Personal identification number management system

Abstract

To provide a personal identification number management system that can be operated at low cost without adopting an online management method.SOLUTION: A personal identification number management system 10 is composed of a server 15, a delivery requester terminal 50, a deliverer terminal 60, and a box 70. The personal identification number management system 10 performs box manager registration (S1), user registration (S2), article deposit (S3), and article retrieval (S4). At the time of the article deposit (S3) or the article retrieval (S4), a notification is sent from the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60 to the server 15 each time the article is placed in or taken out, and the server 15 sends a personal identification number to the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60 each time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a personal identification number (PIN) management system that allows items to be deposited and received in a box using a PIN. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional delivery system that manages PIN numbers is described in Patent Document 1, which describes a delivery system that includes multiple transport boxes capable of storing delivery items, a terminal used by a person who stores the delivery items in the transport boxes or removes the delivery items from the transport boxes, and a transportation and delivery management system server that can communicate with the terminal.

[0003] The transport box is equipped with an electronic locking device including an electronic lock, and the electronic locking device generates and sets a new locking number based on a predetermined creation procedure for each operation process related to locking the electronic lock.

[0004] The transportation and delivery management system server generates a new locking number for the electronic lock based on a predetermined generation procedure in the electronic lock device for each operation process related to locking the electronic lock, and transmits the generated number to the terminal.

[0005] The terminal was to display the new locking number received from the transportation and delivery management system server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-139469 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the above-mentioned PIN management system, the transport boxes are equipped with a function that allows them to generate new locking numbers, and an online management method is adopted in which the boxes are connected to the transportation and delivery management system server via the Internet, which poses the problem of being costly to operate.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a personal identification number management system that can be operated at low cost without employing an online management method.

[0009] Another secondary issue that needs to be resolved is that many conventional delivery locker management systems rely on two-way communication via the Internet, which requires securing communication lines and installation costs, and there are risks such as unauthorized unlocking due to cyber attacks. In light of the above issues, the present invention aims to provide a PIN code management system that completely eliminates external communication means, while issuing and managing PIN codes via a server, and can keep delivery lockers safely locked at all times. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The invention described in claim 1 comprises a user terminal used by a user, a box in which items can be deposited and received, and a server capable of communicating with the user terminal, the server comprises a user information storage means for storing user information relating to the user, a box identification information storage means for storing box identification information for identifying the box, a box information storage means for storing box management information relating to management of the box, and a personal identification number information storage means for storing personal identification number information relating to a personal identification number for opening and closing the box; The box is provided with a locking device that can be opened and closed by the personal identification number and the box identification information, and is in a locked state before the user starts using the box; When depositing the item in the box, When the user terminal transmits the box identification information and the user information to the server, the server determines whether the box is available for use based on the box identification information, the box management information, and the user information, and if it determines that the box is available for use, transmits a first personal identification number as the currently set personal identification number to the user terminal; When the user terminal transmits a notification that the item has been placed in the box, the server transmits a second personal identification number as the new personal identification number to the user terminal. When the user terminal transmits a notification that the locking of the box has been completed, the server transmits a notification of the completion of the deposit to the user terminal, When receiving the item from the box, When the user terminal transmits the box identification information and the user information to the server along with a notification that collection has begun based on the access information linked to the notification of the completion of the deposit, the server determines whether or not the item can be collected based on the box identification information, the box management information, and the user information, and if it determines that the item can be collected, transmits the second PIN to the user terminal; When the user terminal transmits a notification to the server that the item has been removed from the box, the server further transmits a third personal identification number as the new personal identification number to the user terminal; When the user terminal transmits a notification that the box has been locked, the server updates the box management information to enable the box to be used.

[0011] This allows for low-cost operation without employing an online management system.

[0012] The invention described in claim 2 comprises a user terminal used by a user, a box in which articles can be deposited and received, and a server capable of communicating with the user terminal, the server comprises a user information storage means for storing user information relating to the user, a box identification information storage means for storing box identification information for identifying the box, a box information storage means for storing box management information relating to management of the box, and a personal identification number information storage means for storing personal identification number information relating to a personal identification number for opening and closing the box; The users include a deliverer and a delivery requester, The user terminal includes a deliverer terminal used by the deliverer and a delivery requester terminal used by the delivery requester, The user information includes at least delivery requester information, The box is provided with a locking device that can be opened and closed by the personal identification number and the box identification information, and is in a locked state before the user starts using the box; When the delivery person deposits the item in the box, When the box identification information and the delivery requester information are transmitted from the deliverer terminal to the server, the server determines whether the box is available for use based on the box identification information, the box management information, and the delivery requester information, and if it determines that the box is available for use, transmits a first personal identification number as the currently set personal identification number to the deliverer terminal, When the deliverer terminal transmits a notification that the item has been placed in the box, the server transmits a second personal identification number as the new personal identification number to the deliverer terminal. When the deliverer terminal transmits a notification that the locking of the box has been completed, the server updates the box management information to indicate that there is a package, and transmits a notification of the completion of deposit to the delivery requester terminal. When the delivery requester receives the item from the box, When the delivery requester terminal transmits to the server a notification that receipt has begun, along with the box identification information and the delivery requester information, based on the access information linked to the notification of deposit completion, the server determines whether or not the item can be received based on the box identification information, the box management information, and the delivery requester information, and if it determines that the item can be received, transmits the second PIN to the delivery requester terminal; When the delivery requester terminal transmits to the server a notification that the item has been removed from the box, the server further transmits a third personal identification number as the new personal identification number to the delivery requester terminal; When the delivery requester terminal sends a notification that the locking of the box has been completed, the server updates the box management information to make the box available for use, and if there is deliverer information for the deliverer, sends a notification of receipt completion to the deliverer terminal.

[0013] This not only allows for low-cost operation without adopting an online management method, but also makes it an ideal PIN management system for delivery personnel delivering items to delivery requesters.

[0014] The invention described in claim 3 comprises a user terminal used by a user, a box in which articles can be deposited and received, and a server capable of communicating with the user terminal, the server comprises a user information storage means for storing user information relating to the user, a box identification information storage means for storing box identification information for identifying the box, a box information storage means for storing box management information relating to management of the box, and a personal identification number information storage means for storing personal identification number information relating to a personal identification number for opening and closing the box; The users include a deliverer and a delivery requester, The user terminal includes a deliverer terminal used by the deliverer and a delivery requester terminal used by the delivery requester, The user information includes at least delivery requester information, The box is provided with a locking device that can be opened and closed by the personal identification number and the box identification information, and is in a locked state before the user starts using the box; When the delivery requester deposits the item in the box, When the delivery requester terminal transmits the box identification information and the delivery requester information to the server, the server determines whether the box is available for use based on the box identification information, the box management information, and the delivery requester information, and if it determines that the box is available for use, transmits a first personal identification number as the currently set personal identification number to the delivery requester terminal; When the delivery requester terminal transmits a notification that the item has been placed in the box, the server transmits a second personal identification number as the new personal identification number to the delivery requester terminal. When the delivery requester terminal sends a notification that the locking of the box has been completed, the server updates the box management information to indicate that there is a package, The delivery requester terminal transmits a notification of the completion of deposit and the delivery requester information to the delivery terminal, When receiving the item from the box, When the deliverer terminal transmits the box identification information and the delivery requester information to the server along with a notification that receipt has begun based on the access information linked to the notification of deposit completion, the server determines whether the depositor is the delivery requester based on the box identification information and the delivery requester information, and if it determines that the depositor is the delivery requester, transmits the second PIN to the deliverer terminal; When the deliverer terminal transmits a notification to the server that the item has been removed from the box, the server further transmits a third personal identification number as a new personal identification number to the deliverer terminal, When the deliverer terminal sends a notification that the locking of the box has been completed, the server sends a notification of completion of receipt to the delivery requester terminal and updates the box management information to make the box available for use.

[0015] This not only allows for low-cost operation without adopting an online management method, but also makes it an ideal PIN management system for when the delivery requester has the item collected by the delivery person and then delivers it.

[0016] In the invention described in claim 4, the server generates the PIN based on at least one of the position, order, and pronunciation of the number associated with the number of the operation unit on which the lock device is operated.

[0017] This allows the user to choose a PIN that is easy to operate and / or remember.

[0018] The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that the server In order to cope with the case where the personal identification number is input incorrectly, a predicted approximate value of the personal identification number is generated based on at least one of the position, order, and pronunciation of the number associated with the number of the operation unit by which the lock device is operated, for the personal identification number set immediately before; The predicted approximate value can be transmitted to the user terminal, the deliverer terminal, and the delivery requester terminal, which require the predicted approximate value.

[0019] This allows the user to generate a number that is easily mistaken in case the user sets an incorrect PIN, thereby reducing the processing load when the box cannot be opened.

[0020] In the invention of claim 6, in order to deal with the case where the personal identification number is entered incorrectly, the server Sent from any one of the user terminal, the delivery person terminal, or the delivery requester terminal, When the box is locked, an operation unit that operates the locking device is photographed and acquired, and a predicted approximate value of the PIN is generated based on at least one of the position, order, and pronunciation of the number associated with the number of the operation unit for the immediately previous PIN information of the PIN that was set immediately before; The predicted approximate value can be transmitted to the user terminal, the deliverer terminal, and the delivery requester terminal, which require the predicted approximate value.

[0021] Even with this type of operation, if a user sets an incorrect PIN, it is possible to reduce the processing burden when the box cannot be opened by generating a number that is easily mistaken.

[0022] In the invention of claim 7, in order to deal with the case where the personal identification number is entered incorrectly, the server The personal identification number mistakenly entered into the operation unit is estimated by image recognition processing based on image information acquired by photographing an operation unit where the locking device is operated, which is transmitted from any one of the user terminal, the delivery person terminal, or the delivery requester terminal, and a predicted approximate value of the personal identification number is generated based on the estimation result. The predicted approximate value can be transmitted to the user terminal, the deliverer terminal, or the delivery requester terminal, whichever terminal requires the predicted approximate value.

[0023] By operating in this manner, an image of the operation panel can be obtained through a user terminal, delivery requester terminal, or delivery person terminal, and image recognition processing can be performed on the server side, making it possible to estimate with high accuracy the PIN number that has been entered incorrectly.

[0024] This means that even if an incorrect entry occurs, the PIN number predicted and generated using machine learning, etc., can be re-notified, allowing for smooth opening and closing operations, thereby achieving both improved operability and security.

[0025] In the invention described in claim 8, the box is incapable of communicating with the outside.

[0026] This means that even in the case of a so-called completely offline delivery box that is not connected to any external network, by managing and issuing a PIN number between the user terminal, the delivery person terminal, or the delivery requester terminal and the server, it is possible to keep the box locked at all times and allow safe and flexible delivery of packages.

[0027] In particular, the present invention is configured so that the box cannot be physically connected to the Internet or other means of communication, thereby fundamentally eliminating security risks such as remote hacking and unauthorized control, while allowing the box to be unlocked and locked with usage restrictions using a PIN number sent from the server, achieving both high levels of security and practicality in both physical and logical terms. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a personal identification number management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a data table of a database server. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a button-type operation unit of a locking device and an example of generating a personal identification number. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a dial-type operation unit of a locking device and an example of generating a personal identification number. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a personal identification number management system according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] An embodiment of a personal identification number management system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the PIN management system 10 is made up of a server 15, a delivery requester terminal 50, a deliverer terminal 60, and a box 70.

[0031] The server 15 is made up of a database server 20, a Web server 30, and a telephone server 40.

[0032] The database server 20 includes an input unit 21 , a calculation / control unit 22 , a storage unit 23 , a communication unit 24 , and a display unit 25 .

[0033] The input unit 21 is made up of a mouse, keyboard, etc., and the calculation / control unit 22 is made up of a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 23 stores information about the box 70, PIN number, etc., and is made up of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, a compact disk drive, etc. Details of the information stored in the storage unit 23 will be described later. The display unit 25 is made up of a liquid crystal display, etc. The communication unit 24 is used to communicate with the Web server 30 and the telephone server 40 via communication lines.

[0034] The web server 30 includes an input unit 31 , a calculation and control unit 32 , a storage unit 33 , a communication unit 34 , and a display unit 35 .

[0035] The input unit 31 is composed of a mouse, keyboard, etc. The calculation / control unit 32 is composed of a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 33 stores access history information of accesses to the server 15 from the delivery requester terminal 50 and the deliverer terminal 60, and most recent PIN information acquired by the delivery requester terminal 50 and the deliverer terminal 60, and is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, a compact disk drive, etc. The display unit 35 is composed of a liquid crystal display, etc. The communication unit 34 is for communicating with the database server 20, the delivery requester terminal 50, and the deliverer terminal 60 via a communication line.

[0036] The telephone server 40 includes an input unit 41 , a calculation and control unit 42 , a storage unit 43 , a communication unit 44 , and a display unit 45 .

[0037] The input unit 41 is composed of a touchpad, etc. The calculation / control unit 42 is composed of a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 43 stores information related to telephone responses and is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, a compact disk drive, etc. The display unit 45 is composed of a liquid crystal display, etc. The communication unit 44 is for communicating with the database server 20, the delivery requester terminal 50, and the delivery person terminal 60 via communication lines.

[0038] The delivery client terminal 50 includes an input unit 51, a calculation and control unit 52, a storage unit 53, a communication unit 54, and a display unit 55. In this embodiment, a smartphone is used.

[0039] The input unit 51 is composed of a touchpad, etc. The calculation / control unit 52 is composed of a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 53 is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, a compact disk drive, etc. The display unit 55 is composed of a liquid crystal display, etc. The communication unit 54 is for communicating with other communication terminals including the Web server 30 and the telephone server 40 via a communication line.

[0040] The deliverer terminal 60 includes an input unit 61, a calculation and control unit 62, a storage unit 63, a communication unit 64, and a display unit 65. In this embodiment, a smartphone is used.

[0041] The input unit 61 is composed of a mouse, keyboard, etc. The calculation / control unit 62 is composed of a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 63 is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, a compact disk drive, etc. The display unit 65 is composed of a liquid crystal display, etc. The communication unit 64 is for communicating with other communication terminals including the Web server 30 and telephone server 40 via communication lines.

[0042] Box 70 is an existing delivery box, and is equipped with a locking device 71 that can be opened and closed with a personal identification number, and a display 75 that displays box identification information (described later). Box 70 is incapable of communicating with the outside world. In other words, box 70 is isolated from the outside world.

[0043] The locking device 71 is provided with an operating unit 72 such as a button type or a dial type, and can be operated by the deliverer or the person requesting delivery to input a personal identification number.

[0044] The database server 20, web server 30, and telephone server 40 of server 15, which make up the PIN management system 10, have web server programs and can send data for displaying various content, audio data, etc. to each delivery requester terminal 50 and deliverer terminal 60, and each delivery requester terminal 50 and deliverer terminal 60 has a web browser and can display web pages and play audio data based on data for displaying web pages sent from server 15.

[0045] The server 15 has a user information storage means for storing user information (delivery requester information, deliverer information) relating to users (deliverers, delivery requesters), a box identification information storage means for storing box identification information for identifying the box 70, a box information storage means for storing box management information relating to the management of the box 70, and a PIN information storage means for storing PIN information relating to the PIN that allows the box 70 to be opened and closed.

[0046] The users include a deliverer and a delivery requester, the user terminals include a deliverer terminal 60 used by the deliverer and a delivery requester terminal 50 used by the delivery requester, and the user information includes delivery requester information and deliverer information.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2, the memory unit 23 has a box administrator table, an installed box table, a user pre-registration table, a box status table, a LINE operation table, a PIN table, an approximate value table in case of an incorrect PIN, and a log table, and stores information related to PIN management.

[0048] Examples of information stored in the box manager table include a (PK, primary key) number, ID, email address, and telephone number.

[0049] In addition, the installed box table provides examples of (PK, primary key) number, box number, box type, installation address, whether multiple boxes are installed or only one box is installed, box type, number of boxes, and (FK, foreign key) box administrator ID.

[0050] Here, the box identification information can be exemplified by the above (PK, primary key) number and the box number linked to the number.

[0051] In addition, the user pre-registration table includes examples of (PK, primary key) number, user ID, (FK, foreign key) box number, phone number, email address (FK, foreign key) LINE ID, last operation date and time, and contact method when package arrives.

[0052] Here, the user information (delivery requester information, deliverer information) can be exemplified by the above information stored in the user advance registration table for the delivery requester and the deliverer.

[0053] In addition, the box status table displays examples of the (PK, primary key) number, (FK, foreign key) box number, box branch number if multiple boxes are installed, box size, (FK, foreign key) opening PIN ID, (FK, foreign key) closing PIN ID, call ID for telephone operations, (FK, foreign key) user ID, (FK, foreign key) method of contacting the person who has received the package, phone number of the person sending the package, and whether the box is empty or not.

[0054] Here, the box management information can be exemplified by the above information stored in the box status table.

[0055] In addition, the LINE operation table includes, for example, the (PK, primary key) number, LINE ID, initial registration status, conversation progress status, one-time password for LINE registration, phone number, (FK, foreign key) box number, last update date and time, and a flag to determine whether a conversation is in progress.

[0056] In addition, the PIN table provides examples of the (PK, primary key) number, PIN ID, PIN value, first digit address of button or dial, second digit address of button or dial, third digit address of button or dial, and fourth digit address of button or dial.

[0057] Here, the personal identification number information can be exemplified by the information stored in the personal identification number table.

[0058] In addition, the approximate value table for when the PIN is incorrect shows examples such as (PK, primary key) number, PIN ID, predicted approximate value 1 when incorrect, predicted approximate value 2 when incorrect, predicted approximate value 3 when incorrect, predicted approximate value 4 when incorrect, and predicted approximate value 5 when incorrect.

[0059] In addition, the log table shows examples of (PK, primary key) number, user ID, date, operation type, details, and input data.

[0060] Each data table is linked to the other data by the (PK, primary key) number and (FK, foreign key) in box 70.

[0061] Next, the operation of the PIN number management system 10 will be explained based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 3. The case where both the deliverer and the delivery requester register with the PIN number management system 10, the deliverer delivers to the box 70, and the delivery requester receives the package will be explained.

[0062] [Operation flow] In the PIN management system 10, as shown in FIG. 3, box number registration (S1), user registration (S2), deposit of goods (S3), and receipt of goods (S4) are carried out.

[0063] [Box number registration] The administrator of the box 70 accesses the server 15 via the Internet or a telephone line using a smartphone, PC, etc., and registers the ID, email address, telephone number, and box number (see Figure 2), and sets the initial PIN number (first PIN number).

[0064] The administrator of the box 70 attaches to the box 70 a display 75 that lists the box number, a telephone number, a web URL, and a LINE address that are linked to the box identification information for using the PIN management system 10.

[0065] At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the above-mentioned information is recorded in advance in the installation box table and is linked to the input information.

[0066] The box number and initial password (first password) are registered as available boxes 70 in the storage unit 23 of the database server 20 (S1).

[0067] [User registration] The delivery requester accesses the server 15 from the delivery requester terminal 50 using the telephone number, web URL, or LINE address listed on the display 75, and transmits the box number of the box 70 they wish to use, the delivery requester's telephone number, etc.

[0068] The deliverer accesses the server 15 from the deliverer terminal 60 using the telephone number, web URL, or LINE address listed on the display 75, and transmits the box number of the box 70 they wish to use, the deliverer's telephone number, etc.

[0069] The server 15 registers the box number, telephone number, etc. used by the delivery requester and the deliverer, which have been sent to the telephone server 40 or the Web server 30, in a user advance registration table (S2).

[0070] [Depositing items] The deliverer of the goods transmits to the server 15 from the deliverer terminal 60 the box number of the box 70 that the deliverer wishes to use and the user ID or telephone number of the person requesting delivery.

[0071] The server 15 checks whether the box number sent by the deliverer (the person sending the package) is currently "empty" and available for use, checks whether the delivery requester (the person receiving the package) is registered in the PIN management system 10, and if it determines that the box is available for use, sends the PIN (first PIN) for opening the box 70 to the deliverer terminal 60.

[0072] The box 70 is opened with a personal identification number (first personal identification number) for opening the box 70 transmitted from the server 15, the article to be sent is placed in the box 70, and the deliverer transmits a notice to the server 15 from the deliverer terminal 60 that the article has been placed.

[0073] When the server 15 receives a notification from the deliverer terminal 60 that the item has been placed, it transmits the personal identification number (second personal identification number) for closing the box 70 to the deliverer terminal 60.

[0074] The box 70 is closed using the PIN number (second PIN number) for closing the box 70 sent from the server 15, and the deliverer sends a notification from the deliverer terminal 60 to the server 15 that the locking of the box 70 has been completed.

[0075] When the server 15 receives a notification from the deliverer terminal 60 that the locking of the box 70 has been completed, it updates the status of the box 70 in the box status table to "package present" and sends a notification from the server 15 to the delivery requester terminal 50 that the item has arrived (S3).

[0076] [Receiving goods] After the server 15 transmits a notification from the deliverer to the delivery requester terminal 50 that a package has arrived, the delivery requester transmits, based on the access information linked to the notification, from the delivery requester terminal 50 to the server 15 a notification that the delivery requester will start receiving the goods, together with the box number of the box 70 from which the delivery requester will start receiving the goods.

[0077] The server 15 checks whether a package addressed to the deliverer and the delivery requester exists in the corresponding box number ("package present"), and if so, sends a PIN (second PIN) to the delivery requester terminal 50 to open the box 70.

[0078] The delivery requester opens the box 70 using the password (second password) for opening the box 70 transmitted from the server 15 to the delivery requester terminal 50, removes the item, and transmits a notification to the effect that the item has been removed from the box 70 from the delivery requester terminal 50 to the server 15.

[0079] When the server 15 receives a notification from the delivery requester terminal 50 that the item has been removed from the box 70, the server 15 transmits the personal identification number (third personal identification number) for closing the box 70 to the delivery requester terminal 50.

[0080] The delivery requester closes the box 70 using the password (third password) for closing the box 70 transmitted from the server 15, and transmits a notification to the server 15 from the delivery requester terminal 50 that the locking of the box 70 has been completed.

[0081] When the server 15 receives a notification from the delivery requester terminal 50 that the locking of the box 70 has been completed, it updates the status of the box 70 in the box status table to "empty" and sends a notification of receipt completion to the deliverer terminal 60 (S4).

[0082] The next time the box 70 that has been updated to "empty" is used, the third PIN will be used as the currently set PIN (first PIN).

[0083] The PIN management system 10 configured as described above can be operated at low cost without adopting an online management method, and can also be a PIN management system suitable for delivery personnel who deliver goods to delivery requesters.

[0084] [When only the delivery requester registers in the PIN number management system 10 and the delivery person delivers the item to the box] Since the process is basically the same as when both the deliverer and the delivery requester are registered in the PIN number management system 10, only the differences will be explained.

[0085] When depositing items in S3, The deliverer of the goods accesses the server 15 and transmits only the box number of the box 70 he / she wishes to use and the telephone number of the person requesting delivery from the deliverer terminal 60.

[0086] The server 15 checks whether the box number sent by the deliverer (the person sending the package) is currently "empty" and available for use, checks whether the telephone number of the delivery requester (the person receiving the package) is registered in the PIN management system 10, and if it determines that the box is available for use, sends the PIN (first PIN) for opening the box 70 to the deliverer terminal 60.

[0087] In this case, since the deliverer is not registered, the delivery person's registration is confirmed using the delivery requester's telephone number, which is assumed to be held by the deliverer.

[0088] At the end of S4 [Receiving Items], When the server 15 receives a notification from the delivery requester terminal 50 that the locking of the box 70 has been completed, it simply updates the status of the box 70 in the box status table to "empty" and does not send a notification of receipt completion to the deliverer terminal 60.

[0089] Even with this configuration, it can be operated at low cost without adopting an online management method, and it can also be a PIN management system that is suitable for when a delivery person delivers an item to a delivery requester.

[0090] [When only the delivery requester is registered in the PIN number management system 10, and the delivery requester places the goods in the box 70 and has the delivery person come to pick them up] When depositing items in S3, The person requesting delivery of an item accesses the server 15 using the telephone number, web URL, or LINE address printed on the display 75, and transmits the box number of the box 70 they wish to use from the delivery requester terminal 50.

[0091] The server 15 checks whether the box number sent from the delivery requester terminal 50 is currently "empty" and available for use, and if it determines that it is available, sends the PIN (first PIN) for opening the box 70 to the delivery requester terminal 50.

[0092] The box 70 is opened with a personal identification number (first personal identification number) for opening the box 70 transmitted from the server 15, the item to be sent is placed in the box 70, and the delivery requester transmits a notification to the server 15 from the delivery requester terminal 50 that the item has been placed.

[0093] When the server 15 receives a notification from the delivery requester terminal 50 that the item has been placed, it transmits the personal identification number (second personal identification number) for closing the box 70 to the delivery requester terminal 50.

[0094] The box 70 is closed using the PIN number (second PIN number) for closing the box 70 transmitted from the server 15, and the delivery requester transmits a notification to the server 15 from the delivery requester terminal 50 that the locking of the box 70 has been completed.

[0095] When the server 15 receives a notification from the delivery requester terminal 50 that the locking of the box 70 has been completed, it updates the status of the box 70 in the box status table to "package present."

[0096] The delivery requester transmits the box number and the delivery requester's registered telephone number or user ID from the delivery requester terminal 50 to the deliverer terminal 60. In this case, the deliverer is not registered.

[0097] When receiving items in S4, When the delivery requester terminal 50 transmits the box number and the registered telephone number or user ID of the delivery requester to the deliverer terminal 60, based on the access information linked to the transmission, the deliverer transmits from the deliverer terminal 60 to the server 15 a notification that the delivery of the goods will begin, along with the box number where the delivery of the goods will begin and the registered telephone number or user ID of the delivery requester.

[0098] The server 15 checks whether a package addressed to the delivery requester exists in the corresponding box number ("package present"), and if so, sends the PIN number (second PIN number) to the deliverer terminal 60 to open the box 70.

[0099] The deliverer opens the box 70 using the PIN (second PIN) for opening the box 70 transmitted from the server 15 to the deliverer terminal 60, removes the item, and then transmits a notification from the deliverer terminal 60 to the server 15 that the item has been removed from the box 70.

[0100] When the server 15 receives a notification from the deliverer terminal 60 that the item has been removed from the box 70, the server 15 transmits to the deliverer terminal 60 a personal identification number (third personal identification number) for closing the box 70.

[0101] The box 70 is closed using the PIN number (third PIN number) sent from the server 15, and a notification that the box 70 has been locked is sent from the deliverer terminal 60 to the server 15.

[0102] When the deliverer receives a notification from the deliverer terminal 60 that the locking of the box 70 has been completed, the server 15 updates the state of the box in the box status table to "empty" and transmits a notification of receipt completion to the delivery requester terminal 50.

[0103] With this configuration, it is possible to operate at low cost without adopting an online management method, and it is also possible to make a PIN management system suitable for cases where the delivery requester has the item collected by the delivery person and then delivers it.

[0104] [Generate PIN] In order to reduce the number of erroneous passwords when issuing passwords for the box 70, the server 15 generates passwords that are intuitively easy for people to operate or remember.

[0105] When the PIN code is entered using a button-type locking device 71, an intuitively easy-to-understand number is generated so that it forms a line based on the arrangement of the buttons, as shown in Figure 4. Other examples include arranging the numbers in an L-shape or polygonal shape.

[0106] When the PIN code is entered using a dial lock device 71, the same number is repeated as shown in Figure 5 to create a number that is easy to remember when the deliverer and the person requesting delivery (the person sending the package and the person receiving the package) receive and recognize the PIN code. Other examples include arranging the numbers in order, or arranging them in a mnemonic.

[0107] That is, the personal identification number is generated based on at least one of the position, order, and pronunciation of the number associated with the number on the operation unit 72.

[0108] With this configuration, the user can set a PIN that is easy to operate and / or remember.

[0109] [If Box 70 does not open with the PIN] In case the previous box user (deliverer, delivery requester) has set the wrong PIN number for the box 70 and the current user (deliverer, delivery requester) cannot open the box even if he sets the PIN number received from the server 15, the server 15 determines which numbers are likely to be mistaken based on the rules for issuing PIN numbers sent to the previous box user (deliverer, delivery requester) and informs the user of the number.

[0110] In more detail, if box 70 cannot be opened with the PIN number when an item is to be placed in box 70, a notification is sent from delivery requester terminal 50 or delivery person terminal 60 to server 15 indicating that box 70 cannot be opened with the PIN number.

[0111] When the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60 sends a notification to the server 15 that the box 70 cannot be opened with the PIN, the server 15 refers to the box status table in the storage unit 23 of the database server 20 and sends the box number of an available box 70 to the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60. If there is no available box 70, the server 15 sends a message to that effect to the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60.

[0112] When an article is to be taken out of the box 70, if the box 70 cannot be opened with the personal identification number, a notice that the box 70 cannot be opened with the personal identification number is transmitted from the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60 to the server 15.

[0113] When the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60 sends a notification to the server 15 that the box 70 cannot be opened with the PIN, the server 15 sends to the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60 an image of the most recent PIN setting that was sent from the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60 and stored in the memory unit 33 of the web server 30, in other words, a predicted approximate value of the PIN that has been generated based on the most recent PIN information of the most recent PIN setting.

[0114] If there is no previous PIN information, when the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60 sends a notification to the server 15 that the box 70 cannot be opened with the PIN, the server 15 sends to the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60 a predicted approximate value of the PIN, which is generated based on the correct PIN sent immediately before to the box 70.

[0115] When an item is to be placed in the box 70, a predicted approximate value of the personal identification number can be transmitted to the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60.

[0116] In addition, all incorrectly entered PIN numbers are recorded as big data in a database, and numbers that are statistically likely to be entered incorrectly are calculated and learned, and an approximate predicted PIN number is determined.

[0117] Examples of numbers that are easily confused include when the button-type lock device 71 does not open with 456, 560 (operated to the right), 567 (operated by mistake), and 407 (operated by mishearing).

[0118] In addition, if the dial lock device 71 does not open when 1515 is pressed, possible reasons include 5151 (when the numbers are set from the right), 1516 (operation error), and 8515 (operation due to mishearing).

[0119] That is, a predicted approximate value of the PIN is generated based on at least one of the position, sequence, and pronunciation of the number related to the number of the operating unit 72 of the lock device 71, or In some cases, a predicted approximate value of the PIN is generated based on immediately preceding PIN information of the PIN that was set immediately before.

[0120] With this configuration, if a user sets an incorrect PIN, by generating a number that is easily mistaken, it is possible to reduce the processing burden when the box 70 cannot be opened.

[0121] In addition, as another operation when the box 70 cannot be opened, when the box 70 is locked or unlocked, image data of the operation part 72 of the locking device 71 is photographed by the delivery requester terminal 50 or the delivery person terminal 60 and sent to the server 15.

[0122] The server 15 performs image recognition processing on the image data, and by analyzing the position, order, or shape on the screen of the operated dials, buttons, etc., it estimates the PIN number entered by the previous user.

[0123] The server 15 then automatically generates a predicted approximation of the immediately preceding incorrectly entered PIN based on the predicted PIN, and re-notifies the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60 of the approximation for recovery purposes in the event of an incorrect entry.

[0124] By operating in this manner, an image of the operation unit 72 is acquired via the delivery requester terminal 50 or the delivery person terminal 60, etc., and image recognition processing is performed on the server 15 side, making it possible to estimate with high accuracy the PIN number that has been entered incorrectly.

[0125] This means that even if an incorrect entry occurs, the PIN number predicted and generated using machine learning, etc., can be re-notified, allowing for smooth opening and closing operations, thereby achieving both improved operability and security.

[0126] [Benefits of Box 70 being isolated from the outside world] In the present invention, the box 70 is incapable of communicating with the outside world.

[0127] This means that even in the case of a so-called completely offline delivery box that is not connected to any external network, by managing and issuing a PIN number between the delivery requester terminal 50 or the deliverer terminal 60 and the server 15, it is possible to safely and flexibly deliver packages while keeping the box locked at all times.

[0128] In particular, the present invention is configured so that the box 70 cannot be physically connected to the Internet or other communication means, thereby theoretically eliminating security risks such as remote hacking and unauthorized control, while allowing the box to be unlocked and locked with usage restrictions using a PIN number sent from the server 15, thereby achieving both high levels of security and practicality in both physical and logical terms.

[0129] The personal identification number management system 10 of the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various design changes are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0130] For example, it can be applied to boxes such as coin lockers at train stations. In the following description, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted in whole or in part.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 6, the personal identification number management system 110 comprises a server 15, a user terminal 150, and a box 70.

[0132] The user terminal 150 includes an input unit 151, a calculation and control unit 152, a storage unit 153, a communication unit 154, and a display unit 155. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user terminal 150 is a smartphone.

[0133] The input unit 151 is composed of a touchpad and the like. The calculation / control unit 152 is composed of a CPU, RAM, ROM and the like. The storage unit 153 is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, a compact disk drive and the like. The display unit 155 is composed of a liquid crystal display and the like. The communication unit 154 is for communicating with other communication terminals including the Web server 30 and the telephone server 40 via a communication line.

[0134] The operation of the system is the same as that of the personal identification number management system 10, except that communication is only conducted between the server 15 and the user terminal 150.

[0135] The PIN management system 110 includes a user terminal 150 used by a user, a box 70 in which items can be deposited and received, and a server 15 capable of communicating with the user terminal 150. The server 15 has a user information storage means for storing user information relating to a user, a box identification information storage means for storing box identification information for identifying the box 70, a box information storage means for storing box management information relating to management of the box 70, and a personal identification number information storage means for storing personal identification number information relating to a personal identification number for opening and closing the box 70, The box 70 is provided with a locking device 71 that can be opened and closed using a personal identification number, and box identification information (display 75), and is in a locked state before the user begins to use the box. When depositing items in Box 70, When the user terminal 150 transmits the box identification information and the user information to the server 15, the server 15 determines whether the box 70 is available for use based on the box identification information, the box management information, and the user information, and if it determines that the box 70 is available for use, transmits the first personal identification number as the currently set personal identification number to the user terminal 150, When the user terminal 150 sends a notification that an item has been placed in the box 70, the server 15 sends a second personal identification number as a new personal identification number to the user terminal 150. When the user terminal 150 sends a notification that the lock box 70 has been locked, the server 15 sends a notification that the deposit has been completed to the user terminal 150. When you receive your items from Box 70, Based on the access information linked to the notification of the completion of the deposit, the user terminal 150 sends to the server 15 a notification that the item has started to be picked up, along with the box identification information and user information. The server 15 then determines whether the item can be picked up based on the box identification information, box management information, and user information, and if it determines that the item can be picked up, it sends a second PIN to the user terminal 150. When the user terminal 150 sends a notification to the server 15 that the item has been removed from the box 70, the server 15 further sends a third personal identification number as a new personal identification number to the user terminal 150, When the user terminal 150 sends a notification that the locking of the box 70 has been completed, the server 15 updates the box management information so that the box 70 can be used. It can be said to be a PIN number management system.

[0136] The personal identification number management system 110 can be operated at low cost without employing an online management method.

[0137] In addition, when applying to a box such as a coin locker at a train station in the case where the box 70 cannot be opened with the PIN number, the transmission of the box number of an available box 70 and the generated predicted approximate value can also be applied to the user terminal 150. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 10 PIN number management system 15 servers 23 Memory section 50 Delivery requester terminal 60 Delivery person terminal 70 boxes 71 Locking device 72 Control section 110 PIN number management system 150 user terminals

Claims

1. The system comprises a user terminal used by a user, a box in which items can be deposited and received, and a server capable of communicating with the user terminal, the server comprises a user information storage means for storing user information relating to the user, a box identification information storage means for storing box identification information for identifying the box, a box information storage means for storing box management information relating to management of the box, and a personal identification number information storage means for storing personal identification number information relating to a personal identification number for opening and closing the box; The box is provided with a locking device that can be opened and closed by the personal identification number and the box identification information, and is in a locked state before the user starts using the box; When depositing the item in the box, When the user terminal transmits the box identification information and the user information to the server, the server determines whether the box is available for use based on the box identification information, the box management information, and the user information, and if it determines that the box is available for use, transmits a first personal identification number as the currently set personal identification number to the user terminal; When the user terminal transmits a notification that the item has been placed in the box, the server transmits a second personal identification number as the new personal identification number to the user terminal. When the user terminal transmits a notification that the locking of the box has been completed, the server transmits a notification of the completion of the deposit to the user terminal, When receiving the item from the box, When the user terminal transmits the box identification information and the user information to the server along with a notification that collection has begun based on the access information linked to the notification of the completion of the deposit, the server determines whether or not the item can be collected based on the box identification information, the box management information, and the user information, and if it determines that the item can be collected, transmits the second PIN to the user terminal; When the user terminal transmits a notification to the server that the item has been removed from the box, the server further transmits a third personal identification number as the new personal identification number to the user terminal; When the user terminal transmits a notification that the locking of the box has been completed, the server updates the box management information to enable the box to be used. A personal identification number management system characterized by:

2. The system comprises a user terminal used by a user, a box in which items can be deposited and received, and a server capable of communicating with the user terminal, the server comprises a user information storage means for storing user information relating to the user, a box identification information storage means for storing box identification information for identifying the box, a box information storage means for storing box management information relating to management of the box, and a personal identification number information storage means for storing personal identification number information relating to a personal identification number for opening and closing the box; The users include a deliverer and a delivery requester, The user terminal includes a deliverer terminal used by the deliverer and a delivery requester terminal used by the delivery requester, The user information includes at least delivery requester information, The box is provided with a locking device that can be opened and closed by the personal identification number and the box identification information, and is in a locked state before the user starts using the box; When the delivery person deposits the item in the box, When the box identification information and the delivery requester information are transmitted from the deliverer terminal to the server, the server determines whether the box is available for use based on the box identification information, the box management information, and the delivery requester information, and if it determines that the box is available for use, transmits a first personal identification number as the currently set personal identification number to the deliverer terminal, When the deliverer terminal transmits a notification that the item has been placed in the box, the server transmits a second personal identification number as the new personal identification number to the deliverer terminal. When the deliverer terminal transmits a notification that the locking of the box has been completed, the server updates the box management information to indicate that there is a package, and transmits a notification of the completion of deposit to the delivery requester terminal. When the delivery requester receives the item from the box, When the delivery requester terminal transmits to the server a notification that receipt has begun, along with the box identification information and the delivery requester information, based on the access information linked to the notification of deposit completion, the server determines whether or not the item can be received based on the box identification information, the box management information, and the delivery requester information, and if it determines that the item can be received, transmits the second PIN to the delivery requester terminal; When the delivery requester terminal transmits to the server a notification that the item has been removed from the box, the server further transmits a third personal identification number as the new personal identification number to the delivery requester terminal; When the delivery requester terminal transmits a notification that the box has been locked, the server updates the box management information to enable the box to be used, and, if there is deliverer information for the deliverer, transmits a receipt completion notification to the deliverer terminal. A personal identification number management system characterized by:

3. The system comprises a user terminal used by a user, a box in which items can be deposited and received, and a server capable of communicating with the user terminal, the server comprises a user information storage means for storing user information relating to the user, a box identification information storage means for storing box identification information for identifying the box, a box information storage means for storing box management information relating to management of the box, and a personal identification number information storage means for storing personal identification number information relating to a personal identification number for opening and closing the box; The users include a deliverer and a delivery requester, The user terminal includes a deliverer terminal used by the deliverer and a delivery requester terminal used by the delivery requester, The user information includes at least delivery requester information, The box is provided with a locking device that can be opened and closed by the personal identification number and the box identification information, and is in a locked state before the user starts using the box; When the delivery requester deposits the item in the box, When the delivery requester terminal transmits the box identification information and the delivery requester information to the server, the server determines whether the box is available for use based on the box identification information, the box management information, and the delivery requester information, and if it determines that the box is available for use, transmits a first personal identification number as the currently set personal identification number to the delivery requester terminal; When the delivery requester terminal transmits a notification that the item has been placed in the box, the server transmits a second personal identification number as the new personal identification number to the delivery requester terminal. When the delivery requester terminal sends a notification that the locking of the box has been completed, the server updates the box management information to indicate that there is a package, The delivery requester terminal transmits a notification of the completion of deposit and the delivery requester information to the delivery terminal, When receiving the item from the box, When the deliverer terminal transmits the box identification information and the delivery requester information to the server along with a notification that receipt has begun based on the access information linked to the notification of deposit completion, the server determines whether the depositor is the delivery requester based on the box identification information and the delivery requester information, and if it determines that the depositor is the delivery requester, transmits the second PIN to the deliverer terminal; When the deliverer terminal transmits a notification to the server that the item has been removed from the box, the server further transmits a third personal identification number as a new personal identification number to the deliverer terminal, When the deliverer terminal transmits a notification that the locking of the box has been completed, the server transmits a notification of receipt completion to the delivery requester terminal and updates the box management information to enable the box to be used. A personal identification number management system characterized by:

4. A PIN management system as described in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the server generates the PIN based on at least one of the position, order, and number pronunciation related to the number of the operating section where the lock device is operated.

5. The server In order to cope with the case where the personal identification number is input incorrectly, a predicted approximate value of the personal identification number is generated based on at least one of the position, order, and pronunciation of the number associated with the number of the operation unit by which the lock device is operated, for the personal identification number set immediately before; A PIN management system as described in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the predicted approximate value can be transmitted to the user terminal, the delivery person terminal and the delivery requester terminal where the predicted approximate value is required.

6. In order to deal with the case where the personal identification number is entered incorrectly, the server Sent from any one of the user terminal, the delivery person terminal, or the delivery requester terminal, When the box is locked, an operation unit that operates the locking device is photographed and acquired, and a predicted approximate value of the PIN is generated based on at least one of the position, order, and pronunciation of the number associated with the number of the operation unit for the immediately previous PIN information of the PIN that was set immediately before; A PIN management system as described in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the predicted approximate value can be transmitted to the user terminal, the delivery person terminal and the delivery requester terminal where the predicted approximate value is required.

7. In order to deal with the case where the personal identification number is entered incorrectly, the server The personal identification number mistakenly entered into the operation unit is estimated by image recognition processing based on image information acquired by photographing an operation unit where the locking device is operated, which is transmitted from any one of the user terminal, the delivery person terminal, or the delivery requester terminal, and a predicted approximate value of the personal identification number is generated based on the estimation result. A PIN management system as described in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the predicted approximate value can be transmitted to the user terminal, the delivery person terminal, or the delivery requester terminal where the predicted approximate value is required.

8. 4. A personal identification number management system according to claim 1, wherein said box is incapable of communicating with the outside.

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