Storage box system

Abstract

To provide a storage box system capable of improving box management efficiency.SOLUTION: A storage box system is controlled by a control device 50, assigns a specific box 20 to a user for a predetermined period, and allows the user to use it. The control device assigns the specific box for the predetermined period, detects a loaded state of the specific box when the predetermined period has elapsed, and continues the assignment of the specific box when the loaded state is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage box system that can be used by multiple users. [Background technology]

[0002] Storage box systems that can be used by multiple users, particularly the general public, are often installed at the entrances of apartment complexes, train stations, public facilities, corporate facilities, etc. A typical storage box system includes multiple boxes with spaces for storing items. Such storage box systems are used for the delivery and receipt of luggage, rental items, mail, etc., as well as for storing valuables.

[0003] There are two main ways to use the storage box system: when a box is assigned to a specific item to be stored, and when a specific box is assigned to a user. When a box is allocated to a contained object, the exclusive use of the box begins when the contained object is stored, and the exclusive use of the box is released when the contained object is removed. The box can then be allocated to store another contained object. On the other hand, when a box is assigned to a user, the box is assigned to the specific user for a predetermined period of time, regardless of whether or not it contains an item. In other words, even if the box is empty, the specific user will occupy the box for a predetermined period of time.

[0004] The latter are sometimes installed in conference rooms, training centers, golf courses, sports gyms, etc. In such facilities, boxes that allow free access to stored items are sometimes used like personal lockers. In such cases, there is a need to manage the occupancy status of each box in more detail, based not only on the simple inventory status of the box, but also on factors such as the cumulative usage time. In order to meet this need, various storage box systems have been proposed, such as that described in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-155981 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the storage box system described in Patent Document 1, the door of the box is forcibly unlocked at a predetermined time, even if luggage is stored in the box. This is undesirable from the viewpoints of security to protect personal luggage and usability. Furthermore, since storage boxes are required to accommodate as many boxes as possible in one location, it is also desirable to improve space efficiency. Therefore, in the above-described storage box system, there is room for improvement in the efficiency of box management.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to solve at least some of the problems of the prior art. Specifically, one object is to provide a storage box system that can improve box management efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the storage box system of the present disclosure is a storage box system that is controlled by a control device and assigns a specific box to a user for use for a predetermined period of time, wherein the control device includes a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and configured to be executable by the processor, and the program includes an instruction to assign a specific box to a user for a predetermined period of time, an instruction to detect the inventory status of the specific box after the predetermined period has elapsed, and an instruction to continue the allocation of the specific box to the user after the inventory status has been detected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one specific embodiment of the storage box system of the present disclosure, the efficiency of box management can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view, partly in cross section, of a storage box system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the W portion of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the X portion of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line ZZ in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a control device of a storage box system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a storage box system according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a method for selecting a box based on the usage status of an IC card in a storage box system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a method for using a box in unused mode in a storage box system according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a method for using a box in a usage mode in a storage box system according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a method for determining whether to extend the usage mode of each box in a storage box system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The storage box system of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is a storage box system that is controlled by a control device and assigns a specific box to a user for use for a predetermined period of time, wherein the control device assigns the specific box for a predetermined period of time, detects the inventory status of the specific box when the predetermined period has elapsed, and continues to assign the specific box when the inventory status is detected.

[0012] The storage box system is controlled by a control device program. This program includes instructions to detect the presence status of a box (a state in which items are stored) after a predetermined period of time has passed since it was assigned, and, if the box is present, to continue the assignment of the box to its owner (user) (extending the usage mode). Therefore, even if the items stored therein are not removed for some reason, the box will not be accidentally opened due to the passage of time. In a storage box system in which a specific box is assigned to a user for a predetermined period of time, there is a problem that the management of box assignments can become complicated. However, the storage box system described above achieves both efficient assignment management and security.

[0013] The second embodiment of the storage box system of the present disclosure is a storage box system in which, in the first embodiment, a stored item detection device is further provided for each box to detect the load status, the stored item detection device including a pressure sensor and a backing plate that supports the stored items, the pressure sensor is disposed between the bottom surface of the box and the backing plate, and the backing plate is fixed to the bottom surface in a cantilevered manner via a swinging mechanism.

[0014] By providing a support plate on the pressure sensor to support the contents, the detection range within the box can be expanded. Also, because the support plate blocks the sensor, the user or the contents are less likely to come into contact with the pressure sensor. As a result, it is less likely to malfunction. Furthermore, because one end of the support plate is fixed to the floor of the box via a swinging mechanism (allowing it to swing freely around the fixed part as an axis), the principle of leverage further improves the detection sensitivity of the contents.

[0015] The third embodiment of the storage box system of the present disclosure is a storage box system in which, in the first embodiment, the control device releases the allocation of the specific box when the specified period has elapsed and the inventory status is not detected.

[0016] Even if the user does not perform a cancellation operation, if a specified period of time has passed and no presence of a box is detected, the box's allocation can be cancelled (switched from use mode to unused mode), allowing the box to be used more effectively. This can further improve the turnover rate of the limited boxes. In addition, since the presence of a box is also detected when the box is cancelled, security is also ensured.

[0017] The storage box system of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is a storage box system in which, in the second embodiment, a high-sensitivity box is provided among the boxes, which further includes an optical sensor as the stored item detection device, and the control device assigns the high-sensitivity box when the weight of the stored item stored by the user does not meet a predetermined standard.

[0018] The presence status of cargo using a pressure sensor is typically detected by setting a threshold value for the detection value. Therefore, the weight at which a detection value exceeding the threshold value is the standard for the weight of the detectable contained object. However, there are many different types of contained objects, including lightweight but important items such as documents and precious metals. When the storage box system allocates boxes based on a user's request (changing from unused mode to used mode), if an item whose weight does not meet a predetermined standard is to be stored, it preferentially allocates a high-sensitivity box. The high-sensitivity box is equipped with a pressure sensor as well as an optical sensor (camera, photoelectric sensor, etc.). This allows it to detect stored items regardless of their weight. This further improves security.

[0019] The fifth embodiment of the storage box system of the present disclosure is a storage box system in the second embodiment, in which the receiving plate is fixed in a cantilevered manner to the bottom surface via the swing mechanism on the opening side of the box.

[0020] When the backing plate is fixed in a cantilevered manner on the bottom surface of the opening side, the backing plate slopes upward from the opening side to the opposite side. This creates a so-called "water gradient" that makes it difficult for liquids (such as water) to enter the box, and also makes it easier for liquids that do enter to be discharged out through the opening.

[0021] The sixth embodiment of the storage box system of the present disclosure is a storage box system in the second embodiment, in which the box has an opening on only one side, and the support plate is fixed to the bottom surface in a cantilevered manner via the swinging mechanism on the side opposite the opening.

[0022] When the support plate is fixed in a cantilevered manner on the bottom surface opposite the opening, the support plate slopes downward from the opening side to the opposite side, which makes it easier to prevent items stored in the box from rolling out.

[0023] The seventh embodiment of the storage box system of the present disclosure is a storage box system in which, in the second embodiment, the control device uses the detection value of the pressure sensor in the specific box before allocation as a reference, calculates the change in the measurement value of the pressure sensor in the specific box in an allocated state, and detects the inventory status based on the change.

[0024] In a storage box system that is controlled by a control device and assigns a specific box to a user for use for a predetermined period of time, the specific box is loaned to the user for the predetermined period of time (the box is in use mode). During this time, the user may perform various operations such as storing or removing items in the box, or replacing or adding items. Even under such circumstances, more accurate detection is possible by configuring the system to use the detection value of the pressure sensor in the box before allocation (unused mode) as a reference value and detect the inventory status based on the amount of change from that value. For example, suppose a first item is initially stored, and then a second item is stored later. Then, suppose only the first item is removed. In this case, when the first item is removed, the detection value of the pressure sensor decreases. However, if the state before allocation is used as the standard, the detection value is larger by the amount of the second item, so the cargo status can be detected correctly.

[0025] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a storage box system of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the directions based on the storage box system of this embodiment are defined as follows: The side facing the user in the horizontal direction is defined as the front side in the depth direction, and the side opposite the front side in the depth direction is defined as the back side in the depth direction. The direction approximately perpendicular to the depth direction in the horizontal direction is defined as the width direction, and further, the left and right sides in the width direction are defined when the storage box system is viewed from the front side in the depth direction. The up-down direction is defined as the direction approximately perpendicular to the depth direction and the width direction. The up-down direction is approximately parallel to the vertical direction.

[0026] 1 to 6, the storage box system according to this embodiment is generally configured as follows: As shown in Fig. 1, the storage box system has a plurality of boxes 20, 30 used to store items B to be stored.

[0027] 2 to 5, each box 20, 30 has a storage chamber 21, 31 having an opening 21a, 31a that allows the stored item B to pass through and a storage space 21b, 31b that allows the stored item B to be stored from the outside through the opening 21a, 31a. Each box 20, 30 has a door 22, 32 that can open and close the opening 21a, 31a of the storage chamber 21, 31. Each box 20, 30 has an electronic lock 23, 33 that can lock and unlock the door 22, 32.

[0028] The storage box system has a contained item detection device 40 that can detect contained items B stored in the storage chambers 21, 31 of each box 20, 30. The storage box system has a plurality of contained item detection devices 40 installed in the plurality of boxes 20, 30, respectively. Note that the storage box system may also have a single box.

[0029] 1 and 6, the storage box system has a control device 50 that can control the electronic locks 23, 33 and the stored item detection device 40 of each box 20, 30. As shown in Fig. 6, the control device 50 has a usage mode execution unit 50a that can execute a usage mode in which specific operations are set to control the electronic locks 23, 33 so that the doors 22, 32 of each box 20, 30 can be locked and unlocked.

[0030] The control device 50 has an unused mode execution unit 50b that can execute an unused mode in which a specific operation has not been set in each of the boxes 20 and 30. The control device 50 has a contained item determination unit 50c that can determine whether the contained item detection device 40 in each of the boxes 20 and 30 has detected a contained item B.

[0031] The control device 50 has a usage mode extension instruction unit 50d that extends the usage mode (assigned state) after each box 20, 30 is switched from unused mode to used mode, i.e., after the box is allocated to a user, when it is determined that the contained item detection device 40 has detected a contained item B at the usage limit timing when a predetermined usage limit period T has elapsed (when a loaded state is detected).

[0032] Furthermore, the storage box system according to this embodiment can be generally configured as follows: As shown in Fig. 1, the storage box system has an output device 60 configured to be able to output information that the usage mode has been extended in each of the boxes 20 and 30.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the control device 50 includes a usage mode termination instruction unit 50e that, when it determines that the contained item detection device 40 has not detected the contained item B in each box 20, 30 at the usage limit timing (when the presence status is not detected), switches the box from usage mode to unused mode (cancels the allocation) and locks the doors 22, 32 or controls the electronic locks 23, 33 to keep the doors 22, 32 locked.

[0034] Each control device 50 is a computer equipped with one or more processors and memory. The used mode and unused mode refer to the allocation status of a box. When a box is allocated to a specific user, the box is in the used mode regardless of its inventory status. When a box is not allocated to a specific user, typically when it is waiting for allocation, the box is in the unused mode.

[0035] The change from unused mode to used mode is executed by the used mode execution unit 50a upon receiving a request from the user. That is, an unallocated box (a box in unused mode) is selected and allocated to the user (the box goes into used mode).

[0036] The change from the used mode to the unused mode may be made upon request from the user other than after the lapse of a predetermined time. In this case, the unused mode execution unit 50b cancels the allocation of the allocated box to the user and changes the mode to the unused mode.

[0037] The use mode execution unit, unused mode execution unit, contained item determination unit, use mode extension instruction unit, and use mode termination instruction unit are each functions that form part of a program that is executable by a processor. In other words, each of the above units forms a part that performs a specific function in the control program of the storage box system.

[0038] 4 and 5, each box 20, 30 has a bottom plate 20a, 30a located at the lower end of the storage chamber 21, 31. Each box 20, 30 has a receiving plate 24, 34 located above the bottom plate 20a, 30a. In each box 20, 30, the receiving plate 24, 34 is formed to correspond to the bottom plate 20a, 30a, and is disposed within the storage space 21b, 31b so that the item B to be stored can be placed on the upper surface of the receiving plate 24, 34.

[0039] The contained item detection device 40 of each box 20, 30 has a pressure sensor 41. In each box 20, 30, the pressure sensor 41 is disposed between the bottom plate 20a, 30a and the backing plate 24, 34, and is configured to be able to detect pressure applied to the upper surface of the backing plate 24, 34. Note that one contained item detection device 40 may have multiple pressure sensors 41.

[0040] The contained item determination unit 50c determines that the pressure sensor 41 has detected the contained item B when the increase ΔP in the pressure detection value P detected by the pressure sensor 41 of each box 20, 30 becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined increase threshold ΔQ.

[0041] Each box 20, 30 may be provided with a contained item detection device 40 other than the pressure sensor 41. As an example, it may be provided with an additional contained item detection device that is an optical sensor. Examples of optical sensors include a camera and a photoelectric sensor. It is preferable that all boxes include the pressure sensor 41 as the contained item detection device 40, but it is not necessary for all boxes to be provided with an optical sensor. The optical sensor detects contained objects using a mechanism different from that of the pressure sensor 41. In particular, the optical sensor is suitable for detecting lightweight contained objects that would cause the pressure sensor 41 to detect an increase in the amount of lighter than the threshold ΔQ.

[0042] Since optical sensors are more expensive than pressure sensors 41, the fewer the number of sensors installed, the lower the overall cost of the storage box system. Therefore, as one embodiment, it is preferable that only some of the boxes have additional optical sensors as stored item detection devices 40. In this case, it is preferable that the control device's program includes an instruction to assign a box equipped with the above-mentioned optical sensor (high-sensitivity box) if the weight of the item contained by the user does not meet a predetermined standard (specifically, a weight such that the increase ΔP is less than the increase threshold ΔQ).

[0043] The weight of the contained item may be provided by the user, or the program may be configured to include an instruction to determine that the contained item does not meet the specified criteria if it cannot be detected in a normal box (a box equipped with a pressure sensor 41) that has been assigned to it, and to change the assigned box to a high-sensitivity box.

[0044] 4, openings 21a, 31a of the storage chambers 21, 31 of the boxes 20, 30 are open in the horizontal direction. The boxes 20, 30 have back plates 20b, 30b that face the openings 21a, 31a of the storage chambers 21, 31 in the horizontal direction.

[0045] In each box 20, 30, the receiving plate 24, 34 is arranged so as to slope downward from the back plate 20b, 30b toward the opening 21a, 31a of the storage chamber 21, 31. However, the receiving plate can also be arranged so as to slope downward from the opening of the storage chamber toward the back plate. The receiving plate can also be arranged approximately horizontally. By arranging the receiving plate 24 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the stored item B from falling when the door 24 is opened.

[0046] 1 to 3, in the storage box system, the multiple boxes 20, 30 include multiple left-hand boxes 20 having left-hinged doors 22 and multiple right-hand boxes 30 having right-hinged doors 32. The storage box system includes multiple box pairs 10, each consisting of one left-hand box 20 and one right-hand box 30.

[0047] However, the multiple boxes may include one left-hand box with a left-hinged door and one right-hand box with a right-hinged door, and the storage box system may also include one box pair consisting of one left-hand box and one right-hand box.

[0048] 1 to 5 and 7, the storage box system according to this embodiment can be configured in detail as follows. As shown in FIG. 1, the storage box system includes a plurality of box units 1, each having a plurality of box pairs 10. In each box unit 1, the plurality of box pairs 10 are aligned vertically. However, the storage box system can also include a single box unit. A box unit can also have one box pair.

[0049] In Fig. 1, the doors 22, 32 of all the boxes 20, 30 in the box unit 1 located at the center in the width direction are in an open state. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, in each box pair 10, the left and right boxes 20, 30 are aligned in the width direction, with the left box 20 located on the left side in the width direction and the right box 30 located on the right side in the width direction. In this case, each box pair 10 is configured so that its left-swinging door 22 and right-swinging door 32 open and close like a double door.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the openings 21a, 31a of the storage chambers 21, 31 of each box 20, 30 face the front side. The backing plates 24, 34 are made of resin. In each box 20, 30, the opening end in the depth direction of the backing plates 24, 34 is attached to the bottom plates 20a, 30a by attachment means such as tape or hinges, and the rear end in the depth direction of the backing plates 24, 34 is freely supported. The attachment means is an example of a swing mechanism. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the backing plate is fixed on a cantilever beam toward the rear end.

[0051] 5 and 7, the control device 50 has a control module 51 that can control the electronic locks 23, 33 and the contained item detection device 40 in each box 20, 30. The control device 50 has multiple control modules 51 that are used in each of the multiple boxes 20, 30. In each box 20, 30, the control module 51 is located on the rear side in the depth direction relative to the electronic locks 23, 33, and is electrically connected to the electronic locks 23, 33 by an electronic lock connection cable (not shown).

[0052] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in each box 20, 30, the pressure sensor 41 is disposed approximately in the center of the bottom plate 20a, 30a. Such backing plates 24, 34 are disposed so that the pressure sensor 41 can be efficiently pressed using their open-side ends as fulcrums, and therefore pressure based on the weight of the stored item B placed on the upper surfaces of the backing plates 24, 34 can be efficiently transmitted to the pressure sensor 41. Note that in Figure 4, the pressure sensor 41 is disposed near the center of the backing plate 24 when viewed from the side, but it may also be disposed on the lower side of the slope of the backing plate 24 (towards the door 22 in Figure 4). By disposing it in this way, it becomes possible to press the pressure sensor 41 with less force than if the pressure sensor 24 were disposed near the center of the backing plate 24 when viewed from the side, due to the principle of leverage.

[0053] The pressure sensor 41 has a sensor body 41a configured to be able to sense changes in pressure as changes in voltage. The pressure sensor 41 has a pusher 41b protruding upward from the sensor body 41a. The pressure sensor 41 is configured to sense changes in pressure caused by pushing the pusher 41b from above as changes in voltage using the sensor body 41a.

[0054] 5, the pressure sensor 41 has a sensor cable 41c extending from its sensor body 41a. In each box 20, 30, the sensor cable 41c of the pressure sensor 41 electrically connects the sensor body 41a of the pressure sensor 41 to the control module 51. The sensor cable 41c may be a flexible cable. The control module 51 may convert an analog signal from the pressure sensor 41 into a digital signal.

[0055] In the left box 20 of each box pair 10, the electronic lock 23 and control module 51 are arranged on the right side in the width direction with respect to the storage chamber 21, and the sensor cable 41c of the pressure sensor 41 arranged on the bottom plate 20a extends to the right in the width direction from the sensor main body 41a toward the control module 51. In the right box 30 of each box pair 10, the electronic lock 33 and control module 51 are arranged on the left side in the width direction with respect to the storage chamber 31, and the sensor cable 41c of the pressure sensor 41 arranged on the bottom plate 30a extends to the left in the width direction from the sensor main body 41a toward the control module 51.

[0056] 2 to 5, in each box pair 10, the electronic locks 23, 33 and control modules 51 of the left and right boxes 20, 30 are located widthwise between the storage chambers 21, 31 of the left and right boxes 20, 30. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the control modules 51 of the left and right boxes 20, 30 in each box pair 10 are electrically connected to the control modules 51 of the left and right boxes 20, 30 in the box pairs 10 adjacent to that box pair 10 in the vertical direction by box pair connection cables 11. Each box unit 1 has such a box pair connection cable 11.

[0057] 1 to 5 and 7, each box unit 1 has a plurality of control modules 51 installed therein and relay modules 12 connected via box pair connection cables 11. In each box unit 1, the relay module 12 is located below the box pair 10 located at the bottom end in that box unit 1. The relay module 12 of each box unit 1 is electrically connected to the relay modules 12 of box units 1 other than this box unit 1 via box unit connection cables 2.

[0058] 2, 3, and 7, the output device 60 includes a plurality of lamps 61 installed in each of the plurality of boxes 20, 30. In each of the boxes 20, 30, the lamps 61 are connected to the control module 51. In each of the boxes 20, 30, the lamps 61 can be lit in patterns that indicate unused mode, normal use mode, extended use mode, the state in which the contained item B is contained, and the state in which the contained item B is not contained. The lamps 61 can be lit in various patterns using a plurality of lighting colors, flashing frequencies, flashing intervals, or combinations thereof.

[0059] 2 and 3, in each box 20, 30, the lamp 61 is located on the rear side in the depth direction relative to the doors 22, 32, and the doors 22, 32 have through holes 22a, 32a formed in them so as to correspond to the lamp 61 in a front view. Therefore, in each box 20, 30, even when the doors 22, 32 are closed, the lit state of the lamp 61 can be seen from the front side.

[0060] 1, the output device 60 includes a display 62 that enables display output. The display 62 can display whether each box 20, 30 is in the unused mode, normal use mode, extended use mode, the state in which the contained item B is contained, or the state in which the contained item B is not contained.

[0061] The display 62 can display information about the storage box system, information about the multiple boxes 20, 30, etc. For example, when there are no boxes 20, 30 in unused mode, the display 62 can display that there are no vacant boxes 20, 30, display "full," etc. For example, when there are boxes 20, 30 in unused mode, the display 62 can display that there are vacant boxes 20, 30, display "empty," etc.

[0062] The display may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The display may also be a touch panel with input / output functions. Furthermore, the output device may include a speaker or the like that enables audio output.

[0063] The storage box system has an input device 70 used for input operations. The input device 70 can include a card reader 71. For example, the card reader 71 can be an IC (Integrated Circuit) card reader. The input device 70 can also include a button, a switch, a lever, etc.

[0064] 1 and 7, the control device 50 has a main control unit 52 that can control the entire storage box system. The main control unit 52 can be installed inside any one of the multiple box units 1. The main control unit 52 is connected to the relay module 12 of the box unit 1 in which it is installed via a main control connection cable 53. The main control unit 52 is indirectly electrically connected to the control modules 51 of the multiple boxes 20, 30.

[0065] The main control unit 52 is electrically connected to a display 62 of the output device 60 via a display connection cable 63. The main control unit 52 is electrically connected to a card reader 71 of the input device 70 via a card reader connection cable 72.

[0066] 7, each of the control modules 51 and the main control unit 52 includes a processor 51a, a memory 51b, a communication unit 51c, a communication unit 52c, and an input / output unit 51d, a control unit 52d. The processors 51a, 52a are integrated circuits for control. For example, the processors 51a, 52a may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, or the like. The processors 51a, 52a may also be configured to include a working random access memory (RAM), not shown.

[0067] The memories 51b and 52b are general information storage media. The memories 51b and 52b are non-volatile memories. For example, the memories 51b and 52b can be read-only memories (ROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), flash memories, hard disks, etc. The memories 51b and 52b can store programs, various data, etc.

[0068] The communication units 51c and 52c are configured to include a general communication integrated circuit for control, such as a dedicated integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and a communication interface. The communication units 51c and 52c are communication interfaces configured to enable communication between the multiple control modules 51 and the main control unit 52.

[0069] The input / output unit 51d of each control module 51 is an interface for connecting a lamp 61. The input / output unit 52d of the main control unit 52 is an interface for connecting a display 62 of the output device 60 and a card reader 71 of the input device 70.

[0070] A method that can be performed using the control device 50 in the storage box system will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 11. First, a method for selecting boxes 20 and 30 based on the usage status of an IC card will be described with reference to Figure 8. It is determined whether or not an IC card has been held over card reader 71 (step S11).

[0071] If the IC card is not held over the card reader 71 (NO), the process proceeds to step S51, which will be described later in the method for determining whether to extend the usage mode in each box 20, 30. If the IC card is held over the card reader 71 (YES), it is determined (step S12) whether the IC card is being used for the box 20, 30 in the usage mode. Steps S11 and S12 confirm the identification of the user and the relationship between the identified user and the assigned box.

[0072] If the IC card is not being used because the box 20, 30 is in use mode (NO), it is determined whether there are any boxes 20, 30 in unused mode (step S13). In this case, the user's act of holding the IC card over the card reader is recognized as a request for box allocation. Note that a request for box allocation may take other forms than those described above. If there are no boxes 20, 30 in unused mode (NO), the display 62 displays a message indicating that there is no free space, for example, "full" (step S14), and then the process returns to step S11. If there are boxes 20 and 30 in unused mode (YES), the unused boxes 20 and 30 are selected (step S15). Next, the process proceeds to step S21, which will be described later.

[0073] If the IC card is being used for the boxes 20 and 30 in the usage mode (YES), the corresponding boxes 20 and 30 are selected (step S16). In this case, since a box assigned to the user already exists, the user's action of holding the IC card over the card reader is recognized as a request to unlock the assigned box (box in the usage mode). Then, the process proceeds to step S31, which will be described later in the method of using the boxes 20 and 30 in the usage mode.

[0074] A method for using the boxes 20, 30 in unused mode will be described with reference to Figure 9. First, a first detection value P1 of pressure detected by the pressure sensor 41 in the box 20, 30 before allocation (in unused mode) is detected and stored (step S21). The first detection value P1 is a detection value before allocation (in unused mode) and serves as a reference for detecting the presence status. Next, the box is assigned to a user and set to used mode (step S21-2). Next, the doors 22, 32 of the box 20, 30 are opened (step S22).

[0075] Next, a second detection value P2 of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 41 in the box 20, 30 is detected and stored (step S23). The second detection value is the detection value in the box that has been set to the usage mode (after allocation). In terms of the flow, the detection timing is when the door 22, 32 of the box 20, 30 is opened. However, the detection timing may be other than the above, and may be, for example, when the door 22, 32 is closed. Next, an increase ΔP is calculated by subtracting the first pressure detection value P1 from the second pressure detection value P2 (step S24). It is determined whether the increase ΔP is equal to or greater than an increase threshold ΔQ (step S25). Steps S24 and S25 involve calculating the change in the measurement value (increase ΔP) of the pressure sensor in the box after allocation, based on the detection value (P1) of the pressure sensor in the box before allocation, and detecting the presence / absence state based on the change. A presence / absence state refers to a state in which the increase ΔP due to the items contained in the box is equal to or greater than the increase threshold ΔQ.

[0076] If the increase amount ΔP is less than the increase amount threshold ΔQ (NO), the lamp 61 is lit in a pattern indicating that the item B is not contained (step S26). Thereafter, it is determined whether the doors 22, 32 of the boxes 20, 30 are closed (step S27).

[0077] If the increase amount ΔP is equal to or greater than the increase amount threshold ΔQ (YES), the lamp 61 is lit in a pattern indicating the storage state of the stored item B (step S28). Thereafter, it is determined whether the doors 22, 32 of the boxes 20, 30 are closed (step S27).

[0078] If the doors 22, 32 are not closed (NO), the second detection value P2 of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 41 in the boxes 20, 30 in the usage mode is detected and stored again (step S23). If the doors 22, 32 are closed (YES), the doors 22, 32 are locked (step S29).

[0079] In the boxes 20 and 30, the lamps 61 are lit in a pattern that indicates the normal usage mode (step S30). After that, the process returns to step S11 in the method of selecting the boxes 20 and 30 based on the usage status of the IC card.

[0080] A method for using the (assigned) boxes 20, 30 in the usage mode will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The doors 22, 32 of the boxes 20, 30 in the usage mode are opened (step S31). The process returns to the step of determining whether an instruction to end the usage mode has been issued for the boxes 20, 30 (step S32).

[0081] If an instruction to end the use mode is given in the box 20, 30 (YES), the use mode is switched to the unused mode (S33). The lamp 61 is lit in a pattern indicating the unused mode (S34). Thereafter, the process returns to step S11 in the method of selecting the box 20, 30 based on the usage status of the IC card.

[0082] If an instruction to end the use mode has not been issued in the box 20, 30 (NO), a second pressure detection value P2 detected by the pressure sensor 41 in the box 20, 30 in use mode is detected and stored (step S35). An increase ΔP is calculated by subtracting the first pressure detection value P1 from the second pressure detection value P2 (step S36). It is determined whether the increase ΔP is equal to or greater than an increase threshold ΔQ (step S37).

[0083] If the increase amount ΔP is less than the increase amount threshold ΔQ (NO), the lamp 61 is lit in a pattern indicating that the item B is not contained (step S38). Thereafter, it is determined whether the doors 22, 32 of the boxes 20, 30 in the use mode are closed (step S39).

[0084] If the increase amount ΔP is equal to or greater than the increase amount threshold ΔQ (YES), the lamp 61 is lit in a pattern indicating the storage state of the stored item B (step S40). After that, it is determined whether the doors 22, 32 of the boxes 20, 30 in the usage mode are closed (step S39).

[0085] If the doors 22, 32 are not closed (NO), the process returns to the step of determining again whether an instruction to end the usage mode has been issued for the boxes 20, 30 (step S32). If the doors 22, 32 are closed (YES), the usage mode continues in the boxes 20, 30 (step S41).

[0086] In the boxes 20 and 30, the lamps 61 are lit in a pattern that indicates the normal usage mode (step S42). After that, the process returns to step S11 in the method of selecting the boxes 20 and 30 based on the usage status of the IC card.

[0087] With reference to FIG. 11, the method for determining whether to extend the usage mode in each box 20, 30 will be described. It is determined whether the normal usage mode is being executed in the box 20, 30 to be determined (S51). If the usage mode is not being executed (NO), the method is terminated. If the usage mode is being executed (YES), it is determined whether the usage period has exceeded a predetermined usage limit period T (step S52). The usage period refers to the time elapsed from the time the box was switched from the unused mode to the usage mode until the time of determination. This is compared with a predetermined period (usage limit period T).

[0088] If the usage period has not yet reached the usage limit period T (NO), the usage mode continues (step S53). Then, the method ends. If the usage limit period T has passed (YES), a second detection value P2 of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 41 in the boxes 20 and 30 in the usage mode is detected and stored (step S54).

[0089] An increase amount ΔP is calculated by subtracting the first detected pressure value P1 from the second detected pressure value P2 (step S55). It is determined whether the increase amount ΔP is equal to or greater than the increase amount threshold ΔQ (step S56). If the increase amount ΔP is less than the increase amount threshold ΔQ (NO), the boxes 20 and 30 switch from the used mode to the unused mode (step S57). The lamps 61 are lit in a pattern indicating the unused mode in the boxes 20 and 30 (step S58). Thereafter, the method ends.

[0090] If the increase amount ΔP is equal to or greater than the increase amount threshold ΔQ (YES), the use mode is extended in the boxes 20 and 30 (the allocation is continued). Also, the doors 22 and 32 are locked or kept locked (step S59). The lamps 61 in the boxes 20 and 30 are lit in a pattern indicating the extended use mode (step S60). Then, the method ends.

[0091] As described above, according to the storage box system of this embodiment, even if the usage limit period T has elapsed while a specific individual's contained item B is contained in the box 20, 30 in usage mode, the usage mode of the box 20, 30 is extended, so that the individual's contained item B can be appropriately protected. Furthermore, even if the usage limit period T has elapsed due to the individual's negligence, the individual's contained item B continues to be protected. This improves usability. This also improves the management efficiency of the boxes 20, 30.

[0092] The storage box system according to this embodiment includes an output device 60 configured to be able to output information that the usage mode has been extended in the boxes 20 and 30. Such a storage box system clearly displays the boxes 20 and 30 whose usage mode has been extended beyond the usage limit period T. This makes it easy for the administrator to find such boxes 20 and 30.

[0093] In the storage box system according to this embodiment, when the control device 50 determines that the contained item detection device 40 has not detected an item in the box 20, 30 at the usage limit timing, the control device 50 locks the door 22, 32 or controls the electronic lock 23, 33 to keep the door 22, 32 locked, and switches from the use mode to the unused mode. According to this storage box system, in an empty box 20, 30 that does not contain an item B, if the usage limit period T is exceeded, the use mode is not continued and the mode is switched from the use mode to the unused mode. As a result, the administrator can avoid the trouble of confirming that the empty box 20, 30 does not contain an item B.

[0094] In the storage box system of this embodiment, the box 20, 30 includes a bottom plate 20a, 30a located at the lower end of the storage chamber 21, 31 and a receiving plate 24, 34 located above this bottom plate 20a, 30a, the receiving plate 24, 34 is formed to correspond to the bottom plate 20a, 30a and is arranged within the storage space 21b, 31b so that an item B to be stored can be placed on the upper surface of the receiving plate 24, 34, the stored item detection device 40 has a pressure sensor 41, which is arranged between the bottom plate 20a, 30a and the receiving plate 24, 34 and is configured to detect pressure applied to the upper surface of the receiving plate 24, 34, and when the increase ΔP in the pressure detection value P detected by the pressure sensor 41 becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined increase threshold ΔQ, it is determined that the pressure sensor 41 has detected the stored item B.

[0095] According to such a storage box system, when the item B is placed on the receiving plates 24, 34, the pressure sensor 41 can reliably detect the presence of the item B in the box 20, 30. As a result, the use mode can be reliably continued for the box 20, 30 storing the item B.

[0096] In the storage box system of this embodiment, the openings 21a, 31a of the storage chambers 21, 31 are open horizontally, the boxes 20, 30 have back plates 20b, 30b that face horizontally relative to the openings 21a, 31a of the storage chambers 21, 31, and in the boxes 20, 30, the receiving plates 24, 34 are arranged so as to slope from top to bottom as they move from the back plates 20b, 30b toward the openings 21a, 31a of the storage chambers 21, 31.

[0097] According to this storage box system, the receiving plates 24, 34 can efficiently apply pressure to the pressure sensor 41, so that the pressure sensor 41 can more reliably detect the presence of the stored item B in the box 20, 30. As a result, the use mode can be reliably continued for the box 20, 30 storing the stored item B.

[0098] The storage box system according to this embodiment includes a plurality of boxes 20, 30. According to such a storage box system, the management efficiency of the plurality of boxes 20, 30 can be improved.

[0099] In the storage box system of this embodiment, the multiple boxes 20, 30 include at least one left-type box 20 having a left-hinged door 22 and at least one right-type box 30 having a right-hinged door 32, and at least one box pair 10 consisting of one right-type box 20 and one right-type box 30 is provided.

[0100] According to such a storage box system, the wiring used for the left and right boxes 20, 30 can be arranged to pass together between the left and right boxes 20, 30. This improves the space efficiency of the storage box system and improves the management efficiency of the boxes 20, 30.

[0101] Up to this point, an embodiment of the storage box system has been described, but the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified and changed within the scope of its effectiveness. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 20...box, left-hand box, 20a...bottom plate, 20b...back plate, 21...storage chamber, 21a...opening, 21b...storage space, 22...door, left-opening door, 23...electronic lock, 24...receiving plate 30...box, right-hand box, 30a...bottom plate, 30b...back plate, 31...storage chamber, 31a...opening, 31b...storage space, 32...door, right-opening door, 33...electronic lock, 34...receiving plate 40...contained object detection device, 41...pressure sensor 50...control device, 50a...usage mode execution unit, 50b...unusage mode execution unit, 50c...contained item determination unit, 50d...usage mode extension instruction unit, 50e...usage mode termination instruction unit 60...Output device B…Contained object T...usage limit period, P...pressure detection value, ΔP...increase in pressure detection value, ΔQ...threshold for increase in pressure detection value

Claims

1. A storage box system that is controlled by a control device and assigns a specific box to a user for a predetermined period of time, The control device allocates a specific box for a predetermined period of time, detects the inventory status of the specific box when the predetermined period has elapsed, and continues allocating the specific box when the inventory status is detected.

2. Further provided is a contained item detection device arranged for each of the boxes in order to detect the state of the cargo; The contained object detection device includes a pressure sensor and a support plate that supports the contained object, 2. The storage box system of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed between the bottom surface of the box and the backing plate, and the backing plate is fixed to the bottom surface in a cantilevered manner via a swinging mechanism.

3. The storage box system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device cancels the allocation of the specific box when the predetermined period has elapsed and the presence state is not detected.

4. Among the boxes, a high-sensitivity box is provided which further includes an optical sensor as the contained item detection device, The storage box system according to claim 2 , wherein the control device assigns the high-sensitivity box when the weight of the item stored by the user does not meet a predetermined standard.

5. The storage box system according to claim 2 , wherein the receiving plate is fixed in a cantilevered manner on the bottom surface via the swing mechanism on the opening side of the box.

6. 3. The storage box system of claim 2, wherein the box has an opening on only one side, and the support plate is fixed to the bottom surface in a cantilevered manner via the swing mechanism on the side opposite the opening.

7. The control device The storage box system of claim 2, wherein the detection value of the pressure sensor in the specific box before allocation is used as a reference, the change in the detection value of the pressure sensor in the specific box after allocation is calculated, and the inventory status is detected based on the change.

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