Home delivery support system, home delivery support method, home delivery support device, and program

Abstract

To use a home delivery box with an electronic display function to simplify various procedures in the processes of home delivery, including shipment, receiving, acceptance, and delivery, and realize quick and accurate home delivery.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a home delivery support device that communicates with a terminal device of a deliverer, a terminal device of a recipient, a terminal device of a business operator, and a home delivery box. The home delivery support device includes: a transmission / reception control unit 11a configured to communicate with the terminal device of the deliverer, the terminal device of the recipient, the terminal device of the business operator, and the home delivery box; a memory unit 13 configured to store information on at least a sender, the recipient, the business operator, and the home delivery box; a management unit 11c configured to manage at least the shipment and delivery of packages; and a settlement unit 11d configured to make payments for delivery. The management unit 11c manages identification information of the home delivery box sent from the terminal device of the deliverer in association with shipment information including a delivery destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for simplifying various procedures during the process of sending, receiving, and delivering parcels by using a parcel box equipped with an electronic display function such as electronic paper. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, when a user, who is a deliverer, wanted to deliver a package to a desired address, he or she would typically fill in the address and other necessary information on a designated delivery slip, pay a designated delivery fee, and request the delivery from a delivery company. Nowadays, in order to reduce the burden of re-delivery even when the recipient is absent, delivery boxes have been introduced, and so-called delivery to the front door or other location is also common. As such delivery boxes, those equipped with various functions have been proposed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a delivery storage system that includes an intercom installed in a home and having a communication means, a delivery box having a communication function, and a mobile communication terminal carried by the resident of the home, where the intercom has a notification function that can send specific notifications to the mobile communication terminal via the Internet when a visitor notification button is pressed, and the mobile communication terminal has an unlocking operation means that can unlock the door of the delivery box via the Internet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-8642 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose the simplification of various procedures during the process of sending, receiving, and accepting parcels by using a parcel box equipped with an electronic display function. Furthermore, conventional parcel boxes must be fixedly set up in real estate in advance, which means initial installation costs are incurred, and the delivery destination, etc. cannot be changed after the fact.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and its purpose is to provide technology that uses a delivery box with an electronic display function to simplify various procedures in the process of sending, receiving, and delivering parcels, while enabling fast and accurate delivery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a home delivery support system according to one aspect of the present invention is a home delivery support system including a deliverer's terminal device, a recipient's terminal device, a company's terminal device, a delivery box, and a home delivery support device, the home delivery support device having a first transmission / reception control unit that communicates with the deliverer's terminal device, the recipient's terminal device, the company's terminal device, and the delivery box, a storage unit that stores information on at least the deliverer, the recipient, the company, and the delivery box, a management unit that manages at least the dispatch and delivery of the package, and a payment unit that makes a payment for the home delivery, and the deliverer's terminal device, the recipient's terminal device, and the company's terminal device each have a second transmission / reception control unit that communicates with the home delivery support device, and a payment unit that receives information from the home delivery support device. The delivery box has a first display unit that displays based on data, an imaging unit that captures a two-dimensional code displayed on the delivery box, and a two-dimensional code processing unit that processes the two-dimensional code, and the delivery box has a third transmission / reception control unit that communicates with the delivery support device, an unlocking control unit that unlocks the lock in accordance with instructions from the recipient's terminal device, a second display unit that displays based on data sent from the delivery support device, and a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information, and when the delivery person's terminal device captures the two-dimensional code displayed on the second display unit of the delivery box using the imaging unit, identification information of the delivery box is acquired, and the identification information is associated with shipping information including the delivery destination and sent to the delivery support device to request delivery.

[0008] A home delivery support method according to another aspect of the present invention is a home delivery support method using a home delivery support system including a deliverer's terminal device, a recipient's terminal device, a company's terminal device, a home delivery box, and a home delivery support device, wherein in the home delivery support device, a first transmission / reception control unit communicates with the deliverer's terminal device, the recipient's terminal device, the company's terminal device, and the home delivery box, a management unit manages at least the dispatch and delivery of the package, a settlement unit makes a settlement for the home delivery, and in the deliverer's terminal device, the recipient's terminal device, and the company's terminal device, a second transmission / reception control unit communicates with the home delivery support device, and a first display unit displays based on data sent from the home delivery support device. An imaging unit captures the two-dimensional code displayed on the delivery box, a code processing unit processes the two-dimensional code, and in the delivery box, a third transmission / reception control unit communicates with the delivery support device, an unlocking control unit unlocks the lock in accordance with instructions from the recipient's terminal device, a second display unit performs display based on the data sent from the delivery support device, and a location information acquisition unit acquires location information.When the delivery person's terminal device captures the two-dimensional code displayed on the second display unit of the delivery box using the imaging unit, identification information of the delivery box is acquired, and the identification information is associated with shipping information including the delivery destination and transmitted to the delivery support device to request delivery.

[0009] A home delivery support device according to another aspect of the present invention is a home delivery support device that communicates with a deliverer's terminal device, a recipient's terminal device, a company's terminal device, and a delivery box, and has a transmission / reception control unit that communicates with the deliverer's terminal device, the recipient's terminal device, the company's terminal device, and the delivery box, a memory unit that stores information on at least the deliverer, the recipient, the company, and the delivery box, a management unit that manages at least the dispatch and delivery of the package, and a payment unit that makes payment for the delivery, and the management unit associates and manages the identification information of the delivery box sent from the deliverer's terminal device with shipping information including the delivery destination.

[0010] A program according to another aspect of the present invention includes a memory unit storing information on at least the sender, recipient, carrier, and delivery box, and causes the delivery support device that communicates with the deliverer's terminal device, the recipient's terminal device, the carrier's terminal device, and the delivery box to function as a transmission / reception control unit that communicates with the terminal devices and the delivery box, a management unit that manages at least the dispatch and delivery of the package, and a payment unit that makes payment for the delivery, and the management unit associates and manages the identification information of the delivery box sent from the deliverer's terminal device with shipping information including the delivery destination. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, a technology can be provided that uses a delivery box equipped with an electronic display function to simplify various procedures in the process of sending, receiving, and delivering a parcel, while enabling fast and accurate delivery. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a home delivery support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2(a) is a configuration diagram of a server device serving as a home delivery support device of the system, and FIG. 2(b) is a detailed configuration diagram of the management section. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a terminal device in the system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the delivery box in the system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a delivery sequence. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a goods receiving sequence. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a receiving sequence. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the receiving sequence. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the shipment information confirmation sequence. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display in the delivery box. [Figure 11] 11(a), 11(b), and 11(c) are diagrams showing examples of screen displays on a terminal device. [Figure 12] 12(a) and 12(b) are diagrams showing examples of screen displays on a terminal device. [Figure 13] 13(a), 13(b), and 13(c) are diagrams showing examples of screen displays on a terminal device. [Figure 14] 14(a) and 14(b) are diagrams showing examples of screen displays on a terminal device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a home delivery support system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] As shown in the figure, this home delivery support system is configured by connecting a server device 1 as a home delivery support device, a sender's terminal device 2, a recipient's terminal device 3, a company's terminal device 4, a home delivery box 5, and the company's home delivery system 6 so that they can communicate wirelessly or wired via a communication network 7 such as the Internet. It is also possible to configure the home delivery support system using only some of these devices.

[0016] In such a configuration, when the two-dimensional code displayed on the screen of the display unit of the delivery box 5 is captured on the deliverer's terminal device 2, the identification information of the delivery box is obtained, and an application for delivery is made by associating the identification information with shipping information including the delivery destination and transmitting it to the server device 1. Prior to the application for delivery, the server device 1 searches for the rates of multiple delivery companies and displays them on the sender's terminal device 2 in a manner that allows the sender to select a delivery company based on the rate.

[0017] By capturing an image of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the delivery box 5, each terminal 2 to 4 can check information related to delivery on the display screen of the delivery box 5. At this time, the server device 1 manages the viewing authority of the sender, recipient, and carrier, and controls the display unit of the delivery box 5 to display information in a manner that restricts the display content based on the viewing authority.

[0018] In addition, the server device 1 manages the process of parcels in real time, from shipment to delivery and receipt, based on location information periodically obtained by the delivery box 5, and transmits information related to the process in response to requests from the sender's terminal device 2, the receiver's terminal device 3, and the company's terminal device 4, and prompts them to display it.

[0019] Next, FIG. 2(a) shows a configuration diagram of a server device serving as a home delivery support device of the home delivery support system, and FIG. 2(b) shows a detailed configuration diagram of the management unit, which will be described.

[0020] As shown in the figure, the server device 1 has a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The control unit 11, the communication unit 12, and the storage unit 13 are communicatively connected via a bus line. In addition to these components, the server device 1 may have an input unit such as a keyboard or a mouse, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display for performing various displays. The communication unit 12 is realized by, for example, a NIC, and is a communication interface that is connected to a communication network 7 such as the Internet by wire or wirelessly and communicates with each of the terminal devices 2, 3, 4, etc.

[0021] The storage unit 13 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, a HDD, or an optical disk device, and stores in advance the programs to be executed by the control unit 11. More specifically, the storage unit 13 has a member information storage unit 14, a trader information storage unit 15, a management information storage unit 16, etc.

[0022] The member information storage unit 14 stores member information such as senders, recipients, etc. Specifically, it stores attribute information such as the member's name, address, telephone number, email address, etc., payment information such as an account number for payment, history information, and authority information for determining the level at which information is displayed on the display unit of the delivery box 5, linked to the member ID.

[0023] The company information storage unit 15 stores company information of delivery companies. Specifically, the company information storage unit 15 stores attribute information such as the company's name, address, telephone number, and email address, payment information such as an account number for payment, history information, and authority information for determining the level at which information is displayed on the display unit of the delivery box 5, in association with a company ID.

[0024] The management information storage unit 16 stores, as management information, member management information, shipping management information, delivery management information, etc. Specifically, it stores, as member management information, the IDs of the sender and the recipient, etc., linked to a delivery ID assigned to each delivery case, stores, as shipping management information, the name of the delivery destination, the ID of the delivery box to be used, the delivery method (drop-off delivery, etc.), etc., and stores, as delivery management information, information such as the delivery status of the package. Note that these are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the information to be stored is not limited to these.

[0025] The control unit 11 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, or the like. The control unit 11 is composed of an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 11 reads and executes programs stored in the memory unit 13, thereby functioning as a transmission / reception control unit 11a, an authentication unit 11b, a management unit 11c, a settlement unit 11d, and a main control unit 11e. As shown in Fig. 2(b), the management unit 11c further has at least a member management unit 11c-1, a shipping management unit 11c-2, and a delivery management unit 11c-3.

[0026] In such a configuration, the transmission / reception control unit 11a controls the transmission and reception of data between the deliverer's terminal device 2, the recipient's terminal device 3, the company's terminal device 4, and the delivery box 5. The transmission / reception control unit 11a functions, for example, as a receiving unit that receives various requests from the terminal devices 2, 3, and 4, and a transmitting unit that transmits screen display data, etc.

[0027] The authentication unit 11b performs a predetermined authentication when the deliverer's terminal device 2, the recipient's terminal device 3, and the company's terminal device 4 log in.

[0028] The management section 11c performs member management, delivery management, and shipping management.

[0029] More specifically, when the member management unit 11c-1 receives a request from a sender who is a member to use this service, it updates the contents of the member information storage unit 14 and the management information storage unit 16. In addition, when it receives a request from each of the terminal devices 2, 3, and 4 to display information on the display unit of the delivery box 5, it refers to the authority information of the member information storage unit 14 and the business information storage unit 15 and adjusts the viewing level of each of the terminal devices 2, 3, and 4 by restricting the display content, for example.

[0030] When the delivery management unit 11c-2 receives a request to use this service from the sender's terminal device 2, it manages the received ID of the delivery box 5 and delivery management information by storing them in the management information storage unit 16. The delivery management unit 11c-3 periodically acquires location information from the delivery box 5 and manages the status of delivery requests in real time based on the location information and operational inputs (e.g., receipt confirmation, acceptance confirmation, etc.) at each of the terminal devices 2, 3, 4. This delivery management information is also stored and updated in the management information storage unit 16.

[0031] The settlement unit 11d executes electronic settlement for the delivery charge with the sender's terminal device 2 when application for the delivery service, input of various information, etc. The main control unit 11e is responsible for various other controls.

[0032] Therefore, when the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the delivery box 5 is captured by the imaging unit of the sender's terminal device 2, identification information of the delivery box 5 is obtained, and the identification information is associated with shipping information including the delivery destination and transmitted to the server device 1 acting as a delivery support device, and the server device 1 accepts the delivery application.

[0033] Prior to applying for home delivery, the shipping management unit 11c-2 of the management unit 11c searches for the rates of multiple delivery companies and displays them on the sender's terminal device 2 in a manner that allows the sender to select a delivery company based on the rate, thereby prompting the sender to select a delivery company.

[0034] Furthermore, the member management unit 11c-1 of the management unit 11c manages the viewing authority of the sender, receiver, and company, and controls the display unit of the delivery box 5 to display information in a manner that restricts the display content based on the viewing authority.

[0035] In addition, the delivery management section 11c-3 of the management section 11c manages the process from sending the package to its delivery and receipt based on the location information acquired by the delivery box 5, and transmits information related to the delivery process (status) and prompts the display thereof in response to requests from the sender's terminal device 2, the receiver's terminal device 3, and the carrier's terminal device 4.

[0036] The configuration of the terminal device of the home delivery support system is shown and explained in Fig. 3. Here, the configuration of the sender's terminal device 2 is illustrated, but since the receiver's terminal device 3 and the company's terminal device 4 have the same configuration, in the following explanation, the same symbols as in the figure are used for the configuration of each device 3, 4.

[0037] As shown in the figure, the terminal device 2 (3, 4) has a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, an imaging unit 23, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, and a storage unit 26. The units 21 to 26 are connected to each other via a bus line 27 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The communication unit 22 is realized, for example, by a NIC or the like, and is a communication interface that is connected by wire or wirelessly via a communication network 7 such as the Internet and communicates with the server device 1 or the like. The imaging unit 23 takes an image of a two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the delivery box 5. The operation unit 24 is realized by a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, and accepts various operation inputs by a user. The display unit 25 is realized by a liquid crystal display or the like, and performs various displays. The operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 may be integrated into one unit as a touch panel. The storage unit 26 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, a HDD, or an optical disk device, and stores a program executed by the control unit 21.

[0038] The control unit 21 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, or the like, and may be configured by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 21 reads and executes a program stored in the storage unit 26, thereby functioning as a transmission / reception control unit 21a, a display control unit 21b, and a code processing unit 21c. More specifically, the transmission / reception control unit 21a functions as a receiving unit that receives display data and the like from the server device 1, and a transmitting unit that transmits various requests and the like to the server device 1. The display control unit 21b performs various displays on the display unit 25 based on the display data sent from the server device 1. The code processing unit 21c processes the two-dimensional code captured by the imaging unit 23, and generates data to be transmitted to the server device 1.

[0039] Therefore, in the sender's terminal device 2, the imaging unit 23 captures the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of the delivery box 5, the code processing unit 21c acquires the identification information of the delivery box 5, and the transmission / reception control unit 21a associates the identification information with shipping information including the delivery destination and transmits it to the server device 1 as a delivery support device, and an application for the delivery service is made.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the delivery box of the delivery support system, and will be described.

[0041] As shown in the figure, delivery box 5 has a control unit 51, a communication unit 52, a display unit 53, an operation unit 54, a drive unit 55, a locking mechanism 56, a GPS unit 57, and a memory unit 58. Each unit 51 to 57 is connected to each other so as to be able to communicate freely via a bus line.

[0042] The communication unit 52 is realized by, for example, a NIC, and is a communication interface that is connected by wire or wirelessly via a communication network 7 such as the Internet and communicates with the server device 1, etc. The display unit 53 is realized by electronic paper, etc., and displays various information. The operation unit 54 is realized by a touch button, etc., and accepts various operation inputs by the user. The drive unit 55 drives the lock mechanism 56 and locks / unlocks the lock mechanism 56. The GPS unit 57 acquires location information. The storage unit 58 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, a HDD, or an optical disk device, and stores the programs executed by the control unit 51.

[0043] The control unit 51 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, etc., and may be configured by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, an FPGA, etc. The control unit 51 reads out and executes a program stored in the storage unit 58, thereby functioning as a transmission / reception control unit 51a, an unlocking control unit 51b, a display control unit 51c, a location information acquisition unit 51d, and a main control unit 51e.

[0044] In this configuration, the transmission / reception control unit 51a transmits and receives data to and from the server device 1, etc. The transmission / reception control unit 51a functions, for example, as a receiving unit that receives display data to be displayed on the display unit 53 sent from the server device 1, and a transmitting unit that transmits position information and the like to the server device 1. The unlocking control unit 51b controls the driving of the driving unit 55 based on an instruction from the server device 1, and controls the unlocking / locking of the locking mechanism 56.

[0045] The display control unit 51c controls the display unit 53 to perform various displays based on the display data and the like sent from the server device 1. The location information acquisition unit 51d acquires location information based on the data acquired by the GPS unit 57. The main control unit 51e also performs various other controls.

[0046] An example of the display on the display unit 53 is shown in FIG.

[0047] As shown in the figure, in the delivery box 5, the display unit 53 configured with electronic paper or the like displays the delivery address, sender, item name, handling information, and delivery status (sent / received / delivered / received, etc.). In addition, the reception date and time, dispatch date and time, dispatch store, dispatch method, scheduled delivery date, delivery time zone, receiving store, receiving method, size, fee, payment method, payment type, etc. are displayed. All or part of this information is displayed according to the authority of the terminal device 2 to 4 that made the display request.

[0048] Hereinafter, a delivery sequence by the home delivery support system will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] When the transmission / reception control unit 21a of the sender's terminal device 2 transmits a login request to the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a in the server device 1 accepts the login request (S1). Then, the member management unit 11c-1 commands the authentication unit 11b to perform authentication (S2). In response to this command, the authentication unit 11b performs a predetermined authentication, and if authentication is successful, notifies the member management unit 11c-1 of this fact (S3). In response to this notification, the member management unit 11c-1 notifies the sender's terminal device 2 of authentication success (S4).

[0050] In the sender's terminal device 2, the transmission / reception control unit 21a then transmits a request to initialize the delivery box 5 (S5). In the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a receives this request, and the delivery management unit 11c-2 acquires information about the delivery box 5 (e.g., ID, size, etc.) (S6). Then, the delivery management unit 11c-2 transmits the acquired information (e.g., ID, size, etc.) to the sender's terminal device 2 via the transmission / reception control unit 11a (S8).

[0051] Next, in the sender's terminal device 2, when information such as a delivery destination is input by operating the operation unit 24, the transmission / reception control unit 21a transmits the input shipping information to the server device 1. In the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a accepts the shipping information, and the shipping management unit 11c-2 records and updates it in the management information storage unit 16 (S9).

[0052] In the server device 1, the delivery management unit 11c-2 makes a fee search request to the home delivery systems 6 of multiple businesses via the transmission / reception control unit 11a, and receives fee information, which is the search result, from the home delivery system 6 via the transmission / reception control unit 11a (S10 to S13). The delivery management unit 11c-2 transmits display data related to the fee information, etc. to the sender's terminal device 2 via the transmission / reception control unit 11a. In the sender's terminal device 2, the transmission / reception control unit 21a receives the display data, and under the control of the display control unit 21b, the fee information of multiple businesses is displayed on the display unit 25, prompting the sender to make a selection (S14).

[0053] Next, when the sender's terminal device 2 selects a carrier and finalizes the shipping information, the transmission / reception control unit 21a transmits the finalization information to the server device 1. In the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a receives the finalization information, and the shipping management unit 11c-2 stores and updates the information in the management information storage unit 16, while the settlement unit 11d refers to the member information storage unit 14 and the like to execute electronic settlement related to the home delivery (S15).

[0054] In the server device 1, the delivery management unit 11c-2 requests the delivery system 6 to issue a cover page via the transmission / reception control unit 11a (S16). In the delivery system 6, the cover page is electronically issued and transmitted to the server device 1. In the server device, the transmission / reception control unit 11a receives the cover page, and the delivery management unit 11c-2 writes the cover page by transmitting destination information and the like of the cover page to the delivery box 5 (S18). In the delivery box 5, the transmission / reception control unit 51a receives the destination information and the like, and stores it in the storage unit 58 under the control of the main control unit 51e, and the transmission / reception control unit 51a transmits a writing completion to the server device 1 (S19). In the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a receives the completion notification, and the delivery management unit 11c-2 notifies the sender's terminal device 2 via the transmission / reception control unit 11a (S20).

[0055] Next, in the sender's terminal device 2, the transmission / reception control unit 21a places the package inside the delivery box 5 and then requests the server device 1 to lock it (S21). In the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a accepts this request, and the delivery management unit 11c-2 commands the delivery box 5 to lock it (S22). In the delivery box 5, the transmission / reception control unit 51a accepts the command, and the unlocking control unit 51b locks the locking mechanism 56 via the drive unit 55 and transmits a locking completion notice to the server device 1 via the transmission / reception control unit 51a (S23). In the server device 1, when the transmission / reception control unit 11a receives the locking completion notice, the delivery management unit 11c-2 transmits a locking completion notice to the sender's terminal device 2 via the transmission / reception control unit 11a (S24). The above is a series of processes related to delivery.

[0056] Next, a package receiving sequence by the home delivery support system will be described with reference to FIG.

[0057] When the code display button on the delivery box 5 is pressed by the contractor (collector), the display control unit 51c of the delivery box 5 reads out information from the storage unit 58 and displays a two-dimensional code on the display unit 53 based on the information. Then, when the two-dimensional code is captured by the imaging unit 23 of the contractor's terminal device 4, the code processing unit 21c processes the two-dimensional code (S31 to S34). Then, the contractor's terminal device 4 requests the delivery system 6 to perform a receiving process via the transmission / reception control unit 21a (S35). When the delivery system 6 accepts this request, it executes the receiving process and transmits the result to the contractor's terminal device 4 (S36).

[0058] When the contractor (collector) presses the receipt button on the delivery box 5, the delivery box 5 requests the server device 1 to process receipt via the transmission / reception control unit 51a (S38). In the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a accepts this request, and the delivery management unit 11c-2 updates the information in the management information storage unit 16 and requests the delivery system 6 to confirm receipt via the transmission / reception control unit 11a (S39). In the delivery system 6, receipt confirmation is performed and the result is transmitted to the server device 1 (S40). In the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a receives this result, and the delivery management unit 11c-2 transmits a receipt completion notice to the delivery box 5 via the transmission / reception control unit 11a (S41). In the delivery box 5, the transmission / reception control unit 51a transmits a receipt completion notice to the contractor's terminal device 4 (S42).

[0059] After the carrier has removed the package, the delivery box 5 periodically transmits the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 51d to the server device 1 via the transmission / reception control unit 51a. In the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a acquires the location information, and the delivery management unit 11c-3 updates the information in the management information storage unit 16 and transmits a receipt confirmation notification to the delivery box 5 (S43, S44). This completes the series of processes related to receiving the package.

[0060] Next, the receiving sequence by the home delivery support system will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Here, the process on the company (delivery person) side will be described.

[0061] When the code display button on the delivery box 5 is pressed by the company (delivery person), the display control unit 51c of the delivery box 5 reads out information from the storage unit 58 and displays a two-dimensional code on the display unit 53 based on the information. Then, when the two-dimensional code is captured by the imaging unit 23 of the company's terminal device 4, the code processing unit 21c processes the two-dimensional code (S51 to S54). Then, the company's terminal device 4 requests the delivery system 6 to perform delivery completion processing via the transmission / reception control unit 21a (S55). When the delivery system 6 accepts this request, it executes the delivery completion processing and transmits the result to the company's terminal device 4 (S56).

[0062] When the company (delivery person) presses the "Delivery Completed" button on the delivery box 5, the delivery box 5 requests the server device 1 to complete delivery via the transmission / reception control unit 51a (S58). In the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a accepts the request, and the delivery management unit 11c-2 updates the information in the management information storage unit 16 and requests the delivery completion confirmation from the delivery system 6 via the transmission / reception control unit 11a (S59). In the delivery system 6, the delivery completion confirmation is executed and the result is transmitted to the server device 1 (S60). In the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a receives this result, and the delivery management unit 11c-2 transmits a delivery completion notice to the delivery box 5 via the transmission / reception control unit 11a (S61). In the delivery box 5, the transmission / reception control unit 51a transmits a delivery completion notice to the company's terminal device 4 (S62). The above is a series of processes on the company side related to receipt.

[0063] Next, the receiving sequence by the home delivery support system will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Here, the process on the receiver's side will be described.

[0064] When the transmission / reception control unit 21a of the recipient's terminal device 3 transmits a login request to the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a in the server device 1 accepts this login request (S71), and the member management unit 11c-1 commands the authentication unit 11b to perform authentication (S72). In response to this command, the authentication unit 11b performs a predetermined authentication, and if authentication is successful, notifies the member management unit 11c-1 of this fact (S73). In response to this notification, the member management unit 11c-1 notifies the recipient's terminal device 3 of authentication success (S74).

[0065] Next, when the recipient presses the code display button on the delivery box 5, a two-dimensional code is displayed on the display unit 53 (S75, S76). When the two-dimensional code is captured by the imaging unit 23 of the recipient's terminal device 3, the code processing unit 21c processes the two-dimensional code. Then, an unlocking request is transmitted to the server device 1 via the transmission / reception control unit 21a (S77). In the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a receives the unlocking request, and the delivery management unit 11c-2 issues a command to unlock the delivery box 5 (S78).

[0066] In the delivery box 5, based on this unlock command, the unlock control unit 51b drives and controls the drive unit 55 to unlock the lock mechanism 56. Then, an unlock completion notification is sent to the server device 1 (S79). In the server device 1, upon receiving the unlock completion notification, the delivery management unit 11c-2 sends the unlock completion notification to the recipient's terminal device 3 via the transmission / reception control unit 11a (S80). The above is a series of processes on the recipient's side related to receipt.

[0067] Next, a cargo information confirmation sequence by the home delivery support system will be described with reference to FIG.

[0068] When the transmission / reception control unit 21a of the receiver's terminal device 3 (or the trader's terminal device 4) transmits a login request to the server device 1, the transmission / reception control unit 11a of the server device 1 accepts this login request (S81), and the member management unit 11c-1 commands the authentication unit 11b to perform authentication (S82). In response to this command, the authentication unit 11b performs a predetermined authentication, and if the authentication is successful, notifies the member management unit 11c-1 of this fact (S83). In response to this notification, the member management unit 11c-1 notifies the receiver's terminal device 3 of the authentication success (S84). If the authentication is successful, thereafter, parcel information is exchanged between the terminal device 3 and the home delivery box 5, and shipping information, delivery information, etc. can be confirmed in real time. At this time, the information that can be viewed is restricted based on the authority of the subject of the terminal device.

[0069] Here, the screen transition on the terminal device side will be described with reference to FIG. 11 to FIG.

[0070] When logging in to the service provided by the home delivery support device using the sender's terminal device 2, the receiver's terminal device 3, or the vendor's terminal device 4, the user enters a user ID (member ID) and password on the screen shown in FIG. 11(a) and presses the login button. Then, the screen shown in FIG. 11(b) is displayed on the terminal devices 2, 3, and 4, and the user selects a desired item from among the items "Shipment application," "Receipt," "Change receipt date," "Delivery inquiry," and "Package information inquiry." Then, the screen shown in FIG. 11(c) is displayed on the terminal devices 2, 3, and 4, and in addition to the home delivery status (in this example, "In delivery"), sender information (name, postal code, address, etc.), delivery destination information (name, postal code, address, delivery date and time, receipt method, receipt location, etc.), and handling information (item name, handling method, payment method, etc.) are displayed. In addition, the current location of the package being delivered can also be confirmed on a map screen such as that shown in FIG. 12(a) or FIG. 12(b). In this example, the location of the luggage is pinned and displayed on a map, making it possible to check the current location in real time.

[0071] When applying for delivery, as shown in FIG. 13(a), the sender's terminal device 2 captures the two-dimensional code displayed on the delivery box 5 and presses the Confirm button. Then, the terminal device 2 displays a destination input screen as shown in FIG. 13(b), and at least the sender information (name, postal code, address, etc.), destination information (name, postal code, address, delivery date and time, receipt method, receipt location, etc.), and handling information (item name, handling method, payment method, etc.) can be input as the destination. When this information is input and the Confirm button is pressed, the screen switches to a carrier selection screen as shown in FIG. 13(c). On this carrier selection screen, the delivery destination, payment method, parcel size, and handling method are displayed, and each fee (receive and collection fee, carry-in fee, drop-off and collection fee, etc.) of multiple carriers is displayed so that it can be selected. When a shipping mode of one carrier is selected on this screen, the screen switches to a carrier confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 14(a). The selected company is displayed on this company confirmation screen, and the company is confirmed by pressing the Confirm button. When the company is confirmed in this way, the screen switches to the results screen as shown in Figure 14(b), which displays the delivery destination, payment method, package size, handling method, the confirmed company, and shipping method along with notes. In this way, one of the features is that when applying for shipping, the fees for various home delivery methods of multiple companies are presented and the company can be selected.

[0072] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a sender of a parcel can make a shipping application linked to the parcel box to be used by capturing an image of the two-dimensional code on the parcel box 5 with the terminal device 2. When making this shipping application, the sender can check the fees set for each of the various delivery methods of multiple companies, so there is no need to fill out a shipping invoice and it is possible to select an appropriate company, making the shipping application extremely simple.

[0073] Furthermore, the sender, recipient, and carrier can check the status of the parcel in real time at any time during delivery, providing a high sense of security. The recipient can unlock the lock by capturing an image of the two-dimensional code on the parcel box 5 with the terminal device 4, making it possible to safely leave the parcel at a designated location. Furthermore, since the parcel box according to the present invention is a portable type that does not need to be fixed to a property, it can be shared and used by multiple properties, and combined with the ability to check the progress of delivery, etc., as described above, it is also possible for the sender, etc. to change the delivery destination after the fact at his / her own discretion.

[0074] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0075] For example, when unlocking a delivery box, the delivery support device may receive an unlocking request from the recipient and obtain approval from the sender's terminal device, thereby enhancing safety. Furthermore, as described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the fees of multiple providers are searched and the provider can be selected using the fees as an index, but in addition to the selection at the time of delivery, an environment in which a provider can be selected by, for example, an auction-type bidding can also be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1...Home delivery support device (server device), 2...Deliver terminal device, 3...Recipient terminal device, 4...Vendor terminal device, 5...Delivery box, 6...Vendor delivery system, 7...Communication network, 11...Control unit, 11a...Transmission and reception control unit, 11b...Authentication unit, 11c...Management unit, 11c-1...Member management unit, 11c-2...Shipping management unit, 11c-3...Delivery management unit, 11d...Settlement unit, 11e...Main control unit, 12...Communication unit, 13...Memory unit, 14...Member information memory unit, 15...Vendor information memory unit, 16...Management Information memory unit, 21...control unit, 21a...transmission and reception control unit, 21b...display control unit, 21c...code processing unit, 22...communication unit, 23...imaging unit, 24...operation unit, 25...display unit, 26...memory unit, 27...bus line, 51...control unit, 51a...transmission and reception control unit, 51b...unlocking control unit, 51c...display control unit, 51d...location information acquisition unit, 51e...main control unit, 52...communication unit, 53...display unit, 54...operation unit, 55...drive unit, 56...locking mechanism, 57...GPS unit, 58...memory unit.

Claims

1. In a home delivery support system including a terminal device of a deliverer, a terminal device of a recipient, a terminal device of a company, a home delivery box, and a home delivery support device, The home delivery support device includes: A first transmission / reception control unit that communicates with the terminal device of the deliverer, the terminal device of the recipient, the terminal device terminal of the company, and the delivery box; A storage unit that stores information on at least the sender, the recipient, the company, and the delivery box; A management unit that manages at least the dispatch and delivery of the package; A payment unit that performs payment for the home delivery, The terminal device of the delivery company, the terminal device of the recipient, and the terminal device of the company Each of them, A second transmission / reception control unit that communicates with the home delivery support device; A first display unit that displays information based on the data sent from the home delivery support device; An imaging unit that captures an image of the two-dimensional code displayed on the delivery box; a two-dimensional code processing unit for processing the two-dimensional code, The delivery box is: A third transmission / reception control unit that communicates with the home delivery support device; an unlocking control unit that unlocks the lock in accordance with an instruction from the terminal device of the recipient; A second display unit that displays information based on the data sent from the home delivery support device; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information, In the terminal device of the deliverer, when the imaging unit captures an image of the two-dimensional code displayed on the second display unit of the delivery box, identification information of the delivery box is acquired, and the identification information is associated with shipping information including the delivery destination and transmitted to the delivery support device, thereby applying for delivery. Home delivery support system.

2. The management unit of the home delivery support device searches for fees of a plurality of home delivery companies prior to the application for home delivery, and displays the plurality of home delivery companies on the terminal device of the deliverer in a manner that allows the deliverer to select a home delivery company based on the fees, thereby prompting the deliverer to select a home delivery company. The home delivery support system according to claim 1 .

3. The management unit of the home delivery support device manages the viewing authority of the deliverer, the recipient, and the company, and controls the display unit of the home delivery box to display information in a manner in which the display content is restricted based on the viewing authority. The home delivery support system according to claim 1 .

4. The management unit of the home delivery support device manages the process from the dispatch of the package to its delivery and receipt based on the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit of the home delivery box, and transmits information related to the process in response to requests from the sender's terminal device, the recipient's terminal device, and the company's terminal device, and prompts them to display the information. The home delivery support system according to claim 1 .

5. The display unit of the delivery box is made of electronic paper. The home delivery support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A method for supporting home delivery using a home delivery support system including a terminal device of a deliverer, a terminal device of a recipient, a terminal device of a company, a home delivery box, and a home delivery support device, In the home delivery support device, A first transmission / reception control unit communicates with the terminal device of the deliverer, the terminal device of the recipient, the terminal device terminal of the company, and the delivery box; A management department manages at least the dispatch and delivery of the package, A payment unit performs payment for the home delivery, In the terminal device of the deliverer, the terminal device of the recipient, and the terminal device of the company, Each of them, A second transmission / reception control unit communicates with the home delivery support device, A first display unit performs a display based on the data transmitted from the home delivery support device, An imaging unit captures an image of a two-dimensional code displayed on the delivery box, A code processing unit processes the two-dimensional code, In the delivery box, a third transmission / reception control unit that communicates with the home delivery support device; An unlocking control unit unlocks the lock in accordance with an instruction from the terminal device of the recipient, A second display unit performs a display based on the data transmitted from the home delivery support device, A location information acquisition unit acquires location information, In the terminal device of the deliverer, when the imaging unit captures an image of the two-dimensional code displayed on the second display unit of the delivery box, identification information of the delivery box is acquired, and the identification information is associated with shipping information including the delivery destination and transmitted to the delivery support device, thereby applying for delivery. Home delivery support method.

7. The management unit of the home delivery support device searches for fees of a plurality of home delivery companies prior to the application for home delivery, and displays the plurality of home delivery companies on the terminal device of the deliverer in a manner that allows the deliverer to select a home delivery company based on the fees, thereby prompting the deliverer to select a home delivery company. The home delivery assistance method according to claim 6.

8. The management unit of the home delivery support device manages the viewing authority of the deliverer, the recipient, and the company, and controls the display unit of the home delivery box to display information in a manner in which the display content is restricted based on the viewing authority. The home delivery assistance method according to claim 6.

9. The management unit of the home delivery support device manages the process from the dispatch of the package to its delivery and receipt based on the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit of the home delivery box, and transmits information related to the process in response to requests from the sender's terminal device, the recipient's terminal device, and the company's terminal device, and prompts them to display the information. The home delivery assistance method according to claim 6.

10. A delivery support device that communicates with a terminal device of a deliverer, a terminal device of a recipient, a terminal device of a company, and a delivery box, A transmission / reception control unit that communicates with the terminal device of the deliverer, the terminal device of the recipient, the terminal device of the company, and the delivery box; A storage unit that stores information on at least the deliverer, the recipient, the business, and the delivery box; A management unit that manages at least the dispatch and delivery of the package; A payment unit that performs payment for the home delivery, The management unit manages the identification information of the delivery box sent from the terminal device of the deliverer in association with shipping information including the delivery destination. Delivery support device.

11. The management unit of the home delivery support device searches for fees of a plurality of home delivery companies prior to the application for home delivery, and displays the plurality of home delivery companies on the terminal device of the deliverer in a manner that allows the deliverer to select a home delivery company based on the fees, thereby prompting the deliverer to select a home delivery company. The home delivery support device according to claim 10.

12. The management unit of the home delivery support device manages the viewing authority of the deliverer, the recipient, and the company, and controls the display unit of the home delivery box to display information in a manner in which the display content is restricted based on the viewing authority. The home delivery support device according to claim 10.

13. The management unit of the home delivery support device manages the process from the dispatch of the package to its delivery and receipt based on the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit of the home delivery box, and transmits information related to the process in response to requests from the sender's terminal device, the recipient's terminal device, and the company's terminal device, and prompts them to display the information. The home delivery support device according to claim 10.

14. A delivery support device that includes a storage unit that stores information on at least a sender, a recipient, a company, and a delivery box, and that communicates with a terminal device of a deliverer, a terminal device of a recipient, a terminal device of a company, and the delivery box; a transmission / reception control unit that communicates with the terminal device of the deliverer, the terminal device of the recipient, the terminal device of the company, and the delivery box; A management unit that manages at least the dispatch and delivery of the package; A payment unit that performs payment for the home delivery, The management unit manages the identification information of the delivery box sent from the terminal device of the deliverer in association with shipping information including the delivery destination. program.

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