conditions of all the luggage are good (step S312: YES), and proceeds to the process of step S313. On the other hand, if any one of the detected voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d is equal to or higher than the first judgment voltage, the central control unit 124a judges that the placement conditions of all the luggage are not good (step S312: NO), and proceeds to the process of step S326.

[0082] When luggage is placed inside the fridge 112, the visible light emitted from the LED 113 may be blocked by the luggage, making it more difficult for the visible light to reach the illuminance sensor 114 than when there is no luggage. The amount of visible light emitted from the LED 113 and received by the illuminance sensor 114 changes depending on the state of luggage placed inside the fridge 112.

[0083] For example, when a baggage is placed directly above the light-emitting surface of the LED 113, as in the case of the baggage P1 shown in FIG. 2, most of the visible light irradiated from the LED 113 is blocked by the baggage, and the amount of light received by the illuminance sensor 114 is extremely small. Also, for example, when a baggage is placed so as to block a part of the light-emitting surface of the LED 113, as in the case of the baggage P2 shown in FIG. 2, a part of the visible light irradiated from the LED 113 is blocked and the remaining part is received by the illuminance sensor 114. Therefore, when a baggage is placed so as to block a part of the light-emitting surface of the LED 113, the amount of light received by the illuminance sensor 114 is less than when no baggage is placed. Also, for example, when a baggage is placed so as not to block the entire light-emitting surface of the LED 113, as in the case of the baggage P3 shown in FIG. 2, the illuminance sensor 114 receives the same amount of visible light as when no baggage is placed in the interior 112.

[0084] In this way, the amount of light received by the illuminance sensor 114 changes depending on the placement state of the luggage. Therefore, in the locker device 1, the first determination voltage is set to a voltage corresponding to the amount of light received by the illuminance sensor 114 when the placement state of the luggage is good (i.e., when the luggage is placed in a desired position and normal). The general control unit 124a, which compares the first determination voltage set in this way with a detection voltage (an example of a received light output value) input from the illuminance detection unit 124d connected to the illuminance sensor 114 to determine the placement state of the luggage in the interior 112, corresponds to an example of a determination unit that determines whether or not the luggage is placed based on the amount of visible light received by the illuminance sensor 114. The first determination voltage is set in advance, for example, by simulation or experiment, and is stored in the memory unit 125, for example.

[0085] If the overall control unit 124a determines in the processing of step S312 that the loading condition of all the luggage is good, it stores in the memory unit 125 the storage unit in which the luggage is loaded as a storage unit in use, in association with the order number input by the input request in the processing of step S301.

[0086] In step S313, the LED control unit 124c turns off all of the LEDs 113 that were turned on in the process of step S309, and proceeds to the process of step S314. In this manner, the LED control unit 124c turns off the LEDs 113 when the luggage is properly placed in the interior 112 (step S312: YES). This allows the locker device 1 to prevent the LEDs 113 from being unnecessarily turned on continuously, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0087] In step S314, the interface control unit 124b ends the storing process by displaying an image notifying the user that storing has been completed on the user interface unit 121, and returns to the processing of the storing and retrieving operation of the luggage shown in Fig. 6. As a result, the locker device 1 completes the storing process of the luggage and ends the storing and retrieving operation of the luggage.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 9, in step S315 after it is determined that at least one of all the electronic locks 119 unlocked in the process of step S308 is not locked (step S311: NO), the interface control unit 124b determines whether or not the entry of the luggage has been canceled. If the interface control unit 124b determines that the entry of the luggage has been canceled by touching the "Cancel" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 (step S315: YES), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to the process of step S316. On the other hand, if the interface control unit 124b determines that the entry of the luggage has not been canceled by not touching the "Cancel" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 (step S315: NO), the interface control unit 124b returns to the process of step S310 (see Fig. 7).

[0089] In step S316, the interface control unit 124b notifies the parcel delivery person of the procedure for canceling the storage by displaying on the user interface unit 121, and the process proceeds to step S317.

[0090] In step S317, the opening / closing control unit 124e determines whether or not all of the storage units 11b to 11f whose electronic locks 119 were unlocked in the process of step S308 have been closed. If the opening / closing control unit 124e determines that all of the electronic locks 119 are locked (step S317: YES), the process proceeds to step S318. On the other hand, if the opening / closing control unit 124e determines that at least one of the electronic locks 119 is not locked (step S317: NO), the process returns to step S316.

[0091] In step S318, the LED control unit 124c turns off all of the LEDs 113 that were turned on in step S309, and proceeds to the process of step S319. This allows the locker device 1 to suppress unnecessary continuation of illumination of the LEDs 113, thereby achieving low power consumption.

[0092] The interface control unit 124b notifies the delivery person of the package that the storage has been canceled by displaying on the user interface unit 121, ends the storage process, and returns to the package storage / retrieval operation. The locker device 1 notifies the delivery person of the package that the storage / retrieval has been canceled, and ends the package storage / retrieval operation.

[0093] 7, in step S320 after it is determined in the process of step S302 that an order number has not been input (step S302: NO), the central control unit 124a determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the input of an order number was requested. If the central control unit 124a determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S320: YES), the central control unit 124a proceeds to the process of step S325. On the other hand, if the central control unit 124a determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S320: NO), the central control unit 124a returns to the process of step S301.

[0094] In the process of step S301 after step S320, the interface control unit 124b may prompt the parcel delivery person to input the order number by displaying a pop-up on the user interface unit 121, for example.

[0095] In step S321 after it is determined in the process of step S304 that a temperature zone has not been selected (step S304: NO), the central control unit 124a determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of a temperature zone was requested. If the central control unit 124a determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S321: YES), the central control unit 124a proceeds to the process of step S325. On the other hand, if the central control unit 124a determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S321: NO), the central control unit 124a returns to the process of step S303.

[0096] In the process of step S303 after step S321, the interface control unit 124b may prompt the parcel delivery person to select a temperature zone by displaying a pop-up on the user interface unit 121, for example.

[0097] In step S322 after it is determined in the process of step S305 that there is no vacant storage units 11b-11f (step S305: NO), the interface control unit 124b notifies the delivery person of the package that storage is not possible, ends the storage process, and returns to the package storage / retrieval operation. Specifically, the interface control unit 124b causes the user interface unit 121 to display an image for notifying the delivery person that there is no vacant storage units 11b-11f in the selected temperature range and that the package cannot be stored. The locker device 1 notifies the delivery person that storage is not possible and ends the package storage / retrieval operation.

[0098] In step S323 after it is determined in step S307 that the storage units 11b to 11f have not been selected (step S307: NO), the interface control unit 124b determines whether or not the entry of the luggage has been canceled. If the interface control unit 124b determines that the "Cancel" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 has been touched and the entry of the luggage has been canceled (step S323: YES), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to processing in step S325. On the other hand, if the interface control unit 124b determines that the "Cancel" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 has not been touched and the entry of the luggage has not been canceled (step S323: NO), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to processing in step S324.

[0099] In step S324, the central control unit 124a determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the request for selection of the storage units 11b to 11f was made. If the central control unit 124a determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S324: YES), the central control unit 124a proceeds to processing in step S325. On the other hand, if the central control unit 124a determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S324: NO), the central control unit 124a returns to processing in step S306.

[0100] In the process of step S306 after step S324, the interface control unit 124b may prompt the parcel delivery person to select one of the storage units 11b to 11f by displaying a pop-up on the user interface unit 121, for example.

[0101] In step S325, interface control unit 124b notifies the parcel delivery person that the parcel acceptance has been canceled by displaying on user interface unit 121, ends the storage process, and returns to the parcel entry / exit operation. Locker device 1 notifies the delivery person that the parcel acceptance has been canceled, and ends the parcel entry / exit operation.

[0102] 8, in step S326 after it is determined in step S312 that at least one of the placement conditions of the luggage is not good (step S312: NO), the central control unit 124a counts up the number of defective placement conditions and proceeds to the process of step S326. Specifically, the central control unit 124a counts up the number of defective placement conditions for each storage unit among the storage units 11b to 11f in which it is determined in step S312 that the placement condition of the luggage is not good. The number of defective placement conditions is stored in the storage unit 125 in association with each of the storage units 11b to 11f of the storage unit 11. The central control unit 124a stores the number of defective placement conditions after the count up in the storage unit 125 in association with the storage unit.

[0103] In step S327, the central control unit 124a determines whether the number of defects after counting up in the process of step S326 has reached a preset upper limit. If the central control unit 124a determines that the number of defects has reached the upper limit (step S327: YES), the central control unit 124a proceeds to the process of step S328. On the other hand, if the central control unit 124a determines that the number of defects has not reached the upper limit (step S327: NO), the central control unit 124a proceeds to the process of step S329.

[0104] In step S328, the central control unit 124a executes a defect process for the storage unit, and returns to the process of step S305 (see FIG. 7). The storage unit determined in step S327 to have reached the upper limit for the number of defects may have a defect such as the LED 113 not emitting light or the illuminance sensor 114 not receiving light. For this reason, the central control unit 124a transmits information about the storage unit whose number of defects has reached the upper limit, together with a notice that a defect may have occurred, to the management device 201 that manages the locker device 1 via the communication unit 126 (see FIG. 5). In addition, the central control unit 124a notifies the manager that manages the building in which the locker device 1 is installed that a defect may have occurred in the storage unit. In this way, the central control unit 124a notifies the management target of the locker device 1 that a defect may have occurred in the storage unit, as a defect process for the storage unit.

[0105] In the processing of step S305 after step S328, the central control unit 124a determines whether there is any vacant space in the storage units 11b to 11f of the temperature storage unit 11 selected by the parcel delivery person, other than the storage unit determined in step S327 to have reached the upper limit of the number of defects.

[0106] In step S329, the interface control unit 124b requests the reloading of the package in the interior 112 of the storage unit (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first target storage unit") where the placement condition of the package is determined to be poor in step S312 and where the number of defects is determined to have not reached the upper limit in step S327, and proceeds to processing in step S330. Specifically, the interface control unit 124b notifies the delivery person of the package by displaying on the user interface unit 121 that the package needs to be reloaded in the interior 112 of the first target storage unit.

[0107] In step S330, the opening / closing control unit 124e (see FIG. 5) unlocks the electronic lock 119 of the first target storage unit, and the process proceeds to step S331. When the opening / closing control unit 124e unlocks the electronic lock 119, the interface control unit 124b notifies the delivery person by displaying on the user interface unit 121 that the inner door 111b needs to be opened manually.

[0108] In step S331, the LED control unit 124c turns on the LED 113 provided in the handling storage unit, and the process proceeds to step S310 (see FIG. 7).

[0109] If the placement condition of the luggage becomes good as a result of rearranging the luggage in the interior 112 by the processing of step S310 after step S331 (step S312: YES), the poor placement condition of the luggage in the first target storage unit before the luggage was rearranged is not due to a malfunction of the LED 113 or the illuminance sensor 114 of the first target storage unit, but is due to the placement condition of the luggage in the interior 112. Therefore, if the placement condition of the luggage becomes good by rearranging the luggage in the interior 112 (step S312: YES), the LED control unit 124c turns off the LED 113 (step S313) and notifies the completion of storage (step S314). When the storage of the luggage is completed, the central control unit 124a resets the count of the number of times the placement state is defective. In this case, the count may be reset, for example, at the "start" or "end" of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, or at either the "start" or "end".

[0110] [1-2-4. Storage and retrieval operations of luggage in and from a locker device] The processing of the storing operation of luggage in locker device 1 will be described based on Figures 9 to 13 with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 5. Figures 9 to 13 are flow charts showing an example of the flow of the unloading process in the storing and unloading operation of luggage in locker device 1.

[0111] 10, when the processing of a parcel retrieval operation in locker device 1 is started, in step S501, interface control unit 124b executes a request to input an order number, and the process proceeds to step S502. Specifically, interface control unit 124b causes user interface unit 121 to display an image requesting that a two-dimensional code printed on a receipt slip be read by non-contact key reader 122, for example, in order to have a person standing in front of locker device 1 input the order number.

[0112] In step S502, the central control unit 124a executes acquisition of information of a storage unit, among the storage units 11b to 11f, associated with the input order number. If the central control unit 124a can acquire the information from the storage unit 125, it determines that there is stock corresponding to the order number (step S502: YES), and proceeds to processing in step S503. On the other hand, if the information is not stored in the storage unit 125 and the central control unit 124a cannot acquire the information, it determines that there is no stock corresponding to the order number (step S502: NO), and proceeds to processing in step S514. In addition, if the central control unit 124a determines that there is no input of the order number even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the input request for the order number, it also determines that there is no stock corresponding to the order number (step S502: NO), and proceeds to processing in step S514.

[0113] In step S503, the interface control unit 124b executes a request to select one of the storage units 11b-11f that will receive the package, and proceeds to processing in step S504. Specifically, the interface control unit 124b causes the user interface unit 121 to display an image that allows the person in front of the locker device 1 (i.e., the package recipient) to select a storage unit acquired in the processing in step S502. If information on multiple storage units is associated with the order number, the interface control unit 124b causes the user interface unit 121 to display an image that allows the multiple storage units to be selected. In addition, when requesting the selection of the storage units 11b-11f, the interface control unit 124b requests the package recipient to touch a "confirm" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 after finishing the selection of the storage units 11b-11f. Furthermore, when requesting the selection of storage units 11b to 11f, the interface control unit 124b also requests the recipient of the package to touch a “Cancel” icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 if the recipient wishes to cancel the shipment of the package without selecting one of storage units 11b to 11f.

[0114] In step S504, the interface control unit 124b determines whether or not a storage unit for receiving the package has been selected. If the interface control unit 124b determines that the package recipient has selected a storage unit by operating the user interface unit 121 (step S504: YES), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to processing in step S505. On the other hand, if the interface control unit 124b determines that the package recipient has not selected a storage unit (step S504: NO), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to processing in step S515.

[0115] In step S505, the interface control unit 124b judges whether the selection of the storage units 11b to 11f has been confirmed. If the interface control unit 124b judges that the recipient of the package has touched the "Confirm" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 to confirm the selection of the storage units 11b to 11f (step S507: YES), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to processing in step S506. On the other hand, if the interface control unit 124b judges that the selection of the storage units 11b to 11f has not been confirmed (step S505: NO), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to processing in step S516.

[0116] In step S506, the opening / closing control unit 124e unlocks the electronic lock 119 of the selected storage unit among the storage units 11b to 11f, and the process proceeds to step S507. When the opening / closing control unit 124e unlocks the electronic lock 119, the interface control unit 124b notifies the recipient by displaying on the user interface unit 121 that the inner door 111b needs to be opened manually.

[0117] In step S507, the LED control unit 124c turns on the LED 113 provided in the selected storage unit 11b to 11f, and the process proceeds to step S508.

[0118] In step S508, interface control unit 124b requests two operations from the recipient of the package, and the process proceeds to step S509. As a first operation, interface control unit 124b requests that the recipient remove the package from interior 112. As a second operation, interface control unit 124b requests that the recipient close door 111 after removing the package from interior 112. Interface control unit 124b causes user interface unit 121 to display the requests for these two operations.

[0119] In step S509, the interface control unit 124b determines whether or not the receipt of the package has been canceled. If the interface control unit 124b determines that the "Cancel" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 has not been touched and that the receipt of the package has not been canceled (step S509: NO), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to processing in step S510 (see FIG. 11). On the other hand, if the interface control unit 124b determines that the "Cancel" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 has been touched and that the receipt of the package has been canceled (step S509: YES), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to processing in step S520 (see FIG. 11).

[0120] As shown in Fig. 11, in step S510, the opening / closing control unit 124e judges whether or not all of the storage units 11b to 11f are closed. If the opening / closing control unit 124e judges that all of the electronic locks 119 unlocked in step S506 are locked (step S510: YES), the process proceeds to step S511. On the other hand, if the opening / closing control unit 124e judges that at least one of the electronic locks 119 unlocked in step S506 is not locked (step S510: NO), the process returns to step S508 (see Fig. 10).

[0121] In the process of step S508 after step S510, the interface control unit 124b may urge the recipient of the package to close the door 111, for example, by displaying a pop-up message on the user interface unit 121.

[0122] In step S511, the central control unit 124a judges whether or not there is no baggage in all the storage units selected in step S504. If all the detected voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d are higher than a preset second judgment voltage, the central control unit 124a judges that all the baggage has been removed from all the storage units and no baggage is present (step S511: YES), and proceeds to processing in step S512. On the other hand, if even one of the detected voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d is equal to or lower than the second judgment voltage, the central control unit 124a judges that at least one of all the baggage has not been removed and is present in one of the storage units (step S511: NO), and proceeds to processing in step S519.

[0123] As described above, the amount of light received by the illuminance sensor 114 changes depending on the state of luggage placed on the locker device 1. In the locker device 1, the second determination voltage in step S511 is set to a voltage corresponding to the amount of visible light irradiated from the LED 113 and received by the illuminance sensor 114 without being blocked by an obstacle such as luggage. The general control unit 124a compares the set second determination voltage with a detection voltage (an example of a received light output value) output from the illuminance detection unit 124d connected to the illuminance sensor 114 to determine whether or not the luggage has been removed from the warehouse. The second determination voltage is set in advance, for example, by simulation or experiment, and is stored in the memory unit 125, for example.

[0124] In step S512, the LED control unit 124c turns off all of the LEDs 113 that were turned on in the process of step S507, and proceeds to the process of step S513. In this way, the LED control unit 124c turns off the LEDs 113 when there is no longer any luggage in the interior 112 (step S511: YES). This allows the locker device 1 to prevent unnecessary continuation of illumination of the LEDs 113, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0125] In step S513, the interface control unit 124b displays an image notifying the completion of receipt of the luggage on the user interface unit 121, ends the retrieval process, and returns to the luggage storage / retrieval operation process shown in Fig. 6. As a result, the locker device 1 completes the luggage retrieval process and ends the luggage storage / retrieval operation.

[0126] 10, in step S514 after it is determined in the process of step S502 that no luggage corresponding to the order number has been stored (step S502: NO), the central control unit 124a notifies the person in front of the locker device 1 that no luggage corresponding to the input order number has been stored by displaying on the user interface unit 121, ends the storage process, and returns to the luggage storage / retrieval operation. The locker device 1 notifies that no luggage has been stored, and ends the luggage storage / retrieval operation.

[0127] In step S515 after it is determined in the process of step S504 that a storage unit has not been selected (step S504: NO), the central control unit 124a determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of a storage unit was requested. If the central control unit 124a determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S515: YES), the central control unit 124a proceeds to the process of step S518. On the other hand, if the central control unit 124a determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S515: NO), the central control unit 124a returns to the process of step S503.

[0128] In the process of step S503 after step S515, the interface control unit 124b may prompt the recipient of the package to select a storage unit by displaying a pop-up on the user interface unit 121, for example.

[0129] In step S516 after it is determined in the process of step S505 that the selection of the storage units 11b to 11f has not been confirmed (step S505: NO), the interface control unit 124b determines whether or not the receipt of the package has been canceled. If the interface control unit 124b determines that the "Cancel" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 has been touched and the receipt of the package has been canceled (step S516: YES), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to the process of step S518. On the other hand, if the interface control unit 124b determines that the "Cancel" icon displayed on the user interface unit 121 has not been touched and the receipt of the package has not been canceled (step S516: NO), the interface control unit 124b proceeds to the process of step S517.

[0130] In step S517, the central control unit 124a judges whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the selection of the storage units 11b to 11f was requested. If the central control unit 124a judges that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S517: YES), the central control unit 124a proceeds to the process of step S518. On the other hand, if the central control unit 124a judges that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S517: NO), the central control unit 124a returns to the process of step S503.

[0131] In the process of step S503 after step S517, the interface control unit 124b may prompt the recipient of the package to select a storage unit by displaying a pop-up on the user interface unit 121, for example.

[0132] In step S518, interface control unit 124b notifies the recipient of the package that the package receipt has been canceled by displaying on user interface unit 121, ends the retrieval process, and returns to the package storage and retrieval operation. Locker device 1 notifies the recipient that the package receipt has been canceled, and ends the package storage and retrieval operation.

[0133] As shown in Fig. 11, in the process of step S519 after step S511, a re-issuing process of the luggage is executed. Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 are a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the re-issuing process of the luggage in step S519.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 12, when the re-shipment process of the package is started, in step S519-1, the interface control unit 124b notifies the recipient of the package that the package has not been received by displaying on the user interface unit 121, and then proceeds to the process of step S519-2.

[0135] In step S519-2, the opening / closing control unit 124e unlocks the electronic lock 119 of the storage unit (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "second target storage unit") among the storage units 11b to 11f that is determined to have luggage present in the interior 112 in the processing of step S511, and proceeds to processing of step S519-3.

[0136] In step S519-3, the LED control unit 124c turns on the LED 113 provided in the second target storage unit, and the process proceeds to step S519-4.

[0137] In step S519-4, the interface control unit 124b requests two operations from the recipient of the package, and the process proceeds to step S519-5. As a first operation, the interface control unit 124b requests that the recipient remove the package from the interior 112 of the second target storage unit. As a second operation, the interface control unit 124b requests that the recipient close the door 111 of the second target storage unit after removing the package from the interior 112 of the second target storage unit. The interface control unit 124b causes the user interface unit 121 to display the requests for these two operations.

[0138] In step S519-5, the opening / closing control unit 124e judges whether all of the storage units 11b to 11f are closed. If the opening / closing control unit 124e judges that all of the electronic locks 119 unlocked in step S519-2 are locked (step S519-5: YES), the process proceeds to step S519-6. On the other hand, if the opening / closing control unit 124e judges that at least one of the electronic locks 119 unlocked in step S519-2 is not locked (step S519-5: NO), the process returns to step S519-4.

[0139] In the process of step S519-4 after step S519-5, interface control unit 124b may urge the recipient of the package to close door 111 by displaying a pop-up message on user interface unit 121, for example.

[0140] In step S519-6, the central control unit 124a judges whether or not there is no baggage in the interior 112 of the second target storage unit. When all the detection voltages input from the illuminance detection units 124d of the second target storage units are higher than the second judgment voltage, the central control unit 124a judges that baggage has been removed from the interiors 112 of all the second target storage units and that no baggage is present (step S519-6: YES), and proceeds to processing of step S519-7. On the other hand, when even one of the detection voltages input from the illuminance detection units 124d of the second target storage units is equal to or lower than the second judgment voltage, the central control unit 124a judges that at least one of all the baggage has not been removed and that baggage is present in any of the second target storage units (step S519-6: NO), and proceeds to processing of step S519-9 (see FIG. 13).

[0141] In step S519-7, LED control unit 124c turns off all LEDs 113 that were turned on in step S519-3, and proceeds to the process of step S519-8. In this way, LED control unit 124c turns off LEDs 113 when there are no more packages in interior 112 (step S519-6: YES). This allows locker device 1 to prevent unnecessary continuation of illumination of LEDs 113, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0142] In step S519-8, interface control unit 124b ends the retrieval process by displaying an image on user interface unit 121 notifying completion of receipt of the luggage, and returns to the processing of luggage storage / retrieval operation shown in Fig. 6. As a result, locker device 1 completes the retrieval process of the luggage and ends the luggage storage / retrieval operation.

[0143] 13, in step S519-9 after it is determined in the process of step S519-6 that at least one package is present (step S519-6: NO), the central control unit 124a counts up the number of defects in the receiving state, and proceeds to the process of step S519-10. Specifically, the central control unit 124a counts up the number of defects for each storage unit determined to have a package present in the interior 112. The number of defects is stored in the memory unit 125 in association with each of the storage units 11b to 11f of the storage unit 11. The central control unit 124a stores the number of defects after the count up in the memory unit 125 in association with the storage unit.

[0144] In step S519-10, the central control unit 124a judges whether the number of defects after counting up in step S519-9 has reached a preset upper limit. If the central control unit 124a judges that the number of defects has reached the upper limit (step S519-10: YES), the central control unit 124a proceeds to processing in step S519-11. On the other hand, if the central control unit 124a judges that the number of defects has not reached the upper limit (step S519-10: NO), the central control unit 124a proceeds to processing in step S519-14.

[0145] In step S519-11, the central control unit 124a executes a defect process for the storage unit, and proceeds to the process of step S519-12. The storage unit determined in step S519-9 to have reached the upper limit of the defect count may have a defect such as the LED 113 not emitting light or the illuminance sensor 114 not receiving light. For this reason, the central control unit 124a transmits information about the storage unit whose defect count has reached the upper limit, together with a notice that a defect may have occurred, to the management device 201 that manages the locker device 1 via the communication unit 126. In addition, the central control unit 124a notifies the manager that manages the building in which the locker device 1 is installed that a defect may have occurred in the storage unit. In this way, the central control unit 124a notifies the management target of the locker device 1 that a defect may have occurred in the storage unit, as a defect process for the storage unit.

[0146] In step S519-12, the central control unit 124a executes a process for prohibiting the use of the second target storage unit, and proceeds to the process of step S519-13. Specifically, in order to prohibit the use of the second target storage unit whose number of defects has reached the upper limit, the central control unit 124a stores the second target storage unit as a prohibited storage unit in the memory unit 125. As a result, in the next cargo storage / retrieval operation, the storage unit stored in the memory unit 125 as prohibited is excluded from the storage units that can store cargo.

[0147] In step S519-13, interface control unit 124b displays an image notifying completion of receipt of the luggage on user interface unit 121, terminates the retrieval process, and returns to the luggage storage / retrieval operation process shown in Fig. 6. As a result, locker device 1 completes the luggage retrieval process and terminates the luggage storage / retrieval operation.

[0148] In step S519-14, the central control unit 124a sets the second target storage unit in which the number of defects has been counted up in the process of step S519-9 as a selectable storage unit, and proceeds to the process of step S519-13. As a result, the second target storage unit set as a selectable storage unit can be selected as a storage unit capable of storing luggage even in the next luggage storage / retrieval operation.

[0149] The re-issuing process of the luggage (step S519) is a process for prompting the recipient to receive the luggage again. Therefore, even if the recipient forgets to receive the luggage the first time, it is highly likely that the forgotten luggage will be removed from inside 112 by executing the re-issuing process of the luggage. Therefore, the number of times the receiving status is not good is counted up in the re-issuing process of the luggage, and even if the luggage is still not removed from inside 112 in terms of control, it is considered that the luggage has been removed, and the re-issuing process of the luggage is terminated.

[0150] Returning to FIG. 11, in step S520 after it is determined in the processing of step S508 that the receipt of the package has been canceled (step S508: YES), the interface control unit 124b requests, by display on the user interface unit 121, that the door 111 of the storage unit that was unlocked in the processing of step S506 be closed, and the process proceeds to the processing of step S521.

[0151] In step S521, the opening / closing control unit 124e judges whether or not all the doors 111 of the storage units have been closed. If the opening / closing control unit 124e judges that all the electronic locks 119 unlocked in the process of step S506 have been locked (step S521: YES), the process proceeds to step S522. On the other hand, if the opening / closing control unit 124e judges that at least one of all the electronic locks 119 unlocked in step S506 has not been locked (step S521: NO), the process returns to step S520.

[0152] In the process of step S520 after step S521, the interface control unit 124b may urge the recipient of the package to close the door 111, for example, by displaying a pop-up message on the user interface unit 121.

[0153] In step S522, the LED control unit 124c turns off all of the LEDs 113 that were turned on in the process of step S507, and proceeds to the process of step S523. In this manner, the LED control unit 124c turns off the LEDs 113 when the door 111 to be closed is closed (step S521: YES). This allows the locker device 1 to suppress unnecessary continuation of illumination of the LEDs 113, thereby achieving low power consumption.

[0154] In step S523, interface control unit 124b notifies the recipient of the package that the package receipt has been canceled by displaying on user interface unit 121, ends the retrieval process, and returns to the package storage and retrieval operation. Locker device 1 notifies the recipient of the package that the package receipt has been canceled, and ends the package storage and retrieval operation.

[0155] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, locker device 1 includes storage units 11b to 11f and a user interface unit 121. Storage units 11b to 11f include lockable door 111, interior 112 which becomes a defined space when door 111 is locked, LED 113 arranged to be able to irradiate visible light into interior 112, and illuminance sensor 114 arranged to be able to receive the visible light irradiated to interior 112, and store luggage in interior 112. User interface unit 121 issues a notification to place luggage in interior 112 in a state where the visible light irradiated to interior 112 is blocked. As a result, when the door 111 is unlocked, the LED 113 emits light, allowing the locker device 1 to lightly notify the user of the location where the luggage is placed inside the locker device 112. Therefore, the locker device 1 can prevent the occurrence of error processing due to the wrong luggage placement location.

[0156] As in this embodiment, the locker device 1 may include an LED control unit 124c that controls the LED 113 so that it emits light in conjunction with the unlocking of the door 111. This allows the locker device 1 to selectively illuminate the LEDs 113 provided in the storage units 11b-11f having the unlocked doors 111. Therefore, the locker device 1 can notify the package delivery person of the placement location of the package in the storage units 11b-11f having the unlocked doors 111 by illuminating the LEDs 113.

[0157] The LED control unit 124c may turn off the LED 113 when the luggage is properly placed in the interior 112. This allows the locker device 1 to prevent unnecessary continuation of illumination of the LED 113. As a result, the locker device 1 can achieve low power consumption.

[0158] Locker device 1 may include a general control unit 124a that determines whether or not luggage is placed on the locker based on the amount of visible light received by illuminance sensor 114. This allows the locker device 1 to determine whether or not the luggage is placed using visible light for notifying the luggage placement location. Therefore, the locker device 1 can determine whether or not the luggage is placed directly in connection with the notification of the luggage placement location.

[0159] The locker device 1 may have a cooling device 11a that adjusts the temperature inside the storage unit 112 and storage sections 11b to 11f, and may be equipped with a storage unit 11 that stores luggage in the storage sections 11b to 11f at a predetermined temperature, and the LED control section 124c may cause the LED 113 to emit a color according to the temperature inside the storage unit 112. This allows locker device 1 to visually notify the temperature inside 112. Therefore, locker device 1 can prevent luggage from being stored in a storage unit with a temperature range different from the temperature range required for storing the luggage.

[0160] The LED 113 may be disposed on a bottom plate portion 115 of the interior 112, and the illuminance sensor 114 may be disposed on a top plate portion 116 of the interior 112. As a result, when no luggage is placed inside interior 112, locker device 1 can receive visible light irradiated from LED 113 with illuminance sensor 114, and when luggage is placed inside interior 112 in a normal state, visible light irradiated from LED 113 is less likely to be received by illuminance sensor 114. Therefore, locker device 1 can determine the luggage placement state inside interior 112 based on the amount of light received by illuminance sensor 114.

[0161] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0162] In the above embodiment, the LED 113 is disposed on the bottom plate portion 115, and the illuminance sensor 114 is disposed on the top plate portion 116, but this is not limiting. For example, the LED 113 may be disposed on the top plate portion 116, and the illuminance sensor 114 may be disposed on the bottom plate portion 115. In this case, the LED 113 can be turned on when the door 111 is opened and used as an interior light. Also, when a package is placed inside the interior 112, the illuminance sensor 114 is blocked from light, so the package can be detected without closing the door 111. Therefore, when a package is not placed properly, for example, the locker device 1 can notify the package delivery person that the package is not placed properly by, for example, flashing the LED 113.

[0163] In addition to the configuration in which LED 113 is disposed on top plate portion 116 and illuminance sensor 114 is disposed on bottom plate portion 115, locker device 1 may also include an audio output portion. In this case, if the luggage is not properly placed, the locker device 1 can output a sound such as a buzzer from the audio output unit to notify the luggage delivery person that the luggage is not properly placed.

[0164] In the above embodiment, each of the storage units 11b to 11f has one LED 113 and one illuminance sensor 114, but is not limited to this. For example, each of the storage units 11b to 11f may have a plurality of LEDs 113 and the same number of illuminance sensors 114 as the number of LEDs 113. In this case, in addition to the bottom plate 115 and the top plate 116, for example, an LED 113 may be arranged on one of a pair of side plates 117, and an illuminance sensor 114 may be arranged on the other of the pair of side plates 117. This allows the locker device 1 to determine the placement state of the luggage based on visible light emitted from multiple directions. Therefore, the locker device 1 can improve the accuracy of determining the placement state of multiple luggage placed in one storage interior 112.

[0165] In the above embodiment, an LED is used as the light emitting unit, and an illuminance sensor is used as the light receiving unit, but this is not limited thereto. For example, other light emitting elements such as semiconductor lasers capable of outputting visible light may be used as the light emitting unit. Also, for example, a phototransistor, photo IC, photodiode, or the like capable of receiving visible light may be used as the light receiving unit. In this case as well, the location of the luggage can be notified by the visible light emitted by the light-emitting section, and the placement state of the luggage can be determined based on the amount of light received by the light-receiving section.

[0166] In the above embodiment, an example in which the storage device is applied to a locker device has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. A locker device is an example of a storage device that can generally be locked, but the present invention may also be applied to a storage device that does not have a locking mechanism and can store luggage, for example. In this case, in the above embodiment, the LED control unit 124c controls the LED 113 to emit light in conjunction with the unlocking of the door 111, but when applied to a storage device that is not equipped with a locking mechanism, the LED control unit 124c may control the LED 113 to emit light in conjunction with the opening of the door 111.

[0167] In step S312 of the above embodiment, the general control unit 124a determines that the placement conditions of all the luggage are good when all the detected voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d are lower than a preset first judgment voltage, and determines that the placement conditions of all the luggage are not good when any one of the detected voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d is equal to or higher than the first judgment voltage, but is not limited to this. The general control unit 124a may determine that the placement conditions of all the luggage are good when all the detected voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d are equal to or lower than a preset first judgment voltage, and may determine that the placement conditions of all the luggage are not good when any one of the detected voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d is higher than the first judgment voltage.

[0168] Similarly, in step S511 of the above embodiment, the general control unit 124a determines that all the storage units have been removed and that no luggage is present when all the detection voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d are higher than a preset second judgment voltage, and determines that at least one of all the luggage has not been removed and that a luggage is present in one of the storage units when even one of the detection voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d is equal to or lower than the second judgment voltage, but is not limited to this. The general control unit 124a may determine that all the storage units have been removed and that no luggage is present when all the detection voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d are equal to or higher than the preset second judgment voltage, and may determine that at least one of all the luggage has not been removed and that a luggage is present in one of the storage units when even one of the detection voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d is lower than the second judgment voltage.

[0169] Furthermore, the detection voltage (an example of a received light output value) output from the illuminance detection unit 124d may be a value signal whose polarity is inverted by a transistor or the like. In this case, in step S312 of the above embodiment, if all of the detection voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d are higher than a predetermined first judgment voltage or equal to or greater than the first judgment voltage, the central control unit 124a determines that the placement condition of all of the luggage is good, and if any one of the detection voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d is equal to or less than the first judgment voltage or lower than the first judgment voltage, the central control unit 124a determines that the placement condition of all of the luggage is not good.In step S511 of the above embodiment, if all of the detection voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d are lower than a predetermined second judgment voltage or equal to or less than the second judgment voltage, the central control unit 124a determines that the luggage has been removed from all storage units and that no luggage is present, and if any one of the detection voltages input from the illuminance detection unit 124d is equal to or greater than the second judgment voltage or higher than the second reflected voltage, the central control unit 124a determines that at least one of the luggage has not been removed and that a luggage is present in one of the storage units. In short, the general control unit 124a included in the controller 124 may determine whether the placement state of all the luggage is good or not based on the detection voltage (one example of the light receiving output value) output from the illuminance detection unit 124d and a preset first judgment voltage, and may notify the user interface unit 121 of the judgment result by displaying an image to notify, for example, via the interface control unit 124b included in the controller 124. The general control unit 124a included in the controller 124 may determine whether the luggage is ready to be released based on the detection voltage (one example of the light receiving output value) output from the illuminance detection unit 124d and a preset second judgment voltage, and may notify the user interface unit 121 of the judgment result by displaying an image to notify, for example, via the interface control unit 124b included in the controller 124. The means of notification is not limited to images, and may be, for example, the turning on / off of a light source such as an LED or a lamp, or sound.

[0170] (Additional Note) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques. (Technology 1) A storage device having a storage interior that becomes a defined space when the door is opened, a light-emitting unit arranged to be able to irradiate visible light into the storage interior, and a light-receiving unit arranged to be able to receive the visible light irradiated into the storage interior, and equipped with a control unit that issues an alert if the light reception output value of the light-receiving unit is equal to or exceeds a predetermined value when the door is opened. With this configuration, the storage device can notify the user of the location of the luggage inside the storage unit by the light emitting unit emitting light when the door is opened, thereby preventing the occurrence of error processing due to the wrong luggage placement location.

[0171] (Technical 2) The storage device according to Technical 1, further comprising a light emission control unit that controls the light emission unit to emit light in response to the door being opened or unlocked. With this configuration, the storage device can selectively emit light from the light emitting unit provided in the storage unit with the open or unlocked door, and therefore the storage device can notify the package delivery person of the placement location of the package in the storage unit with the open or unlocked door by emitting light from the light emitting unit.

[0172] (Technology 3) The storage device according to Technology 2, wherein the light-emitting control unit turns off the light-emitting unit when the luggage is properly placed in the storage compartment. With this configuration, the storage device can prevent the light-emitting unit from being unnecessarily turned on continuously, thereby achieving low power consumption.

[0173] (Technology 4) The storage device according to Technology 3, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not the luggage is placed on the storage device based on the amount of the visible light received by the light receiving unit. With this configuration, the storage device can determine whether or not the luggage is placed using visible light for notifying the luggage placement location. Therefore, the storage device can determine whether or not the luggage is placed directly in connection with the notification of the luggage placement location.

[0174] (Technology 5) A storage device as described in any one of Technologies 2 to 4, comprising a temperature control unit for controlling the temperature inside the storage unit and the storage unit, and a storage unit for storing the luggage in the storage unit at a predetermined temperature, wherein the light emission control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the temperature inside the storage unit. With this configuration, the storage device can visually notify the temperature inside the storage device, and therefore the storage device can prevent the luggage from being stored in a storage unit with a temperature range different from the temperature range required for storing the luggage.

[0175] (Technology 6) A storage device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 5, wherein the light-emitting unit is arranged on a bottom plate portion of the interior of the storage compartment, and the light-receiving unit is arranged on a top plate portion of the interior of the storage compartment. With this configuration, the storage device can receive the visible light irradiated from the light emitting unit with the light receiving unit when no luggage is placed inside the storage device, and the visible light irradiated from the light emitting unit is difficult to receive with the light receiving unit when luggage is placed inside the storage device in a normal state. Therefore, the storage device can determine the luggage placement state inside the storage device based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit.

[0176] (Technology 7) A storage device according to any one of technologies 1 to 5, wherein the light-emitting unit is arranged on a top plate portion of the interior of the storage compartment, and the light-receiving unit is arranged on a bottom plate portion of the interior of the storage compartment. With this configuration, the light-emitting unit can be turned on when the door is opened, and can also be used as an interior light. Also, when a package is placed inside the package, the light-receiving unit is blocked from light, so the package can be detected without the need to close the door. Therefore, when the package is not properly placed, for example, the storage device can notify the package delivery person that the package is not properly placed by, for example, flashing the light-emitting unit.

[0177] (Technology 8) A storage device according to any one of technologies 1 to 8, wherein the storage unit has a plurality of the light-emitting units and the same number of the light-receiving units as the light-emitting units. With this configuration, the storage device can determine the placement state of the luggage based on the visible light irradiated from multiple directions, which improves the accuracy of determining the placement state of multiple luggage placed in one storage unit.

[0178] (Technology 9) A control method for a storage device having a storage interior that becomes a defined space when the door is closed, a light-emitting unit arranged to be able to irradiate visible light into the storage interior, a light-receiving unit arranged to be able to receive the visible light irradiated into the storage interior, and a control unit that controls the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, the control method comprising the steps of acquiring a light-receiving output value by the light-receiving unit when the door is closed, and issuing an alert when the light-receiving output value is equal to or exceeds a predetermined value. With this configuration, the storage device can notify the user of the location of the luggage inside the storage unit by the light emitting unit emitting light when the door is opened, thereby preventing the occurrence of error processing due to the wrong luggage placement location.

[0179] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0180] The present disclosure is applicable to devices that have a refrigeration or freezing function and can store items. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to storage devices for home delivery, general refrigeration and freezing cooling devices, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 1 Locker device 2. Chassis 11, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3 Storage Unit 11a,11a-1,11a-2,11a-3 Cooling device 11b~11f,11b-1~11f-1,11b-2~11f-2,11b-3~11f-3 Storage section 12 Interface unit 21 Outer plate 22 Insulation 23 Inner plate 81 Flow Path 82 Air outlet 90 Bottom plate part 91 Compressor 92 Condenser 93 Condenser fan 94 Evaporator 95 Evaporator fan 110 Unit cover 110a Space 110b Intake port 110c Air outlet 110d Drain pan 111 Door 111a Outer door 111b Inner door 111b-1 Insulation material 111b-2 Sealing material 111b-3 Toride 112 Inside the warehouse 113 LED 114 Illuminance sensor 115 Bottom plate part 115a opening 116 Top plate 117 Side Panel 117a, 118a Ventilation holes 118 Backboard 119 Electronic Lock 121 User Interface Section 122 Contactless Key Reader 123 QR Code Reader 124 Controller 124a General Control Unit 124b Interface control section 124c LED control section 124d Illuminance detection unit 124d Illuminance detection unit of the second object storage unit 124e Opening and closing control section 124f Temperature control unit 124g communication bus line 125 Storage section 126 Communications Department 200 Communication Network 201 Management device P1 Luggage P2 Baggage P3 Baggage

Claims

1. The refrigerator has a fridge interior that becomes a defined space when the door is opened, a light-emitting unit arranged to be able to irradiate visible light into the fridge interior, and a light-receiving unit arranged to be able to receive the visible light irradiated into the fridge interior, and a control unit that issues a notification when a light receiving output value by the light receiving unit is equal to or exceeds a predetermined value when the door is opened. Containment device.

2. A light emission control unit controls the light emitting unit so that the light emitting unit emits light in response to the door being opened or unlocked. The containment device of claim 1 .

3. The light emission control unit turns off the light emission unit when the luggage is normally placed in the storage unit.

3. The containment device of claim 2.

4. A determination unit that determines whether or not the luggage is placed on the vehicle based on the amount of the visible light received by the light receiving unit.

4. The containment device of claim 3.

5. A storage unit includes a temperature control unit that controls a temperature inside the storage unit and a storage unit, and stores luggage in the storage unit at a predetermined temperature. The light emission control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the temperature inside the storage compartment.

3. The containment device of claim 2.

6. The light emitting unit is disposed on a bottom plate portion of the interior of the storage unit, The light receiving unit is disposed on the top plate of the interior of the storage unit. The containment device of claim 1 .

7. The light emitting unit is disposed on a top plate portion of the interior of the storage unit, The light receiving unit is disposed on a bottom plate portion of the interior of the storage unit. The containment device of claim 1 .

8. The storage unit has a plurality of the light-emitting units and the same number of the light-receiving units as the light-emitting units.

6. The containment device of claim 5.

9. A control method for a storage device having a storage interior that becomes a defined space when a door is closed, a light-emitting unit arranged to be able to irradiate visible light into the storage interior, a light-receiving unit arranged to be able to receive the visible light irradiated into the storage interior, and a control unit that controls the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, acquiring a light receiving output value by the light receiving unit when the door is closed; a step of notifying when the light receiving output value is equal to or exceeds a predetermined value; A method for controlling a storage device having the above structure.

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