Locker device, locker system, and article transaction method

Abstract

To enable customers to receive purchased articles and return the articles with a locker device.SOLUTION: A locker device includes: a plurality of storage units for storing articles; a locking unit that locks the storage units in which the articles are stored; a money processing unit that executes deposit and withdrawal processes; and a control unit that controls the money processing unit to execute refund processing based on the return of articles under predetermined conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a locker device, a locker system, and a merchandise transaction method that can be used for receiving and returning ordered merchandise. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a locker device that can be used to receive products purchased through mail order. When a purchaser of a product specifies a locker device as the delivery destination of the product, a delivery company delivers the product to the location where the locker device is installed. The delivery company stores the product in a storage unit of the locker device. The door of the storage unit with the product stored therein is locked. A receipt code for unlocking the lock of the storage unit is then transmitted to the purchaser via email or the like. The purchaser enters the received receipt code into the locker device to unlock the door of the storage unit and can receive the product from the storage unit.

[0003] Some locker devices are capable of handling cash-on-delivery transactions, where the price is paid when the product is received. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which the price of products stored in a storage unit of a locker device can be paid for by electronic payment or cash payment using a payment device installed in a specified store. When the purchaser has paid for the product, the storage unit is unlocked and the purchaser can take out the product from the storage unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2016-88687 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] With the spread of smartphones, the number of online sales via websites has increased, and there have been occasional reports of damage, such as receiving a different product from the one ordered, or the product being damaged due to water damage to the packaging. If a cash-on-delivery transaction is selected when purchasing a product, it is possible to confirm that there is no problem with the product when paying face-to-face with the delivery company. On the other hand, with the cash-on-delivery transaction using the conventional locker device described above, the condition of the product is not known until the payment is completed and the product is removed from the storage section. Even if there is a problem with the product removed from the locker device, the locker device cannot handle this, so the purchaser must take the product home and process the return or refund, which is a burden for the purchaser.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the conventional technology including the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a locker device, locker system, and merchandise trading method that can handle the receipt and return of merchandise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The locker device of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of storage sections for storing goods, a locking section for locking the storage sections in which the goods are stored, a currency processing section for performing deposit and withdrawal processes, and a control section for controlling the currency processing section and, under specified conditions, performing a refund process based on the return processing of the goods.

[0008] In the above configuration, the control unit may unlock the storage unit when the amount of money required to receive the product is deposited in the currency processing unit.

[0009] In the above configuration, the control unit may execute the refund process after locking the storage unit to which the returned product has been stored.

[0010] In the above configuration, the control unit may lock the storage unit to which the product has been returned, and then acquire authentication information related to the refund process, and execute the refund process if information received from the customer who returned the product matches the authentication information.

[0011] In the aforementioned configuration, the control unit may request input of a reason for return.

[0012] In the above configuration, the device may further include a sensor that acquires information related to the product, and the control unit may determine whether the product removed from the storage unit matches the product returned to the storage unit based on the information acquired by the sensor, and may execute the refund process on the condition that a determination result indicating a match is obtained.

[0013] The above configuration may further include a display unit that displays the determination result.

[0014] In the above configuration, the sensor may be a camera that captures an image of a product, and the control unit may determine whether the products match based on a comparison result between an image of the product removed from the storage unit and an image obtained by capturing an image of the product returned to the storage unit with the camera.

[0015] In the above configuration, the sensor may be a camera that captures an image of the product, and the control unit may determine whether the products match based on the fact that the product is continuously captured by the camera from the time the product is removed from the storage unit until the product is returned to the storage unit.

[0016] In the above configuration, the sensor may be a weight sensor that detects the weight of the product, and the control unit may determine whether the products match based on a comparison result between the weight of the product removed from the storage unit and the weight of the product returned to the storage unit obtained by measuring the weight sensor.

[0017] In the above configuration, the store may further include a surveillance camera that captures images of customers, and the control unit may capture and record images of people returning the products to the storage unit using the surveillance camera.

[0018] In the above configuration, the control unit may execute a notification process of notifying a predetermined external device that there is a storage unit to which the product has been returned.

[0019] The commodity trading method according to the present disclosure includes a step in which a locker device having a plurality of storage sections locks the storage sections in which commodities are stored, a step in which the locker device receives from the customer the amount of currency required to receive the commodities and executes a deposit process, and a step in which, if the commodities removed from the storage sections are returned, executes a refund process under specified conditions.

[0020] The locker system of the present disclosure comprises a locker device for storing delivered goods, an identification device for identifying the stored goods, a management device for managing the amount needed to receive the goods, a currency processing device for accepting monetary value equivalent to the amount, and a control device that detects that a good removed from the locker device has been returned to the locker device based on the identification result by the identification device, locks the locker, and then executes a refund process to refund the monetary value equivalent to the amount.

[0021] In the above configuration, the identification device may be an imaging device, and may identify, based on the captured image, that the product removed from the locker device and the product returned to the locker device are the same product.

[0022] In the above configuration, the identification device may be a weight sensor, and may identify, based on weight, whether the product removed from the locker device and the product returned to the locker device are the same product. Effect of the Invention

[0023] By using the locker device according to the present disclosure, for example, a customer who has selected cash on delivery to purchase an item can pay for the item by depositing the amount of cash required to receive the item into the locker device when the item arrives at the locker device. If there is a problem with the item after removing it from the locker device, the customer can store the item in the locker device, return it, and receive a refund from the locker device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a locker system according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a locker system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed in a cash-on-delivery transaction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of transaction information managed by the management server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the locker device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit of the locker device until the customer receives the product. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit of the locker device when a customer returns an item. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the immediate refund condition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a locker device, a locker system, and a commodity trading method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a locker system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the locker system 1. The locker system 1 includes a locker device 100 for delivering and receiving commodities, and a management server 600 for managing information related to customers and commodities.

[0026] The management server 600 manages transaction information regarding transactions carried out between customers and retailers. The transaction information includes information about the product purchased by the customer, the price of the product, i.e., information indicating the transaction amount between the store and the customer, and information indicating whether the customer has already paid the price. The price in this embodiment refers to the amount paid by the customer to receive the purchased product from the retailer. In addition to the sales price of the product by the retailer, the price may also include shipping charges, fees, taxes, etc.

[0027] For example, a computer device is used as the management server 600. The management server 600 is communicably connected to terminals 500 used by customers and the locker devices 100 via a network 2 such as the Internet, as shown in Fig. 2. In addition, the management server 600 can also transmit and receive information to and from terminals used by retailers and terminals used by delivery companies that deliver products to the locker devices 100 upon request from retailers.

[0028] The locker device 100 is used by customers to receive purchased products. There are no particular limitations on where the products can be purchased, and the products may be purchased from a television shopping site, a website on the Internet, or a brick-and-mortar store that accepts orders by phone.

[0029] 2, the locker device 100 includes a control unit 10, a memory unit 20, a communication unit 30, a surveillance camera 40, a plurality of storage units 50, and a transaction operation unit 200. Each of the plurality of storage units 50 is provided with an openable / closable door and a lock unit 51 that locks the closed door so that it cannot be opened. At least some of the storage units 50 are further provided with a detection sensor 60 that detects the presence or absence of a commodity stored in the storage unit 50.

[0030] The transaction operation unit 200 includes an operation display unit 210, a printer 220, a reading device 230, and a currency processing unit 240. The currency processing unit 240 has a banknote processing unit 300 including a banknote deposit unit 310 and a banknote withdrawal unit 320, and a coin processing unit 400 including a coin deposit unit 410 and a coin withdrawal unit 420. As shown in FIG. 1 , the banknote deposit unit 310, the banknote withdrawal unit 320, the coin deposit unit 410, and the coin withdrawal unit 420 are provided on the front surface of the transaction operation unit 200.

[0031] In the currency processing unit 240, the banknote processing unit 300 executes banknote deposit and withdrawal processes, and the coin processing unit 400 executes coin deposit and withdrawal processes. During banknote deposit processes, banknotes received by the banknote deposit unit 310 are recognized and counted and stored in a storage unit within the device. During banknote withdrawal processes, banknotes in an amount equivalent to the withdrawal amount are fed from a storage unit within the device and dispensed from the banknote dispense unit 320. During coin deposit processes, coins received by the coin deposit unit 410 are recognized and counted and stored in a storage unit within the device. During coin withdrawal processes, coins in an amount equivalent to the withdrawal amount are fed from a storage unit within the device and dispensed from the coin dispense unit 420. As described above, the configuration and operation of the currency processing unit 240 which deposits and dispenses banknotes and coins are conventionally known, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0032] The configuration of the money handling unit 240 is merely an example, and the money handling unit 240 may include only one of the banknote handling unit 300 and the coin handling unit 400. Instead of or in addition to the above configuration, the money handling unit 240 may be configured to accept a deposit of all or a part of the transaction amount by electronic payment using a credit card, electronic money, etc. For example, the money handling unit 240 may cooperate with a mobile terminal using electronic payment technology to accept a deposit of the required amount from the mobile terminal, or may execute a withdrawal of the required amount to the mobile terminal.

[0033] The operation display unit 210 is, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display device. The operation display unit 210 functions as an input unit that accepts input of various information from customers. The operation display unit 210 functions as a display unit that displays various information to customers.

[0034] 2 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various information necessary for the functions and operations of the locker device 100. The communication unit 30 can transmit and receive information to and from external devices via the network 2. The external devices include a management server 600 and a terminal 500.

[0035] The control unit 10 controls each part of the locker device 100. For example, a program corresponding to the control unit 10 is pre-stored in the storage unit 20 or a dedicated storage device, and the function and operation of the control unit 10 are realized by executing this program by hardware such as a CPU. The control unit 10 controls each part based on at least one of information input / output via the operation display unit 210, information transmitted / received via the communication unit 30, and information stored in the storage unit 20, thereby realizing the function and configuration of the locker device 100 described in this embodiment. Each process described in this embodiment as being executed by the locker device 100 is realized by control by the control unit 10.

[0036] The product ordered by the customer is stored in the storage unit 50 of the locker device 100. For example, the locker device 100 may be installed at each of a plurality of bases such as a station or a store. When purchasing a product, the customer can specify the locker device 100 where the product will be received, i.e., the location where the locker device 100 is installed.

[0037] The products are delivered by a delivery company requested by the retailer. The delivery company delivers the products purchased by the customer from the retailer or the retailer's warehouse to the locker device 100 specified by the customer. After the delivery company stores the products in the storage unit 50 and closes the door, the door of the storage unit 50 is locked by the lock unit 51. The process from ordering the product to storing the product in the storage unit 50 of the locker device 100 can be performed in the same manner as with conventional technology, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0038] The management server 600 manages, as transaction information, information capable of identifying the locker device 100 and storage unit 50 in which the product is stored, authentication information for unlocking the door of the storage unit 50, the price of the product, and information indicating whether the price has been paid. Information on transactions carried out by each of the multiple stores using the locker system 1 with each of the multiple customers is managed as transaction information.

[0039] Authentication information for receiving goods is issued for each storage unit 50 in which goods are stored so that a customer who has purchased a product can unlock only the storage unit 50 in which the customer's purchased goods are stored. The authentication information is issued, for example, when a delivery company stores a product in the storage unit 50. If a customer uses the authentication information to receive a product from the storage unit 50 and the delivery company stores another product in the storage unit 50, new authentication information is issued to unlock this storage unit 50. As a result, even if a customer who has already received a product re-enters previous authentication information, the lock of a storage unit 50 in which goods purchased by another customer are stored will not be unlocked. The authentication information issued for receiving goods is used for product return processing, which will be described later.

[0040] The management server 600 notifies the authentication information to a customer who has purchased an item stored in the storage unit 50. The customer receives the notification at the terminal 500. For example, a smartphone or tablet terminal that uses a touch panel type liquid crystal display device as an operation display unit is used as the terminal 500. The customer inputs the authentication information received at the terminal 500 into the locker device 100.

[0041] The method of inputting the authentication information is not particularly limited. For example, the customer may manually input the authentication information by operating the operation display unit 210 of the locker device 100. The authentication information may be input by having the reading device 230 of the locker device 100 read the authentication information displayed on the screen of the terminal 500 or a graphic code such as a barcode that encodes the authentication information. The authentication information may be input by transmitting it from the terminal 500 to the locker device 100 using short-range wireless technology.

[0042] Based on the authentication information received from the customer, the locker device 100 refers to the transaction information managed by the management server 600 and confirms whether the customer has already paid for the item. If the customer has already paid for the item when ordering it, the locker device 100 unlocks the door of the storage unit 50 specified based on the authentication information by the lock unit 51. The customer can then open the door of the storage unit 50, remove the item, and take it home.

[0043] If the customer has not paid all or part of the price, the locker device 100 can collect the unpaid amount from the customer. If the customer selected cash on delivery when purchasing the product, the customer can pay the price at the locker device 100 and receive the product. If the customer selected cash on delivery when purchasing the product and only the shipping fee remains unpaid, the customer can pay the shipping fee at the locker device 100 and receive the product.

[0044] The locker device 100 refers to the transaction information managed by the management server 600 based on the authentication information entered by the customer, and identifies the payment to be received from the customer. The locker device 100 displays the payment, i.e., the amount that the customer must pay to receive the product, on the screen of the operation display unit 210.

[0045] After checking the amount displayed on the operation display unit 210, a customer can deposit money 701 into the locker device 100 as shown in Fig. 1 (A1). Specifically, banknotes can be deposited through the banknote deposit unit 310, and coins can be deposited through the coin deposit unit 410. The locker device 100 recognizes and counts the deposited banknotes and coins in the money processing unit 240 to calculate the deposited amount. If the deposited amount exceeds the amount required for payment, the locker device 100 can execute a dispensing process to return change to the customer (A2). Banknotes as change are dispensed from the banknote dispensing unit 320, and coins as change are dispensed from the coin dispensing unit 420.

[0046] After receiving payment from the customer, the locker device 100 unlocks the door of the storage unit 50a in which the product is stored by the lock unit 51. As shown in Fig. 1, the customer can open the door of the storage unit 50a, remove the product 700, and take it home (A3).

[0047] The payment method using cash is merely an example, and the locker device 100 may receive all or part of the payment using electronic payment such as electronic money. For example, the locker device 100 may be linked to a mobile terminal owned by the customer, and may receive all or part of the amount paid by the customer through a deposit of electronic money.

[0048] The locker device 100 can accept the return of a product (B1). The locker device 100 can execute a withdrawal process to refund a part or all of the purchase price when the product is returned (B2).

[0049] 1, the storage unit 50 of the locker device 100 includes a storage unit 50b equipped with a detection sensor 60 for detecting returned products. When a customer returning a product stores the returned product in the storage unit 50b and closes the door, the locker device 100 detects that the returned product has been stored by the detection sensor 60 and locks the door by the lock unit 51.

[0050] The type of the detection sensor 60 is not particularly limited. For example, a weight sensor that detects the weight of a product is used as the detection sensor 60. For example, an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of a product based on the blocking of detection light or a decrease in the amount of detection light may be used as the detection sensor 60. If a wireless tag is attached to the product or the product's packaging material, a communication device that detects the product using this wireless tag may be used as the detection sensor 60. If a product code consisting of letters, numbers, graphic codes, etc., which are product identification information, is attached to the product, a reading device that captures and reads the product code may be used as the detection sensor 60.

[0051] Of the multiple storage sections 50 included in the locker device 100, at least some of the storage sections 50 are provided with detection sensors 60. When only some of the storage sections 50 are used for returning products, it is sufficient to provide the detection sensors 60 only in the storage sections 50 for returns. When all of the storage sections 50 are used for returning products, it is sufficient to provide the detection sensors 60 in all of the storage sections 50. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a product 700 taken out of a storage section 50a is stored in another storage section 50b for return, but it is also possible that the storage section 50a is provided with the detection sensor 60, and the product 700 taken out of the storage section 50a is returned to the same storage section 50a.

[0052] When the returned product is stored in the storage unit 50b, the locker device 100 executes a process for refunding the price. Immediate refund conditions are stored in the management server 600 or the memory unit 20 of the locker device 100. The immediate refund conditions are judgment conditions for judging whether or not to refund the price immediately after the returned product is stored in the storage unit 50 of the locker device 100.

[0053] The condition for immediate refund for refunding the product 700 immediately after storing the product 700 is that the product 700 stored in storage section 50b and returned by the customer matches the product 700 that the customer previously took out from storage section 50a and received. The conditions for immediate refund include a judgment condition for judging whether the products match based on the detection result by the detection sensor 60, a judgment condition for judging whether the products match based on the image captured by the surveillance camera 40 (40a, 40b) equipped in the locker device 100, and the like.

[0054] The surveillance camera 40a shown in Fig. 1 is positioned so that it can track and capture an image of an item no matter which of the multiple storage sections 50 in the locker device 100 an item is taken out of and returned and stored in. As shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 1, from the time the item 700 is taken out of storage section 50a until it is stored in storage section 50b, the customer can move the item 700 so that the item 700 is always imaged by the surveillance camera 40a.

[0055] For example, the surveillance camera 40a is installed so that products taken in and out of the storage section 50 pass between the surveillance camera 40a and the open door of the storage section 50. The locker device 100 can specify a storage section 50b for returns so that the products do not get in the shadow of the open door of the storage section 50a when viewed from the installation position of the surveillance camera 40a, even if the door of the storage section 50a is left open. Therefore, unless a customer makes a suspicious move such as putting their body between the product and the surveillance camera 40a, the surveillance camera 40a can continue to capture images of the product from the time it is taken out of the storage section 50 until it is stored again in the same storage section 50 or another storage section 50.

[0056] For example, when a surveillance camera 40a captures an image of a moving product 700 as shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 1, and it is clear that the product 700 taken out of storage section 50a has been stored in storage section 50b, the locker device 100 determines that the immediate refund condition is met and executes a withdrawal process to refund the price of the product 700. The refund amount may be the full price paid by the customer, or the price minus fees, delivery charges, etc. For example, settings for calculating the refund amount may be prepared in advance in the management server 600, and the locker device 100 may calculate and refund the refund amount according to the settings.

[0057] On the other hand, if there is a moment when the surveillance camera 40a cannot capture the image of the product 700 between the time it is removed from the storage unit 50a and the time it is stored in the storage unit 50b, the locker device 100 determines that the immediate refund condition is not met and does not execute the withdrawal process. In this case, the refund is made after the returned product is confirmed.

[0058] The method of determining whether the product received by the customer matches the product to be returned is not limited to tracking the movement of the products. For example, the product to be taken out of the storage unit 50 and the product to be returned and stored in the storage unit 50 may be captured by the surveillance camera 40a, and the captured images may be compared to determine whether the images match. The image match may be determined using a conventionally known technique.

[0059] The retailer or delivery company may register a reference image of the product in advance in the transaction information of the management server 600, and the locker device 100 may compare an image of the product captured by the surveillance camera 40a to be returned and stored in the storage unit 50 with the reference image to determine whether they match. For example, one or more reference images that can be compared with the image captured by the surveillance camera 40a may be prepared in advance, and a match determination may be made based on the correlation between the captured image and the reference image.

[0060] The coincidence determination of the products may be performed by comparing the weight of the product taken out of the storage unit 50 with the weight of the product stored as a return in the storage unit 50. A detection sensor 60, which is a weight sensor, may be provided in the storage unit 50 to detect the weight of the product taken out of the storage unit 50 and the weight of the product stored as a return, and if these weights coincide within a predetermined error range, the locker device 100 may determine that the immediate refund condition is satisfied.

[0061] If the detection sensor 60 is provided only in the storage section 50 for returns, the retailer or delivery company can pre-register the standard weight of the product in the transaction information managed by the management server 600, and the locker device 100 can compare the weight of the returned product detected by the detection sensor 60 with the standard weight to determine whether they match.

[0062] The matching determination of the products may be performed by comparing information read from wireless tags attached to the products, or by comparing product codes read from the products. For example, a graphic code such as a barcode that encodes product information may be attached to the product, and the matching determination of the products may be performed by reading the graphic code.

[0063] In addition to or instead of the above conditions, the immediate refund condition may be that an image capable of identifying the customer is obtained by the surveillance camera 40b provided in the transaction operation unit 200. The image capable of identifying the customer may be an image of the customer's face or an image of the customer's identification card. As shown in FIG. 1, the surveillance camera 40b may be provided at a position where it can capture an image of the face of the customer operating the operation display unit 210, and the customer's face or identification card may be captured.

[0064] In this way, a customer who performs a cash-on-delivery transaction can deposit the amount of the product price through the banknote deposit section 310 and the coin deposit section 410 of the locker device 100, open the unlocked door of the storage section 50a, and take out the product 700. If the customer decides to return the product because the removed product 700 is different from the purchased product, is damaged, or is wet and may be broken, the customer can return the product 700 by storing it in the storage section 50b. The locker device 100 determines whether the customer's return of the product 700 satisfies the immediate refund condition, and if the immediate refund condition is satisfied, the locker device 100 dispenses the amount of money to be refunded from the banknote withdrawal section 320 and the coin withdrawal section 420. The customer can receive the refunded money immediately after returning the product to the storage section 50b. The returned product is then collected from the locker device 100 by a delivery company and returned to the store.

[0065] Note that the refund in cash is merely an example, and the refund may be made using electronic payment technology such as electronic money. For example, the locker device 100 may link with a mobile terminal owned by the customer and refund the refund amount in electronic money to the customer. At the customer's request, the locker device 100 may refund a portion of the refund amount specified by the customer in cash, and the remainder in electronic money.

[0066] Similarly, a customer who has already paid for the product at the time of purchase and simply receives the product from the locker device 100 can return the product. If the customer's return satisfies the immediate refund condition, the locker device 100 will dispense currency equivalent to the refund amount based on the price paid at the time of purchase.

[0067] For returns that do not satisfy the conditions for immediate refund, the purchase price will be refunded at a later date. The locker device 100 issues a receipt on which information about the returned product is printed by the printer 220 as a copy of the return process. The customer who takes the receipt home will receive a refund from the retailer at a later date. For example, the returned product is collected from the locker device 100 by a delivery company and returned to the retailer. After confirming the returned product, the retailer performs a process to refund the purchase price to the customer. For example, the retailer refunds the customer by depositing the money into an account designated by the customer or by paying with electronic money.

[0068] The retailer can also make a refund at a later date using the locker device 100. For example, when the retailer operates a terminal connected to the management server 600 and performs a predetermined operation to instruct a refund process, the management server 600 generates authentication information for the refund and registers it in the transaction information. The transaction information associates the locker device 100 in which the customer stored the returned item, the refund amount to the customer, and the authentication information for the refund.

[0069] The management server 600 sends a refund notice including authentication information for the refund to the customer's terminal 500. The customer who receives the refund notice at the terminal 500 inputs the authentication information for the refund into the locker device 100. As with the authentication information for receiving the product, there is no particular limitation on the method for inputting the authentication information for the refund. Based on the authentication information input by the customer, the locker device 100 refers to the transaction information managed by the management server 600 and specifies the amount to be refunded to the customer. The locker device 100 withdraws currency equivalent to the refund amount from the banknote dispensing unit 320 and the coin dispensing unit 420 and refunds it to the customer.

[0070] The locker device 100 can also handle returns by customers who have once taken the product home. For example, if a customer decides to return the product after taking it home, the customer visits the location where the locker device 100 is installed again and inputs the authentication information used to receive the product into the locker device 100. The locker device 100 refers to the transaction information managed by the management server 600 based on the input authentication information. When the customer pays for the product or receives the product, the transaction information is updated so that this information is known. The locker device 100, having referenced the transaction information, recognizes that the authentication information input by the customer is authentication information for receiving a product that the customer has already received from the storage unit 50. If the input authentication information is authentication information for receiving a product that has already been received, the locker device 100 recognizes that the customer is returning the product that has already been received, and starts the process for returning the product.

[0071] When a customer places the product to be returned in the return storage section 50 and closes the door, the locker device 100 detects the storage of the product using the detection sensor 60 and locks the door of the storage section 50 using the lock section 51. If a customer returns an item that they have taken home, it may be possible to refund the product at a later date as it does not meet the immediate refund conditions. In the case of refunding the product at a later date, the locker device 100 issues a duplicate receipt from the printer 220.

[0072] Subsequent processing is the same as for products that are returned immediately after removal from the locker device 100 but do not meet the conditions for immediate refund and are refunded at a later date. The product is collected from the storage unit 50 by the delivery company and returned to the store for refund processing. For example, the refund is made to the customer by depositing the money into an account designated by the customer or by transferring the money using electronic money. For example, authentication information for the refund may be issued, and the customer who receives the authentication information may enter the authentication information into the locker device 100 and receive currency for the refund amount to be dispensed by the locker device 100.

[0073] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing carried out in a cash-on-delivery transaction. The solid arrows in Fig. 3 indicate processing related to the product, and the dashed arrows indicate processing related to the price of the product. Fig. 3(a) shows an example of the case where a customer receives a product from the locker device 100 and completes the transaction. Fig. 3(b) shows an example of processing when the immediate refund condition is met when a customer returns a product received from the locker device 100, and Fig. 3(c) shows an example of processing when the immediate refund condition is not met.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 3(a), when a customer orders a product from a retailer (step S1), the product to be delivered to the customer is delivered by a delivery company (step S2). The delivery company stores the product in the storage unit 50 of the locker device 100 specified by the customer at the time of purchase. The locker device 100 accepts the payment of the price paid by the customer in the currency processing unit 240 (step S3). After the payment is received, the locker device 100 unlocks the storage unit 50 in which the product is stored. The customer can take out the product from the unlocked storage unit 50 and collect it (step S4). The payment paid by the customer at the locker device 100 is collected by the security company and sent to the settlement company (step S5). The settlement company deposits the collected amount into the account of the retailer (step S6).

[0075] As shown in steps S1 to S4 of FIG. 3(a), after a customer pays for and receives a product at the locker device 100, the customer can return the received product by storing it in the storage unit 50 as shown in FIG. 3(b) (step S11). If the customer's return of the product satisfies the immediate refund condition, the locker device 100 dispenses the amount of money to be refunded from the money processing unit 240. The customer can receive the refunded money almost simultaneously with the return of the product (step S12). The returned product is collected from the locker device 100 by a delivery company and delivered to the retailer (S13). When the customer returns a product that satisfies the immediate refund condition in this way, the processing related to the price paid by the customer shown in steps S5 and S6 of FIG. 3(a) is not carried out.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 3(c), when the customer stores the returned item in storage unit 50 (step S21), if the immediate refund conditions are not met, the payment will be refunded at a later date. In this case, the payment process shown in steps S5 and S6 in Fig. 3(a) is carried out, and the payment made by the customer is deposited into the store's account. The item returned by the customer is delivered to the store by a delivery company as shown in Fig. 3(c) (step S22).

[0077] In the above example, the process for the later refund is performed by the retailer, but in the example shown in Fig. 3(c), the process is performed by the payment company. The refund by the payment company to the customer may be made by bank transfer or electronic money transfer.

[0078] The refund by the settlement company may be made using the locker device 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the store requests the settlement company to refund the customer (step S23), and the settlement company instructs the locker device 100 via the management server 600 to perform a withdrawal process for the refund (step S24). The management server 600 issues authentication information for the refund based on the refund instruction and transmits it to the customer's terminal 500, the customer inputs the authentication information from the terminal 500 to the locker device 100, and the locker device 100 withdraws money for the refund amount registered in the transaction information corresponding to the authentication information. This allows the customer to receive the refunded amount from the locker device 100 (step S25).

[0079] Next, the transaction information managed by the management server 600 will be described, and then the flow of the process executed by the locker device 100 using the transaction information will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of transaction information managed by the management server 600. As shown in Fig. 4, the transaction information includes product information, receipt information, and return information. However, Fig. 4 is an example of transaction information, and the transaction information may not include some of the information shown in Fig. 4, or may include information not shown in Fig. 4.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 4, the product information includes a store number, a transaction number, a locker number, a transaction type, and an amount. The store number is an identification number for each of the multiple retailers that use the locker system 1. The management server 600 manages information for each retailer that uses the locker system 1 in association with the store number. The transaction number is an identification number for each of the multiple transactions carried out at each retailer. The retailer manages contact information such as the customer's name, address, and telephone number, as well as order details such as the name, quantity, and order date and time of the product purchased by the customer in association with the transaction number. This transaction number is registered in the transaction information of the management server 600.

[0081] The locker number is an identification number of the locker device 100 that the customer designated to receive the product when purchasing the product. Information regarding the installation location of each locker device 100 is associated with the locker number and managed separately. The delivery company can identify the installation location of the locker device 100 to which each product is to be delivered based on the locker number.

[0082] The transaction type is information that indicates the type of transaction with the customer. "Completed" shown as the transaction type in FIG. 4 indicates that the customer has already paid the price, and "Cash on Delivery" indicates that it is a cash on delivery transaction in which the customer pays the price when receiving the product. The amount is the price of the product paid by the customer, i.e., the transaction amount between the retailer and the customer. This amount is the amount already paid by the customer when the transaction type is "Completed," and the amount is the amount paid by the customer when receiving the product from the locker device 100 when the transaction type is "Cash on Delivery."

[0083] As shown in FIG. 4, the receipt information includes a receipt storage unit number, a receipt code, and a receipt date and time. The receipt storage unit number is an identification number of the storage unit 50 in which the delivery company has stored the product. The receipt code is authentication information for product receipt that is required for the customer to remove the product from the storage unit 50 of the locker device 100. By referencing the transaction information based on the receipt code, it is possible to uniquely identify the amount and receipt storage unit number corresponding to the receipt code. The receipt date and time is the date and time when the customer received the product from the storage unit 50 of the locker device 100. The "not yet" shown in the receipt date and time in FIG. 4 indicates that the customer has not received the product and that the product is still stored in the storage unit 50 of the locker device 100.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 4, the return information includes the return storage unit number, reason for return, return date and time, refund type, and refund code. When a customer returns an item by storing it in storage unit 50 of locker device 100, each piece of information is registered in the return information. The "-" symbol shown in the return information in Fig. 4 indicates that there is no information to register, and a blank space indicates that the item has not yet been received and no information has been registered. If the customer who receives the item does not return it, the "-" symbol is registered, and if the customer returns it, each piece of information according to the return details is registered in the blank space.

[0085] The return storage unit number is an identification number of the storage unit 50 in which the returned product is stored. The reason for return is the reason for return accepted from the customer at the time of return. The return date and time is the date and time when the customer stored the returned product. The refund type is information indicating the type of refund. "Immediate" shown in the refund type in FIG. 4 indicates that the price has already been refunded because the immediate refund conditions were met when the product was returned. "Later: Not yet" indicates that the immediate refund conditions were not met and it was decided that the price should be refunded at a later date, but the refund has not yet been made. "Later: Completed" indicates that the price that was to be refunded at a later date because the immediate refund conditions were not met has already been refunded. The refund code is authentication information for refund that is generated when it is decided that the price should be refunded at a later date. By referring to the transaction information based on the refund code, it is possible to uniquely identify the amount and the return storage unit number corresponding to the refund code.

[0086] A description will be given of the flow of processing carried out by the locker device 100. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing carried out by the locker device 100. The locker device 100 is in a standby state waiting for input of a receipt code, which is authentication information for receiving a product (step S31; No).

[0087] When the product ordered by the customer is stored in the storage unit 50 of the locker device 100 specified by the customer, the management server 600 issues a receipt code. The receipt code is managed by the management server 600 in the transaction information.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 4, the receipt code registered in the receipt information is transmitted from the management server 600 to the customer's terminal 500. A customer who visits the installation location of the locker device 100 inputs the receipt code received at the terminal 500 into the locker device 100 (Fig. 5 Step S31; Yes).

[0089] For example, the management server 600 transmits a graphic code such as a barcode that encodes a receipt code to the terminal 500. The customer causes the reading device 230 of the locker device 100 to read the graphic code displayed on the screen of the terminal 500. The locker device 100 refers to the transaction information shown in Fig. 4 based on the receipt code included in the graphic code, and identifies information related to the product that the customer will receive at the locker device 100.

[0090] The locker device 100 identifies the storage unit number of the storage unit 50 in which the product purchased by the customer is stored and the type of transaction that the customer has made with the retailer (FIG. 5, step S32). If the transaction type is cash on delivery (step S33; Yes), the locker device 100 executes a deposit process to receive the payment from the customer (step S34). The payment is identified by the locker device 100 by referring to the transaction information based on the receipt code. If the transaction type is not cash on delivery and the customer has already paid the payment (step S33; No), the deposit process of step S34 is not executed.

[0091] The locker device 100 notifies the customer of the immediate refund conditions (step S35). The locker device 100 unlocks the door of the storage unit 50 in which the product purchased by the customer is stored (step S36).

[0092] Fig. 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit 210 of the locker device 100 until the customer receives the product. When the locker device 100 is in a standby state waiting for the reception code to be input (Fig. 5, step S31; No), the screen shown in Fig. 6(a) is displayed.

[0093] If the transaction type is a cash on delivery transaction (FIG. 5, Step S33; Yes), the screen shown in FIG. 6(b) is displayed. On the screen, information indicating that the customer needs to pay the price and the amount of the price to be paid by the customer are displayed.

[0094] When the customer has finished paying the price into the locker device 100, the screen shown in Fig. 6(c) is displayed to notify the customer of the immediate refund conditions (Fig. 5, step S35). Even if the customer has already paid the price when purchasing the product (Fig. 5, step S33; No), the screen shown in Fig. 6(c) is displayed (Fig. 5, step S35). For example, when a customer returns a product that was taken out of the storage section 50, if the product can be tracked by the surveillance camera 40a from the time the product is taken out until it is stored in the storage section 50 and returned, information indicating that the price will be refunded immediately after the return is displayed on the screen.

[0095] After the customer presses the OK button on the screen shown in Fig. 6(c), the screen shown in Fig. 6(d) is displayed and the lock on the storage unit 50 is released (Fig. 5, step S36). When the customer removes the product from the storage unit 50 and presses the receive button on the screen shown in Fig. 6(d) (Fig. 5, step S37; No), the locker device 100 returns to the standby state of step S31.

[0096] If a customer who has removed an item from storage section 50 decides to return the item and presses the return button on the screen shown in FIG. 6(d) (FIG. 5, Step S37; Yes), locker device 100 will request the customer to enter the reason for return (Step S38).

[0097] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit 210 of the locker device 100 when a customer returns an item. When a customer returns an item, the locker device 100 displays the screen shown in FIG. 7(a) and requests the customer to input a reason for return (step S38). A number of reasons for return and check boxes corresponding to each reason for return are displayed on the screen. The customer can select a reason for return by operating the operation display unit 210 to check the check box. Until the customer selects a reason for return, the input completion button on the screen shown in FIG. 7(a) is grayed out and cannot be pressed.

[0098] The customer can press the back button displayed on the screen of FIG. 7(a) to return to the screen shown in FIG. 6(d), and then press the receive button to end the process without returning the product (Step S37; No).

[0099] On the screen of Fig. 7(a), if the relevant reason for return is not included in the options for reason for return, information is displayed instructing the customer to select the option "Other" and report the reason for return later. If the customer follows the instructions and selects "Other", the management server 600 receives the result of the selection of reason for return from the locker device 100 and sends an email to the customer's terminal 500 inquiring about the reason for return. The customer can enter details of the reason for return in the reply email.

[0100] When the customer selects the reason for return on the screen shown in Fig. 7(a), the customer can press the "input complete" button on the screen. When the customer presses the "input complete" button, the locker device 100 displays the screen shown in Fig. 7(b) and instructs the customer to store the returned item in the storage unit 50 (Fig. 5, step S39). The reason for return is registered in the transaction information as shown in Fig. 4.

[0101] When the locker device 100 includes a receiving-only storage unit 50 without a detection sensor 60 and a storage unit 50 equipped with a detection sensor 60, as shown in Fig. 7(b), information instructing the user to store the returned product in the storage unit 50 equipped with the detection sensor 60 is displayed on the screen. After this, the locker device 100 goes into a standby state, waiting for the returned product to be stored in the storage unit 50 (Step S40; No).

[0102] When a customer checks the screen shown in Fig. 7(b), stores the returned item in the specified storage unit 50, closes the door, and presses the storage completion button on the screen, the locker device 100 locks the storage unit 50 (Fig. 5, step S41). The locker device 100 may detect the storage of the item by the detection sensor 60 and automatically lock the storage unit 50 without displaying the storage completion button on the screen.

[0103] The locker device 100 determines whether or not the return of the product by the customer satisfies the immediate refund condition (step S42).

[0104] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing examples of immediate refund conditions. Condition 1 shown in Fig. 8 indicates that the immediate refund condition is that the product taken out by the customer from the storage unit 50 matches the product returned and stored by the customer in the storage unit 50. As described above, the locker device 100 may determine whether or not there is a match based on the comparison result of at least one of the image, weight, wireless tag information, and product code of the product taken out by the customer from the storage unit 50 and the returned product.

[0105] Condition 2 indicates that the immediate refund condition is that there is no abnormality in the image data captured by the surveillance camera 40a. As described above, the locker device 100 may use the surveillance camera 40a to track the product that the customer has taken out of the storage section 50, and may determine that there is no abnormality in the image data when the product is stored in the storage section 50 and returned. The locker device 100 may analyze the customer's actions captured by the surveillance camera 40a, and may determine that there is an abnormality when a predetermined action corresponding to suspicious behavior is detected. For example, the locker device 100 may recognize and determine an action that is suspected of swapping products, dropping or breaking products, and the like. The action recognition may be performed using conventional technology.

[0106] Condition 3 indicates that the immediate refund condition is that information capable of identifying the customer who removed the product has been acquired. As described above, the locker device 100 may instruct the security camera 40b to capture an image of an identification card capable of identifying the customer, such as a driver's license, and may determine that the customer's information has been acquired when a clear image of the identification card is obtained. The locker device 100 may instruct the customer who is returning the product to remove a hat or mask and capture an image of the face facing the security camera 40b of the transaction operation unit 200, and may determine that the customer's information has been acquired when it is confirmed that facial features such as the eyes, nose, and mouth can be recognized in the captured image. In addition, the condition may be set so that the immediate refund condition is determined to be met when a reason for return other than "other" is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7(a), for example.

[0107] At least one immediate refund condition is set, and when all the set conditions are satisfied, the locker device 100 determines that the immediate refund condition is satisfied (FIG. 5, Step S42; Yes).

[0108] If the immediate refund condition is met (step S42; Yes), the locker device 100 displays the screen shown in Fig. 7(c) and executes a withdrawal process to withdraw the refund amount of money (Fig. 5, step S43). As shown in Fig. 7(c), the refund amount, i.e., the amount of money to be withdrawn from the locker device 100, is displayed on the screen. After completing the withdrawal process, the locker device 100 returns to the standby state of step S31.

[0109] On the other hand, if the immediate refund condition is not met (step S42; No), the locker device 100 displays the screen shown in FIG. 7(d) to notify the customer that the refund will be made at a later date (step S44). Information indicating that a receipt with information regarding the refund printed on it will be issued by the printer 220 is displayed on the screen. The locker device 100 issues a receipt with information regarding the refund process printed on it from the printer 220 (step S45). After issuing the receipt, the locker device 100 returns to the standby state of step S31. When a receipt for the refund is issued, as described above, the returned item will be confirmed by the retailer and then the refund will be made to the customer.

[0110] The locker device 100 transmits information regarding the receipt and return of products by the customer to the management server 600. The management server 600 updates the transaction information shown in FIG.

[0111] For example, if a customer who has already paid for the product when ordering receives the product from the locker device 100 and completes the process without returning it (step S37; No), the date and time is registered as the receipt date and time in the receipt information, as shown in the data for transaction number "A0001" in Figure 4. In this case, the symbol "-" is registered in the return information, indicating that the product was not returned.

[0112] If a customer who has performed a cash-on-delivery transaction deposits the payment into the locker device 100, receives the product, and completes the process without returning it (Step S37; No), the transaction information is also updated as shown in the data for transaction number "A0003" in Figure 4.

[0113] When a customer who has made a cash-on-delivery transaction deposits the price into the locker device 100, receives the product, and then returns the product that satisfies the conditions for immediate refund and a refund is received (step S42; Yes), as shown in the data for transaction number "A0004" in Figure 4, the date and time of receipt is registered in the receipt information, and each piece of information is registered in the return information.

[0114] The storage unit number of the storage unit 50 where the customer stored the returned item is registered in the return information storage unit number, and the date and time when the customer stored the returned item is registered in the storage date and time. The reason for return is the reason selected by the customer, and "immediate" is registered in the return type. If the immediate refund conditions are met, a refund code is not issued, so the symbol "-" is registered in the refund code.

[0115] Even if a customer who has made a cash-on-delivery transaction deposits the payment into the locker device 100, receives the product, and then returns the product because it does not meet the conditions for immediate refund (step S42; No), the date and time of receipt is registered in the receipt information as shown in the data for transaction number "B0001" in Figure 4, and each piece of information is registered in the return information.

[0116] The storage unit number of the storage unit 50 where the customer stored the returned product is registered as the storage unit number of the return information. The refund type will be "Future date: not yet", indicating that the money will be refunded at a later date but the refund has not yet been made, and the refund code will be "Waiting to be generated", indicating that the item is waiting for the retailer to process the refund.

[0117] When the retailer that has confirmed the returned goods collected from the locker device 100 by the delivery company, or the payment company that has received a refund request from the retailer, carries out the required refund process, the refund code generated by the management server 600 is registered in the refund code of the return information, as shown in the data for transaction number "A0005" in Figure 4.

[0118] When the locker device 100 executes the withdrawal process and completes the refund to the customer, the refund type in the return information is updated from "Future date: Not yet," indicating that the refund has not been made, to "Future date: Completed," indicating that the refund has been made, as shown in the data for transaction number "A0006" in Figure 4. The refund type is also updated in the same way when the retailer or settlement company makes a refund by bank transfer or electronic money transfer.

[0119] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the currency processing unit 240 of the locker device 100 includes a banknote processing unit 300 and a coin processing unit 400 and is capable of processing both banknotes and coins, but the locker device 100 may also include only either the banknote processing unit 300 or the coin processing unit 400 and process only banknotes or coins.

[0120] In the present embodiment, an example in which the locker system 1 includes the locker device 100 and the management server 600 has been described, but this configuration is merely a functional schematic, and the configuration of the locker system 1 is not limited to this physical configuration. For example, the locker device 100 may be divided into a locker device including a plurality of storage units 50, an identification device including a detection sensor 60, a currency processing device including a currency processing unit 240, and a control device including other components. The locker system 1 may not include the management server 600, and all of the functions and operations of the management server 600 described above may be realized by the locker device 100. The locker system 1 may include the management server 600, but some of the functions and operations of the management server 600 described above may be realized by the locker device 100. The form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the above example, and all or some of them may be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0121] As described above, by using the locker device according to this embodiment, a customer can, for example, specify the delivery address of an item purchased through mail order in the locker device and receive the item at the locker device. The customer can select cash on delivery to purchase the item and pay for the item by depositing cash into the locker device when receiving the item that has arrived at the locker device. If there is a problem with the item removed from the locker device, the customer can return it by storing the item in the locker device. If the customer's return satisfies certain conditions, the customer can receive a refund on the spot in the form of cash withdrawn from the locker device. [Industrial Applicability]

[0122] The locker device, locker system, and merchandise transaction method according to the present invention are useful for handling the receipt and return of merchandise at a locker device designated by a customer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Locker System 2 Network 10 Control section 20 Memory section 30 Communications Department 40(40a, 40b) Surveillance camera 50(50a, 50b) Storage section 51 Rock Club 60 Detection Sensor 100 Locker device 200 Transaction Operations Department 210 Operation display section 220 Printer 230 Reading device 240 Currency Processing Department 600 Management Server

Claims

1. A plurality of storage compartments for storing products; A locking section for locking the storage section in which the product is stored; a currency processing unit that executes deposit and withdrawal processes; a control unit that controls the currency processing unit to execute a refund process based on the return process of the product under a predetermined condition; A locker device comprising:

2. 2. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit unlocks the storage unit when an amount of money required to receive the product is deposited in the currency processing unit.

3. 2. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the refund process after locking the storage unit into which the returned product has been stored.

4. The locker device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit locks the storage unit to which the returned product has been stored, acquires authentication information related to the refund process, and executes the refund process if information received from the customer who returned the product matches the authentication information.

5. The locker device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit requests input of a reason for return.

6. Sensors that acquire product-related information Further equipped with The control unit determines whether the product removed from the storage unit matches the product returned to the storage unit based on the information acquired by the sensor, and executes the refund process on the condition that a determination result indicating a match is obtained. The locker device according to claim 1 .

7. The locker device according to claim 6, further comprising a display unit that displays the result of the determination.

8. the sensor is a camera that captures an image of a commodity, The control unit determines whether the products match based on a comparison result between an image of the product taken out of the storage unit and an image of the product returned to the storage unit captured by the camera. The locker device according to claim 6 .

9. the sensor is a camera that captures an image of a commodity, The control unit determines whether the products match based on whether the products are continuously photographed by the camera from when the products are removed from the storage unit until when the products are returned to the storage unit. The locker device according to claim 6 .

10. the sensor is a weight sensor for detecting a weight of the product, The control unit determines whether the products match based on a comparison result between the weight of the product taken out of the storage unit and the weight of the product returned to the storage unit, the weight being measured by the weight sensor. The locker device according to claim 6 .

11. Surveillance cameras capturing images of customers Further equipped with The control unit captures and records an image of a person returning the product to the storage unit using the surveillance camera. The locker device according to claim 1 .

12. The locker device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit executes a notification process for notifying a predetermined external device that there is a storage unit to which the returned product has been stored.

13. A step of locking a storage unit in which products are stored, in a locker device having a plurality of storage units; a step of the locker device receiving from the customer an amount of currency necessary to receive the product and executing a deposit process; a step of executing a refund process under predetermined conditions when the product taken out from the storage unit is returned; A commodity trading method comprising:

14. a locker device for storing the delivered goods; An identification device for identifying the stored products; A management device for managing the amount required to receive the product; a currency processing device that accepts monetary value corresponding to the amount; a control device that detects that the product taken out of the locker device has been returned to the locker device based on the identification result by the identification device, locks the locker device, and then executes a refund process to refund a monetary value equivalent to the amount; A locker system comprising:

15. The locker system according to claim 14, wherein the identification device is an imaging device and identifies that the product removed from the locker device and the product returned to the locker device are the same product based on the captured image.

16. The locker system according to claim 14, wherein the identification device is a weight sensor and identifies that an item removed from the locker device and an item returned to the locker device are the same item based on weight.

Images