Information processing system, information processing method and program

Abstract

To enable use of a convenient and efficient device that can be temporarily stored in use of delivering a user's object to a different place.SOLUTION: If a luggage M is deposited into locker equipment 3A installed at an A station by a user U, the luggage M is taken out of the locker equipment 3A by a deliverer H, is delivered up to a B station and is deposited into locker equipment 3B installed at the B station. In this case, a locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker equipment 3A determines whether an object can be deposited into locker equipment 3B on the basis of a state of the locker equipment 3B transmitted from a server 1, permits that the object is deposited into the locker equipment 3A if the object is determined to be deposited, and prohibits the object from being deposited into the locker equipment 3A if the object is not determined to be deposited.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a system that uses a locker for the purpose of storing luggage for a predetermined time (conventional usage) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is a demand for a technology that enables the convenient and efficient use of lockers not only for conventional luggage storage but also for the purpose of delivering a user's luggage to another location. However, the conventional technologies, including the technology of Patent Document 1, cannot sufficiently meet such demands.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to enable the convenient and efficient use of lockers for the purpose of delivering a user's luggage to another location.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system that supports the execution of a service in which when an article is deposited by a user in a first facility that can be temporarily stored and installed at a first location, the article is taken out from the first facility by a person other than the user, delivered to a second location, and deposited in a second facility that can be temporarily stored and installed at the second location. A first information processing device that is arranged in the first device and has a function of presenting predetermined information to the user; A second information processing device capable of communicating with the first information processing device and the second device; In an information processing system including: The second information processing device: Equipment status management means for acquiring equipment status information indicating whether or not the article can be temporarily stored in the second equipment from the second equipment and providing the information to the first information processing device; Comprising: The first information processing device: Other equipment status acquisition means for acquiring the equipment status information about the second equipment from the second information processing device; Delivery wish reception means for receiving, as delivery wish information, information specifying at least a desired delivery location as the user's wish regarding the delivery of the article from the user; When the desired delivery location included in the received delivery wish information is the second equipment, based on the equipment status information about the second equipment, it is determined whether or not the article can be deposited in the second equipment. If it is determined to be possible, the deposit of the article into the first equipment is permitted. If it is determined to be impossible, the deposit of the article into the first equipment is prohibited. Equipment deposit control means; Comprising.

[0007] Each of the information processing method and program according to an aspect of the present invention is each a method and program corresponding to the information processing system according to an aspect of the present invention.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to enable the use of a locker that is convenient and efficient for the purpose of delivering the user's luggage to another location.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] First, with reference to FIG. 1, an overview of a service (hereinafter referred to as "the present service") that can be realized by an information processing system (see FIG. 3 described later) to which a server according to an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the present service that can be realized by an information processing system to which a server according to an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention is applied.

[0012] The present service is a service that enables the use of convenient and efficient locker facilities 3-A and 3-B for the purpose of delivering the luggage M of the user U from the first location (for example, Station A in the example of FIG. 1) to the second location (for example, Station B in the example of FIG. 1).

[0013] Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, inside the precincts of Station A (an example of the first location), there is arranged a locker facility 3A having a plurality of locker boxes RA each functioning as a closed space where articles can be deposited or retrieved. The locker facility 3A is provided with a locker UI device 4A having a touch panel that displays predetermined information and accepts predetermined instructions by touch operation. In addition, within the precincts of Station B (an example of the second location), there is a locker facility 3B having a plurality of locker boxes RB each functioning as a closed space where articles can be deposited or retrieved. The locker facility 3B is provided with a locker UI device 4B having a touch panel that displays predetermined information and accepts predetermined instructions by touch operation.

[0014] In this service, the user U can deposit their luggage M in a predetermined locker box of the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker box 3A of the locker facility 3A at Station A), and have it sent to a predetermined locker box of the locker facility at the second location designated by the user U (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker box 3B of the locker facility 3B at Station B) via the locker box R. That is, in this service, another person (for example, the delivery person H) takes out the luggage M from a predetermined locker box of the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker box 3A of the locker facility 3A at Station A), delivers it to the second location (in the example of FIG. 1, Station B), and deposits it in a predetermined locker box of the locker facility at the second location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker box 3B of the locker facility 3B).

[0015] In order for such a service to be convenient and efficient for the user U, the following processing is executed.

[0016] That is, the server 1 managed by the provider of this service acquires facility status information indicating whether or not temporary storage of articles is possible at the locker facility at the second location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker facility 3B at Station B) from the locker facility at the second location, and provides it to the information processing device disposed at the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker UI device 4A disposed at the locker facility 3A) (more precisely, it is provided via the locker management system 2-A in FIG. 2 described later).

[0017] The information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A) acquires facility status information about the locker facility at the second location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker facility 3B at Station B) from the server 1. The information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A) receives, as delivery request information, information (information input to the locker UI device 4A) specifying at least the desired delivery location as the user U's desire regarding the delivery of the luggage M from the user U.

[0018] When the desired delivery location included in the received delivery request information is the locker facility at the second location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker facility 3B at Station B), the information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A) determines whether it is possible to store an article in the locker facility at the second location based on the facility status information about the locker facility at the second location.

[0019] When the information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A) determines that it is possible to store an article in the locker facility at the second location, it permits the storage of the article in the locker facility at the first location. Specifically, for example, information indicating that it is possible to store in the available locker box RA among the plurality of locker boxes in the locker facility at the first location is displayed on the information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A). Thereby, the user U can store his / her luggage M in the available locker box in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the available locker box RA in the locker facility RA at Station A).

[0020] When the information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A) determines that it is impossible to store an item in the locker facility at the second location, it prohibits the storage of the item in the locker facility at the first location. Specifically, for example, information indicating that it is impossible to deliver an item to the second location (in the example of FIG. 1, Station B) is displayed on the information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A).

[0021] More specifically, the server 1 acquires, for each time zone, facility status information (for example, the information indicated by the balloon from the locker UI device 4A in FIG. 1) indicating whether it is possible to temporarily store an item in the locker facility at the second location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker facility 4B at Station B) from the locker facility at the second location, and provides it to the information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A) (more precisely, it is provided via the locker management system 2-A in FIG. 2 described later).

[0022] The information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A) receives delivery request information in which a desired delivery time is further specified together with the desired delivery location specified by the user U.

[0023] When the desired delivery location included in the received delivery request information is the locker facility at the second location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker facility 3B at Station B), the information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 1, the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A) determines whether it is possible to store an item at the desired delivery time in the locker facility at the second location based on the facility status information about the locker facility at the second location. Specifically, for example, in the example of FIG. 1, in the table displayed in the pop-up of the locker UI device 4A, if the desired delivery time is in the time zone marked with "〇", it is determined that the storage of the item is possible. On the other hand, if the desired delivery time is in the time zone marked with "×", it is determined that the storage of the item is possible.

[0024] Here, when the information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A in the example of FIG. 1) determines that it is impossible to store the item at the desired delivery time in the locker facility at the second location, further, the time zone in which the storage of the item is possible in the locker facility at the second location (for example, in the example of FIG. 1, the time zone marked with "〇" in the table displayed in the pop-up of the locker UI device 4A), or other facilities other than the locker facility at the second location where the storage of the item is possible at the desired delivery time (for example, although not shown, if multiple railway companies enter Station B, the locker facilities in the facilities of Station B of other railway companies) are presented to the user U as alternative information.

[0025] When the user U permits the content of the alternative information, an instruction operation to that effect is performed on the information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A in the example of FIG. 1). In this way, when the content of the alternative information is permitted by the user U, the information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A in the example of FIG. 1) permits the storage of the item in the locker facility at the first location. Specifically, for example, among the plurality of locker boxes in the locker facility at the first location, information indicating that it is possible to store the item in the available locker box RA is displayed on the information processing device disposed in the locker facility at the first location (the locker UI device 4A disposed in the locker facility 3A in the example of FIG. 1). Thereby, the user U can store his / her luggage M in the available locker box in the locker facility at the first location (the available locker box RA in the locker facility RA at Station A in the example of FIG. 1).

[0026] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of an information processing system for realizing the provision of the above-described service, that is, an information processing system to which a server according to an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system to which a server according to an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention is applied.

[0027] The information processing system shown in FIG. 2 includes a server 1, locker management systems 2-1 to 2-n, locker devices 3-1 to 3-n, and locker UI devices 4-1 to 4-n corresponding to each of n locations (n is an integer value of 2 or more), a user terminal 5, and a delivery person terminal 6.

[0028] The server 1, the locker management systems 2-1 to 2-4, the user terminal 5, and the delivery person terminal 6 are interconnected via a network such as the Internet. Each of the locker UI devices 4-1 to 4-4 is connected to each of the locker management system 2-1 to 2-4 by a local network or the like. Note that each of the locker UI devices 4-1 to 4-4 may be directly connected to a network such as the Internet.

[0029] Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish each of the locker management systems 2-1 to 2-n, each of the locker facilities 3-1 to 3-n, and each of the locker UI devices 4-1 to 4-4, these are collectively referred to as the "locker management system 2", the "locker facility 3", and the "locker UI device 4", respectively. Also, when referring to the locker facility 3, the locker boxes R-1 to R-n are also collectively referred to as the "locker box R".

[0030] The server 1 is an information processing apparatus managed by the provider of the present service (FIG. 1). The server 1 executes various processes for realizing the present service while appropriately communicating with the locker management system 2, the locker management system 2, the user terminal 5, and the delivery person terminal 6.

[0031] The locker management system 2 is configured to include a management server (not shown) that manages one or more locker devices. Each locker device 3 includes a main body having a plurality of locker boxes R (see FIG. 1), a temperature control unit that controls, for example, the temperature state of each of the plurality of locker boxes R, and a locking / unlocking control unit that controls the locking and unlocking of the entrances and exits of the plurality of locker boxes R. The plurality of locker boxes R are an example of a closed space for storing articles and the like. In addition, a locker UI device 4 is disposed at a position where the user U can view and operate the screen on the locker device 3.

[0032] The user terminal 5 is an information processing device operated by the user U and is composed of a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like. The delivery person terminal 6 is an information processing device operated by the delivery person H and is composed of a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server in the information processing system shown in FIG. 2.

[0034] The server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0035] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 18 to the RAM 13. In the RAM 13, data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes are also appropriately stored.

[0036] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0037] The input unit 16 is composed of, for example, a keyboard or the like and inputs various kinds of information. The output unit 17 is composed of a display such as a liquid crystal display or a speaker or the like and outputs various kinds of information as images or sounds. The storage unit 18 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like and stores various kinds of data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices (for example, the locker management system 2, user terminal 5, and delivery person terminal 6 in FIG. 3) via a network N including the Internet.

[0038] A removable medium 40 made of a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory or the like is appropriately mounted on the drive 20. The program read from the removable medium 40 by the drive 20 is installed in the storage unit 18 as necessary. Also, the removable medium 40 can store various kinds of data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18.

[0039] Although not shown in the figure, the locker management system 2 (management server), locker UI device 4, user terminal 5, and delivery person terminal 6 in FIG. 2 can also have a configuration basically the same as the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, the description of the hardware configuration of the locker management system 2 (management server), locker UI device 4, user terminal 5, and delivery person terminal 6 in FIG. 2 is omitted. Note that at least a part of the input unit 16 and the output unit 17 of the locker UI device 4 is composed of a touch panel.

[0040] By the cooperation of various hardware and various software that make up the information processing system of FIG. 2 including the server 1 of FIG. 3, various processes for providing the present service of FIG. 1 can be executed.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server of FIG. 3 in the information processing system of FIG. 2. In FIG. 4, for the hardware elements corresponding to those in FIG. 3 of server 1, a suffix “-1” is added to the reference numerals in FIG. 3. For example, for the CPU 11 of server 1, it is described as “CPU 11-1”. On the other hand, for the hardware elements corresponding to those in FIG. 3 of server 1, a suffix “-1” is added to the reference numerals in FIG. 3. For example, for the CPU 11 of server 1, it is described as “CPU 11-1”.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, in the CPU 11-1 of server 1, an equipment state acquisition unit 71, a delivery control unit 72, and an electronic key control unit (not shown in FIG. 4) function. Also, in an area of the storage unit 18 of server 1, an equipment state DB 81, a user DB 82, and an electronic key DB (not shown) are provided. It is a block diagram.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, in the CPU 11-1 of server 1, an equipment state acquisition unit 71, a delivery control unit 72, and an electronic key control unit (not shown in FIG. 4) function. Also, in an area of the storage unit 18-1 of server 1, an equipment state DB 81, a user DB 82, and an electronic key DB (not shown) are provided.

[0044] The locker UI device 4 is provided with a TP control unit 51, an other equipment state acquisition unit 52, a delivery request reception unit 53, and a locker control unit 54 when it functions as the locker device 3 on the first location side (locker device 3A at station A in the example of FIG. 1).

[0045] Here, although not shown in the figure, when functioning as the locker facility 3 that can be the second location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1), the self-facility status acquisition unit of the locker UI device 4-A acquires facility status information indicating whether the self-facility (the locker facility 3 that can be the second location, in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1) can temporarily store items, stores it in the self-facility status DB62, and transmits it to the server 1. Each facility status acquisition unit 71 of the server 1 acquires the respective facility status information of each locker facility 3 installed at each location that can be the second location, which is the delivery destination of the luggage M of the user U (in the example of FIG. 4, only the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1 is shown, but actually the locker facilities 3 installed at a plurality of locations including the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1), stores it in each facility status DB81, and provides it to the locker facility 3 at the first location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 4A at Station A in FIG. 1).

[0046] The UI control unit 51 of the locker UI device 4 (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker UI device 4-A of the locker facility 4A at Station A in FIG. 1) displays various information as an image on the touch panel TP-4 and executes control to receive touch operations made by the user U on the touch panel TP. As described above, the touch panel TP-4 is configured as at least a part of the input unit 16-4 and the output unit 17-4 of the locker UI device 4. Specifically, for example, the UI control unit 51 displays the facility status information of the desired delivery location described later and the judgment result by the locker control unit 54 as an image on the touch panel TP-4 and executes control to receive touch operations by the user U.

[0047] When functioning as the locker UI device 4 of the locker facility 3 on the first location side (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker UI device 4-A of the locker facility 4A at Station A in FIG. 1), the other facility status acquisition unit 52, the delivery request reception unit 53, and the locker control unit 54 execute the following processes.

[0048] The other equipment status acquisition unit 52 acquires the equipment status information of each of one or more locker facilities 3 that can be candidates for the second location (in the example of FIG. 4, only the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1 is illustrated) from the server 1, and stores it in the other equipment status DB 61.

[0049] The delivery request reception unit 53 receives, as delivery request information, information specifying at least the desired delivery location as the request of the user U regarding the delivery of the article from the user U. Here, receiving from the user U exactly means that when a touch operation by the user U is performed on the touch panel TP-4, the content of the instruction operation of the touch operation is received via the UI control unit 51.

[0050] When the desired delivery location included in the received delivery request information is the locker facility 3 at the second location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1), the locker control unit 54 determines whether it is possible to store the article in the locker facility 3 at the second location based on the equipment status information regarding the locker facility 3 at the second location. When it is determined to be possible, the locker control unit 54 permits the storage of the article in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1). On the contrary, when it is determined to be possible, the locker control unit 54 prohibits the storage of the article in the locker facility at the first location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1).

[0051] More specifically, each equipment status acquisition unit 71 of the server 1 acquires, from each of the locker facilities 3 installed at each location that can be the second location, which is the delivery destination of the luggage M of the user U (in the example of FIG. 4, only the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1 is illustrated, but actually includes a plurality of locker facilities 3 installed at locations including the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1), the equipment status information indicating whether it is possible to temporarily store the article for each time zone, and provides it to the locker facility 3 at the first location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1).

[0052] In this case, when functioning as the locker UI device 4 of the locker facility 3 on the first location side (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker UI device 4-A of the locker facility 4A at Station A in FIG. 1), the delivery request reception unit 53 and the locker control unit 54 execute the following processes. That is, the delivery request reception unit 53 receives the delivery request information in which the desired delivery time is further specified by the user U together with the above-mentioned desired delivery location. When the desired delivery location included in the received delivery request information is the locker facility 3 at the second location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1), the locker control unit 54 determines whether it is possible to deposit the article at the desired delivery time in the locker facility 3 at the second location based on the facility status information about the locker facility 3 at the second location. When the locker control unit 54 determines that it is possible, it permits the deposit of the article into the locker facility 3 at the first location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1). On the other hand, when the locker control unit 54 determines that it is impossible, it prohibits the deposit of the article into the locker facility 3 at the first location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1).

[0053] Here, when the locker control unit 54 determines that it is impossible, it further presents to the user U, as alternative information, the time period during which it is possible to deposit the article in the locker facility 3 at the second location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1), or information indicating another locker facility 3 other than the locker facility 3 at the second location where it is possible to deposit the article at the desired delivery time, via the UI control unit 51 and the touch panel TP-4. When the content of the alternative information is permitted by the user U via the UI control unit 51 and the touch panel TP-4, the locker control unit 54 permits the deposit of the article into the locker facility 3 at the first location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1).

[0054] When the deposit is permitted, the user U deposits the luggage M into an empty locker box R of the locker facility 3 at the first location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1) and locks the locker box R. As a result, a first notification indicating that the luggage M has been deposited in the locker box R of the locker facility 3 at the first location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1) and that the luggage M will be delivered to the locker facility 3 at the second location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1) by the desired delivery time is sent from the locker UI device 4 of the locker facility 3 at the first location to the server 1. When the delivery control unit 72 of the server 1 receives the above-mentioned first notification, it takes out the luggage M from the locker box R of the locker facility 3 at the first location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1), and sends a second notification indicating that the luggage M will be delivered to the locker facility 3 at the second location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1) by the desired delivery time, together with an electronic key described later for unlocking the locker box R of the locker facility 3 at the first location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1), to the delivery person terminal 6. When the delivery person H receives the above-mentioned second notification and the electronic key from the server 1 on the delivery person terminal 6, the delivery person H unlocks the locker box R of the locker facility 3 at the first location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3A at Station A in FIG. 1) with the electronic key, takes out the luggage M from the locker box R, delivers it to the locker facility 3 at the second location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1), and deposits and locks it in an empty locker box R of the locker facility 3 at the second location. In this case, the delivery person terminal 6 sends a third notification indicating that the luggage M has been deposited in an empty locker box R of the locker facility 3 at the second location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1) to the server 1. When the delivery control unit 72 of the server 1 receives the above-mentioned third notification, it sends a fourth notification to that effect, together with an electronic key described later for unlocking the locker box R of the locker facility 3 at the second location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 1), to the user terminal 5 of the user U. When the user U receives the above-mentioned fourth notification and the electronic key from the server 1 on the user terminal 5, the user U unlocks the locker box R of the locker facility 3 at the second location (in the example of FIG. 4, the locker facility 3B at Station B in FIG. 2) with the electronic key and takes out the luggage M from the locker box R.

[0055] Although not shown in the drawings, an electronic key control unit (not shown) functions in the CPU 11 of the server 1. When the electronic key control unit recognizes that an article such as a luggage M is stored and locked in a predetermined locker box R of a predetermined locker facility 3, it provides the electronic key to the terminal of the person who is scheduled to unlock the predetermined locker box R using the electronic key (in this example, the user terminal 5 of the user U or the deliveryman terminal 6 of the deliveryman H). Although not shown in the drawings, the electronic key control unit includes an electronic key generation unit 5, an electronic key management unit, and an electronic key provision unit.

[0056] The electronic key generation unit generates an electronic key (for example, a URL key) for unlocking a predetermined locker box R of a predetermined locker facility 3 in a locked state. The electronic key management unit 5 associates the generated electronic key with other information and stores it in an electronic key DB (not shown). Specifically, the electronic key management unit stores and manages the URL key generated by the electronic key generation unit in the electronic key DB in association with an ID (hereinafter referred to as the "unlock-scheduled person ID") that can identify the terminal of the person who is scheduled to unlock the predetermined locker box R using the URL key (in this example, the user terminal 5 of the user U or the deliveryman terminal 6 of the deliveryman H). That is, information about the electronic key, such as a URL key, is stored in the electronic key DB. Specifically, in the electronic key DB, information such as the locker facility ID, locker number (box number), and unlock-scheduled person ID is associated and stored for each URL key. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the electronic key provision unit provides the URL key to the terminal of the person who is scheduled to unlock the predetermined locker box R using the URL key (in this example, the user terminal 5 of the user U or the deliveryman terminal 6 of the deliveryman H) via the network.

[0057] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are considered to be included in the present invention.

[0058] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the "closed space" is the locker box R provided in the locker facility 3, but it is not particularly limited thereto, and any "closed space" in a facility having a plurality of closed spaces where articles can be stored or taken out is sufficient. Also, for the user U who stores an article such as the luggage M in the "predetermined closed space" at the first location, the person who takes out the article from the "predetermined closed space" at the first location and delivers it to the second location is the delivery person H in the above-described embodiment, but it is not particularly limited thereto, and any other person as viewed from the user U is sufficient.

[0059] Also, the system configuration shown in FIG. 2 and the hardware configuration of the server 1 shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention and are not particularly limited.

[0060] Also, the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the information processing system in FIG. 2 is provided with a function capable of executing the above-described various processes as a whole, and the functional blocks and databases used for realizing this function are not particularly limited to the example in FIG. 5.

[0061] Also, the location where the functional blocks and databases exist is not limited to FIG. 4 and may be arbitrary. For example, at least a part of the functional blocks and databases arranged on the side of the locker UI device 4 may be configured to be provided on the side of the locker management system 2, the side of the locker facility 3, the side of the server 1, the side of the user terminal 5, the side of the delivery person terminal 6, or another information processing device (not shown).

[0062] Also, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or by software. Also, one functional block may be configured by hardware alone, by software alone, or by a combination thereof.

[0063] When a series of processes are to be executed by software, the programs that make up the software are installed on a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Also, the computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, for example, a general-purpose smartphone or personal computer in addition to a server.

[0064] A recording medium containing such a program is not only composed of a removable medium (not shown) distributed separately from the apparatus main body to provide the program to the user, but also composed of a recording medium or the like provided to the user in a state pre-installed in the apparatus main body.

[0065] Note that in this specification, the steps of describing the program recorded on the recording medium include not only the processes performed in time series according to the order, but also the processes executed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series.

[0066] In summary, the information processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied only needs to have the following configuration, and can take various embodiments. That is, the information processing system to which the present invention is applied is When an article (for example, the luggage M in FIG. 1) is deposited by a user (for example, the user U in FIG. 1) in a first storage facility (for example, the locker facility 3A in FIGS. 1 to 4) that can be temporarily stored at a first location (for example, Station A in FIG. 1), the article is taken out of the first storage facility by a person other than the user (for example, the delivery person H in FIG. 1) and delivered to a second location (for example, Station B in FIG. 1), and is deposited in a second storage facility (for example, the locker facility 3B in FIGS. 1 to 4) that can be temporarily stored at the second location. An information processing system that supports the execution of the service A first information processing apparatus (for example, the locker UI apparatus 4A in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4) disposed in the first storage facility and having a function of presenting predetermined information to the user A second information processing device (e.g., server 1 in FIG. 1) capable of communicating with the first information processing device and the second facility, in an information processing system including the second information processing device has a facility status management means (e.g., each facility status acquisition unit 71 in FIG. 4) that acquires facility status information indicating whether the second facility can temporarily store the article from the second facility and provides it to the first information processing device, and is provided with the first information processing device has another facility status acquisition means (e.g., another facility status acquisition unit 52 in FIG. 4) that acquires the facility status information about the second facility from the second information processing device, a delivery request reception means (e.g., delivery request reception unit 53 in FIG. 4) that receives, as delivery request information, information specifying at least a desired delivery location as the user's desire regarding the delivery of the article from the user, when the desired delivery location included in the received delivery request information is the second facility, based on the facility status information about the second facility, determines whether the second facility can receive the article, and if it is determined to be possible, permits the deposit of the article into the first facility, and if it is determined to be impossible, prohibits the deposit of the article into the first facility (e.g., locker control unit 54 in FIG. 4), and that's all it takes to be provided with

[0067] This enables the use of a device (such as locker facility 3) that can be temporarily stored conveniently and efficiently for the purpose of delivering the user U's articles (such as luggage M) to another location.

[0068] Here, the facility status management means acquires, for each time zone, the facility status information indicating whether the second facility can temporarily store the article from the second facility and provides it to the first information processing device, the delivery request reception means receives the delivery request information in which a desired delivery time is further specified together with the desired delivery location, the facility deposit control means When the desired delivery location included in the received delivery request information is the second facility, based on the facility status information about the second facility, it is determined whether it is possible to store the article in the second facility at the desired delivery time. If it is determined to be possible, the storage of the article in the first facility is permitted. If it is determined to be impossible, the storage of the article in the first facility is prohibited. This can be achieved.

[0069] Furthermore, the facility storage control means When it is determined that it is impossible to store the article in the second facility at the desired delivery time, further, as alternative information, information indicating a time zone when it is possible to store the article in the second facility, or other facilities other than the second facility where it is possible to store the article at the desired delivery time is presented to the user. When the content of the alternative information is permitted by the user, the storage of the article in the first facility is permitted. This can be achieved.

[0070] The first information processing device further includes image display control means (for example, the UI control unit 51 in FIG. 4) that executes control to display the facility status information of the desired delivery location and the determination result by the facility storage control means as an image. This can be further provided.

Explanation of Signs

[0071] 1... Server, 2, 2A, 2B, 2-1 to 2-n... Locker management system, 3, 3A, 3B, 3-1 to 3-n... Locker equipment, 4, 4-A... Locker UI device, 5... User terminal, 6... Delivery person terminal, 11... CPU, 12... ROM, 13... RAM, 14... Bus, 15... Input / output interface, 16... Input section, 17... Output section, 18... Storage section, 19... Communication section, 20... Drive, 40... Removable media, 51... UI control section, 52... Other equipment status acquisition section, 53... Delivery request reception section, 54... Locker control section, 61... Other equipment status DB, 62... Own equipment status DB, 71... Each equipment status acquisition section, 72... Delivery control section, R, RA, RB... Locker box

Claims

1. An information processing system for assisting in the execution of a service in which when an article is deposited by a user in a first facility that can be temporarily stored and installed at a first location, the article is taken out of the first facility by a person other than the user, delivered to a second location, and deposited in a second facility that can be temporarily stored and installed at the second location, comprising: a first information processing device disposed in the first facility and having a function of presenting predetermined information to the user; a second information processing device capable of communicating with the first information processing device and the second facility; In an information processing system including: The second information processing device: a facility state management means for acquiring facility state information indicating whether or not the article can be temporarily stored in the second facility from the second facility and providing the information to the first information processing device; Comprising: The first information processing device: an other facility state acquisition means for acquiring the facility state information about the second facility from the second information processing device; a delivery request reception means for receiving, as delivery request information, information specifying at least a desired delivery location as a desire of the user regarding the delivery of the article from the user; When the desired delivery location included in the received delivery request information is the second facility, based on the facility state information about the second facility, it is determined whether or not the article can be deposited in the second facility. If it is determined to be possible, the deposit of the article into the first facility is permitted, and if it is determined to be impossible, the deposit of the article into the first facility is prohibited. Facility deposit control means; An information processing system comprising.

2. The facility state management means acquires, from the second facility, the facility state information indicating whether or not the article can be temporarily stored in the second facility for each time zone and provides the information to the first information processing device. The delivery request reception means receives the delivery request information in which a desired delivery time is further specified together with the desired delivery location. The facility deposit control means: When the desired delivery location included in the received delivery request information is the second facility, based on the facility state information about the second facility, it is determined whether or not the article can be deposited at the desired delivery time in the second facility. If it is determined to be possible, the deposit of the article into the first facility is permitted, and if it is determined to be impossible, the deposit of the article into the first facility is prohibited. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The above-described equipment pre-storage control means When it is determined in the second equipment that it is impossible to pre-store the article at the desired delivery time, further, as alternative information, a time period during which the article can be pre-stored in the second equipment or information indicating other equipment other than the second equipment where the article can be pre-stored at the desired delivery time is presented to the user. When the content of the alternative information is permitted by the user, the pre-storage of the article in the first equipment is permitted. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The first information processing apparatus Image display control means for executing control to display, as an image, the equipment state information of the desired delivery location and the determination result by the equipment pre-storage control means. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

5. An information processing system for assisting the execution of a service in which when an article is pre-stored by a user in a first equipment capable of temporary storage installed at a first location, the article is taken out of the first equipment by a person other than the user, delivered to a second location, and pre-stored in a second equipment capable of temporary storage installed at the second location, A first information processing apparatus disposed in the first equipment and having a function of presenting predetermined information to the user; A second information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the first information processing apparatus and the second equipment; An information processing method in an information processing system including the above, Steps executed by the second information processing apparatus include: An equipment state management step of acquiring equipment state information indicating whether or not the second equipment is in a state where the article can be temporarily stored from the second equipment and providing it to the first information processing apparatus. Including Steps executed by the first information processing apparatus include: Another equipment state acquisition step of acquiring the equipment state information about the second equipment from the second information processing apparatus; A delivery wish reception step of receiving, as delivery wish information, information designating at least a desired delivery location as the user's wish regarding the delivery of the article from the user; When the desired delivery location included in the received delivery wish information is the second equipment, based on the equipment state information about the second equipment, it is determined whether or not the article can be pre-stored in the second equipment. If it is determined to be possible, the pre-storage of the article in the first equipment is permitted. If it is determined to be impossible, the pre-storage of the article in the first equipment is prohibited. An equipment pre-storage control step. Including Information processing method.

6. An information processing system for supporting the execution of a service in which, when an article is deposited by a user in a first facility that can be temporarily stored and installed at a first location, the article is taken out of the first facility by a person other than the user, delivered to a second location, and deposited in a second facility that can be temporarily stored and installed at the second location, a first information processing device disposed in the first facility and having a function of presenting predetermined information to the user; a second information processing device capable of communicating with the first information processing device and the second facility; A program for causing a computer in an information processing system including the above to execute control processing, On the computer that controls the second information processing device, a facility state management step of acquiring facility state information indicating whether or not the article can be temporarily stored in the second facility from the second facility and providing the information to the first information processing device; causing the control process including the above to be executed; On the computer that controls the first information processing device, an other facility state acquisition step of acquiring the facility state information about the second facility from the second information processing device; a delivery request reception step of receiving, as delivery request information, information specifying at least a desired delivery location as the user's desire regarding the delivery of the article from the user; When the desired delivery location included in the received delivery request information is the second facility, based on the facility state information about the second facility, it is determined whether or not the article can be deposited in the second facility. If it is determined that it is possible, the deposit of the article in the first facility is permitted, and if it is determined that it is not possible, the deposit of the article in the first facility is prohibited. A facility deposit control step; causing the control process including the above to be executed; Program.

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