Microdepot system

Abstract

To enable construction of a platform which is convenient for both a deliverer and a receiver of a small package and in which a profit of a provider of a small-scale simple collection and delivery facility (microdepot) of a transfer place of the package is also considered.SOLUTION: Receiving, by a central management computer including a database storing management information of a microdepot, a use request from a use requester terminal, searching for an empty slot of a storage space of a microdepot having a high geographical correlation with a delivery location from a plurality of registered microdepots, causing the use requester to select an empty slot matching the request, obtaining, from a deliverer and a receiver of a package, an agreement to deliver and receive the package into the empty slot, causing the use requester to conclude a use contract for the empty slot for which the agreement is obtained, and managing overdue use of the use contract; The network computer system according to claim 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for smoothly delivering small parcels between the sender and the recipient by utilizing small-scale simplified collection and delivery facilities (hereinafter referred to as "microdepots") located in locations convenient for the recipient. [Background technology]

[0002] The volume of e-commerce transactions has been steadily increasing as large-scale e-commerce operators expand their businesses, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend. However, while e-commerce offers convenience, the volume of parcels being delivered has also increased sharply, and the burden of parcel delivery has suddenly emerged as the so-called last-mile problem in the distribution industry. Furthermore, recipients of parcels are dissatisfied with parcel delivery services, as they are unable to receive their needed parcels in a timely manner due to reasons such as not being at home.

[0003] On the other hand, in the transportation industry, user-friendly platforms have emerged that broaden the range of service providers and enable freelancers to play a part in the transportation industry using their personal vehicles, such as the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, and the gig economy is beginning to take root in certain industries.

[0004] Against this background, there are inventions such as that disclosed in Patent Document 2 that aim to provide a flexible solution to the last-mile problem by providing temporary storage spaces such as lockers along the delivery process and allowing various transportation service providers to utilize them. However, the invention of Patent Document 2 does not incorporate a means for entering into a usage contract between the temporary storage space provider and its user (the person responsible for delivery, the person responsible for receiving, or a third party cooperating with both companies), and the process for reaching an agreement between the person responsible for delivery and the person responsible for receiving regarding the selection of a temporary storage space for the delivery and receipt of small packages is not clear. For this reason, there is no guaranteed incentive for the temporary storage space provider and its users to use the system, and it is thought that there remain issues to be overcome in the widespread use of the entire system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-500681 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-200588 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] To provide a network computer system which provides the most suitable temporary storage space from among many available ones registered in the system, taking into consideration the convenience of a delivery manager and a receiving manager, enables delivery and receipt of small parcels through the space, and also considers giving an incentive to a temporary storage space provider to participate in the system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In a network computer system that manages a plurality of storage spaces provided within a microdepot, a central management computer including one or more processors and a database that stores management information for the microdepot (hereinafter referred to as a "microdepot management information database") performs the steps of: (1) receiving a usage request including geographical information from a terminal of a person requesting use of the microdepot and terminal information of a person in charge of delivery and a person in charge of receiving (hereinafter referred to as a "microdepot visitor"); and (2) searching for a microdepot that is highly correlated with the geographical information from the plurality of microdepots registered in the microdepot management information database, and further processing information on available storage space within the microdepot obtained as a result of the search. This problem is solved by a network computer system that executes the following steps: (1) searching for a storage space that has been designated as a storage space; (2) responding to one or more of the availability information to the computer device of the user requesting use; (3) responding to one or more of the availability information to the computer device of the user requesting use; (4) receiving a selection request from the availability information from the availability information; (5) sending the selection request information to the microdepot visitor terminal; (6) receiving consent to the selection request from the visitor terminal; (7) having the user requesting use conclude a usage contract for a specific time period for the specific storage space for which consent has been obtained; and (8) sending a request for payment of an additional fee to the computer device of the user requesting use based on the usage contract. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention enables providers of microdepot resources, small parcel delivery companies that use microdepots, and users of delivery services to work together and mutually enjoy the benefits of microdepots. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall view of an example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of software implemented in a central management computer, which is an element of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an example of a delivery service using the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of an example of a program executed by a central control computer that is an element of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen of a responsible recipient terminal according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen of a usage requester terminal according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the reference numerals used in the drawings are common throughout and the same reference numerals indicate the same parts, the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] <System configuration> An example of the overall configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The overall system 100 comprises a central management computer 120, which is comprised of a server 121 with one or more built-in processors and a database 122, a delivery manager terminal 140, a receiving manager terminal 150, and a microdepot computer 131, all connected via a network 110 for intercommunication. Here, the network 110 is typically the Internet, but may also be configured using a dedicated line. Terminal 160 represents a user requester terminal, but either the delivery manager terminal 140 or the receiving manager terminal 150 may function as the user requester terminal. Terminals 140, 150, and 160 are typically smartphones, but may also be other general-purpose information terminals such as personal computers or tablet terminals. When the delivery manager is a large-scale business, the system may be configured using the management computer 141 instead of the terminal 140.

[0012] The microdepot 130 provides users with storage spaces 132 to 134 managed by a microdepot computer 131 connected to the network 110. The number of storage spaces is merely an example and is determined by the resource provider depending on the number of users. A typical storage space configuration is a group locker. The resource provider determines the location of the storage space, taking into consideration user convenience, profitability, and public interest, such as within the premises of a commercial facility such as a convenience store, a parking lot, an empty space in a private residence, or space owned by a public institution. The storage space is equipped with security equipment (locking mechanisms, internal and external monitoring mechanisms, etc.) and is operated and managed by the microdepot computer 131. The microdepot computer 131 is configured to detect events such as the arrival of a delivery manager or receiving manager (hereinafter referred to as a "microdepot visitor"), the locking or unlocking of the temporary storage space, and the presence or absence of delivery packages using sensors installed inside and outside the storage space. Sensors can be selected appropriately from image sensors, infrared sensors, temperature sensors, mechanical sensors, etc.

[0013] Once the micro-depot usage contract is completed, the delivery manager 1 can bring the delivery package 10 to the micro-depot 130, unlock the storage space to be used, store the package there, and complete the delivery. The receiving manager 2 can unlock the storage space to be used and receive the delivery package 10.

[0014] The geographic information providing computer 170, which is composed of a geographic information database 172 and a server 171, provides geographic information for the central management computer 120 to search for a microdepot that meets the usage request. For example, it provides information on the distance between two addresses or information on nearby public transportation terminals. The geographic information providing computer 170 may be configured to be built into the central management computer 120.

[0015] <Software configuration> An example of the configuration of software implemented in the central management computer 120 will be described with reference to FIG. The overall configuration 200 is made up of a network interface unit 260 for communicating with the outside world via the network 110, a geographic information processing unit 220, a resource provider management unit 230 for registering and managing providers of microdepot resources, a resource user management unit 240 for registering and managing users of the microdepot, an invoice management unit 250 for managing charges for usage, and a usage contract management unit 210 for managing the overall system via the databases used by these units. The invoice management unit 250 may be linked to an external payment system (not shown) such as a credit card, and have a function for settling usage fees.

[0016] The databases referenced by the usage contract management unit 210 are the microdepot management information database 270, which is related to the operation and management of the microdepot, the usage request management database 241, which manages usage requests, the visitor management database 242, which manages visitor access to the microdepot, and the usage contract database 211, which manages contractual matters such as usage fees.

[0017] <Example of delivery service> FIG. 3 shows an example of a flow 300 for a delivery service using a microdepot. The user requester is a party to a microdepot service contract and may be a delivery manager, a receiving manager, or a third party entrusted with either. The user requester sends a usage request 311 from the user requester terminal 160 to the central management computer 120 via the network. The usage request 311 includes information for identifying the terminal on the network 110, such as delivery destination information (e.g., address), information defining the location and storage space requirements of the microdepot (e.g., size and type of package), and information for identifying the terminal on the network 110, such as the email addresses of the delivery manager and / or receiving manager who need access to the temporary storage space. The central management computer 120 accepts the usage request, performs geographic information processing on the delivery destination information, and stores information on available microdepot storage space that is highly geographically correlated with the delivery destination, has the required storage space attributes (e.g., size, temperature control, etc.) that match the usage request, in a request response 312, and returns the response to the user requester terminal 160. If there is a storage space in a microdepot that matches the request, the requester selects it and sends a selection request 313 to the central management computer 120. The central management computer that receives the selection request stores a flag indicating that the storage space (e.g., 132) in that microdepot 130 has been selected in the microdepot management information database 270 for exclusive processing.

[0018] Furthermore, the central management computer 120 transmits an approval request 321 to the terminals (140 and / or 150) of the delivery manager and / or receiving manager who need to access the storage space 132 of the micro-depot 130 that received the selection request, requesting approval to deliver or receive the parcel at the storage space 132 of that micro-depot 130. For example, if the requester is the delivery manager, the approval request 321 need only be sent to the receiving manager terminal 150. An example of the approval request 321 displayed on the screen of the receiving manager terminal 150 is shown in Figure 5. If the approval request 321 is approved, a reservation approval 322 is sent back to the central management computer 120 from the delivery manager terminal 140 and / or receiving manager terminal 150.

[0019] Upon receiving the reservation acceptance 322, the central management computer 120 registers the conclusion of the service contract in the service contract management database 211. Before the service contract is concluded, a step of transmitting terms of use to the service requester terminal 160 to obtain acceptance may be provided. Once the service contract is established, the central management computer 120 transmits contract information 323 to the microdepot computer 131 of the microdepot 130 for which the service contract has been concluded, and thereafter repeats inquiries and responses 324 regarding the status of the storage space 132 for which the service contract has been concluded, checking whether the delivery of the delivery parcel 10 has been completed via the storage space 132 for which the service contract has been concluded. The central management computer 120 transmits and receives inquiries and responses 314 between the service requester terminals 160.

[0020] The delivery manager 1 brings the parcel 10 to the storage space 132 of the reserved micro-depot 130 (331). It is desirable that the micro-depot 130 and the storage space 132 be configured to have access management. Regarding access management, when a service contract is concluded, key information for the micro-depot 130 and the temporary storage space 132 may be sent from the central management computer 120 to the service requester terminal 160, or may be sent to the delivery manager terminal 140 and / or the receiving manager terminal 150, respectively. The key information may be an electronic key that can be used to unlock and lock the parcel using short-range communication, or an analog key such as a dial-type lock. The receiving manager 2 then retrieves the parcel 10 from the storage space (332), completing the service contract. The receiving manager terminal 150 may also be notified that the delivery has been completed.

[0021] When the service contract is completed, the central management computer 120 sends a contract completion notice 315 to the service requester terminal 160. However, sometimes, for some reason, a microdepot visitor does not show up within the contract period, causing the service contract to be overdue. In this case, the central management computer 120 performs overdue management and sends a notice of the overdue status (and a late fee request) 316 to the service requester terminal 160. Upon being notified of the overdue status, the service requester can take action to resolve the overdue status, such as collecting the delivery package. Figure 6 shows an example of a notice screen of the overdue status displayed on the service requester terminal 160.

[0022] <Example of a flowchart> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a program executed in the central management computer 120. Although not shown in Figure 4, a person who wishes to provide a microdepot resource using the present invention transmits information about the resources they possess (location, storage space specifications (size, temperature and humidity control capabilities, security capabilities (monitoring sensors, locking and unlocking devices))) via a network to the central management computer 120, and grants access to the microdepot computer that manages the microdepot. The central management computer 120 then creates an entry in the microdepot management information database 270 that includes the resource information and access permission information. This enables the microdepot to accept usage requests. This process may also be configured to conclude a resource provision contract, including system usage conditions, between the resource provider and the platform operator related to the present invention.

[0023] In step S41, a usage request is received from the usage requester terminal 160. Next, in step S42, the content of the usage request is analyzed (here, important information included in the usage request is the delivery (receiving) destination address and the characteristics of the delivery package (size, need for refrigeration, etc.)). The delivery (receiving) destination address is geographically analyzed, and the microdepot management information database 270 is consulted along with the characteristics information of the delivery package to identify candidate microdepots and their internal storage spaces that match the characteristics of the delivery package. Next, in step S43, information about the candidate microdepots and their available storage spaces is sent to the usage requester terminal 160, and a response is received from the usage requester terminal asking whether to provisionally reserve one of the candidate available storage spaces, depending on the user's selection. In step S44, depending on the response from the usage requester terminal, the process proceeds to step S45, where it is determined whether to proceed to exclusive processing of the available space, or to the termination processing of step S4B, depending on the selection request, since no candidate matching the usage request exists.

[0024] After the exclusion process for the storage space for which the selection request was received in step S45, in step S46 a consent request is sent to the delivery manager terminal 140 and / or the receiving manager terminal 150 to confirm whether the microdepot visitors who will actually receive and deliver the delivery package agree to the delivery of the delivery package in that microdepot's storage space, and a response is received. If consent is obtained from all microdepot visitors in step S47, the process proceeds to the conclusion of a usage contract in step S48. If any microdepot visitors do not agree, the process proceeds to the end step of S4B.

[0025] In step S49, based on the concluded usage contract, confirmation is made by communicating with the microdepot computer 131 via the network 110 as to whether or not delivery of the delivery parcel has been completed. If delivery of the delivery parcel 10 is not completed within the usage contract expiration date, the process proceeds to overdue management in step S4A, and a notice of overdue payment and a request for overdue fees are sent to the usage requester terminal 160. If delivery of the delivery parcel has been completed based on the usage contract, the process proceeds to step S4B, where termination processing is performed. During the termination processing, the process may be configured to link with an external payment method such as a credit card via the network 110 and settle the usage fee. [Industrial Applicability]

[0026] The present invention makes it possible to build a platform that mediates online contracts between microdepot resource providers and users. Regarding the profitability of this platform business, one possible business model is a typical gig economy model in which the network system of the present invention collects platform usage fees, including late fees, from users requesting microdepot use and returns a portion of those fees to the microdepot resource provider. Another possible business model is to position the platform business as a public service for residents in depopulated areas where delivery is difficult, subsidizing operating expenses from the public budget to balance income and expenditure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0027] 100 Overall System 110 Network 120 Central Management Computer System Server with 121 processors 122 Microdepot Management Information Database 130 Micro Depot 132~134 Storage space 140 Delivery manager terminal 150 Receiving Officer Terminal 160 User request terminal

Claims

[Claim 1] In a network computer system for managing a plurality of storage spaces provided within a small-scale simplified collection and delivery facility (hereinafter referred to as a "microdepot"), a central management computer including one or more processors and a database (hereinafter referred to as a "microdepot management information database") storing management information for the microdepot, (1) receives a usage request from a terminal of a person requesting the use of the microdepot, the usage request including geographical information and terminal information of a person in charge of delivery and / or a person in charge of receiving (hereinafter referred to as a "microdepot visitor"); and (2) searches the plurality of microdepots registered in the microdepot management information database for a microdepot that has a high correlation with the geographical information, and calculates the storage space within the microdepot obtained as a result of the search. (3) a step of further searching for vacant space information; (4) a step of receiving a selection request in which the user requester selects a specific pessimistic space from the vacant space information; (5) a step of sending information regarding the selection request to the microdepot visitor terminal; (6) a step of receiving consent to the selection request from the visitor terminal; (7) a step of having the user requester enter into a usage contract for a specific time period for the specific storage space for which consent has been obtained; and (8) a step of sending a request for payment of an additional fee to the user requester terminal based on the usage contract.

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