Home delivery management control device and home delivery management method

Abstract

To enable proper receipt of a stored package and prevent a reduction in the usage efficiency of a home delivery box.SOLUTION: A home delivery management control device comprises: a storage information acquisition unit 40 that acquires storage information indicating that a package has been stored in and locked in a storage part of a home delivery box; a notification destination information acquisition unit 41 that acquires notification destination information indicating a notification destination of a recipient; a storage notification control unit 42 that transmits storage notification information indicating that the package has been stored to the notification destination of the recipient when the storage information acquisition unit 40 acquires the storage information; and a control signal output unit 44 that outputs a control signal to restrict the operation of a predetermined facility in a residence of the recipient when the package is not retrieved from the storage part for a predetermined period of time or more from a time point at which the storage notification information has been transmitted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a home delivery management control device and a home delivery management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for notifying a recipient of a package that has been placed in a delivery box (also called a delivery locker) by a delivery company when the delivery company places the package in the delivery box (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-146462 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even if the recipient is notified that a package has been placed in the delivery box, if the recipient does not remove the package from the box, the package will remain in the box, resulting in a problem of reduced utilization of the delivery box.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to enable stored packages to be received properly and reduce the usage efficiency of the delivery box. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a home delivery management control device that uses a lockable home delivery box to be used by a recipient of a home delivery parcel, and includes a storage information acquisition unit that acquires storage information indicating that the parcel has been stored in the storage unit and locked, a notification destination information acquisition unit that acquires notification destination information indicating the recipient's notification destination, a storage notification control unit that, when the storage information acquisition unit acquires the storage information, sends storage notification information indicating that the parcel has been stored to the recipient's notification destination, and a control signal output unit that outputs a control signal to restrict the operation of specified equipment in the recipient's home if the parcel is not received from the storage unit for a specified period of time from the time the storage notification information was sent.

[0007] The present invention is a delivery management method using a lockable delivery box used by a recipient of a parcel delivered to the recipient, and includes the steps of: acquiring storage information indicating that the parcel has been stored in the storage unit and locked; acquiring notification address information indicating the recipient's notification address; when the storage information has been acquired, sending storage notification information indicating that the parcel has been stored to the recipient's notification address; and, if the parcel is not received from the storage unit for a specified period of time from the time the storage notification information was sent, outputting a control signal to restrict the operation of specified equipment in the recipient's home. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the usage efficiency of the delivery box by properly receiving the stored parcels. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a home delivery system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the home delivery management device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing the process flow in the home delivery system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a home delivery management device according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the process flow in the home delivery system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a home delivery management control device and a home delivery management method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] [First embodiment] (Delivery system) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a home delivery system 1. The home delivery system 1 is a system for managing home delivery using a so-called home delivery box (also called a home delivery locker) 100 having a plurality of lockable storage units. The home delivery box 100 is used by a recipient of a parcel to be delivered. A delivery person MA of a delivery company stores the parcel in the home delivery box 100. The recipient receives the parcel from the home delivery box 100. The home delivery box 100 has a plurality of storage units 101, and the parcel is stored in an available storage unit 101 among these storage units 101 at the time of delivery. In this embodiment, the home delivery system 1 includes a home delivery management device 10 that manages the home delivery box 100 and is arranged in the vicinity of the home delivery box 100, an electronic device 50 used by the recipient, and a home equipment management device 70 that manages predetermined equipment in a house (part of an apartment building) 60 in which the recipient lives. In the following description, as an example, the home delivery box 100 is installed in a common area of ​​an apartment building, and the recipient is a resident MB of the apartment building. Furthermore, delivery box 100 may be installed outside a detached house other than an apartment building, for example, and the recipient may be a resident MB of the detached house.

[0012] (electronic equipment) The electronic device 50 is a device used by the resident MB. The electronic device 50 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook personal computer, or a desktop personal computer. The electronic device 50 receives storage notification information indicating that a package has been stored in the delivery box 100, and unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box 100. The electronic device 50 has a communication unit 51, an operation unit 52, and a control device 53.

[0013] The communication unit 51 is a communication unit. The communication unit 51 may communicate by any method, such as the Internet or a mobile phone line. The communication unit 51 connects to the home delivery management device 10 via a communication network (not shown) so as to be able to communicate data. The communication unit 51 receives storage notification information and unlocking information from the home delivery management device 10. The operation unit 52 can accept various operations. The operation unit 52 outputs operation information to the operation information acquisition unit 55 of the control device 53.

[0014] The control device 53 is, for example, an arithmetic processing device (control device) configured with a CPU and the like. The control device 53 loads a stored program into memory and executes instructions included in the program. The control device 53 includes an internal memory (not shown) that is used for temporary storage of data in the control device 53, etc. The control device 53 has a communication control unit 54 and an operation information acquisition unit 55.

[0015] The communication control unit 54 controls transmission and reception of data via the communication unit 51. The communication control unit 54 receives, via the communication unit 51, the storage notification information and the unlocking information from the home delivery management device 10.

[0016] The operation information acquisition unit 55 acquires operation information of an operation accepted by the operation unit 52. The operation information acquisition unit 55 acquires, for example, input operation information indicating an input operation of a confirmation result for the accommodation notification information, and outputs a control signal.

[0017] (Residential) The house 60 is a house where the resident MB, who is the recipient, lives, and is, for example, a part of an apartment building or a detached house. In this embodiment, the house 60 includes at least a front door 61, a locking device (predetermined equipment) 62, a lighting device (predetermined equipment) 65, and a usage meter 66.

[0018] The front door 61 is a hinged door that is provided so as to be able to open and close the front door (entrance) of the building of the house 60, and the front door 61 is provided with a locking device 62. The locking device 62 allows the front door 61 to be locked and unlocked when the front door 61 is in a state where the front door is closed. In this embodiment, the locking device 62 includes a first lock 63 that is locked and unlocked based on the operation of the resident MB, and a second lock (predetermined equipment) 64 that is locked and unlocked by the home equipment management device 70 based on a control signal output from the home delivery management device 10. The locking device 62 is locked when at least one of the first lock 63 and the second lock 64 is locked, and is unlocked when both the first lock 63 and the second lock 64 are unlocked.

[0019] The first lock 63 is, for example, a cylinder lock that allows the front door 61 to be locked and unlocked using a key possessed by the resident MB. The first lock 63 may be, for example, a card key, a PIN lock, or a biometric authentication lock, as long as it can be locked and unlocked based on the operation of the resident MB. The second lock 64 is an electronic lock that can lock and unlock the front door 61. The second lock 64 locks and unlocks the front door 61 based on a control signal output from the home delivery management device 10.

[0020] The lighting device 65 is a lighting device provided in the house 60. The lighting device 65 is an example of a predetermined facility managed by the home equipment management device 70. The lighting device 65 may be a lighting device in a specific location (e.g., the living room) rather than all lighting devices in the house 60. The lighting device 65 is turned off by, for example, not supplying power for lighting by the home equipment management device 70 based on a control signal output from the home delivery management device 10. Note that the predetermined facility managed by the home equipment management device 70 is not limited to the lighting device 65, and may be applied to a facility that is not directly related to a lifeline, such as a water faucet connected to a shower in a bathroom or a gas water heater that heats water.

[0021] The usage measurement meter 66 is an electronic power meter that measures the amount of electricity used in the house 60, and is a so-called smart meter (registered trademark). This usage measurement meter 66 has a function of outputting the measured amount of electricity to the home equipment management device 70 periodically or in response to a request from the home delivery management device 10. Note that the usage measurement meter 66 may measure not only electricity, but also, for example, water usage or gas usage.

[0022] (Housing equipment management device) The home equipment management device 70 is a management device that manages the operation of the equipment (in this embodiment, the locking device 62 (particularly the second lock 64) of the front door 61 and the lighting device 65) of the recipient resident MB's home 60, and is, for example, a security system of an apartment building. The home equipment management device 70 has a communication unit 71 and a control device 72.

[0023] The communication unit 71 is a communication unit. The communication unit 71 may communicate by any method, such as the Internet or a mobile phone line. The communication unit 71 connects to the home delivery management device 10 and the house 60 via a communication network (not shown) so that data can be communicated between them. The communication unit 71 receives meter information from the house 60. The communication unit 71 also transmits the received meter information to the home delivery management device 10. The communication unit 71 receives control signals output from the home delivery management device 10 for controlling the second lock 64 of the locking device 62 and the lighting device 65.

[0024] The control device 72 is, for example, an arithmetic processing device (control device) configured with a CPU and the like. The control device 72 loads a stored program into memory and executes instructions contained in the program. The control device 72 includes an internal memory (not shown), which is used for temporary storage of data in the control device 72, and the like. The control device 72 has a lighting power supply control unit 73, a meter information acquisition unit 74, an electronic door lock control unit 75, and a communication control unit 76.

[0025] The lighting power supply control unit 73 controls the operation of the power supplied to the lighting device 65. Specifically, when the lighting power supply control unit 73 receives a control signal output from the home delivery management device 10 to turn off the lighting device 65 (i.e., to prohibit turning on the lighting device), the lighting power supply control unit 73 stops the power supply to the lighting device 65 based on this control signal. Also, when the lighting power supply control unit 73 receives a control signal output from the home delivery management device 10 to turn on the lighting device 65, the lighting power supply control unit 73 starts the power supply to the lighting device 65 based on this control signal.

[0026] The meter information acquisition unit 74 acquires meter information of the amount of electricity measured by the usage measurement meter 66. The meter information acquisition unit 74 acquires the meter information output periodically or in response to a request from the home delivery management device 10.

[0027] The door electronic lock control unit 75 controls the operation of the second lock 64. Specifically, when the door electronic lock control unit 75 receives a control signal output from the home delivery management device 10 to lock the second lock 64, the door electronic lock control unit 75 locks the second lock 64 based on this control signal. In addition, when the door electronic lock control unit 75 receives a control signal output from the home delivery management device 10 to unlock the second lock 64, the door electronic lock control unit 75 unlocks the second lock 64 based on this control signal.

[0028] The communication control unit 76 controls transmission and reception of data via the communication unit 71. The communication control unit 76 receives meter information from the house 60 via the communication unit 71, and transmits the received meter information to the home delivery management device 10. In addition, the communication control unit 76 receives, via the communication unit 71, control signals output from the home delivery management device 10 for controlling the second lock 64 of the locking device 62 and the lighting device 65.

[0029] (Delivery management device) 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the home delivery management device 10 according to the first embodiment. The home delivery management device 10 is a home delivery management device that uses a lockable storage unit, a so-called home delivery box 100, used by, for example, a resident MB. The home delivery management device 10 has a slip camera 11, an unlocking camera 12, an electronic lock 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, a communication unit 19, an address information storage unit 21, a notification destination information storage unit 22, and a control device (home delivery management control device) 30.

[0030] The slip camera 11 captures an image of the delivery slip attached to the parcel. More specifically, the slip camera 11 captures an image of the delivery slip attached to the parcel so that the recipient's name and the destination address can be recognized. For example, the destination address includes an apartment room number (identification information of the residence). The slip camera 11 may capture an image of the destination address on the delivery slip, which is converted into a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). The slip camera 11 captures parcel information indicating details such as the contents of the parcel and whether it needs to be refrigerated or frozen, from the delivery slip so that the parcel information can be recognized. In this embodiment, the slip camera 11 is disposed near the parcel box 100. The slip camera 11 outputs the captured image data to the destination information acquisition unit 31 of the control device 30 as destination information.

[0031] The unlocking camera 12 is a reading unit for reading unlocking information for unlocking the storage section 101 of the delivery box 100 in which a package is stored. In this embodiment, the unlocking camera 12 captures an image of an unlocking security code as the unlocking information. The unlocking security code may be displayed, for example, on a display section of the electronic device 50 used by the resident MB. The unlocking security code may be printed, for example, on a printed matter. In this embodiment, the unlocking camera 12 is disposed near the delivery box 100. The unlocking camera 12 outputs the captured image data to the unlocking information acquisition section 38 of the control device 30. The slip camera 11 and the unlocking camera 12 may be provided separately or may be shared.

[0032] Electronic lock 13 is an electronic lock that can lock and unlock storage section 101 of delivery box 100. Locking and unlocking of electronic lock 13 is controlled by a control signal from lock control section 33 of control device 30.

[0033] The display unit 14 is, for example, a display device specific to the home delivery management device 10, or a display device shared with another system. The display unit 14 is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. In this embodiment, the display unit 14 is disposed around the home delivery box 100. The display unit 14 displays operation guides, notifications, warnings, etc. to the delivery person MA when storing the package. The display unit 14 displays operation guides, notifications, warnings, etc. to the resident MB when receiving the package. More specifically, the display unit 14 displays an image based on a video signal output from the display control unit 36 ​​of the control device 30.

[0034] The operation unit 15 can accept various operations. The operation unit 15 is a touch panel provided on the display unit 14. For example, the operation unit 15 can accept an operation in which the delivery company inputs the number of the storage unit 101. The operation unit 15 outputs operation information to the operation information acquisition unit 37 of the control device 30.

[0035] The communication unit 19 is a communication unit. The communication unit 19 may communicate via any method, such as the Internet or a mobile phone line. The communication unit 19 is connected to the electronic device 50 used by the resident MB and the home equipment management device 70 via a communication network (not shown) so that data can be communicated. When the communication unit 19 stores a parcel addressed to the resident MB (recipient) in the storage unit 101 of the delivery box 100 and locks the storage unit 101, the communication unit 19 transmits storage notification information and unlocking information to the electronic device 50 used by the resident MB.

[0036] When the package has not been received (picked up) from the storage unit 101 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the time of transmitting the accommodation notification information, the communication unit 19 receives meter information of the house 60 of resident MB from the housing equipment management device 70. Furthermore, the communication unit 19 transmits a control signal to the housing equipment management device 70 for locking the second lock 64 of the locking device 62 of the front door 61 of the house 60 of resident MB. The communication unit 19 also transmits a control signal to the housing equipment management device 70 for turning off the lighting device 65 of the house 60 of resident MB.

[0037] The address information storage unit 21 stores address information indicating the address of the resident MB. The address information storage unit 21 outputs the stored address information to the address information acquisition unit 32 of the control device 30. The address information storage unit 21 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, or a recording unit such as a memory card. Alternatively, it may be an external recording unit wirelessly connected via a communication device (not shown).

[0038] The address information includes the address of the resident MB, including the street address, the apartment complex name, building number, and room number, and at least the resident MB's last name. The apartment complex name and building number do not have to be included.

[0039] The destination information storage unit 22 stores destination information indicating the destination of the resident MB. The destination information storage unit 22 outputs the stored destination information to the destination information acquisition unit 41 of the control device 30. The destination information storage unit 22 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a ROM or a flash memory, or a recording unit such as a memory card. Alternatively, the destination information storage unit 22 may be an external recording unit wirelessly connected via a communication device (not shown).

[0040] The notification destination information is used when transmitting accommodation notification information. The notification destination information is information on the notification destination for each resident MB. The notification destination is, for example, a telephone number, a mobile phone number, an email address, an account for various communication applications, etc. In this embodiment, the notification destination is an email address that can be confirmed on the electronic device 50 used by the resident MB. The notification destination information in the notification destination information storage unit 22 may be linked to the address information (e.g., room number) of the resident MB stored in the address information storage unit 21, or the linked notification destination information may be stored in the address information storage unit 21.

[0041] The control device 30 is, for example, a calculation processing device (control device) configured with a CPU and the like. The control device 30 loads a stored program into memory and executes commands included in the program. The control device 30 includes an internal memory (not shown), which is used for temporary storage of data in the control device 30. The control device 30 includes a delivery destination information acquisition unit 31, an address information acquisition unit 32, a lock control unit 33, an unlocking information generation unit 34, an at-home determination unit 35, a display control unit 36, an operation information acquisition unit 37, an unlocking information acquisition unit 38, an unlocking determination unit 39, a storage information acquisition unit 40, a notification destination information acquisition unit 41, a storage notification control unit 42, a meter information acquisition unit 43, and a control signal output unit 44.

[0042] The destination information acquisition unit 31 acquires destination information read from a delivery slip attached to a parcel. In this embodiment, the destination information acquisition unit 31 acquires video data output by the slip camera 11. The destination information acquisition unit 31 performs recognition processing on the acquired video data to read destination information. For example, the delivery address may be displayed in text on the delivery slip, or may be displayed in a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code that is difficult for humans to decipher. A known method can be used for the recognition processing. The destination information acquisition unit 31 may perform recognition processing on the acquired video data to read sender information. The destination information acquisition unit 31 may read parcel information indicating details such as the contents of the parcel and whether refrigeration or freezing is required from the delivery slip as destination information.

[0043] In addition, the destination information acquisition unit 31 compares the acquired destination information with the address information acquired by the address information acquisition unit 32, and determines whether they match. Specifically, the destination information acquisition unit 31 determines whether the address information contains an address and a name that match the address and name of the destination contained in the destination information. If the acquired destination information and address information match, the destination information acquisition unit 31 transmits information to the control signal output unit 44 that restricts the operation of a predetermined facility in the recipient's house 60 corresponding to the acquired destination information. If the acquired destination information and address information do not match, a warning may be output via the display unit 14 to the effect that there is no recipient (resident MB) with an address and name that match the relevant destination information.

[0044] The address information acquisition unit 32 acquires address information indicating the address of the resident MB. More specifically, the address information acquisition unit 32 acquires the address information from the address information storage unit 21. The address information acquisition unit 32 transmits the acquired address information to, for example, the delivery destination information acquisition unit 31.

[0045] The lock control unit 33 transmits a control signal to the electronic lock 13 to control the locking state of the storage unit 101 of the delivery box 100. More specifically, when a package is stored in the storage unit 101 of the delivery box 100 and the lid is closed, the lock control unit 33 transmits a control signal to the electronic lock 13 to control the storage unit 101 to lock it. In addition, when unlocking information that has been determined by the unlocking determination unit 39 to be unlockable is input, the lock control unit 33 transmits a control signal to the electronic lock 13 to control the storage unit 101 to unlock it.

[0046] If the luggage is not received for a specified period of time after a control signal to lock the electronic lock 13 is sent (i.e., a control signal to unlock the electronic lock 13 is not sent), the locking control unit 33 sends a signal to the control signal output unit 44 regarding the luggage not being released.

[0047] The unlocking information generation unit 34 generates unlocking information for unlocking the storage unit 101 of the locked delivery box 100. More specifically, the unlocking information generation unit 34 generates unlocking information for the resident MB to unlock the storage unit 101 of the delivery box 100 when the storage unit 101 of the delivery box 100 is locked. The unlocking information generation unit 34 stores the generated unlocking information in a storage unit (not shown) in association with the storage unit 101 of the delivery box 100 that stores the package.

[0048] The unlocking information is a security code. The unlocking information is, for example, a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code that is difficult for humans to decipher. The unlocking information may include information indicating an expiration date. The unlocking information becomes invalid after the expiration date. Furthermore, the unlocking information becomes invalid once the storage unit 101 is unlocked. Giving the unlocking information an expiration date and a function of becoming invalid once unlocked (a so-called one-time password) strengthens the security of the delivery box 100.

[0049] The at-home determination unit 35 determines whether the resident MB is at home or not based on the meter information acquired by the meter information acquisition unit 43. Specifically, it determines whether the most recent demand value indicated by the acquired meter information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The most recent demand value refers to, for example, the average power usage (consumption) for the most recent 30 minutes. In general, power usage is greater when the resident MB is at home than when the resident MB is not at home, so the at-home determination unit 35 can determine whether the resident MB is at home or not using the most recent demand value. The at-home determination unit 35 transmits the determination result to the control signal output unit 44.

[0050] The display control unit 36 ​​controls the display unit 14 to display various display images. In other words, the display control unit 36 ​​outputs a video signal for displaying the display image to the display unit 14. The display control unit 36 ​​displays, for example, a display image of a confirmation screen for a delivery address on the display unit 14. The display control unit 36 ​​displays, for example, a display image of a confirmation screen for deposit completion on the display unit 14.

[0051] The operation information acquisition unit 37 acquires operation information of an operation accepted by the operation unit 15. For example, the operation information acquisition unit 37 acquires operation information indicating an operation in which a delivery company inputs the number of the storage unit 101, and outputs a control signal.

[0052] The unlocking information acquisition unit 38 acquires the unlocking information from the video data captured by the unlocking camera 12. The unlocking information acquisition unit 38 transmits the acquired unlocking information to the unlocking determination unit 39.

[0053] The unlocking determination unit 39 determines whether the storage unit 101 of the delivery box 100 can be unlocked using the unlocking information presented by the resident MB. More specifically, the unlocking determination unit 39 compares the unlocking information acquired by the unlocking information acquisition unit 38 with the unlocking information generated by the unlocking information generation unit 34 and stored in association with the storage unit 101 to determine whether unlocking is possible. If the two match, the unlocking determination unit 39 determines that unlocking is possible, and if they do not match, determines that unlocking is not possible. The unlocking determination unit 39 transmits the determination result to the lock control unit 33.

[0054] The storage information acquisition unit 40 acquires storage information indicating that a parcel has been stored in the storage unit 101 of the delivery box 100 and locked. More specifically, the storage information acquisition unit 40 acquires storage information indicating that the parcel has been stored, based on the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 37 and the locking information acquired from the lock control unit 33. The storage information includes information identifying the storage unit 101 in which the parcel has been stored, storage date and time information indicating the storage date and time, and delivery destination information acquired when the parcel was stored.

[0055] The notification destination information acquisition unit 41 acquires notification destination information indicating the notification destination of the resident MB. The notification destination information acquisition unit 41 acquires notification destination information of the resident MB corresponding to the delivery destination information included in the accommodation information from the notification destination information storage unit 22.

[0056] When the storage information acquisition unit 40 acquires storage information, the storage notification control unit 42 transmits storage notification information indicating that the package has been stored to the notification destination of the resident MB corresponding to the destination information, based on the delivery destination information acquired by the delivery destination information acquisition unit 31 and the notification destination information acquired by the notification destination information acquisition unit 41. The storage notification control unit 42 controls the transmission of storage notification information indicating that the package has been stored to the notification destination of the resident MB via the communication unit 19. The storage notification information includes, for example, the delivery date and time and delivery destination information. The storage notification information may include, for example, package information indicating details of the contents of the package, such as whether refrigeration or freezing is required.

[0057] The meter information acquisition unit 43 acquires meter information on the amount of power measured by the usage meter 66 from the home equipment management device 70. The meter information acquisition unit 43 transmits the acquired meter information to the at-home determination unit 35.

[0058] When the parcel is not received from the storage unit 101 for a predetermined time or more from the time when the storage notification information is transmitted (when a signal related to the non-delivery of the parcel is received), the control signal output unit 44 outputs a control signal for restricting the operation of a predetermined facility in the house 60 of the resident MB (recipient) corresponding to the destination information. This predetermined time is a grace period for receiving the parcel from the storage unit 101, and is usually set to a reference time, but this predetermined time is set by shortening the reference time during busy periods for the delivery company, for example, and by extending the reference time during quiet periods. In addition, the predetermined time may be set by shortening the reference time when the storage rate of the delivery box 100 (the number of storage units 101 in which parcels are stored relative to the total number of storage units 101) when the storage rate is equal to or higher than a threshold, and by extending the reference time when the storage rate is lower than the threshold, for example.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the control signal output unit 44 receives a determination result that the person is absent (not at home) from the at-home determination unit 35, it outputs a control signal to the housing equipment management device 70 to lock the second lock 64 of the locking device 62 of the front door 61, which is the specified equipment. The control signal output unit 44 outputs a control signal to lock the second lock 64 until the package is received from the storage unit 101. When the package is received from the storage unit 101, the control signal output unit 44 outputs a control signal to unlock the second lock 64 (to release the restriction on the operation of the specified equipment).

[0060] Furthermore, when the control signal output unit 44 receives a determination result that the user is at home from the at-home determination unit 35, it outputs a control signal to the housing equipment management device 70 to turn off the lighting device 65 as the specified equipment. The control signal output unit 44 outputs a control signal to turn off (not turn on) the lighting device 65 until the package is received from the storage unit 101. When the package is received from the storage unit 101, the control signal output unit 44 outputs a control signal to turn on the lighting device 65 (to release the restriction on the operation of the specified equipment).

[0061] (Processing in home delivery system 1) Next, a process flow in the control device 30 when a package is stored in the delivery box 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing a process flow in the delivery system 1.

[0062] First, the delivery person MA of the delivery company determines whether or not a package has been stored in the storage unit 101 of the delivery box 100 (step S11). Specifically, the control device 30 determines whether or not the storage information acquisition unit 40 has acquired storage information indicating that a package has been stored in the storage unit 101 of the delivery box 100 and the electronic lock 13 has been locked. If it is determined that a package has not been stored in the storage unit 101 (step S11; No), the control device 30 repeatedly executes the process of step S11.

[0063] On the other hand, if the package is stored in the storage section 101 (step S11; Yes), the control device 30 acquires destination information from the delivery slip attached to the package (step S12). Specifically, the control device 30 photographs the delivery slip attached to the package using the slip camera 11 before the package is stored. Then, the control device 30 acquires destination information by performing recognition processing on the video data output by the slip camera 11 using the destination information acquisition unit 31. Here, the control device 30 compares the destination information acquired by the destination information acquisition unit 31 with the address information acquired by the address information acquisition unit 32, and determines whether they match. Specifically, the control device 30 determines whether the address information includes an address and a name that match the address and name of the recipient included in the destination information. Then, if the acquired destination information and address information match, the destination information acquisition unit 31 transmits the acquired destination information to the storage notification control unit 42.

[0064] Next, the control device 30 acquires notification destination information indicating the notification destination of the recipient of the package (step S13). The control device 30 acquires notification destination information indicating the notification destination of the recipient, resident MB, by the notification destination information acquisition unit 41. Specifically, the notification destination information acquisition unit 41 acquires notification destination information of the resident MB corresponding to the delivery destination information from the notification destination information storage unit 22. The notification destination information acquisition unit 41 transmits the acquired notification destination information to the storage notification control unit 42.

[0065] Next, the control device 30 notifies the notification destination of the recipient corresponding to the delivery destination information of the storage notification information indicating that the package has been stored and the unlocking information for unlocking the storage unit 101 (step S14). Specifically, the control device 30 transmits the storage notification information indicating that the package has been stored to the electronic device 50, which is the notification destination of the resident MB corresponding to the delivery destination information, via the communication unit 19, based on the delivery destination information and the notification destination information, by the storage notification control unit 42. In addition, when the package is stored in the storage unit 101, the control device 30 generates unlocking information for unlocking the storage unit 101 by the unlocking information generation unit 34. Then, the control device 30 notifies the electronic device 50, which is the notification destination of the resident MB, of the unlocking information for unlocking the storage unit 101 in which the package has been stored, via the communication unit 19.

[0066] Next, the control device 30 sets a predetermined time, which is a grace period from the time of sending the storage notification information until the package is received, and starts measuring the elapsed time from the time of sending (step S15). Specifically, the control device 30 sets a predetermined reference time (e.g., 5 hours) as the predetermined time. In addition, the control device 30 sets the predetermined time by shortening the reference time (e.g., 4 hours) during the busy season of the delivery company, and sets the predetermined time by extending the reference time (e.g., 6 hours) during the off-season.

[0067] Next, the control device 30 judges whether the package has been received from the storage unit 101 (step S16). Specifically, the control device 30 judges whether the electronic lock 13 of the storage unit 101 in which the package is stored has been unlocked by the lock control unit 33. If it is judged that the package has been received from the storage unit 101 (step S16; Yes), the control device 30 ends the process since the package has been promptly received.

[0068] On the other hand, if no parcel has been received from the storage section 101 (step S16; No), the control device 30 judges whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the time when the storage notification information was sent (step S17). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S17; No), the control device 30 returns the process to step S16. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (step S17; Yes), the control device 30 moves the process to step S18.

[0069] Next, the control device 30 acquires meter information of the residence 60 to which the package is to be delivered (step S18). Specifically, the control device 30 acquires meter information of the amount of electricity measured by the usage meter 66 in the residence 60 to which the package is to be delivered from the home equipment management device 70 via the communication unit 19, using the meter information acquisition unit 43.

[0070] Next, the control device 30 judges whether the resident MB, who is the recipient, is at home (step S19). Specifically, the control device 30 judges that the resident MB is at home if the latest demand value indicated by the acquired meter information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value by the at-home judgment unit 35, and judges that the resident MB is not at home if the latest demand value is less than the threshold value. Here, the latest demand value means, for example, the average power usage (consumption) for the most recent 30 minutes. In this judgment, if the resident MB is not at home (step S19; No), the control device 30 outputs a control signal to the home equipment management device 70 by the control signal output unit 44 to lock the second lock 64 of the locking device 62 of the front door 61 as the predetermined equipment (step S20). In this case, the home equipment management device 70 that receives the control signal executes control to lock the second lock 64. Since the second lock 64 is locked and unlocked by the control of the home equipment management device 70 as described above, it cannot be unlocked by the key owned by the resident MB. Therefore, when the resident MB returns home without receiving the luggage from the storage section 101, the locking device 62 of the entrance door 61 is not unlocked and the resident MB cannot enter the house, so that the resident MB can be made aware that he or she has left the luggage behind.

[0071] On the other hand, if the resident MB is at home (step S19; Yes), the control device 30 outputs a control signal to the home equipment management device 70 via the control signal output unit 44 to turn off (not turn on) the lighting device 65 as the specified equipment (step S21). In this case, the home equipment management device 70 that receives the control signal executes control to turn off (not turn on) the lighting device 65. Therefore, if the resident MB leaves the package without receiving it from the storage unit 101, the lighting device 65 will not turn on even if the switch of the lighting device 65 is turned on, so that the resident MB can be made aware that he or she has left the package behind.

[0072] Next, the control device 30 judges whether or not the baggage has been received from the storage unit 101 (step S22). Specifically, as described above, the control device 30 judges whether or not the electronic lock 13 of the storage unit 101 in which the baggage has been received has been unlocked by the lock control unit 33. If the judgment shows that the baggage has not been received from the storage unit 101 (step S22; No), the control device 30 repeatedly executes the process of step S22 while keeping the second lock 64 locked or the lighting device 65 turned off.

[0073] On the other hand, in this determination, if the parcel is received from the storage unit 101 (step S22; Yes), the control device 30 releases the restriction on the above-mentioned predetermined equipment in the house 60 (step S23) and ends the process. Specifically, if the second lock 64 is locked, the control device 30 outputs a control signal to the home equipment management device 70 through the control signal output unit 44 to unlock the second lock 64 of the locking device 62 of the front door 61 as the predetermined equipment. In this case, the home equipment management device 70 that receives the control signal executes control to unlock the second lock 64, so that the resident MB can unlock the first lock 63 using his / her own key, thereby unlocking the locking device 62 and enabling entry. Also, if the lighting device 65 is turned off, the control device 30 outputs a control signal to the home equipment management device 70 through the control signal output unit 44 to enable the lighting device 65 as the predetermined equipment to be turned on. As a result, for example, power is supplied to the lighting device 65, so that the lighting device 65 can be turned on by turning on the switch of the lighting device 65.

[0074] The control device (home delivery management control device) 30 according to this embodiment includes a storage information acquisition unit 40 that acquires storage information indicating that the parcel has been stored in the storage unit 101 of the home delivery box 100 and locked, a delivery destination information acquisition unit 31 that acquires delivery destination information read from a delivery slip attached to the parcel, a notification destination information acquisition unit 41 that acquires notification destination information indicating the recipient's notification destination, a storage notification control unit 42 that transmits storage notification information indicating that the parcel has been stored to the recipient's notification destination corresponding to the delivery destination information when the storage information acquisition unit 40 acquires the storage information, and a control signal output unit 44 that outputs a control signal for restricting the operation of a predetermined facility in the recipient's house corresponding to the destination information when the parcel is not received from the storage unit 101 for a predetermined time or more from the time when the storage notification information is transmitted. According to this configuration, if the parcel is left unreceived for a predetermined time or more from the time when the storage notification information is transmitted, the operation of a predetermined facility in the house 60 of the resident MB as the recipient is restricted, thereby making the recipient realize that the parcel has been left behind. As a result, parcels stored in delivery box 100 can be received properly, and the usage efficiency of delivery box 100 can be reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, the control device (home delivery management control device) 30 according to this embodiment includes an at-home determination unit 35 that determines whether or not the resident MB as the recipient is at home, and the control signal output unit 44 outputs a control signal to lock the locking device 62 of the front door 61 as the predetermined equipment until the package is received from the storage unit 101 when the resident MB is not at home, and outputs a control signal to turn off the lighting device 65 as the predetermined equipment until the package is received from the storage unit 101 when the resident MB is at home. According to this configuration, by locking the locking device 62 of the front door 61 as the predetermined equipment when the resident MB is not at home, even if the resident MB returns home without receiving the package from the storage unit 101, the locking device 62 of the front door 61 is not unlocked and the resident MB cannot enter the house, so that the resident MB can be made aware that he or she has left the package behind. In addition, when the resident MB is at home, the lighting device 65 as a specified facility can be controlled to be turned off (not turned on), so that even if the resident MB leaves his / her luggage in the storage section 101 without picking it up, the lighting device 65 will not turn on, making the resident MB aware that he / she has left his / her luggage behind.

[0076] In addition, in this embodiment, the locking device 62 is equipped with a first lock 63 that is locked or unlocked based on the operation of the resident MB as the recipient, and a second lock 64 that is locked when the package is stored in the storage unit 101 based on a control signal output from the control signal output unit 44, and is unlocked when the package is received from the storage unit 101.Therefore, when the resident MB is not at home, by locking the second lock 64 of the locking device 62, even if the resident MB returns home without receiving the package from the storage unit 101, the second lock 64 of the locking device 62 will not be unlocked and he or she will not be able to enter the house, thereby making the resident MB aware that he or she has left the package behind.

[0077] [Second embodiment] Next, with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the home delivery management device 10A having the control device 30A according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the home delivery management device 10A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the flow of processing in the home delivery system 1. The basic configuration of the control device 30A is the same as that of the control device 30 of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same or corresponding symbols are used for components similar to those of the control device 30, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The control device 30A of the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has an analysis unit 45. This embodiment is suitable for cases where the number of storage units 101 of the home delivery box 100 is equal to or greater than the number of houses, such as in a detached house. It should be noted that even in an apartment building, it is suitable as long as the number of storage units 101 of the home delivery box 100 is equal to or greater than the number of houses.

[0078] The analysis unit 45 analyzes whether or not the package requires refrigeration or freezing based on the delivery destination information acquired by the delivery destination information acquisition unit 31. Specifically, the analysis unit 45 analyzes whether or not the delivery slip (or packaging box) contains, for example, a character string such as "refrigerated" or "frozen" as package information. The analysis unit 45 may also analyze whether or not the delivery slip (or packaging box) contains, for example, a character string such as "fresh food", "fresh produce", or "fresh fish". Here, the case where the packaging box contains the above-mentioned character string refers to, for example, a tape with a character string such as "refrigerated" or "frozen" written on it being attached to the surface of the packaging box, or the above-mentioned character string is directly handwritten. When the delivery slip (or packaging box) contains the above-mentioned example character string set in advance, the analysis unit 45 analyzes that the package requires refrigeration or freezing, and when it does not contain the above-mentioned example character string, the analysis unit 45 analyzes that the package does not require refrigeration or freezing.

[0079] Next, a description will be given of the flow of processing in the control device 30A when a package is stored in the delivery box 100. In the flowchart of Fig. 5, the processing in steps S31 to S34 and steps S37 to S45 are equivalent to the processing in steps S11 to S14 and steps S15 to S23, respectively, in the flowchart of Fig. 3. Therefore, a description of the equivalent processing will be omitted.

[0080] When the recipient's notification destination corresponding to the delivery destination information is notified of the storage notification information indicating that the package has been stored and the unlocking information for unlocking the storage unit 101 (step S34), the control device 30A analyzes the contents of the package based on the delivery destination information (step S35). Specifically, the control device 30A analyzes, by the analysis unit 45, whether or not the delivery slip (or the packaging box) contains, as package information included in the delivery destination information, character strings such as "refrigerated", "frozen", "fresh food", "perishable goods", "fresh fish", "fresh confectionery", etc.

[0081] Next, the control device 30A judges whether the package requires refrigeration or freezing (step S36). Specifically, the control device 30A judges that the package requires refrigeration or freezing if the delivery slip (or the packing box) contains the above character string by the analysis unit 45, and judges that the package does not require refrigeration or freezing if the delivery slip (or the packing box) does not contain the above character string.

[0082] In this determination, if the parcel does not require refrigeration or freezing (step S36; No), the control device 30A ends the process. In this case, the parcel stored in the storage unit 101 of the delivery box 100 does not require refrigeration or freezing, and the number of storage units 101 is sufficient. For this reason, the control device 30A maintains the state in which the parcel is stored in the storage unit 101, and does not restrict the operation of the specified equipment in the house 60 of the resident MB (recipient) as in the first embodiment. The resident MB can receive the parcel at a convenient time according to the storage notification information.

[0083] On the other hand, if the package requires refrigeration or freezing (step S36; Yes), it is expected that the package will be affected if it is left in the storage unit 101 for a long period of time. For this reason, as in the first embodiment described above, the control device 30A executes control to restrict the operation of predetermined equipment in the house 60 of the resident MB (recipient) if the package is not received within a predetermined time (steps S37 to S45). This configuration makes it possible to prevent a situation in which a package requiring refrigeration or freezing is left behind in the storage unit 101, and to ensure that the package is received appropriately.

[0084] The control device (home delivery management control device) 30A of this embodiment is equipped with an analysis unit 45 that analyzes whether the package requires refrigeration or freezing based on the delivery destination information, and if the package is analyzed as requiring refrigeration or freezing, the control signal output unit 44 outputs a control signal to restrict the operation of specific equipment in the home 60 of the resident MB as the recipient corresponding to the delivery destination information, thereby preventing packages requiring refrigeration or freezing from being left behind in the storage unit 101 and allowing the packages to be properly received.

[0085] The home delivery management control device according to the present invention may be embodied in various different forms other than the above-described embodiment.

[0086] Each component of the illustrated home delivery management control device is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of it may be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on the processing load and usage status of each device.

[0087] The configuration of the home delivery management control device is realized, for example, as software, by a program loaded into memory. In the above embodiment, the functional blocks are described as being realized by the cooperation of these hardware and software. In other words, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms, by hardware only, software only, or a combination of both.

[0088] The above-mentioned components include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the above-mentioned configurations can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0089] In the above, the delivery box 100 has been described as being installed in a common area of ​​an apartment building, but this is not limited to this. The delivery box 100 may be installed in a detached house. Also, in the above, the control device (delivery management control device) 30, 30A is configured to perform control to restrict the operation of the specified equipment (locking device 62, second lock 64, lighting device 65) in the house 60 of the resident MB as the recipient via the housing equipment management device 70, but the control device (delivery management control device) 30, 30A may directly control to restrict the operation of the above-mentioned specified equipment.

[0090] In the above, the control device (home delivery management control device) 30, 30A is configured to read the delivery slip of the package to obtain the delivery destination information, and notify the recipient's notification destination corresponding to the delivery destination information that the package has been stored, but this is not limited to the above. For example, in an apartment building, the notification destination of the recipient linked to the room number may be stored, and when the delivery person MA of the delivery company stores the package in the storage section 101 of the delivery box 100, the delivery person MA may input the room number to notify the recipient's notification destination corresponding to the room number that the package has been stored.

[0091] In the above description, delivery box 100 is configured to include multiple storage sections 101, but at least some of the storage sections may be provided with a refrigeration function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Delivery system 10, 10A delivery management device 11. Bill Camera 12. Door unlocking camera 13 Electronic Lock 21 Address information storage unit 22 Notification destination information storage unit 30, 30A control device (home delivery management control device) 31 Delivery destination information acquisition section 32 Address Information Acquisition Department 33 Lock control unit 35 Home Care Assessment Department 40 Containment Information Acquisition Department 41 Notification information acquisition unit 42 Detention Notification Control Section 43 Meter information acquisition unit 44 Control signal output section 45 Analysis Department 50 Electronic equipment 60 Housing 61 Entrance Door 62 Locking device (prescribed equipment) 63 First Lock 64 Second lock (prescribed equipment) 65 Lighting equipment (specified equipment) 66 Consumption Meter 70 Housing equipment management device 71 Communications Department 72 Control device 73 Lighting power supply control section 74 Meter information acquisition unit 75 Electronic door lock control unit 76 Communication Control Unit 100 Delivery Box 101 Storage unit MB resident

Claims

1. A home delivery management control device using a lockable home delivery box used by a recipient of a home delivery package, a storage information acquiring unit that acquires storage information indicating that the luggage has been stored in a storage unit and locked; a notification information acquisition unit that acquires notification information indicating a notification destination of the recipient; a storage notification control unit that transmits storage notification information indicating that the package has been stored to a notification destination of the recipient when the storage information acquisition unit acquires the storage information; If the package is not received from the storage unit for a predetermined period of time from the time the storage notification information was sent, a control signal output unit that outputs a control signal for restricting the operation of a predetermined device in the recipient's home; A home delivery management control device comprising:

2. A home-at-home determination unit is provided for determining whether the recipient is at home or not, The home delivery management control device according to claim 1, wherein the control signal output unit outputs a control signal to lock a locking device of a front door, which is the specified equipment, until the package is received from the storage unit, when the recipient is not at home, and outputs a control signal to turn off a lighting device, which is the specified equipment, until the package is received from the storage unit, when the recipient is at home.

3. The home delivery management control device of claim 2, wherein the locking device comprises a first lock that is locked or unlocked based on the recipient's operation, and a second lock that is locked when the package is stored in the storage unit based on a control signal output from the control signal output unit, and that is unlocked when the package is received from the storage unit.

4. An analysis unit that analyzes whether the luggage requires refrigeration or freezing, If the baggage is analyzed as requiring refrigeration or freezing, The home delivery management control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control signal output unit outputs a control signal for restricting an operation of a predetermined facility in the recipient's home.

5. A method for managing home delivery using a lockable home delivery box used by a recipient of a home delivery package, comprising: acquiring storage information indicating that the luggage has been stored in a storage section and locked; obtaining notification destination information indicating a notification destination of the recipient; When the receiving information is acquired, a step of transmitting receiving notification information indicating that the package has been received to a notification destination of the recipient; If the package is not received from the storage unit for a predetermined period of time from the time the storage notification information was sent, outputting a control signal for restricting operation of a predetermined device in the recipient's home; A home delivery management method comprising:

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