Locker management device, locker, and article receiving system

Abstract

To improve recovery rate of paper medium in a system where the paper medium is used in a process of receiving or handing over an article in a locker.SOLUTION: A locker management device 22 provided in a locker 20 having a plurality of storage boxes 21 includes: a casing 24 provided with an entrance 23 for a paper medium 5 to be collation object; a communication unit 26 for receiving box specific information for specifying a storage box from data for collation and a plurality of storage boxes through a communication circuit 6; a photographing unit 25 for generating image data of the paper medium 5 by photographing the paper medium 5 entered in the casing 24 from the entrance 23; and a key control unit 27 for unlocking a key device 40 of the storage box 21 specified by a box specific information when collation is successful by collating the paper medium of the image data with data for collation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a locker or the like used for receiving or delivering an item. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of lockers for receiving or delivering items has been increasing. By using lockers, it is possible to receive or deliver items without meeting the person in person.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an item receiving system equipped with a locker system operated by a dispensing pharmacy. In this item receiving system, the locker system includes a locker device used for delivery of dispensed medicines, and a management server that manages the delivery of dispensed medicines using the locker device. When an authentication code entered by a user is correct, the locker device unlocks the corresponding storage box. A collection box for prescriptions is installed near the locker device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-96520 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, prescriptions may be issued in paper form or electronic form. In the former case, pharmacies are required to collect the prescription (paper form) from patients to whom they have provided the prescribed medicine. However, in the goods receiving system described in Patent Document 1, although a collection box for prescriptions is provided, it is possible that the patient will not bring the prescription with them, and the prescription cannot be reliably collected at the locker. It is also possible that goods will be handed over using paper media other than prescriptions, in which case it is not possible to reliably collect the paper media even if one wishes to do so.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to improve the recovery rate of paper media in a system in which paper media is used in the process of receiving or handing over items at lockers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the first invention is a locker management device that is installed in a locker having multiple storage boxes, and includes a casing with an entrance for paper media to be matched, a communication unit that receives matching data and box identification information for identifying a storage box from among the multiple storage boxes via a communication line, a photographing unit that photographs the paper media placed into the casing through the entrance and generates image data of the paper media, and a key control unit that matches the paper media in the image data against the matching data and, if the match is successful, unlocks the key device of the storage box identified by the box identification information.

[0008] The second invention, in the first invention, further includes a collection space for collecting paper media after matching by the key control unit, and a transport device for transporting paper media placed into the casing from the entrance to the collection space.

[0009] The third invention is the second invention, in which a plurality of collection spaces are provided, the communication unit receives destination information along with matching data and box identification information, and one collection space is selected from the plurality of collection spaces based on the destination information, and the transport device transports the paper medium to the selected collection space.

[0010] In a fourth invention, in the first invention, the key control unit uses image recognition technology to read a character string at a specific location on a paper medium of the image data, and when comparing the paper medium, compares the read character string against information on the character string at the same location contained in the comparison data.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the paper medium is a prescription.

[0012] A sixth invention is a locker comprising the locker management device of any one of the first to fifth inventions and a plurality of storage boxes.

[0013] A seventh invention is an item receiving system comprising a locker according to the sixth invention, a store terminal used by a store providing a service of placing items in the locker's storage box, and a user terminal used by a user receiving an item in the locker's storage box.

[0014] The eighth invention is related to the seventh invention, in which the paper medium is a prescription, the item is a prescription drug, the store is a pharmacy, image data of the prescription is transmitted from a user terminal as matching data, and when a user who receives the prescription drug at a locker purchases a product at an online shop, simultaneous receipt information that can identify the purchaser of the product as the recipient of the prescription drug is transmitted to the store terminal in addition to the image data of the prescription and information on the product purchased by the user. Effect of the Invention

[0015] In the present invention, when a paper medium to be compared is inserted through an entrance of a casing of a locker management device, the photographing unit generates image data of the paper medium. The key control unit compares the paper medium in the image data with the comparison data received by the communication unit, and if the comparison is successful, unlocks the key device of the storage box identified by the box identification information received by the communication unit. This opens the door of the storage box. In other words, in the present invention, the paper medium is used as a key (locker key) for the storage box. Therefore, it is necessary for a user who receives an item to bring the paper medium with them. Therefore, in a system in which paper media is used in the process of receiving or delivering an item at a locker, the recovery rate of paper media can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an article receiving system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a locker management device of the article receiving system according to the embodiment, and a schematic diagram showing functional blocks of a computer provided in the locker. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a prescription used as a locker key in the article receiving system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method of using the article receiving system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the locker management device in the article receiving system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a locker management device of an article receiving system according to a first modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0018] This embodiment is an item receiving system (hereinafter referred to as "this system") 10 equipped with a locker 20 used to receive prescription drugs (medical drugs). In the locker 20, a prescription 5 is used as a key to open the door of a storage box 21 that stores the prescription drugs. A detailed description will be given below.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, the present system 10 includes a first server 11, a second server 12, a store terminal 13, and a user terminal (patient terminal) 14 in addition to a locker 20. Note that Fig. 1 shows only one store terminal 13, one user terminal 14, and one locker 20, but the present system 10 includes multiple store terminals 13, multiple user terminals 14, and multiple lockers 20.

[0020] The first server 11 is, for example, a server under the management of an operating company (service provider) of the system 10. The second server 12 is, for example, a server under the management of a single drugstore chain (pharmacy business operator). The store terminal 13 is an information processing terminal (for example, a desktop PC) provided in each pharmacy store (drugstore) 2 operated by the above-mentioned drugstore chain. The user terminal 14 is an information processing terminal (for example, a smartphone) of a user (patient) who has received a prescription 5 from a medical institution 1 such as a clinic or a hospital. The first server 11, the second server 12, the store terminal 13, and the user terminal 14 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication line 6 such as the Internet.

[0021] The first server 11 is composed of one or more computers. The first server 11 is provided with a first database 16 for registering pharmacies 2 that use the system 10 to deliver prescription drugs to patients, and a second database 17 for registering users that use the system 10 to receive prescription drugs from the pharmacies 2.

[0022] In the first database 16, for each pharmacy store 2 that has registered to use the system 10, there is recorded the store name (pharmacy chain name (e.g. AB Drug)'s XX store (XX is a local area name, etc.)), identification information for the store 2, address, telephone number, contact information for the store terminal 13 (email address, etc.), identification information for the locker 20 used by the store 2 to receive and deliver prescription drugs, access information for the locker 20 (IP address, etc.), etc. In the second database 17, for each user that has registered to use the system, there is recorded personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and email address used on the user terminal 14.

[0023] A first management program is installed in the first server 11. In the first server 11, a data processing unit 31 is realized as a functional block by executing and interpreting the first management program by a processor (such as a CPU). The data processing unit 31 acquires data from the first database 16 or the second database 17, and records new registration data in the first database 16 or the second database 17 when a pharmacy store 2 or a user registers for use.

[0024] The second server 12 is composed of one or more computers. The second server 12 is provided with a third database 18 in which, for each pharmacy store 2 that has registered for use with the system 10, information on the lockers 20 that the store 2 uses to deliver prescription drugs is recorded.

[0025] The third database 18 records information about the availability of each locker 20. The availability information of the locker 20 includes identification information of the locker 20, identification information of the pharmacy store 2 that stores the prescription drugs in the locker 20, and information indicating the usage status (in use, reserved (unused), or available) of each storage box 21 (each locker number).

[0026] A second management program is installed in the second server 12. In the second server 12, a processor (such as a CPU) executes and interprets the second management program, thereby realizing a data processing unit 32 as a functional block. The data processing unit 32 acquires data from the third database 18, registers new lockers 20 in the third database 18, and updates available locker 20 information in the third database 18.

[0027] Each locker 20 is provided within or near the premises of the pharmacy store 2. For example, when a pharmacy store 2 is located within or near a train station (a so-called station-naka), the locker 20 is installed within the station. As shown in FIG. 1, the locker 20 includes a plurality of storage boxes 21 and a locker management device 22 that manages each storage box 21.

[0028] Each storage box 21 has a space divided into individual rooms. Each storage box 21 has a single-leaf door with a handle and a key device 40 for locking the door. The key device 40 is an electric lock, and is switched between an unlocked state and a locked state based on a command from the locker management device 22.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the locker management device 22 includes a casing 24 having a prescription entrance 23 for the prescription 5 to be checked on the front side, a communication unit 26 for receiving data for checking and a locker number (locker number of the storage box 21 reserved by the user) for each user via a communication line 6, a photographing unit 25 for taking a picture of the prescription 5 placed in the casing 24 from the prescription entrance 23 to generate image data of the prescription 5 (hereinafter referred to as a "locker photographed image"), a key control unit 27 for unlocking the key device 40 of the storage box 21 of the locker number received together with the checking data when the matching of the prescription 5 used as a key is successful, a collection space 29 for collecting the prescription 5 after the matching by the key control unit 27 is completed, a transport device 30 for transporting the prescription 5 placed in the casing 24 from the prescription entrance 23 to the collection space 29, and a transport control unit 28 for controlling the transport device 30. The locker number corresponds to box identification information for identifying a storage box from among a plurality of storage boxes.

[0030] The casing 24 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is incorporated into the locker 20 together with a plurality of storage boxes 21, as shown in Fig. 1. The casing 24 is provided with a computer 35 on which a locker program is installed. The communication unit 26, the key control unit 27, and the transport control unit 28 are functional blocks that are realized by the execution and interpretation of the locker management program by a processor (such as a CPU) in the computer 35. The photographing unit 25, the transport device 30, etc. are connected to the computer 35.

[0031] The key control unit 27 compares the prescription information contained in the locker photographed image against the comparison data, and if the comparison is successful, outputs an unlock command to the key device 40 of the storage box 21 with the locker number received as the same user information as the comparison data. The comparison data is image data of the prescription 5 sent by the user (hereinafter referred to as "user-provided image"). "Successful comparison" means that it has been confirmed that the prescription 5 in the user-provided image and the prescription 5 in the locker photographed image are the same. An example of a prescription 5 is shown in FIG. 3.

[0032] The locker management device 22 further includes a monitor 36, the display of which is controlled by the computer 35, and an input device 37 for the computer 35. The monitor 36 is provided on the front surface of the casing 24. The input device 37 is configured, for example, with a touch panel provided on the surface of the monitor 36. The input device 37 may also be a device equipped with a plurality of keys (for example, a numeric keypad).

[0033] The transport device 30 includes, for example, a plurality of rollers that sandwich and transport the prescription 5, and a motor that rotates and drives the rollers. The transport control unit 28 controls the rotational drive of the rollers of the transport device 30 based on signals from a first sensor (not shown) provided at the prescription entrance 23 and a second sensor (not shown) provided in the casing 24. The transport control unit 28 rotates and drives the rollers of the transport device 30 until the prescription 5 reaches an imaging position in the casing 24 (a position where the prescription 5 can be photographed by the imaging unit 25), and after the imaging unit 25 has finished photographing the prescription 5, the transport control unit 28 rotates and drives the rollers again to transport the prescription 5 to the collection space 29.

[0034] The casing 24 is provided with a collection door 38 that enables staff of the pharmacy store 2 to access the collection space 29. The key to the collection door 38 is managed by the store 2.

[0035] [How to use the item receipt system] A method of using the article receiving system 10 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Note that a user program is installed in the user terminal 14.

[0036] In the user terminal 14, when a user performs a predetermined operation while the user program is running, the camera of the user terminal 14 starts up and switches to a screen for photographing the prescription 5. Then, when the user performs a photographing operation (for example, when the shutter button is pressed) while the prescription 5 is captured by the camera, the user terminal 14 generates image data of the prescription 5 (the above-mentioned user-provided image) (ST step 1).

[0037] The user terminal 14 switches to a locker selection screen (ST step 2). At this time, the user terminal 14 requests the second server 12 for availability information of each locker 20 registered in the system 10. When the second server 12 receives the request for availability information, the data processing unit 32 acquires the availability information of each locker 20 from the third database 18 and transmits the availability information of each locker 20 to the user terminal 14.

[0038] On the locker selection screen, the user terminal 14 displays information indicating whether the storage box 21 can be reserved for each locker 20 (information indicating whether there is an empty storage box 21). While viewing the locker selection screen, the user can select a locker 20 having an empty storage box 21 as the locker 20 for receiving the prescription drug, and after inputting the desired date and time of receiving the prescription drug, press, for example, a confirmation button, to reserve the locker 20.

[0039] When the user terminal 14 receives the reservation operation (ST step 3), it selects a storage box 21 to be assigned to the reservation from among the available storage boxes 21 (ST step 4), and displays the locker number N of the selected storage box 21 on the screen together with the location of the locker 20 and the desired pick-up date and time. Then, the user terminal 14 transmits data update information including information of the reserved locker 20 (locker 20 identification information, locker number N) to the second server 12 (ST step 5). When the second server 12 receives the data update information, it updates the availability information of the locker 20 in the third database 18 (ST step 21). In this update, the status of the storage box 21 with the locker number N in the locker 20 included in the data update information is switched to "reserved". The storage box 21 to be reserved may be selectable by the user.

[0040] In addition, when the user terminal 14 accepts the above-mentioned reservation operation, it transmits to the first server 11 reservation information for the administrator, including information on the reserved locker 20 (identification information of the locker 20, locker number N), identification information of the pharmacy store 2 that will place the prescription drug in the locker 20 (corresponding store information), an image provided by the user, and the desired date and time of receipt (ST step 6).

[0041] When the first server 11 receives the manager reservation information, the data processing unit 31 searches the first database 16 for the store 2 whose corresponding store information is included in the manager reservation information, and acquires the contact information (such as an email address) of the store terminal 13 of that store 2 (ST step 11). Then, the data processing unit 31 transmits pharmacy store reservation information including at least information on the reserved locker 20 (locker 20 identification information, locker number N), pharmacy key information (such as a password), a user-provided image, and the desired pick-up date and time to the store terminal 13 from which the contact information has been acquired (ST step 12). The pharmacy key information is generated by the data processing unit 31. The pharmacy store reservation information is transmitted, for example, by email.

[0042] At pharmacy store 2, staff can check the contents of the user-provided image attached to the email and prepare the prescription. Then, the staff will visit locker 20 with the prescription so that it arrives in time for the desired date and time of receipt.

[0043] In addition, in the first server 11, the data processing unit 31 acquires the access information (such as IP address) of the locker 20 from the first database 16 based on the identification information of the reserved locker 20 (ST step 13). Then, the first server 11 transmits locker reservation information including at least the locker number N, the pharmacy key information, and the user-provided image to the locker 20 from which the access information has been acquired (ST step 14).

[0044] In the locker 20 that has received the locker reservation information, a reservation is made to set the storage box 21 with the locker number N included in the locker reservation information as reserved (ST step 31). In addition, the staff member who visits the locker 20 with the prescription medicine inputs the pharmacy key information included in the pharmacy store reservation information into the touch panel 37 of the locker 20. Then, if the key information input into the touch panel 37 matches the pharmacy key information included in the locker reservation information, the locker management device 22 switches the key device 40 of the storage box 21 with the locker number N included in the locker reservation information to an unlocked state. This allows the staff member to put the prescription medicine into the unlocked storage box 21.

[0045] On the other hand, the user visits the locker 20 to pick up the prescribed medicine, and inserts the prescription 5 into the prescription entrance 23. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, the processing operation of the locker management device 22 when the user comes to pick up the prescribed medicine will be described.

[0046] When the prescription 5 is inserted into the prescription entrance 23, the first sensor detects the insertion of the prescription 5, and the transport control unit 28 starts rotating the rollers of the transport device 30 to start transporting the prescription 5 (ST step 41). When the transport control unit 28 detects by a second sensor (not shown) that the prescription 5 has reached the photographing position by the photographing unit 25, it stops the rollers and stops transport of the prescription 5 at the photographing position (ST step 42).

[0047] Next, the photographing unit 25, which has received a command from the computer 35, photographs the prescription 5 (ST step 43). As a result, image data of the prescription 5 (locker photographed image) is generated.

[0048] Next, the key control unit 27 subjects each of the user-provided image (data for comparison) and the locker-captured image to image recognition processing, and reads the prescription information on the prescription 5 of each image (ST step 44). Prescription information is a character string (document information) at a predetermined location on the prescription 5 (see FIG. 3). The key control unit 27 reads the character string at the same location on the user-provided image and the locker-captured image. For example, in ST step 44, three character strings, namely, the insurer number, the date of issue, and the medical institution code, are read for each of the user-provided image and the locker-captured image. Note that the prescription information read from the prescription 5 of each image and used for comparison may be other character strings (for example, the patient's name, the name of the insured medical institution, and prescription drug information).

[0049] Next, the key control unit 27 compares the prescription information read from the user-provided image with the prescription information read from the locker-captured image, and determines whether the prescription information (all three character strings) between the user-provided image and the locker-captured image match (ST step 45). If the prescription information between the user-provided image and the locker-captured image matches, it determines that the matching is successful (ST step 46).

[0050] When the key control unit 27 determines that the matching is successful, it outputs an unlock command to the key device 40 of the storage box 21 with the locker number N received together with the user-provided image (ST step 47). This switches the key device 40 of the storage box 21 with the locker number N to the open state, making it possible to open the door of the storage box 21. This allows the user to receive the prescription medicines in the storage box 21.

[0051] Then, when a sensor provided in the storage box 21 detects that the prescribed medicine inside the storage box 21 has run out, the communication unit 26 transmits a receipt completion notification to the first server 11, the second server 12, and the store terminal 13. In the first server 11, the usage history of the user is updated. In the third database 18 of the second server 12, the availability information of the lockers 20 is updated. In the store terminal 13, the prescription medicine of the user is updated to have been received.

[0052] When the above-mentioned matching is determined to be successful, the transport control unit 28 re-drives the transport device 30 to resume transport of the prescription 5 (ST step 48). The transport control unit 28 rotates the rollers of the transport device 30 until the prescription 5 is stored in the collection space 29. Note that the transport of the prescription 5 may be resumed prior to or simultaneously with the output of the unlock command.

[0053] On the other hand, if the prescription information does not match between the user-provided image and the locker-captured image, it is determined that the matching has failed (ST step 49). In this case, the transport control unit 28 rotates the roller in the reverse direction to eject the prescription 5 outward from the prescription inlet 23 (ST step 50). This allows the prescription 5 to be returned to the user. The monitor 36 displays that the matching has failed.

[0054] [Effects of this embodiment] In this embodiment, the prescription 5 is used as a key for the storage box 21 of the locker 20. Therefore, it is essential for the user to bring a paper medium with him / her. Furthermore, when the prescription 5 placed in the casing 24 from the prescription entrance 23 is successfully verified, the prescription 5 is transported to the collection space 29 in the locker 20 and collected. Therefore, the prescription 5 can be collected reliably.

[0055] [First Modification of the Embodiment] In this modification, one locker 20 is used by multiple pharmacy stores 2. The locker management device 22 is provided with multiple collection spaces 29a, 29b corresponding to the multiple pharmacy stores 2 (see FIG. 6). The locker management device 22 is also provided with a collection door 38 for each of the collection spaces 29a, 29b.

[0056] In this modification, on the locker selection screen, the pharmacy store 2 is selected along with the selection of the locker 20. When the user terminal 14 accepts the above-mentioned reservation operation, it transmits to the first server 11 reservation information for the administrator, including information on the reserved locker 20 (identification information of the locker 20, locker number N), identification information of the pharmacy store 2 that will place the prescription in the locker 20, a user-provided image, and a desired date and time of receipt. Then, the first server 11 transmits locker reservation information including identification information of the store 2 in addition to the locker number N, pharmacy key information, and user-provided image to the locker 20 from which the access information has been obtained. The identification information of the store 2 corresponds to delivery destination information, and is used to identify the delivery destination of the prescription 5 from among the multiple collection spaces 29a, 29b. The communication unit 26 of the locker management device 22 receives the delivery destination information together with the verification data, the locker number N, and the like.

[0057] Here, the transport device 30 includes a switching device 50 for switching the destination of the prescription 5 from the multiple collection spaces 29. The switching device 50 is composed of, for example, three rollers. The transport control unit 28 selects one collection space 29a from the multiple collection spaces 29a, 29b based on the destination information, and switches the rotation direction of the middle roller 50a of the switching device 50 in FIG. 6. This allows the transport device 30 to transport the prescription 5 to the selected collection space 29a.

[0058] In this modified example, as in the above-described embodiment, there may be only one collection space 29, and the manager of the locker 20 may sort the prescriptions 5 collected in the collection space 29 for each pharmacy store 2 and provide them to each store 2.

[0059] [Second Modification of the Embodiment] In this modification, at the locker 20, the user can receive products purchased from the pharmacy's online shop in addition to prescription drugs.

[0060] In this modified example, for example, after reserving a locker 20, a banner or link to an online shop is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 14, allowing the user to easily access the online shop.

[0061] When a user purchases a product at an online shop, in addition to information about the product purchased by the user, simultaneous receipt information (e.g., locker number, reservation information for the prescription drug) that enables the purchaser of the product to be identified as the recipient of the prescription drug (provider of the matching data) is transmitted to the store terminal 13. The simultaneous receipt information is transmitted to the store terminal 13, for example, from the first server 11 that has acquired product information from the user terminal 14. At the pharmacy store 2, a staff member can check the simultaneous receipt information and place the product together with the prescription drug in the storage box 21 with locker number N.

[0062] [Third Modification of the Embodiment] In this modification, the user can receive at the locker 20 not only prescription drugs but also products purchased from online shops other than pharmacies (for example, Amazon online shop).

[0063] In this modification, when purchasing a product at an online shop, a screen is displayed on the user terminal 14 that allows the user to select the locker 20 in which to receive the prescription drug. When this selection is made, for example, by the processing operation of the user program, the storage box 21 that is closest to the storage box 21 in which the prescription drug is to be placed is automatically reserved for storing the product from among the empty storage boxes 21 in the locker 20. The online shop operator who receives this reservation information places the product in the storage box 21 reserved for the product in the locker 20 where the user will receive the prescription drug.

[0064] Furthermore, when a user purchases a product at an online shop, simultaneous receipt information (e.g., locker number, prescription drug reservation information) that enables identification of the purchaser of the product as the recipient of the prescription drug is transmitted to the locker 20. If the locker management device 22 successfully collates the prescription 5, it unlocks the storage box 21 containing the product in addition to the storage box 21 containing the prescription drug.

[0065] [Other variations] In the above-described embodiment, the prescription 5 was verified using a character string written on the prescription 5, but if an information code (e.g., a barcode, QR code (registered trademark)) is printed on the prescription 5, the prescription 5 may also be verified using the information code written on the prescription 5.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, the pharmacy store 2 uses the pharmacy key information transmitted to the store terminal 13 and the locker 20 to open the storage box 21, but staff at the store 2 may also use an analog key (physical key) to open the storage box 21 in which prescription drugs are placed.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the matching data was image data of the prescription 5 sent by the user, but the user may manually input the prescription information (e.g., insurer number, date of issue, medical institution code) written on the prescription 5 into the user terminal 14, and the manually input prescription information may be transmitted to the first server 11 as matching data.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the user may send the prescription 5 by fax or the like to the operator of the system 10 without using the user program. In this case, the staff of the operator of the system 10 may manually input the prescription information written on the prescription 5 received by fax to the first server 11.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, an advertisement may be displayed on the monitor 36 of the locker 20. In this case, a discount ticket or coupon for the system 10 may be issued, for example, electronically, to the user who viewed the advertisement. Whether or not the user has viewed the advertisement is determined, for example, by whether or not a confirmation button displayed on the monitor 36 after the advertisement ends is operated.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, when a predetermined operation is performed at the locker 20, the medicine notebook may be provided from the locker 20.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the paper medium 5 is a prescription, but the paper medium 5 may be a gift certificate, a discount coupon, or a voucher. In this case, when the user receives a product at the locker 20 from an issuer of the voucher in exchange for the voucher 5, the user sends image data (matching data) of the voucher 5 and the locker number from the user terminal 14. In the locker management device 22, the communication unit 26 receives the matching data and the locker number via the communication line 6, and the photographing unit 25 photographs the voucher 5 inserted into the casing 24 from the entrance 23 to generate image data of the voucher 5. Then, the key control unit 27 compares the voucher 5 of the image data generated by the photographing unit 25 with the matching data, and unlocks the key device 40 of the storage box 21 of the locker number if the comparison is successful.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the user selects the locker 20 on the locker selection screen, but the user may select the pharmacy store 2 where the prescription drug will be placed in the locker 20.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the item receiving system 10 includes the first server 11 and the second server 12, but the first server 11 and the second server 12 may be integrated. [Industrial Applicability]

[0074] The present invention is applicable to lockers and the like used for receiving or delivering items. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 5. Paper prescriptions 11 First Server 12 Second Server 13 Store terminal 14 User terminal 20 Lockers 21 Storage Box 22 Locker management device 23 Prescription Entrance (Entrance) 24 Casing 25 Photography Department 26 Communications Department 28 Key control section 40 Key device

Claims

1. A locker management device provided in a locker having a plurality of storage boxes, a casing having an inlet for a paper medium to be collated; a communication unit that receives, via a communication line, the verification data and box identification information for identifying a storage box from among the plurality of storage boxes; an image capturing unit that captures an image of the paper medium placed in the casing through the entrance and generates image data of the paper medium; A locker management device comprising: a key control unit that compares the paper medium in the image data against the comparison data, and if the comparison is successful, unlocks the key device of the storage box identified by the box identification information.

2. a collection space for collecting the paper medium after the verification by the key control unit is completed; The locker management device according to claim 1 , further comprising a transport device that transports the paper media placed in the casing from the entrance to the collection space.

3. A plurality of the collection spaces are provided, The communication unit receives destination information together with the verification data and the box identification information, The locker management device of claim 2 , wherein one collection space is selected from the plurality of collection spaces based on the destination information, and the transport device transports the paper media to the selected collection space.

4. The locker management device of claim 1, wherein the key control unit uses image recognition technology to read a character string at a specific location on the paper medium of the image data, and when comparing the paper medium, compares the read character string against information on the character string at the same location contained in the comparison data.

5. The locker management device according to claim 1 , wherein the paper medium is a prescription.

6. A locker management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; A locker comprising the plurality of storage boxes.

7. A locker according to claim 6; a store terminal used by a store that provides a service of storing items in the storage box of the locker; and a user terminal used by a user who receives the item in the storage box of the locker.

8. The paper medium is a prescription, the article is a prescription drug; The store is a pharmacy store, Image data of the prescription is transmitted from the user terminal as the matching data, The item receiving system of claim 7, wherein when a user who receives prescription drugs at the locker purchases a product at an online shop, in addition to image data of the prescription and information about the product purchased by the user, simultaneous receiving information that can identify the purchaser of the product as the recipient of the prescription drug is sent to the store terminal.

Images