Locker device

Abstract

To prevent a door from being locked when a latter user inadvertently attempts to deposit luggage in a box which a former user had removed luggage from.SOLUTION: A locker device 1 comprises: boxes 11, 11a; a door 12 for opening and closing the boxes 11, 11a; a locking device for the door 12; an operation unit 20; and a control device 30 for controlling the locking device in accordance with operation of the operation unit 20. The control device 30 locks the locking device in order to keep the door 12 closed at times other than depositing luggage into the boxes 11, 11a and removing luggage therefrom. The operation unit 20 includes a takeout button 62 which is operated for removing luggage from the boxes 11, 11a which the luggage has been deposited in. The control device 30 unlocks the locking device when the takeout button 62 is operated, in order to open the door 12 of the boxes 11, 11a in which luggage has been deposited, and keeps the locking device locked when the door 12 is closed thereafter and it is determined on the basis of detection results from a luggage sensor that luggage exists in the boxes 11, 11a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a locker device that includes a box capable of accommodating luggage, a door for opening and closing the box, and a locking device for locking the door so that it can be unlocked. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of technology, for example, the technology described in the following Patent Documents 1 to 3 is known. Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe technology related to normally closed coin lockers in which the door is temporarily locked at all times when the coin locker is not in use.

[0003] Conventional coin lockers were generally normally open, meaning that the doors were unlocked when no luggage was being deposited. This meant that trash could be thrown into the lockers or they could be used as luggage storage without permission, creating hygiene and security problems and forcing installers to deal with the management issues. In contrast, the normally closed coin lockers described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have doors that are temporarily locked even when no luggage is being deposited, which reduces the management burden.

[0004] In recent years, the mainstream of normally closed coin lockers has been electronically operated locking and unlocking devices, rather than using a physical key. For example, a user can check the available lockers by number on an operation unit installed in the locker device, specify that number, and then pay the usage fee. Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe a cash payment method, while Patent Document 3 describes a payment method using a credit card or other payment method. When the locker device confirms payment of the usage fee in response to this payment operation, the locking device of the specified locker is unlocked, the door opens, and the user can deposit their luggage. When the user deposits their luggage, closes the door, and confirms the operation, the locking device is locked. When depositing luggage in this way, a receipt recording the designated locker number is issued to the user for convenience when retrieving the luggage. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe that when a user deposits luggage, the locker device issues a receipt slip with a barcode as a copy, and when the user retrieves the luggage, the user holds the issued receipt slip over a barcode reader to authenticate the user, unlock the locking device of the specified locker, and open the door. Meanwhile, Patent Document 3 describes that instead of a receipt slip, a two-dimensional code such as a serial number code, a barcode, or a QR code (registered trademark) is used to authenticate the user and unlock the locking device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3113126 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3113263 [Patent Document 3] Utility Model Registration No. 3220448 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the normally-closed locker devices described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, a user must unlock the locking device of the specified locker and open the door before retrieving a package from the locker. At this time, for example, immediately after user A retrieves his / her package, a subsequent user B may mistakenly place a package in the specified locker X before the door is closed. When the door closes, the normally-closed locker device's locking device locks the door as a normal standby operation. In other words, in this state, since the locking was performed after the previous user A retrieved his / her package, the locking device locks the door of the specified locker X into which the subsequent user B placed his / her package. Therefore, another user C may subsequently select the specified locker X as an available empty locker. When the locking device of the specified locker X is unlocked, the door opens, allowing the package inside to be retrieved, creating a security problem.

[0007] This disclosed technology has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a locker device that can prevent the door from being locked even if a subsequent user mistakenly tries to deposit luggage into a box from which a previous user has removed luggage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the technology described in claim 1 is a locker device comprising: a box capable of storing luggage; a door for opening and closing the box; a locking device for locking the door so that it can be unlocked; an operation unit for receiving user operations; and a control unit for controlling the locking device in response to operation of the operation unit by the user, wherein the control unit is configured to lock the locking device so that the door is kept closed except when luggage is being deposited in the box or removed from the box; the box is provided with a luggage sensor for detecting whether or not there is luggage in the box; the operation unit includes a removal button that the user operates to remove the luggage from the box where the luggage has been deposited; and the control unit, when the user operates the removal button, unlocks the locking device to open the door of the box where the luggage has been deposited; and thereafter, when the door is closed and it is determined that there is luggage in the box based on the detection result of the luggage sensor, keeps the locking device unlocked.

[0009] According to the configuration of the above technology, when a user operates the removal button to remove luggage from a storage box where the luggage has been deposited, the locking device is unlocked to open the door of the storage box where the luggage has been deposited. When the door is subsequently closed, if it is determined that there is luggage in the storage box based on the detection results of the luggage sensor, the locking device remains unlocked. Therefore, when a user removes luggage from a storage box where the luggage has been deposited, the locking device will not be locked even if a subsequent user mistakenly deposits luggage in the storage box and closes the door.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the technology described in claim 2 is the technology described in claim 1, further comprising a luggage lamp that operates to indicate whether or not there is luggage in the box, and the control device turns on or flashes the luggage lamp while it determines, based on the detection results of the luggage sensor, that there is luggage in the target box after the user operates the removal button.

[0011] According to the configuration of the above technology, in addition to the function of the technology described in claim 1, after a user operates the removal button, the luggage lamp lights up or flashes while it is determined that there is luggage in the target box based on the detection result of the luggage sensor. Therefore, even if a later user mistakenly deposits luggage in the same box, the later user is notified of the mistaken deposit.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the technology described in claim 3 is the technology described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a reservation reception means for receiving reservations for use of the boxes, and the control device is configured to record and manage the current status of boxes in use and unused boxes, and to manage the reception and recording of reservations for use of unused boxes from the reservation reception means, and the control device is intended to stop accepting reservations for use from the reservation reception means for boxes that it determines contain luggage based on the detection results of the luggage sensor.

[0013] According to the configuration of the above technology, in addition to the effects of the technology described in claim 1 or 2, the control device manages the usage status of the box and also manages the acceptance and recording of reservations for unused box. Here, when a user retrieves luggage from a box in which the user has deposited luggage, the box temporarily appears to be empty. However, the control device stops accepting reservations for a box that it determines contains luggage based on the detection results of the luggage sensor. Therefore, if a user retrieves luggage from a box and a subsequent user mistakenly deposits luggage in the box, and another user tries to make a reservation for the box at the same time, the reservation will not be accepted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the technology described in claim 1, even if a subsequent user mistakenly deposits luggage into a box from which a previous user has removed luggage, the door can be prevented from being locked.

[0015] According to the technology described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the technology described in claim 1, subsequent users can recognize the mistaken deposit of luggage early and take action.

[0016] According to the technology described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the technology described in claim 1 or 2, even if a later user mistakenly deposits luggage in a box from which a previous user has removed luggage, it is possible to prevent another user from reserving the same box. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the rocker device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the rocker device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a standby screen displayed on the display unit when the baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is an authentication selection screen displayed on the display unit when a baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is an authentication execution screen displayed on the display unit when a baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is an authentication execution screen displayed on the display unit when a baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is an authentication execution screen displayed on the display unit when a baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a box selection screen displayed on the display unit when a baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing a removal confirmation screen displayed on the display unit when the baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing a reinsertion confirmation screen displayed on the display unit when the baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 11]10 is a box unlock screen displayed on the display unit when a baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is an end screen displayed on the display unit when the baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a first warning screen displayed on the display unit when the baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a second warning screen displayed on the display unit when the baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a box unlock screen displayed on the display unit when a baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is an end screen displayed on the display unit when the baggage removal mode is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a warning screen displayed on the display unit when the baggage removal mode is executed in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of an embodiment of a rocker device according to the disclosed technique with reference to the drawings.

[0019] First Embodiment First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0020] [Overview of the locker device configuration] Fig. 1 shows a front view of the locker device 1. Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of the electrical configuration of the locker device 1. The locker device 1 of this embodiment is installed, for example, in a railway station and used for temporarily depositing and storing luggage.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the locker device 1 is composed of a housing 10, a plurality of boxes 11 capable of storing luggage in the housing 10, an operation unit 20 that receives operations from the user to load and unload luggage from the boxes 11, and a control device 30 that controls the opening / closing, locking and unlocking of the boxes 11 and the display of the operation unit 20 in accordance with the user's operation of the operation unit 20.

[0022] [About the box configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the locker device 1 is equipped with a plurality of boxes 11 capable of storing a user's luggage. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the locker device 1 is generally equipped with a total of 24 boxes 11 arranged in 2 rows and 12 columns, and the top two columns on the right side of FIG. 1 and the bottom column on the right side include a plurality of small boxes 11a with small openings. Note that the number of boxes 11 and small boxes 11a in this embodiment is merely an example and can be increased or decreased as needed. Furthermore, the locker device 1 of this embodiment is composed of a plurality of boxes 11 and small boxes 11a with different openings as shown in FIG. 1, but it is also possible to configure all of the plurality of boxes with the same opening width.

[0023] A door 12 that can be opened and closed independently for each box 11, 11a is provided at the opening on the front of each box 11, 11a. A box number (0001 to 0031) is assigned to the surface of each door 12 to identify the corresponding box 11, 11a. In this embodiment, the door 12 is a left-hand door that opens to the left side of the box 11, 11a in the figure, but it can also be a right-hand door that opens to the right side of the box 11, 11a in the figure. A locking device 13 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, is provided inside each box 11, 11a. In this embodiment, a description of the specific configuration of the locking device 13 is omitted. Each box 11, 11a is also provided with a luggage sensor 40 (see FIG. 2) for detecting luggage in the box 11, 11a. The luggage sensor 40 may be, for example, a contact-type sensor that detects the presence or absence of luggage by detecting the weight of the luggage, or a non-contact-type sensor that detects the presence or absence of luggage by detecting the reflection of light waves or the like from the luggage.

[0024] The door 12 of each box 11, 11a is provided with a lever 14 that the user operates to request locking of the locking device 13 when the user deposits luggage in the box 11, 11a and closes the door 12. For convenience, the levers 14 are shown in FIG. 1 only on the doors 12 with the door numbers "0001" and "0002," and are not shown on the other doors 12.

[0025] [Configuration of the control panel] As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 20 includes a camera 21 for recognizing a user, an LCD display unit 22 for exchanging information with the user, a QR code reader 23 for reading data such as a QR code (registered trademark) from the user, a payment terminal 24 capable of reading IC tags embedded in cash cards, and a printer 26 for printing receipts and other documents as proof of use. Data input from the user can be performed using the QR code reader 23 and the payment terminal 24. The cash card here is, for example, a cash card capable of accepting electronic money payments such as a transportation IC card. The display unit 22, QR code reader 23, and payment terminal 24 of the operation unit 20 correspond to "authentication means" for authenticating a user. The display unit 22 is configured to display at least one of a virtual button, an illustration of the locker device, and text, as described below.

[0026] [Control device configuration] The control device 30 is provided inside the operation unit 20 and controls the locking devices 13 of each locker 11 in response to a user's operation of the operation unit 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 30 includes a CPU 31 and a memory 32. The memory 32 stores, for example, a deposit program 32a for controlling the deposit of luggage into the locker 11 and a removal program 32b for controlling the removal of luggage from the locker 11. The control device 30 is electrically connected to the locking devices 13, the lever 14, and the operation unit 20, and controls the locking devices 13 and the screen display of the display unit 22 based on the deposit program 32a or the removal program 32b. While only one locking device 13 is shown in FIG. 2 for convenience, in reality, the same number of locking devices 13 as the number of lockers 11, 11a are connected to the control device 30. A communication unit 50 is also connected to the control device 30, and the locker device 1 can communicate with a management device (not shown) via the communication unit 50. The management device is a host device relative to the locker device 1, installed in a station or any other location. In this embodiment, the communication unit 50 corresponds to an example of a "reservation receiving means" for receiving reservations for use of the lockers 11 and 11a. The control device 30 is configured to record and manage the current status of the lockers 11 and 11a in use and the unused lockers 11 and 11a, as well as to manage the reception and recording of reservations for use of the unused lockers 11 and 11a from the communication unit 50. A reservation program 32c for this purpose is provided in the memory 32. Furthermore, a baggage sensor 40 is connected to the control device 30. The control device 30 determines whether or not there is baggage in each locker 11 and 11a based on the detection result of the baggage sensor 40. Although only one baggage sensor 40 is shown in FIG. 2 for convenience, in reality, the same number of baggage sensors 40 as the number of lockers 11 and 11a are connected to the control device 30. Furthermore, the control device 30 stops accepting reservations for use from the communication unit 50 (reservation accepting means) for the boxes 11, 11a that are determined to have luggage based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40.

[0027] The control device 30 controls the locking device 13 to automatically open and close the doors 12 of the boxes 11, 11a. The locking device 13 of this embodiment normally locks each door 12 in a closed state, and the doors 12 are opened manually, and closed manually or automatically by a spring or the like.

[0028] The locker device 1 of this embodiment is a so-called "normally closed locker device," and the control device 30 is configured to lock the locking device 13 to lock the door 12 in a closed state except when a user deposits luggage in the box 11, 11a or removes luggage from the box 11, 11a.

[0029] [Baggage check-in procedures] Next, the procedure for a user to deposit luggage in the locker device 1 will be explained.

[0030] Among the multiple boxes 11, 11a, when no luggage is stored in one (a state in which a user can deposit luggage), it is considered to be in "standby mode." The boxes 11, 11a in standby mode are in a locked state. At this time, the locking device 13 locks the door 12 of the box 11, 11a in a closed state.

[0031] In standby mode, when a user deposits luggage in the lockers 11, 11a, the user first accepts the request to start using the operation unit 20. The control device 30 displays a virtual button for selecting deposit on the display unit 22, and the user taps the virtual button to start the request. At this time, the control device 30 can notify the user of available empty lockers 11, 11a by displaying their door numbers based on the detection results of the luggage sensor 40. Here, the virtual button is an illustration displayed on the display unit 22, and is a button that functions electrically when the user taps on the screen.

[0032] The control device 30 then displays the usage fee on the display unit 22. After checking the fee, the user enters usage data using the QR code reader 23 and the payment terminal 24 to pay the fee. During this payment, for example, the unique number of the IC tag of the IC card read by the payment terminal 24 is stored in the memory 32, and this data is used for authentication when retrieving the luggage. Once the payment is made, the control device 30 causes the printer 26 to print a receipt as a usage certificate. Note that payment is not limited to using an IC card, and other forms such as credit card payment or QR code payment may be used, or multiple forms may be selectively combined. Furthermore, when payment is made using a method other than an IC card, a code such as a QR code (registered trademark) for unlocking the door may be printed on the receipt, and authentication may be performed by reading the printed code.

[0033] [Procedure for retrieving luggage] Next, the procedure for a user to take out luggage from locker device 1 will be explained.

[0034] To retrieve a package from the locker device 1, the user inputs the necessary data into the operation unit 20. The control device 30 displays a virtual button for selecting retrieval on the display unit 22, and the user taps the virtual button to begin the process. At this time, if the usage fee for one day of the locker device 1 is exceeded, for example, when the locker device 1 is used for two days, the excess fee is deducted by credit card, cashless payment, or the like, and the settlement is completed. After the settlement is completed, the control device 30 unlocks the locking device 13 and opens the door 12 of the box 11, 11a. The user retrieves the package from the box 11, 11a and closes the door 12. At this time, the control device 30 locks the locking device 13 and locks the door 12 of the box 11, 11a in a closed state.

[0035] [Technical features of the rocker device of this embodiment] In order to solve the problems of conventional normally closed locker devices described above, the normally closed locker device 1 of this embodiment is configured to be able to implement a "luggage removal mode" that prevents the door 12 from being locked even if a subsequent user tries to deposit luggage into the box 11, 11a by mistake immediately after the previous user has removed luggage from the box.

[0036] "About baggage removal mode operation" In this embodiment, the control device 30 is configured to sequentially transition the screen of the display unit 22 from a predetermined "standby screen" in response to the user's operation of a virtual button. FIGS. 3 to 16 show transition screens that are displayed on the display unit 22 when this "baggage removal mode" is implemented. The control device 30 controls the interactive screen transition on the display unit 22 related to this "baggage removal mode" based on a preset removal program 32b.

[0037] First, when a user faces the display unit 22 of the operation unit 20, the control device 30 displays a "standby screen" as shown in FIG. 3 on the display unit 22. This standby screen displays multiple virtual buttons 60 that can be tapped. The upper section of the standby screen displays a deposit button 61 that the user operates when depositing luggage in the locker 11, 11a, a removal button 62 that the user operates to remove luggage from the locker 11, 11a where the luggage has been deposited, and a reopen door button 63 that the user operates to instruct the door 12 to reopen. The reopen door button 63 is a button that the user operates not to remove luggage from the locker 11, 11a, but particularly when reloading luggage into the locker 11, 11a. In this embodiment, the user has a grace period of "15 minutes" to reload luggage by operating the reopen door button 63. The deposit button 61 and removal button 62 are displayed side by side on the standby screen, and the reopen door button 63 is located adjacent to the upper side of the removal button 62. The width of the reopen door button 63 is approximately the same as that of the take-out button 62, but the height is smaller than that of the take-out button 62. This size setting makes the take-out button 62, which is used to take out luggage more frequently than re-storing luggage, more noticeable than the reopen door button 63, thereby preventing mistakes in button operation. Also, in the middle section of the standby screen, a reservation deposit, etc. button 64 is displayed for instructing the reservation and collection and shipping of luggage. Furthermore, in the lower section of the standby screen, a company menu button 65 for selecting the luggage handling company, a usage, etc. button 66 for instructions on how to use the service and for specifying the box size, and a language button 67 for selecting the display language are displayed.

[0038] On this standby screen, the user taps the reopen door button 63 to execute the "reopen door mode." In this embodiment, the door 12 can be reopened free of charge within a predetermined time immediately after depositing the baggage. In this embodiment, the predetermined time is set to "within 15 minutes." In addition, in this embodiment, the door 12 is set to be able to be opened multiple times within "within 15 minutes."

[0039] On this standby screen, the user taps the take-out button 62 to enter the "take-out mode" and take out the luggage.

[0040] When the remove button 62 is tapped, the control device 30 transitions the display on the display unit 22 to the "authentication selection screen" shown in FIG. 4. This authentication selection screen displays text and a plurality of tappable virtual buttons 60 for selecting an authentication method. The upper section of this authentication selection screen displays the text "remove." The middle section of the authentication selection screen displays a plurality of authentication buttons for selecting one of a plurality of authentication methods. That is, the middle section of the authentication selection screen displays, as authentication buttons, an IC card button 71 for selecting use of an IC card, a QR code button 72 for selecting use of a QR code (registered trademark), and a number input button 73 for selecting number input. The lower section of this authentication selection screen displays a cancel button 68 for canceling the operation, a usage button 74 for requesting instructions on how to use the device, and a language button 67.

[0041] Since the payment method when checking in luggage differs depending on the user, the user taps one of the various buttons 71 to 73 that is appropriate.

[0042] When the IC card button 71 is tapped, the control device 30 transitions the display on the display unit 22 from the authentication selection screen to the "authentication execution screen" shown in FIG. 5. This authentication execution screen displays text, illustrations, and a virtual button 60 that can be tapped. The words "IC card authentication" are displayed in the upper section of this authentication execution screen. The middle section of this authentication execution screen displays an illustration encouraging the user to operate the authentication means corresponding to the selected authentication method, along with an explanatory text. That is, the middle section of the authentication execution screen displays the explanatory text "Please touch your IC card to the payment terminal" and an illustration representing this. The lower section of this authentication execution screen displays a cancel button 68 and a back button 70.

[0043] On the other hand, when the QR code button 72 is tapped, the control device 30 transitions the display on the display unit 22 to the "authentication implementation screen" shown in FIG. 6. This authentication implementation screen displays text, illustrations, and a virtual button 60 that can be tapped. The words "QR code authentication" are displayed in the upper section of this authentication implementation screen. The middle section of this authentication implementation screen displays the explanation "Please hold the QR code over the scanner" and an illustration representing this. The lower section of this authentication implementation screen displays a cancel button 68 and a back button 70.

[0044] Furthermore, when the number input button 73 is tapped, the control device 30 transitions the display on the display unit 22 to the "authentication implementation screen" shown in FIG. 7. This authentication implementation screen displays text, illustrations, and virtual buttons 60 that can be tapped. The words "Number authentication" are displayed in the upper section of this authentication implementation screen. The middle section of this authentication implementation screen displays the explanation "Please enter your 6-digit reservation number," a numeric keypad 75 as an authentication means for entering a number, a small display section 76 for displaying the entered number, and a confirmation button 69. The lower section of this authentication implementation screen displays a cancel button 68 and a back button 70.

[0045] The user performs authentication according to the authentication method corresponding to one of the three authentication execution screens selected above.

[0046] Here, it is assumed that the user performs "IC card authentication" by following the authentication execution screen shown in FIG. 5, for example. In this case, the control device 30 transitions the display on the display unit 22 from the authentication execution screen to the "box selection screen" shown in FIG. 8. This box selection screen displays text, illustrations, and tappable virtual buttons 60. The upper section of this box selection screen displays a description that reads, "Please select the box from which you want to remove your luggage." The middle section of this box selection screen displays an illustration of a locker device and an explanation of the coloring in the illustration. The illustration of the locker device displays a number corresponding to the box 11, 11a where the user deposited their luggage, and a selection button 80 that can be operated to select that number. In this illustration, boxes numbered corresponding to each box 11, 11a serve as the selection buttons 80. In addition, a cancel button 68 and a back button 70 are displayed in the lower section of this box selection screen.

[0047] When a user authenticates using an IC card, there may be multiple target boxes. In this case, the target boxes are displayed in color (e.g., green or yellow) in the illustration of the locker device on the box selection screen shown in FIG. 8. For example, in FIG. 8, if there are multiple target boxes, the corresponding boxes are displayed in color in the illustration of the locker device (shown with diagonal lines or a grid in FIG. 8). The user selects the colored box they wish to unlock by tapping it. If there is only one target box, the control device 30 skips displaying the box selection screen in FIG. 8.

[0048] On the box selection screen shown in FIG. 8 , if the user taps a colored box that the user wants to unlock and the tap occurs within 15 minutes of depositing the luggage, the control device 30 transitions the display on the display unit 22 to a “removal confirmation screen” shown in FIG. 9 . This removal confirmation screen displays text and multiple tappable virtual buttons 60. The upper section of this removal confirmation screen displays the text “Removal Confirmation” and an explanatory text stating, “Removal must be within 15 minutes of depositing the luggage. If you want to deposit the luggage again, press “Reload luggage.” If you want to remove the luggage, press “Remove luggage.” In addition, the middle section of this removal confirmation screen displays a “Reload luggage” button 78 to instruct the user to reload the luggage, and a “Remove luggage” button 79 to instruct the user to remove the luggage as is. Furthermore, the lower section of this removal confirmation screen displays a “Cancel” button 68. In this embodiment, this removal confirmation screen is provided assuming that the user will accidentally tap the “Remove luggage” button 62 instead of the “Reopen door” button 63 while intending to reload the luggage.

[0049] When the user selectively taps either button 78 or 79 on this removal confirmation screen, the control device 30 causes the display on the display unit 22 to transition to the "re-insertion confirmation screen" shown in Fig. 10 or the "first warning screen" shown in Fig. 13. However, if the package is to be removed again even if it is removed "within 15 minutes," the re-insertion confirmation screen and box unlock screen will not be displayed.

[0050] When the user taps the "reload" button 78 on this removal confirmation screen, the control device 30 transitions the display on the display unit 22 to the "reload confirmation screen" shown in Fig. 10. This reload confirmation screen displays text and a plurality of virtual buttons 60 that can be tapped. The middle section of this reload confirmation screen displays a statement that reads, "You can reload your luggage within 15 minutes of depositing it," along with a small display section 76 that shows the time that has elapsed since depositing it. In addition, the bottom section of this reload confirmation screen displays a cancel button 68 and a confirm button 69.

[0051] When the user taps the confirmation button 69, the control device 30 transitions the display on the display unit 22 to the "box unlock screen" shown in FIG. 11. This box unlock screen displays text, illustrations, and a tappable virtual button 60. The upper section of this box unlock screen displays the explanation "You can open the door." The middle section of the screen displays the text "Box No. 0028" indicating the target box and an illustration of a locker device. In this case, in the illustration of the locker device, the target box 81 with "0028" flashes in color (e.g., green) (shown with diagonal lines in FIG. 11). The lower section of this box unlock screen displays an explanation urging the user to operate the lever 14 after depositing luggage again, along with an illustration of operating the lever 14. That is, the lower section of this box unlock screen displays the explanation "Please lower the lever after depositing luggage again," along with an illustration of operating the lever 14.

[0052] When this box unlock screen is displayed, the control device 30 actually unlocks the locking device 13 of the target box 11, 11a of the locker device 1. The user opens the door 12 of the box 11, 11a, removes the luggage from the box 11, 11a, then closes the door 12 and moves the lever 14 down to the close side.

[0053] When the lever 14 is lowered to the closed side, the control device 30 changes the display on the display unit 22 to the "closing screen" shown in Fig. 12. In the middle of this closing screen, the explanation "Thank you for using our service" is displayed. Thereafter, the control device 30 returns the display on the display unit 22 to the standby screen shown in Fig. 3.

[0054] On the other hand, if the user taps the "Remove as is" button 79 on the removal confirmation screen shown in Fig. 9, the control device 30 transitions the display on the display unit 22 to the "first warning screen" shown in Fig. 13. This first warning screen displays text and virtual buttons 60 that can be tapped. In the middle of this first warning screen, an explanatory message is displayed saying, "If you remove the box, you will no longer be able to use it. Are you sure?" In addition, a confirmation button 69 and a back button 70 are displayed in the bottom section of this first warning screen.

[0055] When the user taps the confirmation button 69 on this first warning screen, the control device 30 transitions the display on the display unit 22 to the "second warning screen" shown in FIG. 14. This second warning screen displays text and virtual buttons 60 that can be tapped. The middle section of this second warning screen displays an explanatory message that reads, "WARNING: If you tap "CONFIRM," the package will be treated as being removed, and we will not be held responsible for any loss of the package. Are you sure?" The bottom section of this second warning screen also displays the confirmation button 69 and a back button 70.

[0056] When the user taps the confirmation button 69 on the second warning screen shown in FIG. 14, the control device 30 causes the display unit 22 to display the "box unlock screen" shown in FIG. 15. This box unlock screen displays text and illustrations that can be tapped. The upper section of this box unlock screen displays the explanatory text "The door can be opened." The middle section of this box unlock screen displays the text "Box No. 0028" indicating the target box 81 and an illustration of a locker device. In this case, in the illustration of the locker device on this box unlock screen, the target box 81 with "0028" flashes in color (for example, green) (shown with diagonal lines in FIG. 13). Furthermore, the lower section of this box unlock screen displays the explanatory text "Please remove the package from the box with the flashing light."

[0057] The blinking box 81 in the illustration of the locker device displayed on the box unlock screen shown in Fig. 15 corresponds to an example of the "luggage lamp" of the disclosed technology, which operates to indicate the presence or absence of luggage in the actual boxes 11, 11a. When this box unlock screen is displayed, if the user operates the remove button 62, the control device 30 unlocks the locking device 13 to open the door 12 of the box 11, 11a in which the luggage has been deposited. After that, if the door 12 is closed and the control device 30 determines based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40 that there is luggage in the box 11, 11a, the control device 30 keeps the locking device 13 unlocked. Furthermore, after the user operates the remove button 62, the control device 30 blinks the corresponding box 81 (luggage lamp) in the illustration of the locker device while it determines based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40 that there is luggage in the target box 11, 11a. On the other hand, if the control device 30 determines based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40 that there is no luggage in the box 11, 11a, it controls the corresponding box 81 in the illustration of the locker device not to flash, and controls the locking device 13 to lock by closing the door 12 of the corresponding box 11.

[0058] Then, when the door 12 of the box 11 from which the user has removed their luggage is locked, the control device 30 transitions the display on the display unit 22 to the "end screen" shown in Fig. 16. In the middle of this end screen, an explanatory message is displayed saying, "Thank you for using our service. We look forward to seeing you again." Thereafter, the control device 30 returns the display on the display unit 22 to the standby screen shown in Fig. 3.

[0059] [About the function and effect of the rocker device] According to the configuration of the locker device 1 of this embodiment described above, in the operation of the "luggage removal mode," when the user operates the removal button 62 on the standby screen as shown in FIG. 3, the control device 30 unlocks the locking device 13 to open the door 12 of the box 11, 11a in which the luggage has been deposited, and then, when the door 12 is closed and it is determined based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40 that there is luggage in the box 11, 11a, the locking device 13 remains unlocked.

[0060] According to the above configuration, when a user operates the removal button 62 to remove baggage from the box 11, 11a where the user has deposited the baggage, the locking device 13 is unlocked to open the door 12 of the box 11, 11a where the baggage has been deposited. When the door 12 is subsequently closed, if it is determined that baggage is present in the box 11, 11a based on the detection result of the baggage sensor 40, the locking device 13 remains unlocked. Therefore, when a user removes baggage from the box 11, 11a where the user has deposited the baggage, even if a subsequent user mistakenly deposits baggage in the box 11, 11a and closes the door 12, the locking device 13 is not locked. This prevents the door 12 from being locked even if a subsequent user mistakenly attempts to deposit baggage in the box 11, 11a from which the previous user has removed baggage. As a result, it is possible to prevent a subsequent user from mistakenly depositing baggage in the box 11, 11a, thereby avoiding security problems related to checked baggage.

[0061] In the above case, the user who mistakenly attempts to deposit luggage will use the operation unit 20 to deposit the luggage in accordance with the transition screens on the display unit 22. However, because there is luggage in the box 11, 11a that the user is attempting to use, the control unit 30 cannot recognize the box 11, 11a as an empty box based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40, and will not allow the user to deposit luggage in the box 11, 11a. In response to this, the subsequent user will select another empty box 11, 11a and deposit their luggage again.

[0062] According to the configuration of this embodiment, in the operation of the above-mentioned "luggage removal mode," the control device 30 flashes the box 81 in the illustration of the locker device on the box unlocking screen shown in Figure 15 while determining that there is luggage in the target box 11, 11a based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40 after the user operates the removal button 62.

[0063] According to the above configuration, after a user operates the removal button 62, as long as it is determined based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40 that there is luggage in the target locker 11, 11a, the locker 81 (luggage lamp) in the illustration of the locker device on the locker unlock screen shown in FIG. 15 flashes. Therefore, even if a later user mistakenly deposits luggage in the locker 11, 11a, the later user is notified of the mistaken deposit. This allows the later user to quickly recognize the mistaken deposit of luggage and take action.

[0064] According to the configuration of this embodiment, in the operation of the "baggage removal mode," the control device 30 records and manages the current status of the boxes 11, 11a in use and the unused boxes 11, 11a, and also manages the acceptance and recording of reservations for use of the unused boxes 11, 11a from the communication unit 50. Furthermore, the control device 30 stops accepting reservations for use from the communication unit 50 for boxes 11, 11a that it determines contain luggage based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40.

[0065] According to the above configuration, the control device 30 manages the usage status of the boxes 11, 11a and manages the acceptance and recording of reservations for unused boxes 11, 11a. When a user retrieves luggage from a box 11, 11a where the user has deposited luggage, the box 11, 11a appears to be empty. However, the control device 30 stops accepting reservations for the box 11, 11a that the control device 30 determines to contain luggage based on the detection result of the luggage sensor 40. Therefore, if a subsequent user mistakenly deposits luggage in the box 11, 11a when a user retrieves luggage from the box 11, 11a, and another user simultaneously attempts to make a reservation for the box 11, 11a, the reservation will not be accepted. Therefore, even if a subsequent user mistakenly deposits luggage in the box 11, 11a from which the previous user retrieved luggage, it is possible to prevent another user from making a reservation for the box 11, 11a. As a result, even if a later user leaves his / her luggage in the box 11, 11a, it is possible to prevent another user who has made a reservation from opening the door 12 of the box 11, 11a, and it is possible to avoid a crime prevention problem regarding the left luggage.

[0066] According to the configuration of this embodiment, in the transition screen when the "baggage removal mode" is implemented, the "first warning screen" shown in Fig. 13 and the "second warning screen" shown in Fig. 14 are provided between the end screen shown in Fig. 12 and the box unlock screen shown in Fig. 15, so it is possible to deal with the mistaken operation of the virtual button 60 on the removal confirmation screen shown in Fig. 9. That is, if the user operates button 79 to remove the baggage as is instead of button 78 to reinsert the baggage on the removal confirmation screen shown in Fig. 9, it is possible to prevent the use of the box 11, 11a from being terminated against the user's will.

[0067] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0068] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the content of the transition screens displayed on the display unit 22 when the "baggage removal mode" is implemented. That is, in the first embodiment, a "first warning screen" shown in Fig. 13 and a "second warning screen" shown in Fig. 14 are provided between the end screen shown in Fig. 12 and the box unlock screen shown in Fig. 15. In contrast, in this embodiment, the "first warning screen" shown in Fig. 13 and the "second warning screen" shown in Fig. 14 are deleted from the series of transition screens shown in Figs. 3 to 16, and instead, a "warning screen" shown in Fig. 17 is provided between the "box selection screen" shown in Fig. 8 and the "removal confirmation screen" shown in Fig. 9.

[0069] The warning screen shown in Fig. 17 displays text and tappable virtual buttons 60. The middle section of this warning screen displays an explanatory message saying, "Warning: If you remove the package as is, it will be treated as removed. If you leave the package in the box, it may be stolen by a third party. Are you sure?" The bottom section of this second warning screen also displays a confirmation button 69 and a back button 70.

[0070] According to the configuration of this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, in the transition screens when performing the "luggage removal mode", the "first warning screen" shown in FIG. 13 and the "second warning screen" shown in FIG. 14 are deleted from the series of transition screens, and instead, a "warning screen" shown in FIG. 17 is provided between the "box selection screen" shown in FIG. 8 and the "removal confirmation screen" shown in FIG. 9. This prevents mistakes in operation between the button 78 to reinsert luggage and the button 79 to remove luggage as is on the removal confirmation screen shown in FIG. 9.

[0071] <Another embodiment> The disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and part of the configuration can be appropriately modified and implemented within the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0072] (1) In the above embodiment, the locker device 1 is designed to be used under the assumption that the user who deposits the luggage and the user who retrieves the luggage are the same person. However, it is also possible to designate a case in which the user who deposits the luggage and the user who retrieves the luggage are different people. Specifically, with the recent widespread use of train stations as logistics hubs, it is conceivable that a shipping company that delivers products ordered by a general consumer will be the user who deposits the luggage, and the general consumer who ordered the product will be the user who retrieves the luggage. In this case, for example, a specific shipping company may be allowed to use the locker device 1, and the operation unit 20 may authenticate the shipping company before running the deposit program 32a. Authentication when retrieving luggage may be performed, for example, by transmitting an authentication code such as a QR code (registered trademark) to the general consumer's mobile device, and the code may be authenticated before running the retrieval program 32b.

[0073] (2) In the above embodiment, the box 81 in the illustration of the locker device displayed on the box unlock screen shown in Fig. 15 is an example of a "luggage lamp." However, for example, a dedicated lamp as a "luggage lamp" may be provided in the operation unit 20 shown in Fig. 1.

[0074] (3) In the above embodiment, as an example, the locker device 1 is embodied as being installed in a train station, but this is not limited to this and may also be, for example, a delivery box installed in an apartment building or the like. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] The disclosed technology can be used, for example, in locker devices installed in train stations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Locker device 11 Box 11a Small Box 12 Doors 13 Locking device 20 Control section 30 Control device 40 Luggage Sensor 50 Communications Department (reservation reception means) 62 Eject button 81 Box in the illustration of the locker device (luggage lamp)

Claims

1. A box that can store luggage, a door for opening and closing the box; a locking device for locking the door so that it can be unlocked; an operation unit for receiving operations from a user; a control device that controls the locking device in response to an operation of the operation unit by a user; Equipped with In the locker device, the control device is configured to lock the locking device so as to lock the door in a closed state except when the luggage is deposited in the box or when the luggage is removed from the box, The box is provided with a luggage sensor for detecting luggage in the box; the operation unit includes a removal button that is operated by the user to remove the baggage from the box in which the baggage has been deposited, When the user operates the removal button, the control device unlocks the locking device to open the door of the box in which the luggage has been deposited, and when the door is subsequently closed and it is determined based on the detection result of the luggage sensor that the luggage is present in the box, the control device keeps the locking device unlocked. A rocker device characterized by:

2. The rocker device according to claim 1, a luggage light operable to indicate the presence or absence of luggage in said box; The control device turns on or flashes the luggage lamp while determining that the luggage is present in the target box based on the detection result of the luggage sensor after the user operates the removal button. A rocker device characterized by:

3. The rocker device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a reservation accepting means for accepting a reservation for use of the box; the control device is configured to record and manage the current status of the boxes in use and the unused boxes, and to manage the acceptance and recording of reservations for use of the unused boxes from the reservation acceptance means, The control device stops accepting reservations from the reservation acceptance means for the box in which it is determined that the luggage is present based on the detection result of the luggage sensor. A rocker device characterized by:

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