Article delivery device and method performed therein

Abstract

To provide an article delivery device capable of performing procedure processing matched with temporal desire of a customer, and a method performed therein.SOLUTION: An article delivery device 3 used for delivering an article includes: a storage unit for storing an article related to transaction in an internal storage space; operation reception units 32, 33 for receiving operation for accessing the storage space; and a control unit for controlling the storage unit in response to reception of the operation by the operation reception units 32, 33. The controller is configured to be able to execute: first control for causing a customer to store a first article in the storage space in response to operation from the customer; second control for causing a store staff to collect the first article from the storage space in response to operation from the store staff; third control for causing the store staff to store the second article in the storage space in response to operation from the store staff; and fourth control for causing the customer to collect the second article from the storage space in response to operation from the customer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article delivery device and a method performed in an article delivery device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in the financial institution disclosed in Patent Document 1, a customer who visits the financial institution inputs the purpose of their visit into the reception device and receives a reception number slip. When it is the customer's turn, the reception number is displayed on the display device and the customer is called to the counter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-185625 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional financial store exemplified in Patent Document 1, customers must receive a reception number ticket and then wait in the lobby to be called. Even if a customer applies for a procedure at the counter, it may take a long time to complete the procedure. Furthermore, if a customer needs to pick up a returned item, the customer may have to wait a long time in the lobby until the procedure is completed. Furthermore, while a customer may leave the financial store to do other errands while waiting, if a call is made from the counter while the customer is out, the customer may be put off. Furthermore, the customer may be forced to wait in line again from the back of the line when they return to the store.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an article delivery device and a method performed by the article delivery device that are capable of processing procedures in accordance with the time preferences of a customer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to an item delivery device used for delivering items, comprising: a storage unit that stores items related to a transaction in an internal storage space; an operation reception unit that receives operations to access the storage space; and a control unit that controls the storage unit in response to the operation received by the operation reception unit, wherein the control unit is configured to be able to execute the following: a first control that causes a customer to store a first item for a transaction desired by the customer in the storage space in response to the operation received by the operation reception unit from the customer; a second control that causes a store staff member to retrieve the first item from the storage space in response to the operation received by the operation reception unit from the store staff; a third control that causes the store staff member to store a second item corresponding to a transaction performed based on the first item in the storage space in response to the operation received by the operation reception unit from the store staff; and a fourth control that causes the customer to retrieve the second item from the storage space in response to the operation received by the operation reception unit from the customer.

[0007] In the item delivery device of the present disclosure, the storage section has a first locking door and a second locking door located on the opposite side of the storage space from the first locking door, the operation reception section has a first operation reception section located on the first locking door side and a second operation reception section located on the second locking door side, and the control section is configured to unlock the first locking door in response to the first operation reception section receiving a specified operation as the first control and the fourth control, and to unlock the second locking door in response to the second operation reception section receiving a specified operation as the second control and the third control.

[0008] In the article delivery device of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to execute the first control and also to cause the operation reception unit to receive input of delivery date information from the customer.

[0009] The item delivery device of the present disclosure is equipped with a priority determination unit that determines a priority based on the delivery date information, and a first notification unit that outputs notification information that prompts the store staff to operate the operation reception unit for the third control based on the priority.

[0010] The item transfer device of the present disclosure is provided with a second notification unit that outputs notification information prompting the store staff to operate the operation reception unit to retrieve the items from the storage space when the facility in which the item transfer device is installed closes.

[0011] In the item delivery device of the present disclosure, a plurality of storage sections are provided, and a third notification section is provided that prompts the store staff to operate the operation receiving section for the second control when the number of storage sections among the plurality of storage sections that do not store the item falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0012] In the item delivery device disclosed herein, the control unit is configured to execute the first control in response to the operation receiving unit receiving input of customer information that identifies the customer's information, and is equipped with a contact identification unit that identifies the customer's contact points based on the customer information, and a fourth notification unit that sends notification information to the contact points to encourage the customer to visit the store in response to the control unit completing execution of the third control.

[0013] The item delivery device of the present disclosure is provided with an output unit that outputs first key information to authorize the control unit to perform the fourth control, a key information acquisition unit that acquires second key information from a person operating the operation reception unit, and a comparison unit that compares the first key information with the second key information, and the control unit is configured to execute the fourth control when the comparison unit determines that the first key information and the second key information match, and not to execute the fourth control when the comparison unit determines that the first key information and the second key information do not match.

[0014] The present disclosure provides a method performed by an item delivery device equipped with a storage unit that stores items related to a transaction in an internal storage space, and an operation reception unit that receives operations to access the storage space, the method comprising: a first step of having the customer store a first item for a transaction desired by the customer in the storage space in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the customer; a second step of having the store staff retrieve the first item from the storage space in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the store staff; a third step of having the store staff store a second item corresponding to a transaction performed based on the first item in the storage space in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the store staff; and a fourth step of having the customer retrieve the second item from the storage space in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the customer.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, an article delivery device and a method performed by the article delivery device that can process procedures according to the time preferences of a customer can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the layout of a facility in which the article delivery device is installed. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the surface portion of a deposit locker. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the back side of the deposit locker. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the control configuration of the deposit locker. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the process by which a customer deposits an item (first item) in a deposit locker. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a first process of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the process by which a store staff member retrieves a customer's item (first item) from a deposit locker. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second process of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the process by which a store staff member places a customer's return item (second item) in a deposit locker. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a third process of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the process by which a customer receives a returned item (second item) from a deposit locker. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth process of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the management control of deposit lockers in a financial store throughout the day. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the priority of product information. [Figure 15] As another embodiment, a configuration is shown in which deposit lockers are placed at the reception counter of a bank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an article delivery device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Financial branch overview] A facility in which an article delivery device according to the present disclosure is installed will now be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of a financial institution such as a bank branch or a local office. The financial institution illustrated in FIG. 1 has a lobby A, a remote customer service area B, and a self-service deposit / withdrawal area C. The financial institution also has a backyard D, where a store staff member is stationed. The financial institution may also have a configuration in which a store staff member is stationed near the entrance / exit of the lobby A.

[0019] An automated teller machine 1 (ATM) is located in Lobby A. The automated teller machine 1 is used by individual customers to deposit cash into and withdraw cash from their deposit accounts. The automated teller machine 1 is connected to an accounting server via the bank's internal network to enable data communication. When cash is deposited or withdrawn at the automated teller machine 1, the account update process is also performed automatically. In addition to the automated teller machine 1, an automatic currency exchange machine and an automatic tax and public money deposit machine may also be located.

[0020] A visitor reception device 2 is placed in the lobby A. The visitor reception device 2 is a device for handling customers who visit the financial branch and is operated by the customer. For example, for cases that cannot be handled by the automated teller machine 1, the customer can talk to a remote customer service staff member at the visitor reception device 2 and be guided to the remote customer service section B or the self-service deposit / withdrawal section C, etc., as needed.

[0021] Additionally, a deposit locker 3 (item delivery device) is located in Lobby A. The deposit locker 3 is a locker with a lock where customers can deposit items such as documents required for various notifications. Items include, for example, slips, application forms, bankbooks, cash, etc.

[0022] For example, if remote customer service area B is fully booked with previous customers or reservations and no vacancies are available, or if the procedure requires time from submission to completion, the customer will be informed by a customer service representative at the first reception desk, who they communicate with via the in-store reception device 2, that they should deposit the item in deposit locker 3. The item deposited in deposit locker 3 is collected by a store staff member at the financial branch, digitized using a scanner or the like, and then sent to headquarters, a center, or the like for inspection, approval, and other procedures. The returned item (deliverable) that has undergone inspection, approval, and other procedures is then placed in deposit locker 3 by the store staff. If the procedure can be completed in-store, the store staff processes it in-store and then places the returned item in deposit locker 3. The customer will be notified, for example by a short message on their smartphone, that the procedure, such as administrative processing, has been completed, and will then go to deposit locker 3 to pick up the returned item.

[0023] Remote customer service section B occupies an area of ​​2 to 3 square meters. In remote customer service section B, a remote customer service device 4, a small currency handling device 5, and an imaging unit 7 are arranged. In other words, the remote customer service device 4 is provided in a section isolated from the rest of the financial institution.

[0024] An interactive display 4A provided on the remote customer service device 4 displays a customer service representative (such as a clerk in charge) in a remote location. In the remote customer service area B, the customer converses with the customer service representative displayed on the interactive display 4A and consults with the customer service representative about opening a savings account, changing the name on the account, closing the account, transferring money, paying taxes and public fees, foreign currency deposits, investment trusts, testamentary trusts, estate settlement, insurance, defined contribution pension plans, various loans, etc. The imaging unit 7 captures images of the area within the remote customer service area B. As a result, the imaging unit 7 captures images of people in the area.

[0025] The large currency handling device 6 and the above-mentioned imaging unit 7 are arranged in the self-service deposit / withdrawal section C. In other words, the large currency handling device 6 is provided in a section isolated from other sections within the financial store.

[0026] In addition to transactions that can be processed by an automated teller machine 1 (ATM), the large currency processing device 6 can also perform large cash transactions (deposits, withdrawals, currency exchange, etc.) that cannot be processed by an automated teller machine 1 (ATM) or a small currency processing device 5.

[0027] The large currency handling device 6 identifies and counts banknotes and coins, classifies them by type, and stores them internally. The large currency handling device 6 also stores a predetermined number of bundled banknotes (for example, 100 pieces) for each type of banknote, and stores a predetermined number of wrapped coins (for example, 50 pieces) for each type of coin. Wrapped coins are coins of the same type wrapped in a wrapping medium such as paper or film, and are also known as coin rolls. Therefore, the large currency handling device 6 is capable of depositing, dispensing, and exchanging large amounts of banknotes and coins.

[0028] The remote service device 4 and the large currency handling device 6 correspond to the "transaction processing device" of the present disclosure, which executes different transaction processes depending on the purpose. In other words, in the present disclosure, multiple types of transaction processing devices are provided.

[0029] The imaging unit 7 arranged in the self-service deposit / withdrawal section C captures an image of the inside of the section in the self-service deposit / withdrawal section C. As a result, the imaging unit 7 captures an image of a person (see FIGS. 6 and 7) inside the section.

[0030] For example, if an alarm or error occurs in the remote customer service device 4, the small currency processing device 5, or the large currency processing device 6, the store staff in the backroom D will work to recover from the alarm or error. Examples of such alarms or errors include running out of printing ink, toner, paper, etc., or running low on currency stored in the small currency processing device 5 or the large currency processing device 6.

[0031] [Deposit locker configuration] The deposit locker 3 is embedded in the wall separating the lobby A from the back yard D. The part embedded in this wall is provided with multiple storage sections 30. Each of the multiple storage sections 30 has a storage space 3A. The deposit locker 3 also has a locking door 31, an operation display 32, a reading section 33, and a media output section 34.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the deposit locker 3 has a front portion 3F facing the lobby A and used by customers, and a back portion 3B facing the back yard D and used by store staff.

[0033] The locking door 31 has a front locking door 31A (first locking door) facing the lobby A and a back locking door 31B (second locking door) facing the back yard D. The operation display 32 has a first operation display 32A (first operation reception unit) located on the side where the front locking door 31A is located and a second operation display 32B (second operation reception unit) located on the side where the back locking door 31B is located. The reading unit 33 has a first reading unit 33A and a second reading unit 33B located on the side where the front locking door 31A is located and a third reading unit 33C located on the side where the back locking door 31B is located. The medium output unit 34 has a first medium output unit 34A located on the side where the front locking door 31A is located and a second medium output unit 34B located on the side where the back locking door 31B is located.

[0034] The front surface portion 3F is provided with front locking doors 31A corresponding to each of the plurality of storage spaces 3A. Also, the front surface portion 3F is provided with a first operation display 32A, a first reading unit 33A, a second reading unit 33B, and a first medium output unit 34A.

[0035] The first reading unit 33A is, for example, a contactless card reader, and is capable of reading information related to identity verification (including facial information) from an identification card (such as a driver's license or personal identification number card) equipped with an IC chip. The first reading unit 33A also has a camera and can take a photo of the customer's identification card. The second reading unit 33B reads a graphic code (such as a QR code (registered trademark), data matrix, barcode, color code, etc.). The first medium output unit 34A outputs a medium to be handed to the customer. The graphic code is written on this medium.

[0036] When a customer performs a predetermined operation on at least one of the first operation display 32A and the first reading unit 33A, a predetermined front locking door 31A is unlocked. By opening the unlocked front locking door 31A, the customer can put items into or take items out of the storage space 3A. When the customer closes the front locking door 31A, the front locking door 31A is automatically locked.

[0037] The rear surface portion 3B is provided with rear locking doors 31B corresponding to each of the plurality of storage spaces 3A. Also, the rear surface portion 3B is provided with a second operation display 32B, a third reading unit 33C, and a second medium output unit 34B.

[0038] The third reading unit 33C reads a graphic code (for example, a QR code (registered trademark), a data matrix, a bar code, a color code, etc.). The second medium output unit 34B outputs a medium on which a graphic code, etc. for managing customer goods, etc. is written.

[0039] When a store staff member performs a predetermined operation on at least one of the second operation display 32B and the third reading unit 33C, a predetermined rear locking door 31B is unlocked. By opening the unlocked rear locking door 31B, the store staff member can put items into or take items out of the storage space 3A. When the store staff member closes the rear locking door 31B, the rear locking door 31B is automatically locked.

[0040] Thus, the storage section 30 has a front locking door 31A (first locking door) and a back locking door 31B (second locking door) located on the opposite side of the storage space 3A from the side on which the front locking door 31A is located.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the deposit locker 3 of this embodiment is equipped with a control unit 41, a matching unit 43, a key information output unit 45, a priority determination unit 47, and an alarm unit 48. The matching unit 43, the key information output unit 45, the priority determination unit 47, and the alarm unit 48 will be described later. The key information output unit 45 corresponds to the "output unit."

[0042] The control unit 41 controls the front locking door 31A to unlock the front locking door 31A in response to an operation of the first operation display 32A by a customer, and to lock the front locking door 31A in response to the front locking door 31A being closed. The control unit 41 also controls the back locking door 31B to unlock the back locking door 31B in response to an operation of the second operation display 32B by a store staff member, and to lock the back locking door 31B in response to the back locking door 31B being closed.

[0043] [The process for customers to deposit items in a deposit locker] The flow of a customer depositing an item in the deposit locker 3 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In response to the first operation display 32A accepting an operation from the customer, the control unit 41 causes the customer to store the item (first item) for the financial transaction desired by the customer in the storage space 3A. Such control by the control unit 41 is referred to as "first control." Steps #01 to #15 shown in Figure 6 correspond to the "first step."

[0044] First, when a customer visits a financial branch and operates the first operation display 32A (action #01 in FIG. 5, start in FIG. 6), the control unit 41 controls the first operation display 32A to display a graphic code (e.g., QR code (registered trademark), data matrix, barcode, color code, etc.) on the first operation display 32A (step #01 in FIG. 6). This graphic code includes, for example, the telephone number of the financial institution to which the financial branch belongs.

[0045] The customer scans the graphic code with the camera of a mobile device such as a smartphone (action #02 in Figure 5, step #02 in Figure 6). When the mobile device scans the graphic code, the mobile device's telephone application program is launched, allowing the customer to make a call to the financial institution's telephone number. When the customer authorizes the mobile device to make a call, the mobile device makes one call to the telephone number (step #03 in Figure 6).

[0046] The control unit 41 determines whether or not a call has been made to the telephone number (step #04 in FIG. 6). If a call has not been made to the telephone number (step #04: No in FIG. 6), the determination in step #04 is repeated. Note that if a call has not been made to the telephone number within a preset time (e.g., 3 to 10 minutes) since the graphic code was displayed on the first operation display 32A in step #01 (step #04: timeout in FIG. 6), the control unit 41 displays a stop message on the first operation display 32A (step #09 in FIG. 6), and the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 ends. As the stop message, a message such as "We apologize for the inconvenience, but please start over from the beginning" is displayed on the first operation display 32A.

[0047] When a call is made to the telephone number (Step #04 in FIG. 6: Yes), the contact telephone number of the customer who is the call source is acquired. Therefore, the control unit 41 is configured to execute a first control in response to the first operation display 32A accepting input of customer information that identifies the customer. At this time, the contact identification unit 46 identifies the customer's contact information based on the customer information.

[0048] The control unit 41 controls the first operation display 32A to display a delivery date setting screen on the first operation display 32A (step #05 in FIG. 6). The delivery date setting screen is a screen on which the customer sets the delivery date desired by the customer, i.e., the date and time when the customer will return to the financial branch to pick up the returned item (deliverable). That is, the control unit 41 is configured to execute the first control and to cause the first operation display 32A (operation receiving unit) to receive delivery date information input from the customer.

[0049] The customer sets the delivery date by operating the delivery date setting screen displayed on the first operation display 32A (action #03 in FIG. 5). The control unit 41 determines whether or not the customer has completed inputting the delivery date (step #06 in FIG. 6). If the customer has not completed inputting the delivery date (step #06 in FIG. 6: No), the determination in step #06 is repeated. If the customer has not completed inputting the delivery date after a preset time (e.g., 3 to 10 minutes) has elapsed (step #06 in FIG. 6: timeout), the control unit 41 displays a cancel message on the first operation display 32A (step #09 in FIG. 6), and the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0050] When the customer has completed inputting the delivery date (step #06 in FIG. 6: Yes), the control unit 41 unlocks the front locking door 31A of an empty storage space 3A among the multiple storage spaces 3A that does not contain any items (step #07 in FIG. 6). That is, as a first control, the control unit 41 unlocks the front locking door 31A in response to the first operation display 32A (first operation receiving unit) receiving a predetermined operation. The customer then opens the front locking door 31A, places the item in the storage space 3A, and closes the front locking door 31A (action #04 in FIG. 5).

[0051] In this embodiment, the items stored in the storage space 3A are placed in a dedicated bag. Therefore, in action #04 in Fig. 5, the customer places the items in the dedicated bag and places the bag into the storage space 3A.

[0052] Whether or not the customer takes action #04 in FIG. 5 is determined in steps #08 and #10 shown in FIG. 6. In step #08 in FIG. 6, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the customer has opened the front locking door 31A. If the customer has not opened the front locking door 31A (step #08 in FIG. 6: No), the determination in step #08 is repeated. If the customer does not open the front locking door 31A after a preset time (e.g., 3 to 10 minutes) has elapsed (step #08 in FIG. 6: timeout), the control unit 41 displays a cancel message on the first operation display 32A (step #09 in FIG. 6), and the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0053] If the customer opens the front locking door 31A (step #08 in FIG. 6: Yes), in step #10 in FIG. 6, the control unit 41 determines whether the customer has closed the front locking door 31A. If the customer has not closed the front locking door 31A (step #10 in FIG. 6: No), the determination in step #10 is repeated. If the customer has not closed the front locking door 31A after a preset time (e.g., 3 to 10 minutes) has elapsed (step #10 in FIG. 6: Timeout), the control unit 41 controls the alarm unit 48 to notify the store staff that the front locking door 31A has not been closed (step #11 in FIG. 6), and the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 ends. The store staff receives the notification based on step #11 in FIG. 6, checks the deposit locker 3, and contacts the customer by phone or the like if necessary.

[0054] When the customer closes the front locking door 31A (step #10 in FIG. 6: Yes), the control unit 41 locks the front locking door 31A (step #12 in FIG. 6). The control unit 41 then registers item information regarding the item deposited by the customer (step #13 in FIG. 6). The item information may include, for example, the customer's identification information, the customer's contact phone number received in step #04 in FIG. 6, and the registration number associated with the item. The item information is managed using multiple types of status. The multiple types of status include "unprocessed," "in processing," "processed," "prepared for return," and "returned." The status of the item information registered in step #13 is set to "unprocessed."

[0055] The control unit 41 controls the first medium output unit 34A to output the medium (step #14 in FIG. 6). The first medium output unit 34A prints the medium with the graphic code. The customer receives the medium and leaves the store (action #05 in FIG. 5). This graphic code is later used by the customer when returning or retrieving the returned item from the deposit locker 3.

[0056] The control unit 41 determines whether the customer has received the medium (step #15 in FIG. 6). As a specific method of determination, for example, a sensor that detects the output medium may be provided in the first medium output unit 34A. In this case, if the sensor transitions from detecting the medium to not detecting the medium within a preset time, the control unit 41 may determine that the customer has received the medium. On the other hand, if the sensor continues to detect the medium for a preset time or longer, the control unit 41 may determine that the customer has not received the medium.

[0057] When it is detected that the customer has received the medium (step #15 in FIG. 6: Yes), the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 ends. When it is detected that the customer has not received the medium (step #15 in FIG. 6: No), the control unit 41 controls the notification unit 48 to notify the customer that the medium has not been received (step #11 in FIG. 6), and the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 ends. The store staff member receives the notification based on step #11 in FIG. 6, checks the media left in the first medium output unit 34A, and contacts the customer by phone or the like if necessary.

[0058] [Store staff retrieves customer's items from the deposit locker] 7 and 8, the flow of how a store staff member retrieves a customer's item from the deposit locker 3 will be described. In response to the second operation display 32B receiving an operation from the store staff member, the control unit 41 causes the store staff member to retrieve the customer's item (first item) from the storage space 3A. Such control by the control unit 41 is referred to as "second control." Furthermore, steps #21 to #28 shown in FIG. 8 correspond to the "second step."

[0059] First, when a store staff member operates the second operation display 32B (START in FIG. 8), the control unit 41 controls the second operation display 32B to display a list of product information registered on the second operation display 32B (step #21 in FIG. 8). A list of product information associated with delivery dates and statuses is displayed on the second operation display 32B.

[0060] The store staff selects the item to be removed from among the items corresponding to the item information with a status of unprocessed on the second operation display 32B, and unlocks the rear locked door 31B of the storage section 30 in which the item to be removed is stored (action #06 in Figure 7).

[0061] The control unit 41 determines whether or not an unlocking operation has been performed on the rear locking door 31B for the storage space 3A in which unprocessed items are stored (step #22 in FIG. 8). If an unlocking operation has not been performed on the rear locking door 31B (step #22 in FIG. 8: No), the determination of step #22 is repeated. If an unlocking operation has been performed on the rear locking door 31B (step #22 in FIG. 8: Yes), the control unit 41 unlocks the target rear locking door 31B (step #23 in FIG. 8). That is, the control unit 41 is configured to unlock the rear locking door 31B (second locking door) in response to a predetermined operation being received by the second operation display 32B (second operation receiving unit) as the second control.

[0062] When the rear locking door 31B for the storage space 3A containing the unprocessed items is unlocked, the store staff member removes the special bag containing the items (action #07 in FIG. 7). The control unit 41 determines whether the rear locking door 31B is open (step #24 in FIG. 8). If the rear locking door 31B is not open (step #24 in FIG. 8: No), the determination in step #24 is repeated.

[0063] When the rear locking door 31B is opened (step #24 in FIG. 8: Yes), the control unit 41 changes the status of the registered item information to "processing" (step #25 in FIG. 8). The control unit 41 then controls the second medium output unit 34B to output a medium bearing the graphic code from the second medium output unit 34B (step #26 in FIG. 8).

[0064] The store staff receives the medium with the graphic code written on it and places it in a slit in the special bag (action #08 in Figure 7). This makes it easier for the store staff to manage the items entrusted to them by multiple customers without mistaking them. The store staff then scans the items (documents, etc.), sends the scanned electronic data to headquarters, and requests the headquarters to process the items (action #09 in Figure 7). The store staff then stores the removed items and the special bag in cabinet 8 or the like.

[0065] The control unit 41 determines whether the rear locking door 31B is closed (step #27 in FIG. 8). If the rear locking door 31B is not closed (step #27 in FIG. 8: No), the determination of step #27 is repeated. If the rear locking door 31B is closed (step #27 in FIG. 8: Yes), the control unit 41 locks the rear locking door 31B (step #28 in FIG. 8), and the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 ends.

[0066] [Store staff placing items returned to customers in deposit lockers] 9 and 10, the flow of how a store staff member places a return item (deliverable) for a customer in the deposit locker 3 will be described. In response to the second operation display 32B accepting an operation from the store staff member, the control unit 41 causes the store staff member to store in the storage space 3A the return item (deliverable, second item) corresponding to the financial transaction performed based on the item (first item) deposited by the customer. Such control by the control unit 41 is referred to as "third control." Furthermore, steps #31 to #36 shown in FIG. 10 correspond to the "third step."

[0067] When headquarters reports that processing has been completed, the status of the item information changes from "Processing" to "Processed." The store staff member takes out from cabinet 8 the special bag containing the items to be returned from the item information with a status of "Processed" (Action #11 in Figure 9). At this time, the store staff member places the items to be returned in the special bag as necessary.

[0068] When a store staff member holds the graphic code written on the medium placed in the slit of the special bag over the third reading unit 33C (action #12 in FIG. 9, start in FIG. 10), the control unit 41 unlocks the rear locking door 31B of any storage unit 30 that does not contain any items (step #31 in FIG. 10). That is, the control unit 41 is configured to unlock the rear locking door 31B (second locking door) in response to the second operation display 32B (second operation receiving unit) receiving a predetermined operation as the third control.

[0069] The store staff member opens the rear locking door 31B and places the special bag containing the returned items or other items into the storage space 3A (action #13 in FIG. 9). The control unit 41 determines whether the rear locking door 31B is open (step #32 in FIG. 10). If the rear locking door 31B is not open (step #32 in FIG. 10: No), the determination of step #32 is repeated. If the rear locking door 31B is open (step #32 in FIG. 10: Yes), the control unit 41 determines whether the rear locking door 31B is closed (step #33 in FIG. 10). If the rear locking door 31B is not closed (step #33 in FIG. 10: No), the determination of step #33 is repeated. If the rear locking door 31B is closed (step #33 in FIG. 10: Yes), the control unit 41 locks the rear locking door 31B (step #34 in FIG. 10).

[0070] When the rear locking door 31B is closed (step #34 in FIG. 10: Yes), the control unit 41 changes the status of the registered item information to "prepared for return" (step #35 in FIG. 10). At this time, the key information output unit 45 outputs an unlock number (first key information) that allows the control unit 41 to perform the fourth control described below. The control unit 41 then controls the fourth notification unit 48D to notify the customer's mobile terminal of completion and the unlock number output from the key information output unit 45 via SMS (short message service) or the like (step #36 in FIG. 10). In response to the completion of the execution of the third control by the control unit 41, the fourth notification unit 48D sends notification information to the contact person encouraging the customer to visit the store.

[0071] [The process for customers to collect their returned items from the deposit locker] 11 and 12, the flow of a customer receiving a return item (delivered product) from the deposit locker 3 will be described. In response to the first operation display 32A accepting an operation from the customer, the control unit 41 causes the customer to retrieve the return item (second item) from the storage space 3A. Such control by the control unit 41 is referred to as "fourth control." Furthermore, steps #41 to #48 shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the "fourth step."

[0072] First, when a customer returns to the financial institution branch (action #14 in FIG. 11) and holds the graphic code of the medium received from the first medium output unit 34A over the second reading unit 33B (action #15 in FIG. 11, start in FIG. 12), the control unit 41 controls the first operation display 32A to display an unlock number input screen on the first operation display 32A (step #41 in FIG. 12). The customer inputs the unlock number received by the mobile terminal in step #36 in FIG. 10 into the first operation display 32A (action #16 in FIG. 11). The key information acquisition unit 44 acquires the unlock number (second key information) from the person operating the first operation display 32A.

[0073] The collating unit 43 collates the release number (second key information) entered on the first operation display 32A with the release number (first key information) transmitted to the mobile terminal in step #36 of Fig. 10, and determines whether the two release numbers (first key information and second key information) match (step #42 of Fig. 12). If the two release numbers (first key information and second key information) do not match (step #42 of Fig. 12: No), the control unit 41 displays a stop message on the first operation display 32A (step #48 of Fig. 12), and the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 12 ends. As the stop message, for example, a message such as "We apologize for the inconvenience, but please start over from the beginning" is displayed on the first operation display 32A.

[0074] If the two release numbers (first key information and second key information) match (step #42 in FIG. 12 : Yes), the control unit 41 unlocks the front locking door 31A of the storage space 3A containing the return item (delivered product) among the multiple storage spaces 3A (step #43 in FIG. 12 ). That is, the control unit 41 is configured to execute the fourth control when the collating unit 43 determines that the two release numbers (first key information and second key information) match, and not execute the fourth control when the collating unit 43 determines that the two release numbers (first key information and second key information) do not match. In other words, as the fourth control, the control unit 41 unlocks the front locking door 31A in response to the first operation display 32A (first operation receiving unit) receiving a predetermined operation. The customer then opens the front locking door 31A, retrieves the return item (delivered product) from the storage space 3A, closes the front locking door 31A, and leaves the store (action #17 in FIG. 11 ).

[0075] At this time, whether or not the customer takes action shown in action #17 in FIG. 11 is determined in steps #44 and #45 shown in FIG. 12. In step #44 in FIG. 12, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the customer has opened the front locking door 31A. If the customer has not opened the front locking door 31A (step #44 in FIG. 12: No), the determination in step #44 is repeated. If the customer does not open the front locking door 31A after a preset time (e.g., 3 to 10 minutes) has elapsed (step #44 in FIG. 12: timeout), the control unit 41 displays a stop message on the first operation display 32A (step #48 in FIG. 12), and the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 ends.

[0076] If the customer opens the front locking door 31A (step #44: Yes in FIG. 12), the control unit 41 determines whether the customer has closed the front locking door 31A in step #45 in FIG. 12. If the customer has not closed the front locking door 31A (step #45: No in FIG. 12), the determination in step #45 is repeated. If the customer has not closed the front locking door 31A after a preset time (e.g., 3 to 10 minutes) has elapsed (step #45: timeout in FIG. 12), the control unit 41 controls the alarm unit 48 to notify the store staff that the front locking door 31A has not been closed (step #49 in FIG. 12), and the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 ends. The store staff receives the notification based on step #49 in FIG. 12, checks the deposit locker 3, and contacts the customer by phone or the like if necessary.

[0077] When the customer closes the front locking door 31A (step #45 in FIG. 12: Yes), the control unit 41 locks the front locking door 31A (step #46 in FIG. 12). Then, the control unit 41 changes the status of the item information corresponding to the return item (deliverable) received by the customer to "returned" (step #47 in FIG. 12), and the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 ends.

[0078] [Regarding management and control of deposit lockers] Management of the deposit locker 3 will be described with reference to Figure 13. When the financial institution opens (Start in Figure 13), the store staff stores the returned item (delivered product) corresponding to the item information with a status of "Processed" in any storage unit 30 (storage space 3A). At this time, the control unit 41 executes the third process described above.

[0079] Before the store staff stores the return items (deliverables) in any storage unit 30 (storage space 3A) when the store opens, the priority determination unit 47 determines the priority of the return items (deliverables) to be stored in the storage unit 30 (storage space 3A) (step #51 in FIG. 13). Specifically, the first notification unit 48A is, for example, a mobile terminal or tablet computer carried by the store staff, and a list of property information as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display of the terminal carried by the store staff.

[0080] In FIG. 14, property information with a status of "Processed" is displayed in association with the 9:00-11:00 time slot, the 11:00-13:00 time slot, and the 13:00-15:00 time slot. The priority determination unit 47 sets item information with an upcoming due date to an earlier time slot based on delivery date information included in the item information. In particular, the priority determination unit 47 sets item information related to items to be returned that day as the highest priority. In other words, the priority determination unit 47 determines the priority based on the delivery date information. Then, based on the priority determined by the priority determination unit 47, the first notification unit 48A outputs notification information that prompts the store staff to operate the third reading unit 33C (operation receiving unit) for the third control described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 (step #52 in FIG. 13).

[0081] While the financial institution branch is open, the control unit 41 determines whether the number of empty storage units 30 has fallen below a preset threshold (step #53 in FIG. 13). If the number of empty storage units 30 is not below the preset threshold (step #53 in FIG. 13: No), the determination in step #53 is periodically repeated. If the number of empty storage units 30 among the multiple storage units 30 falls below the preset threshold (step #53 in FIG. 13: Yes), the third notification unit 48C prompts the branch staff to operate the second operation display 32B for the second control described above based on FIGS. 7 and 8 (step #54 in FIG. 13). This ensures that the number of empty storage units 30 is always above a certain level, preventing customers from being unable to deposit items in the deposit lockers 3.

[0082] In step #55, it is determined whether the financial institution store is closed. While the financial institution store is open (step #55 in FIG. 13: No), the determination in step #53 in FIG. 13 is periodically repeated, and the process in step #54 in FIG. 13 is executed as needed.

[0083] When it is time for the financial institution store to close (step #55 in FIG. 13: Yes), the second notification unit 48B outputs notification information prompting the store staff to operate the second operation display 32B to retrieve the items from the storage space 3A when the financial institution store closes (step #56 in FIG. 13). As a result, the items are stored in the cabinet 8 in the backyard D after closing time. At this time, the status of the item information for items that have not been retrieved by the customer may be changed back to "processed" while the status remains "prepared for return."

[0084] [Effects of the embodiment] The present disclosure relates to an article delivery device (deposit locker 3) used for delivering articles. The article delivery device includes a storage unit 30 that stores articles related to a transaction in an internal storage space 3A, an operation reception unit (an operation display 32 and a reading unit 33) that receives operations for accessing the storage space 3A, and a control unit 41 that controls the storage unit 30 in response to the operation received by the operation reception unit (the operation display 32 and the reading unit 33). The control unit 41 is configured to be able to execute the following controls: a first control that causes the customer to store a first item for the transaction desired by the customer into the storage space 3A in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the customer; a second control that causes the store staff to retrieve the first item from the storage space 3A in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the store staff; a third control that causes the store staff to store a second item corresponding to the transaction made based on the first item into the storage space 3A in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the store staff; and a fourth control that causes the customer to retrieve the second item from the storage space 3A in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the customer.

[0085] According to the present disclosure, a customer can deposit items related to a transaction at an item delivery device. At that time, the items are exchanged between the customer and the store staff through first control, second control, third control, and fourth control. Therefore, direct interaction between the customer and the store staff is not necessary, and the customer does not need to wait in Lobby A to be called or to wait a long time in Lobby A until the transaction is completed. In addition, the store staff stores the second item (e.g., a return item) and then the customer can pick up the second item. Therefore, the customer can, for example, leave the financial institution store and run other errands before receiving the second item. Thus, the configuration of the present disclosure realizes an item delivery device that can process transactions according to the customer's desired time frame.

[0086] In the present disclosure, the storage unit 30 has a first locking door (front locking door 31A) and a second locking door (rear locking door 31B) located on the opposite side of the storage space 3A from the first locking door (front locking door 31A). The operation reception unit (operation display 32 and reading unit 33) has a first operation reception unit (first operation display 32A, first reading unit 33A, and second reading unit 33B) located on the first locking door side, and a second operation reception unit (second operation display 32B and third reading unit 33C) located on the second locking door (rear locking door 31B) side. The control unit 41 is configured to unlock the first locking door (front locking door 31A) in response to the first operation reception unit receiving a predetermined operation as a first control and a fourth control, and to unlock the second locking door in response to the second operation reception unit receiving a predetermined operation as a second control and a third control.

[0087] In the configuration of the present disclosure, the first control and the fourth control are configured to unlock the first locking door by operation of the first operation receiving unit, and the second control and the second control are configured to unlock the second locking door by operation of the first operation receiving unit. Therefore, it is possible to separate the parts of the item delivery device that are handled by customers and the parts that are handled by store staff, such that the first operation receiving unit and the first locking door are handled by customers and the second operation receiving unit and the second locking door are handled by store staff.

[0088] In the present disclosure, the control unit 41 is configured to execute the first control and also to cause the operation reception unit (the operation display 32 and the reading unit 33) to receive input of delivery date information from the customer.

[0089] With the configuration of the present disclosure, store staff can carry out procedures etc. in accordance with the customer's delivery deadline.

[0090] In the present disclosure, a priority determination unit 47 that determines the priority based on delivery date information, and a first notification unit 48A that outputs notification information to prompt store staff to operate the operation reception unit (operation display 32 and reading unit 33) for the third control based on the priority, are provided.

[0091] With the configuration of the present disclosure, store staff can grasp the priority of processing based on delivery dates.

[0092] In the present disclosure, a second notification unit 48B is provided that outputs notification information to prompt store staff to operate the operation reception unit (operation display 32 and reading unit 33) to retrieve items from the storage space 3A when the facility in which the item delivery device (deposit locker 3) is installed closes.

[0093] The configuration of the present disclosure allows items to be collected from storage space 3A after closing time, enabling the items to be stored securely.

[0094] In the present disclosure, a plurality of storage sections 30 are provided, and a third notification section 48C is provided that prompts store staff to operate the operation reception section (operation display 32 and reading section 33) for the second control when the number of storage sections 30 among the plurality of storage sections 30 that do not store any items falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0095] With the configuration of the present disclosure, the items deposited by the customer are sequentially collected by the store staff, thereby avoiding the risk of the customer being unable to deposit the items at the item delivery device.

[0096] In the present disclosure, the control unit 41 is configured to execute a first control in response to the operation reception unit (operation display 32 and reading unit 33) receiving input of customer information that identifies the customer's information, and is equipped with a contact identification unit 46 that identifies the customer's contact points based on the customer information, and a fourth notification unit 48D that sends notification information to the contact points to encourage the customer to visit the store in response to the completion of execution of the third control by the control unit 41.

[0097] The configuration of the present disclosure allows the customer to properly understand whether or not it is okay for him or her to pick up the second item.

[0098] In the present disclosure, an output unit (key information output unit 45) that outputs first key information for permitting the control unit 41 to perform the fourth control, a key information acquisition unit 44 that acquires second key information from a person operating the operation acceptance unit (operation display 32 and reading unit 33), and a matching unit 43 that matches the first key information with the second key information. The control unit 41 is configured to execute the fourth control when the matching unit 43 determines that the first key information and the second key information match, and not to execute the fourth control when the matching unit 43 determines that the first key information and the second key information do not match.

[0099] The configuration of the present disclosure ensures that the customer receives the second item.

[0100] [Another embodiment] The present disclosure is not limited to the configurations exemplified in the above-described embodiments, and other representative embodiments of the present disclosure will be exemplified below.

[0101] (1) This disclosure is also applicable to a method performed in an item delivery device (deposit locker 3) equipped with a storage unit 30 that stores items related to a transaction in an internal storage space 3A and an operation reception unit (operation display 32 and reading unit 33) that receives operations for accessing the storage space 3A. The method includes a first step of having the customer store a first item for the transaction desired by the customer in the storage space 3A in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the customer; a second step of having the store staff retrieve the first item from the storage space 3A in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the store staff; a third step of having the store staff store a second item corresponding to the transaction performed based on the first item in the storage space 3A in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the store staff; and a fourth step of having the customer retrieve the second item from the storage space 3A in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the customer. This method allows a customer to deposit items related to the transaction in the item delivery device. At that time, the item is exchanged between the customer and the store staff through the first step, second step, third step, and fourth step. Therefore, there is no need for direct interaction between the customer and the store staff, and the customer does not need to wait in Lobby A to be called or to wait a long time in Lobby A until the procedure is completed. In addition, the store staff stores the second item (e.g., a returned item) and then the customer can pick up the second item. Therefore, the customer can, for example, leave the financial institution branch and run other errands before receiving the second item. In this way, the configuration disclosed herein realizes a method that allows for procedure processing that suits the customer's time preferences.

[0102] (2) The release number is exemplified as the first key information and the second key information described above. The first key information and the second key information do not have to be the release number. For example, the key information output unit 45 may be configured to output a graphic code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark), a data matrix, a barcode, a color code, etc.) to the customer's mobile terminal. In this case, instead of the customer's action shown in action #16 in FIG. 11 , the customer may display the graphic code received from the key information output unit 45 on the display of the mobile terminal and hold the graphic code over the second reading unit 33B to read it. Then, the comparison unit 43 may compare the graphic code output by the key information output unit 45 with the graphic code read from the customer's mobile terminal by the second reading unit 33B.

[0103] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the key information output unit 45 outputs the first key information in response to the control unit 41 executing the third control. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the key information output unit 45 may be configured to output the first key information when a customer revisits a financial institution branch. For example, when the customer revisits the branch, the customer may inform a remote salesperson via the branch reception device 2 of the purpose of the revisit, and then the key information output unit 45 may output the first key information.

[0104] (4) In the above embodiment, the deposit locker 3 is provided with a plurality of storage sections 30. This configuration is not limited to this, and the deposit locker 3 may be configured to have only one storage section 30.

[0105] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the deposit locker 3 is provided with a front portion 3F and a back portion 3B. This configuration is not limited to this, and the deposit locker 3 may be provided with only the front portion 3F, without the back locking door 31B, the second operation display 32B, the third reading unit 33C, and the second media output unit 34B. In other words, the hardware of the front portion 3F (door, display, reading unit, media output unit) may be configured to replace the functions of the back portion 3B. In this case, the front locking door 31A, the first operation display 32A, the first reading unit 33A, the second reading unit 33B, and the first media output unit 34A may each be configured to be switchable between a "customer operation mode" operated by a customer and a "staff operation mode" operated by a store staff member. The mode change to the "staff operation mode" may be performed, for example, by an authentication operation using an ID card carried by a store staff member, or by the store staff member operating a predetermined position on first operation display 32A using a predetermined operation method (a predetermined number of touches, long press for a predetermined number of seconds, a hidden button, password entry, etc.). That is, control unit 41 may be configured to execute first control or fourth control in response to first operation display 32A receiving an operation from a customer, and to execute second control or third control in response to at least one of first operation display 32A, first reading unit 33A, and second reading unit 33B receiving an operation from a store staff member.

[0106] (6) The deposit locker 3 may be installed in a part of a manned counter. As shown in FIG. 15, the deposit locker 3 may be located in a part of the counter 9 where a teller is stationed. In the example shown in FIG. 15, a manned counter 9A where a teller serves customers and an unmanned counter 9B where the deposit locker 3 is located are located next to each other. If the teller at the manned counter 9A is busy serving another customer and the customer is likely to have to wait a long time for their turn, the customer may deposit their items in the deposit locker 3 and return later to pick up their returned items (delivered products).

[0107] (7) In the above embodiment, the third notification unit 48C is configured to prompt the store staff to operate the operation reception unit (the operation display 32 and the reading unit 33) for the second control when the number of storage units 30 that do not contain any items among the multiple storage units 30 falls below a preset threshold. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the third notification unit 48C may be configured to notify the store staff, for example, when an urgent item is deposited in a storage unit 30.

[0108] (8) In the above-described embodiment, the first process is executed in response to the customer operating the first operation display 32A, and the fourth process is executed in response to the customer holding a graphic code on a medium over the second reading unit 33B. This embodiment is not limited to this, and the first process or the fourth process may be executed in response to the customer holding an identification card over the first reading unit 33A. Furthermore, the front portion 3F may be provided with a biometric authentication device such as face authentication or fingerprint authentication, and the first process or the fourth process may be executed in response to successful identity verification based on the biometric authentication.

[0109] (9) In the above embodiment, the deposit locker 3 is installed in a financial institution, but it may also be installed in a securities company or a distribution store. Therefore, the items stored in the storage unit 30 are not limited to items related to financial transactions.

[0110] The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0111] The present disclosure is applicable to an article delivery device and a method performed in the article delivery device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 3: Deposit locker (item delivery device) 3A: Storage space 30: Storage area 31: Locked door 31A: Front locking door (first locking door) 31B: Rear locking door (second locking door) 32: Operation display (operation reception section) 32A: First operation display (operation reception section) 32B: Second operation display (operation reception section) 33: Reading unit (operation reception unit) 33A: First reading unit (operation receiving unit) 33B: Second reading unit (operation receiving unit) 33C: Third reading unit (operation reception unit) 41: Control unit 43: Matching section 44:Key information acquisition section 45: Output section (key information output section) 46: Contact Identification Section 47: Priority determination section 48: Information Department 48A: First Notification Department 48B: Second Notification Department 48C: Third Notification Department 48D: Fourth Notification Department

Claims

1. An article delivery device used for delivering an article, a storage unit for storing items related to the transaction in an internal storage space; an operation reception unit that receives an operation for accessing the storage space; a control unit that controls the storage unit in response to the operation received by the operation receiving unit, The control unit a first control that causes the customer to store a first item for a transaction desired by the customer in the storage space in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the customer; a second control that causes the store staff member to retrieve the first item from the storage space in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the store staff member; a third control that causes the store staff to store a second item corresponding to the transaction performed based on the first item in the storage space in response to the operation reception unit receiving the operation from the store staff; and a fourth control that causes the customer to retrieve the second item from the storage space in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the customer.

2. The storage section has a first locking door and a second locking door located on the opposite side of the storage space from the first locking door, the operation reception unit has a first operation reception unit located on the first locking door side and a second operation reception unit located on the second locking door side, The item delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to unlock the first locking door in response to the first operation receiving unit receiving a predetermined operation as the first control and the fourth control, and to unlock the second locking door in response to the second operation receiving unit receiving a predetermined operation as the second control and the third control.

3. 3. The article delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to cause the operation reception unit to receive delivery date information input from the customer in addition to executing the first control.

4. a priority order determination unit that determines priorities based on the delivery date information; The article delivery device according to claim 3, further comprising: a first notification unit that outputs notification information that prompts the store staff to operate the operation reception unit for the third control based on the priority.

5. The item transfer device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second notification unit that outputs notification information prompting the store staff to operate the operation reception unit to retrieve the items from the storage space when the facility in which the item transfer device is installed closes.

6. A plurality of the storage sections are provided, The item delivery device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third notification unit that prompts the store staff to operate the operation receiving unit for the second control when the number of storage units among the plurality of storage units that do not store the item falls below a predetermined threshold.

7. the control unit is configured to execute the first control in response to the operation receiving unit receiving input of customer information that identifies information of the customer, a contact point identification unit that identifies contact points of the customer based on the customer information; The item delivery device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fourth notification unit that sends notification information to the contact point encouraging the customer to visit the store in response to completion of execution of the third control by the control unit.

8. an output unit that outputs first key information for permitting the control unit to perform the fourth control; a key information acquisition unit that acquires second key information from a person operating the operation acceptance unit; a matching unit that matches the first key information with the second key information, The item delivery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to execute the fourth control when the matching unit determines that the first key information and the second key information match, and not to execute the fourth control when the matching unit determines that the first key information and the second key information do not match.

9. A method performed by an article delivery device including a storage unit that stores articles related to a transaction in an internal storage space, and an operation receiving unit that receives operations for accessing the storage space, the method comprising: a first step of having the customer store a first item for a transaction desired by the customer in the storage space in response to the operation reception unit receiving the operation from the customer; a second step of having the store staff collect the first item from the storage space in response to the operation reception unit receiving the operation from the store staff; a third step of having the store staff store a second item corresponding to the transaction performed based on the first item in the storage space in response to the operation reception unit receiving the operation from the store staff; a fourth step of having the customer retrieve the second item from the storage space in response to the operation reception unit receiving an operation from the customer.

Images