Locker device

Abstract

To provide a locker device which can easily reduce items to be collected.SOLUTION: A locker device 1 includes: a code reader 53 configured to obtain item information regarding an article to be stored in a locker box 2 for each locker box 2; and a main board 50 configured to store the item information obtained by the code reader 53 in association with each locker box 2 and to perform sales control of the article stored in the locker box 2 on the basis of the item information. The item information includes a discount date and time a6 and a discounted price a7, and the main board 50 discounts the price of the article on the basis of the discount date and time a6 and the discounted price a7, and sells the article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a locker device having a plurality of storage compartments capable of storing items. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in a locker device installed at a station or a commercial facility, which has multiple storage compartments for storing items and can lock the multiple storage compartments individually, it is known that items that have exceeded their collection deadline are subject to collection, as described in Patent Document 1, etc.

[0003] This patent document 1 states that collection is not limited to items that have passed their receipt deadline, but that items to be collected may also be determined based on the characteristics of the items, such as the expiration date of food products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-37389 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The invention described in Patent Document 1 simply collects food that has passed its expiration date. However, from the perspective of food waste, it is preferable to collect and discard as little food as possible.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a locker device that can reduce the number of articles to be collected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention made to solve the above problem is a locker device having a plurality of storage sections capable of storing items, comprising: an acquisition section capable of acquiring item information regarding the items stored in each storage section for each storage section; a storage section that associates the item information acquired by the acquisition section with each storage section and stores it; and a control section that controls the sale of the items stored in the storage sections based on the item information, wherein the item information includes price change information regarding changes to the prices of the items, and the control section changes the prices of the items based on the price change information and sells them. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] As explained above, according to the present invention, the price of an item can be set at any price based on price change information and sold. Therefore, by setting a discounted price, for example, by discounting the price from the list price, it is possible to increase customer purchasing motivation and reduce the number of items that are collected and discarded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a rocker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the locker device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a device that generates a code. [Figure 4] 4 is an example of an input screen of the software installed on the personal computer shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of code creation. [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of a product seller storing products in the locker device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the locker device shown in FIG. 1 when a prospective purchaser purchases a product. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a numeric keypad displayed on an operation display unit. [Figure 9]10 is an example in which product information contained in the read code is displayed on the operation display unit. [Figure 10] This is an example in which product information of products stored in a locker box selected by a purchaser is displayed on the operation display unit. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the locker device 1 during discount sales. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a front view of a rocker device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] The locker device 1 shown in Fig. 1 has a housing 6 provided with two rows of multiple vertically arranged locker boxes (storage sections) 2. Of course, the number of rows of the locker boxes 2 is not limited to two.

[0012] The locker box 2 has a door 3 on the front. The door 3 is attached to the housing 6 by a hinge 4 so that it can be opened and closed freely. The door 3 is made of a transparent acrylic plate or the like, so that the inside of the locker box 2 can be observed from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to know whether or not there is an item stored inside the locker box 2 without opening the door 3. The locker box 2 can be locked and unlocked by an electric lock 55 (see Figure 2). Furthermore, the interior of the locker box 2 is illuminated as needed by an interior light 56 ​​(see Figure 2).

[0013] Of the two rows of locker boxes 2 in the locker device 1 shown in Figure 1, the upper level of the left row is a control panel 5 on which a payment machine 51, an operation display unit 52, a code reader 53, etc., which will be described later, are provided.

[0014] Figure 2 shows the functional configuration of the locker device 1 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the locker device 1 is equipped with a main board 50, a payment machine 51, an operation display unit 52, a code reader 53, a sub-board 54, an electric lock 55, an interior light 56, a hub 57, and a communication unit 58. Of the above-mentioned devices, devices other than the electric lock 55 and the interior light 56 ​​are mounted in the position where the control panel 5 is located, but the sub-board 54 may be provided in another position, such as the bottom of the housing 6.

[0015] The main board 50 is responsible for overall control of the locker device 1. The main board 50 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes the flowcharts described below, memory that stores programs that implement the flowcharts, and the like. The main board 50 also has a database that stores and manages product information (item information) described below, linked to each box number of the locker box 2. This database may also have status information for each box number that indicates whether the box is available, on sale, on sale at a discount, discontinued, etc.

[0016] The payment machine 51 is a device for making cashless payments using electronic money, credit cards, QR codes (registered trademark), etc. When electronic money such as an IC card is presented, the payment machine 51 connects to a payment server 80 connected to a network N such as the Internet via a hub 57 and a communication unit 58, and requests payment processing. When the payment is completed, the payment machine 51 outputs a signal to the main board 50 indicating that the payment has been completed.

[0017] The operation display unit 52 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) that displays information to the user and a touch panel. As will be described later, the operation display unit 52 displays various menus and product descriptions related to product delivery and product purchase. Furthermore, the operation display unit 52 allows the user to carry in products, purchase products, etc. by touching the displayed menus.

[0018] The code reader 53 is a device that reads a code containing product information. In this embodiment, the code is described as a QR code (registered trademark), but it may be another two-dimensional code or one-dimensional code, or information encoded (coded) in another format.

[0019] As is well known, the code reader 53 emits, for example, an LED or a laser and reads a QR code (registered trademark) or the like by the reflected light. The coded information read by the code reader 53 is restored (decoded) and output to the main board 50.

[0020] The sub-board 54 operates under control from the main board 50 and controls the electric lock 55 and interior lighting 56 of the locker box 2.

[0021] The electric lock 55 is provided in each locker box 2 and is a mechanism that regulates the opening and closing of the door 3 under the control of the sub-board 54, locking or unlocking the door 3. In other words, the locker box 2 can be locked and unlocked by the electric lock 55. Note that the locker box 2 of this embodiment is always in a locked state, and after being unlocked, is automatically locked when the door 3 is closed.

[0022] The interior lighting 56 is provided inside the locker box 2 and illuminates the interior of the locker box 2. The interior lighting 56 can be configured with, for example, an LED (light-emitting diode). The interior lighting 56 can be installed at any position and in any number, as long as it is bright enough to allow the items (products) stored inside the locker box 2 to be identified from the outside.

[0023] Hub 57 is a relay device that relays between payment machine 51 and communication unit 58. Hub 57 does not necessarily have to be provided. Communication unit 58 communicates with management server 70 and payment server 80 via network N. Communication unit 58 can be configured as a device that performs wireless communication, such as a mobile phone network or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), but may also be configured as a device that performs wired communication.

[0024] The management server 70 manages the operating status of the locker device 1. Examples of the operating status include the locking / unlocking status of each locker box 2 and management of the contents of the database held by the main board 50. In this embodiment, the management server 70 does not, as a rule, manage vendors who sell products using the locker device 1. Therefore, prior registration, etc., is not required when selling products using the locker device 1.

[0025] The payment server 80 performs payment for the product purchase in response to a payment request from the payment machine 51. The payment machine 51 is notified of the payment result.

[0026] Next, before describing the operation of the locker device 1 configured as described above when selling a product, the generation of a code (QR code (registered trademark)) containing product information will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a device that generates codes. As shown in Fig. 3, codes are generated by a personal computer (PC) 100 and printed on paper (paper medium) by a printer 200. Application software for generating codes such as QR Code (registered trademark) is installed in the PC 100. There are no particular limitations on the type or paper size of the printer 200, but in this embodiment, a label printer is used.

[0028] It should be noted that the code generation is not limited to the PC 100 as long as it is a user terminal. For example, a smartphone may be used. In the case of a smartphone, an app (application software) for generating the code may be installed, but it is sufficient if the smartphone can access a website for code generation and output the generated code.

[0029] Furthermore, the code may be output externally, and is not limited to the printer 200. For example, when using a smartphone, the code may be generated using an app or a website, and the generated code may be output (displayed) directly on the smartphone screen. Alternatively, the code generated by the personal computer 100 may be transmitted (output) as electronic data to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, and displayed on the smartphone screen.

[0030] 4 is an example of an input screen for software installed on the personal computer 100. The input screen 101 includes a product name input field 101a, a product description input field 101b, a product price input field 101c, an expiration date setting field 101d, a discount setting field 101e, a history field 101f, a number of sheets setting field 101g, and a label print button 101h.

[0031] The product name input field 101a is used to input the name of the product to be stored in the locker device 1. The product description input field 101b is used to input a description of the product to be stored in the locker device 1. Input in the product description input field 101b is optional. The product price input field 101c is used to input the price of the product to be stored in the locker device 1. The expiration date setting field 101d has a radio button for setting whether or not there is an expiration date, and a field for setting the date and time if there is an expiration date, etc., so that the expiration date can be set. The discount setting field 101e has a radio button for setting whether or not to hold a discount sale after a specified date and time has passed, and a field for setting the date and time for the discount sale, etc., so that the date and time for an automatic discount can be set.

[0032] The expiration date setting field 101d is set based on the expiration date of the product, but it may also be set to a date by which the sale of the product is to be discontinued. For example, it is possible to set an expiration date for a limited-time product, and discontinue sales when the expiration date arrives.

[0033] It is desirable to set the date and time for the discount sale to a date and time before the expiration date. In this embodiment, the reference date and time for the discount sale is explained as the expiration date, but depending on the product (item) being sold, it may be the expiration date. In this way, the product information (item information) includes the discount date and the price after the discount, which correspond to price change information regarding a price change of the price of the item. In this embodiment, the price change is explained as a discount, but it is not limited to a discount. For example, the product may be sold at a discounted price at the beginning, and then returned to the regular price on a predetermined date such as the expiration date. In this case, since the product is sold at a discount from the beginning, it is expected that sales will be promoted and the recovery rate will be reduced.

[0034] The discount setting field 101e may also be set automatically. For example, it may be set uniformly to "x days before the expiration date," or an appropriate discount timing and discount rate may be calculated by predicting external factors such as product sales and customer traffic based on the number of products sold per hour stored in other locker devices 1.

[0035] The history field 101f displays a list of past input history. For example, the items listed may include product names and product prices. By selecting from the list displayed here, previously entered information can be automatically entered into the product name input field 101a, etc. The number of sheets setting field 101g sets the number of labels to be printed with the code. The label print button 101h is a button for encoding the information set in each field and printing it from the printer 200.

[0036] 4 are not necessarily required, but only the necessary columns for selling products in the locker device 1, as will be described later, are required.

[0037] Next, the flowchart for creating a code in the configuration of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. First, product information is entered into the personal computer 100 (step S11). The product information is entered through the input screen 101 shown in FIG. 4. Next, a code including the product information entered in step S11 is generated by the personal computer 100, and printed by the printer 200 (step S12). A label with the code printed on it is printed by operating the label print button 101h shown in FIG. 4. Then, if another product information is to be entered, the process returns to step S11 (step S13: Y), and product information for another product is entered. On the other hand, if the entry of product information is to be terminated, the process ends this flowchart (step S13: N).

[0038] Next, the operation of the locker device 1 configured as described above when selling a product will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation when a product seller stores a product in the locker device 1.

[0039] First, the locker device 1 is switched to management mode (step S101). Management mode is a mode for managing the locker device 1, such as storing merchandise. In this mode, merchandise stored in the locker box 2 cannot be sold.

[0040] Next, the main board 50 determines whether an empty locker box 2 (empty box) has been selected (step S102). The operation display unit 52 displays a numeric keypad TK as shown in Fig. 8, and this determination can be made based on whether an empty box number has been entered using this numeric keypad TK. Fig. 8 shows an example of the display on the operation display unit 52 immediately after switching to management mode.

[0041] In Fig. 8, in addition to the numeric keypad TK, there are provided a box number display section BN, a cancel button CA, and a confirm button CO. The box number display section BN displays the number of the locker box 2 entered by operating the numeric keypad TK. The cancel button CA resets the box number entered from the numeric keypad TK. The confirm button CO confirms (selects and confirms) the box number displayed on the box number display section BN.

[0042] Since the locker boxes 2 have transparent doors 3, dealers can select an empty box by checking whether there are any items in the box. As will be described later, locker boxes 2 for sale can be distinguished by their lights being on, and empty boxes by their lights being off. Furthermore, empty boxes may be displayed on the screen of the operation display unit 52.

[0043] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 6, if the result of the determination in step S102 is that no empty box is selected (step S102: N), step S102 is repeated.

[0044] If an empty box is selected as a result of the determination in step S102 (step S102: Y), the main board 50 activates the code reader 53 (step S103) and determines whether a code such as a QR code (registered trademark) has been read (step S104). That is, the main board 50 determines whether decoded product information has been input from the code reader 53. If the code is not read (step S104: N), step S104 is repeated. In this way, the code reader 53 operates after an empty box is selected in step S101. That is, the code reader 53 functions as an acquisition unit that can acquire, for each storage unit, item information related to the items stored in the storage unit.

[0045] Here, the code read in this embodiment is, as described above, generated by inputting product information on a computer 100 or the like installed in a location (such as a store) different from the locker device 1, and printed on a paper medium. When storing multiple products consecutively, there is a risk of mistaking the read code for the product to be stored. However, if the code is printed on a paper medium such as a sticker and affixed to the product, this can prevent the read code from being misplaced for the stored product. On the other hand, if the code is read from a smartphone, no initial investment is required, such as preparing a printer 200. Furthermore, there is no need to go through the trouble of printing the code in advance, and once a product is decided to be put up for sale, it is easy to use because it can be put up for sale on the spot.

[0046] If the result of the determination in step S104 is that the code has been read (step S104: Y), the main board 50 displays the read product information on the operation and display unit 52 (step S105). Fig. 9 shows an example of a display on the operation and display unit 52. In the display example in Fig. 9, box information a1, product name a2, store name a3, sales price a4, expiration date a5, discount date and time a6, and discounted price a7 are displayed.

[0047] Box information a1 displays the box number and status selected in step S102. The status is the status information in the database described above. In FIG. 6, the status is "empty" because the product has not yet been placed inside. Product name a2, store name a3, selling price a4, expiration date a5, discount date and time a6, and discounted price a7 are information contained in the product information read by code reader 53, and in step S105, this information can be displayed on operation display unit 52 for confirmation. That is, product name a2 corresponds to the product name, and selling price a4 corresponds to the product price. In addition to the above items, the product description (product description) shown in FIG. 4 may also be displayed.

[0048] 9 also displays a collection button b1, a storage button b2, a price change button b3, an inventory inspection button b4, and a page navigation button b6. The collection button b1 is a button that is operated when collecting an item stored in the locker box 2. The storage button b2 is a button that is operated when storing an item in the locker box 2 selected in step S102. The price change button b3 is a button that is operated when changing the price of an item that has been stored. The inventory inspection button b4 is a button that is operated when inspecting the interior of the selected locker box 2. The page navigation button b6 is a button that is operated, for example, to move to the next page when there are many display items, or to return to the previous page.

[0049] 6, the main board 50 determines whether or not an operation of the store-in button b2 has been detected (step S106). If an operation of the store-in button b2 has not been detected (step S106: N), step S106 is repeated.

[0050] If operation of the storage button b2 is detected (step S106: Y), the main board 50 instructs the sub-board 54 to unlock the electric lock 55 of the locker box 2 selected in step S102 (step S107). Note that the locker box 2 of this embodiment is structured so that the door 3 is always kept locked and in standby mode, and the door 3 pops up when the electric lock 55 is unlocked. This makes it easy to identify the selected locker box 2 and makes it easy to open the door 3. Once the door 3 is unlocked, the dealer stores the product inside the storage.

[0051] Next, the main board 50 determines whether the door 3 of the locker box 2 unlocked in step S107 has been closed (step S108). In this embodiment, the open / closed state of the door 3 is detected by a microswitch provided in the electric lock 55, and the determination can be made based on a signal from the microswitch. If the door 3 cannot be closed (step S108: N), step S108 is repeated.

[0052] When the door 3 is closed (step S108: Y), the main board 50 causes the sub-board 54 to lock the electric lock 55. In other words, when the door 3 is closed, it is automatically locked. Then, the storage of the item into one locker box 2 is completed. Then, the read product information is stored in the database of the main board 50 in association with the box number, and the status information of the box is changed to on sale. In other words, the main board functions as a storage unit that stores item information in association with each storage unit.

[0053] Next, the main board 50 determines whether to end the management mode (step S109). The determination in step S109 is to determine whether or not to continue storing products into another locker box 2, even though storing of the product has been completed. If storing products into another locker box 2 continues, the operation display unit 52 is operated to select continued storing, and the process returns to step S102, where an empty box is selected (step S109: N, operation for continued storing).

[0054] On the other hand, if an operation to end the management mode is performed (step S109: N), the main board 50 turns on the interior light 56 ​​of the locker box 2 in which a product has been stored on the sub-board 54 (step S110). In this embodiment, by turning on only the interior light 56 ​​of the locker box 2 in which a product has been stored, it is possible to easily distinguish between a locker box 2 in which a product has been stored and an empty box (light off).

[0055] In steps S102, S104, and S106, the process may be returned to the initial state (for example, step S101) due to a timeout, a cancel operation, or the like.

[0056] Next, the operation when a prospective purchaser purchases a product will be described with reference to Fig. 7. First, it is determined whether the prospective purchaser has selected the locker box 2 (receiving box) in which the desired product is stored (step S201). This selection is performed by selecting the number of the locker box 2 using the numeric keypad TK shown in Fig. 8. In other words, the display in Fig. 8 is also used as the initial screen at the time of sale. If the result of the determination in step S201 is that a receiving box has not been selected (step S201: N), step S201 is repeated. In other words, the operation display unit 52 functions as an operation unit that accepts the selection operation of a storage unit.

[0057] If the result of the determination in step S201 is that an input box is selected (step S201: Y), the interior lights 56 of input boxes other than the selected input box are turned off (step S202). As explained in step S109, in the locker device 1, only the interior lights 56 of the locker box 2 in which products are stored are turned on. Therefore, by keeping only the interior lights 56 of the selected locker box 2 on and turning off the interior lights 56 of the other locker boxes 2, it becomes easier to identify the selected locker box 2.

[0058] Next, the main board 50 displays the product information on the operation display unit 52 (step S203). The main board 50 reads out the product information corresponding to the selected receiving box from the database and displays it on the operation display unit 52. FIG. 10 shows an example of the display on the operation display unit 52. In the display example of FIG. 10, the box number c1, expiration date c2, product name c3, product description c4, and selling price c5 are displayed. In other words, when a storage unit containing the desired item is selected by operation, the operation display unit 52 reads out the corresponding product information from the storage unit and displays it.

[0059] Box number c1 is the number of the locker box 2 selected in step S201. Best before date c2 is information corresponding to best before date a5 in FIG. 9. Product name c3 is information corresponding to product name a2 in FIG. 9. Product description c4 is not displayed in FIG. 9, but is information entered in FIG. 4. Selling price c5 is information corresponding to selling price a4 in FIG. 9. However, if the price has been discounted, it becomes information corresponding to discounted price a7. Also, to indicate that the price has been discounted, "Discounted price DISCOUNT PRICE" or the like may be displayed below the price. In other words, the example in FIG. 10 shows the discounted price.

[0060] 10 also displays a purchase button b5 and a cancel button b7. The purchase button b5 is a button that is operated when purchasing the product. The cancel button b7 is a button that is operated to cancel the purchase of the product. When the cancel button b7 is operated, the process returns to step S101.

[0061] 7, the main board 50 determines whether or not operation of the purchase button b5 has been detected (step S204). If operation of the purchase button b5 has not been detected (step S204: N), step S204 is repeated.

[0062] If operation of the purchase button b5 is detected (step S204: Y), the main board 50 determines whether a payment method has been selected (step S205). When the purchase button b5 is operated, the main board 50 causes the operation display unit 52 to display a message indicating that a payment method should be selected at the payment machine 51. Then, the payment machine 51 displays available cashless payment methods. If a payment method is not selected at the payment machine 51 (step S205: N), step S205 is repeated.

[0063] If a payment method is selected in the payment machine 51 (step S205: Y), the main board 50 determines whether the payment has been completed (step S206). This can be determined by whether the payment machine 51 has received a notification from the payment server 80 that the payment has been completed, and whether the payment machine 51 has notified the main board 50 of this fact. If the payment has not been completed (step S206: N), step S206 is repeated.

[0064] If payment is completed (step S206: Y), the main board 50 instructs the sub-board 54 to unlock the electric lock 55 of the locker box 2 selected in step S102 (step S207). Once the door 3 is unlocked, the prospective purchaser removes the product from the locker box.

[0065] Next, the main board 50 determines whether the door 3 of the locker box 2 unlocked in step S207 has been closed (step S208). If the door 3 has not been closed (step S208: N), step S208 is repeated. Whether the door 3 has been closed can be determined based on a signal from the microswitch, as described in step S108 of FIG. 6.

[0066] If the door 3 is closed (step S208: Y), the main board 50 causes the sub-board 54 to turn off the interior light 56 ​​of the locker box 2 from which the product was removed (step S209). In other words, the locker box 2 from which the product was removed becomes an empty box. The main board 50 then deletes the product information linked to the box number of that locker box 2 from its database and changes the status information to "empty." In this way, the sale of the product is completed.

[0067] The door 3 is configured to close automatically using a door closer or the like, so the door 3 will not be left open after the user leaves the locker device 1. Furthermore, after the door is closed, the corresponding locker box 2 is automatically locked, preventing people from putting luggage in an empty locker without permission or tampering with it.

[0068] Then, the interior lights 56 of the receiving boxes other than the locker boxes 2 that were turned off in step S209 are turned on (step S210). This is to restart the lighting of the receiving boxes that were turned off in step S202 to indicate that they are available for purchase.

[0069] In steps S201, S204, and S205, the process may be returned to the initial state (standby state) due to a timeout, a cancellation operation, etc. In step S206, the process may also be returned to the initial state if payment cannot be made.

[0070] Next, the operation of the locker device 1 configured as described above during discount sales will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 11. The flowchart in Figure 11 operates independently of Figures 6 and 7. First, the main board 50 initializes the box number of the locker box 2 (step S301), and determines whether an item is on sale in the locker box 2 with that box number (step S302). To determine whether an item is on sale, refer to the status information described above. If the item is not on sale (step S302: N), proceed to step S308, which will be described later. In other words, if the locker box 2 is empty or out of sale, steps S303 to S307 are not performed.

[0071] If the product is on sale (step S302: Y), the main board 50 determines whether the expiration date has passed (step S303). The expiration date is included in the product information, as shown in expiration date a5 in Figure 9 and expiration date c2 in Figure 10. The main board 50 has its own clock and calendar functions, and makes the determination by comparing the date and time it measures with the date and time of the expiration date a5 or c2.

[0072] If the result of the determination in step S303 is that the expiration date has not yet passed (step S303: Y), the main board 50 determines whether the discount deadline has not yet passed (step S304). The discount deadline is included in the product information, as shown in discount date and time a6 in Figure 9. The main board 50 makes this determination by comparing the date and time it has measured itself with the discount date and time a6.

[0073] If the result of the determination in step S304 is that the discount deadline has not yet expired (step S304: N), the main board 50 changes the product information (step S305). In other words, if the discount deadline has not yet expired, it means that the discount deadline has expired, so the selling price is changed to the discounted price. Then, the status information in the database held by the main board 50 is changed to "discount sale in progress." That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the selling price c5 becomes the discounted price a7 in FIG. 9, and a message such as "discounted price DISCONT PRICE" is displayed. In other words, the main board 50 sells the item at a discount based on the discount information. On the other hand, if the discount deadline has not yet expired (step S304: Y), the selling price is not changed and the process proceeds to step S308.

[0074] Furthermore, if the result of the determination in step S303 is that the expiration date has not passed (step S303: N), the main board 50 performs a sales cancellation process (step S306). In other words, if the expiration date has not passed, it means that the expiration date has passed, so sales of the corresponding product are canceled. For example, the status information in the database held by the main board 50 is changed to sales cancellation.

[0075] Next, the main board 50 turns off the interior light 56 ​​of the locker box 2 corresponding to the sub-board 54 (step S307). In this embodiment, in principle, the interior light 56 ​​is turned on when a product is stored in the cabinet, but as an exception, the interior light 56 ​​is turned off when the expiration date has passed and the product cannot be sold.

[0076] Then, in step S308, the main board 50 determines whether the box number is the last, and if it is (step S308: Y), returns to step S301, initializes the box number, and executes the subsequent steps again.On the other hand, if it is not the last box number (step S308: N), changes the box number by incrementing it (step S309), and returns to step S302.

[0077] In this embodiment, it is possible to sell products at a discount, but discounting is not required for sales. If no discount is applied, the discount-related steps in the flowchart of FIG. 11 can be omitted. In other words, it is not necessary to set the discount date and time or the discounted price in the product information. Furthermore, this is not limited to foods with a set expiration date. In the case of foods with a set expiration date, sales are stopped when the expiration date is exceeded, and the seller collects and disposes of the product. On the other hand, when selling products without a set expiration date, for example, the information in the expiration date field may be set to "sell by" date, and contact information such as the seller's email address may also be entered. In this case, sales may be stopped when the sell-by date is reached, and the user may be notified that the product was not sold by the sell-by date, prompting the seller to collect the product.

[0078] As described above, by executing the flowcharts of FIGS. 6, 7, and 11, the main board 50 functions as a control unit that controls the sale of items stored in the storage unit based on the item information.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the locker device 1 is equipped with a code reader 53 that can acquire product information about items stored in the locker boxes 2 for each locker box 2, and a main board 50 that associates and stores the product information acquired by the code reader 53 with each locker box 2, and controls the sale of the items stored in the locker boxes 2 based on the product information. The product information includes discount date and time a6 and discounted price a7, and the main board 50 sells the items at a discount based on the discount date and time a6 and discounted price a7.

[0080] Since the locker device 1 is configured as described above, the price of the product can be set at any price based on the price change information and sold, so that, for example, discount sales can increase customers' purchasing motivation and reduce the number of products that are collected and discarded.

[0081] Furthermore, because the product price is discounted based on the discount date and time a6 and the discounted price a7, it is possible for the seller to determine the discount time and price. Therefore, even if each locker box 2 has a different seller, there is no need to calculate the individual discount amount on the main board 50, etc., making discount sales easier. Furthermore, because discount information is read when the product is stored, discount sales can begin on the locker device 1 alone once the discount date and time have passed. Therefore, there is no need for a server or the like for sales management.

[0082] The discount date and time A6 may also be determined based on the product's best-before date or expiration date. This makes it easier for food products to be purchased before their best-before date or expiration date is reached. This reduces food waste and reduces the number of products that are collected and discarded.

[0083] Locker device 1 also includes a code reader 53 that can acquire product information about products stored in locker boxes 2 for each locker box 2, a main board 50 that stores the product information acquired by code reader 53 in association with each locker box 2, and an operation display unit 52 that accepts selection operations for locker boxes 2 and displays the product information. When a locker box 2 storing a desired product is selected, operation display unit 52 reads the corresponding product information from main board 50 and displays it.

[0084] By configuring the locker device 1 as described above, an external server device or the like is not required, and product information can be obtained with a simple configuration. Furthermore, when a locker box 2 containing a desired item is selected by operating the operation display unit 52, the corresponding product information is read out and displayed, eliminating the need to provide a display unit or the like for each locker box 2.

[0085] In addition, potential purchasers can learn about the outline and price of the products stored in the locker box 2. There is also no need to display them individually on the locker box 2, which reduces the cost of the locker device 1.

[0086] Furthermore, because the code reader 53 acquires product information as predetermined coded information, sellers can simply have the coded information read, eliminating the need to input product information item by item into the locker device 1. Furthermore, because the code is read for each locker box 2, it is possible to have a different vendor for each locker box 2.

[0087] The acquisition unit acquires product information in a non-contact manner, which makes it possible to acquire product information by optical scanning, wireless communication, or the like, thereby reducing the effort required to acquire product information.

[0088] The acquisition unit acquires product information by reading a two-dimensional code or one-dimensional code printed on a paper medium. This makes handling easier and eliminates the need to carry a terminal to the locker device 1.

[0089] Furthermore, the locker box 2 is provided with a transparent door 3 that can be locked and unlocked with an electric lock 55, and the operation display unit 52 is provided on a control panel 5 that is located outside the locker box 2. In this embodiment, the door 3 is transparent, and if a display device or the like were installed on the locker box 2, it would be impossible to see the products through the door 3. Therefore, by displaying product information on the operation display unit 52, it becomes easy to both check the products stored in the locker box 2 and display the product information.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code is read by the code reader 53, but coded information may be transferred from a mobile terminal, an IC card, or the like using short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Alternatively, the control panel 5 may be provided with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, and coded information may be transferred by connecting to a terminal device via a USB cable, or a USB memory or the like may be used.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, the presence or absence of a discount is indicated when the screen of FIG. 10 is displayed. However, for example, the color of the interior lighting 56 may be changed between normal and discounted conditions. That is, the interior lighting 56 functions as an identification unit that can identify whether an item is discounted for each storage unit. The main board 50 changes the color of the interior lighting (illumination unit) 56 before and after the discount date and time. This allows the prospective purchaser to recognize whether or not a discount is available before operating the system. Furthermore, changes from the configuration shown in FIG. 2 can be kept to a minimum.

[0092] Note that the interior lighting 56 is not limited to having a different lighting color when functioning as an identification unit. For example, it may be possible to change the lighting mode by changing the brightness or the lighting pattern such as blinking (including changing the blinking speed).

[0093] Furthermore, for example, the operation display unit 52 may function as an indicator. For example, instead of displaying the numeric keypad TK as the initial state of the operation display unit 52, an illustration of a simplified version of the front view shown in FIG. 1 may be displayed, with the price and whether or not there is a discount displayed in the box position of the illustration. That is, the main board 50 displays a schematic diagram of the storage unit on the display unit along with whether or not there is a discount. This improves the operability of the operation display unit 52 and makes it easier to understand whether or not there is a discount. Furthermore, the display content can be easily changed.

[0094] Furthermore, among the numbers on the numeric keypad TK as shown in Figure 8, the box numbers with discounts and the box numbers without discounts may be colored differently. For example, the box numbers without discounts may be colored blue, and the box numbers with discounts may be colored red. That is, the identification unit is a display unit provided separately from the storage unit, and the control unit indicates the presence or absence of a discount by changing the color of the number indicating the storage unit shown on the display unit. In this way, the presence or absence of a discount can be indicated with minimal changes from the current display in Figure 8.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the discount information (discount date and time a6, discounted price a7) is acquired from the code reader 53. Therefore, in order to change the discount information, it is necessary to cancel the sale and restart the flowchart of FIG. 6, for example. In this case, the seller must go to the locker device 1. Therefore, it is also possible to change the discount information from the management server 70. In the above explanation, it was stated that the management server 70 does not need to manage sellers, but as an exception, it may register only sellers who wish to change the discount information.

[0096] Specifically, the communication unit 58 acquires discount information from the management server 70 and outputs it to the main board 50. The main board 50 changes the discount date and time A6 and the discounted price A7 based on the acquired discount information. In other words, the main board 50 also functions as a change unit that changes the discount information.

[0097] Furthermore, when changing the discount information, the management server 70 can authenticate the seller and then obtain the discount information via the network N. Note that changing the discount information includes not only changing the discounted price and the discount date and time, but also changing a setting that a discount will be applied to no discount, or changing a setting that a discount will not be applied to a discount.

[0098] You can also set the seller's contact information (email address, etc.) in the code so that the seller is notified when the discount is applied. This allows you to take into account external conditions such as the sales of other products, and if it is expected that the product will sell without the discount, you can stop the discount and continue selling it at the regular price, or you can divide the product up and sell it separately, creating room for creativity.

[0099] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. That is, a person skilled in the art can implement various modifications in accordance with conventional knowledge without departing from the gist of the present invention. As long as such modifications still include the configuration of the rocker device of the present invention, they are of course included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Locker device 2 Locker box (storage area) 3 doors 50 Main board 51 Payment Device 52 Operation display section 53 Code reader 54 Sub-board 55 Electric Lock 56 Interior lighting a1 box information a2 Product name a3 Store name a4 sales price a5 expiration date a6 Discount date and time a7 Discounted price

Claims

1. A locker device having a plurality of storage sections capable of storing items, an acquisition unit capable of acquiring, for each storage unit, item information relating to the items stored in the storage unit; a storage unit that stores the item information acquired by the acquisition unit in association with each storage unit; a control unit that controls sales of the items stored in the storage unit based on the item information; Equipped with the product information includes price change information regarding a change in the price of the product; the control unit changes the price of the item based on the price change information and sells the item. A rocker device characterized by:

2. 2. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the price change information includes a date and time of the price change and the price after the change.

3. 3. The locker device according to claim 2, wherein the price change date and time is determined based on an expiration date or a use-by date of the item.

4. The locker device according to claim 1, further comprising an identification unit for identifying whether the price of the item has been changed for each storage unit.

5. The identification unit is an illumination unit that illuminates the inside of the storage unit, the control unit changes the lighting mode of the illumination unit before the price change date and time and after the price change date and time.

5. The rocker device according to claim 4.

6. The identification unit is a display unit provided separately from the storage unit, the control unit causes the display unit to display whether or not the price has changed along with a diagram that schematically illustrates the storage unit; 5. The rocker device according to claim 4.

7. The identification unit is a display unit provided separately from the storage unit, the control unit changes the color of the number indicating the storage unit displayed on the display unit to indicate whether or not the price has changed.

5. The rocker device according to claim 4.

8. The locker device according to claim 1 , further comprising a change unit for changing the price change information.

Images