Locker management device, locker management method, and locker management program

Abstract

Use the locker where your luggage is stored to properly ship your luggage. [Solution] The locker management device 100 according to this embodiment has a reception unit 122, a notification unit 123, and a fee determination unit 127. The reception unit 122 receives requests for delivery of luggage deposited in lockers from the user's terminal. When the reception unit 122 receives a delivery request, the notification unit 123 notifies the delivery company's terminal of the information of the locker where the luggage was deposited and the information of the delivery destination of the luggage. The fee determination unit 127 determines the delivery fee for luggage deposited in lockers.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , ,

[0005] , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a locker management device, a locker management method, and a locker management program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, locker devices for temporarily storing users' luggage have been installed in public facilities such as stations. In addition, such locker devices are also used for luggage delivery (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, there are cases where luggage cannot be properly shipped using a locker in which luggage has been deposited. For example, in the prior art, for luggage that has already been deposited in a locker by a user, when a delivery request is received from the user after the deposit, the locker in which the luggage has been deposited cannot be switched from the deposit state to the delivery state, and the usage fee for the service to be billed to the user cannot be calculated, so the luggage cannot be properly shipped.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the locker management device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a reception unit that receives requests for delivery of luggage deposited in a locker from a user's terminal; a notification unit that, when a delivery request is received by the reception unit, notifies the delivery company's terminal of information about the locker where the luggage is deposited and information about the delivery destination of the luggage; and a fee determination unit that determines the delivery fee for luggage deposited in a locker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to properly ship luggage using lockers in which the luggage has been deposited. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a package delivery system using a locker management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a locker management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of data stored in the storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of data stored in the storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the processing of the proposed unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the processing of the adjustment unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the processing of the fee determination unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a specific example of the processing performed by the locker management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a specific example of the processing performed by the locker management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a specific example of a series of processes performed by the adjustment unit and display control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of a locker management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a computer that implements the processing of the locker management device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the locker management device, locker management method, and locker management program according to the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that these embodiments do not limit the locker management device, locker management method, and locker management program according to the present application. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0009] [Introduction] (Overall structure) First, the overall configuration of the parcel delivery system having the locker management device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a parcel delivery system using the locker management device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the parcel delivery system has a locker management device 100, a plurality of locker devices 200-1 to 200-n, a delivery company server 300, and a user terminal 400, and each device is connected to communicate via a network.

[0010] The locker management device 100 is an information processing device that manages the reservation status, management status, and delivery request details of each of the multiple locker devices 200, and is implemented by a server device or a cloud system. For example, the locker management device 100 stores the management status of the lockers owned by each locker device 200, and when it receives a delivery request from a user, it determines the delivery fee for the package.

[0011] The locker device 200 is a locker device provided with a plurality of lockers for storing luggage deposited by a user, and is communicably connected to the locker management device 100 by a provided control device, and controls opening and closing of doors of each locker. For example, the locker device 200 has a plurality of lockers of different sizes, large, medium, and small, and temporarily stores luggage deposited by a user.

[0012] The delivery company server 300 is a server device owned by a delivery company that performs a business of delivering the user's luggage deposited in a locker to a designated delivery destination, and is realized by a computer, a cloud system, or the like. For example, the delivery company server 300 receives a request for delivery of luggage from the locker management device 100, and notifies the content of the received request to a terminal owned by a delivery person.

[0013] The user terminal 400 is an information processing terminal owned by a user who requests deposit of luggage and delivery of luggage, and is realized by a smartphone, a tablet, or the like. For example, the user terminal 400 accesses a dedicated website that receives requests for use of a locker and delivery by a user's operation, and inputs information for making a reservation for use of a locker and a delivery request.

[0014] (Processing content of the locker management device 100) Subsequently, the processing content of the locker management device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The locker management device 100 receives a request for delivery of luggage deposited in a locker from the user terminal 400. Then, when the delivery request is received, the locker management device 100 notifies the delivery company server 300 of information on the locker in which the luggage is deposited and information on the delivery destination of the luggage, and determines the delivery fee for the luggage deposited in the locker.

[0015] For example, the locker management device 100 receives a request for delivery of luggage already stored in the locker from the user terminal 400. Then, the locker management device 100 receives information such as the delivery destination and the desired delivery date and time for the request for delivery of the luggage, and notifies the delivery company server 300 of information such as the information of the locker currently used by the user and the information used for the delivery of the luggage including the delivery destination and the desired delivery date and time. And when the locker management device 100 receives a notification from the delivery company server 300 that the delivery of the luggage has been completed, it determines the delivery fee for the delivered luggage.

[0016] Thereby, even when the user cannot collect the luggage by the expiration date, the locker management device 100 can send the luggage already stored in the locker to the delivery destination according to the user's delivery request, so it can be said that the luggage can be appropriately sent using the locker in which the luggage is stored.

[0017] 〔Configuration of Locker Management Device 100〕 Next, an example of the functional configuration of the locker management device 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the locker management device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the locker management device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130.

[0018] The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. For example, the communication unit 110 is communicably connected to the locker device 200, the delivery company server 300, and the user terminal 400 via a network such as the Internet, and realizes the transmission and reception of information with each device.

[0019] The storage unit 130 is realized by, for example, a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a hard disk. The storage unit 130 stores data and programs necessary for various processes by the control unit 120. Note that the storage device may be realized by a storage system or the like installed outside the locker management device 100.

[0020] The storage unit 130 stores information such as the current management status of each locker in the locker device 200 managed by the locker management device 100, information regarding requests for delivery of packages received from users, and the status of locker usage reservations for each day. The information stored in the storage unit 130 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figures 3 and 4 show examples of data stored in the storage unit according to this embodiment.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the storage unit 130 stores, for example, the following items for each locker in locker device A, which is an example of a locker device 200 managed by the locker management device 100: "locker number", "locker size", "management status", "user PIN", "delivery person PIN", and "delivery destination".

[0022] The "Locker Number" field stores the identification number assigned to each locker in locker device A, and the "Locker Size" field stores the size of the locker (small, medium, or large). The "Management Status" field stores the current management status of the locker, such as deposited, vacant, reserved, or delivered.

[0023] The "User PIN" stores the PIN set on the locker when a user makes a reservation for use, which the user uses to unlock the locker. The "User PIN" also stores the PIN set on the locker when a delivery request is received from the user, which the delivery person uses to unlock the locker. The "Delivery Destination" stores information such as the building name and address of the delivery destination related to the delivery request received from the user. Note that the "User PIN" and "Delivery Personnel PIN" may store information other than PINs, for example, information for unlocking the locker such as a QR code.

[0024] For example, the memory unit 130 stores information about locker number "1" of locker device A, including that the locker size is "small," the current management status is "delivery" (accepting a request for delivery of a package), the user PIN "xxx" and the delivery person PIN "xxx" have been set, and the delivery destination of the package is "Hotel A."

[0025] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 130 stores, for example, the "locker number" and the "management status" for each date for each locker in the locker device A shown in Figure 3. Here, the storage unit 130 stores the current management status for the target date and time, which is set according to the content of the locker usage reservation or delivery request received from the user.

[0026] For example, the memory unit 130 stores the management status of locker number "1" from "5 / 15 to 5 / 19" as "5 / 15: Deposited", "5 / 16: Delivered", "5 / 17: Reserved", "5 / 18: Reserved", and "5 / 19: Reserved".

[0027] The control unit 120 is implemented by a processor such as an integrated circuit (CPU), MPU, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) executing various programs stored in the storage device inside the locker management device 100 using RAM or the like as the working area. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, the control unit 120 includes a proposal unit 121, a reception unit 122, a notification unit 123, an adjustment unit 124, a display control unit 125, a registration unit 126, and a fee determination unit 127.

[0028] The suggestion unit 121 proposes to the user terminal 400 either extending the use of the locker where the luggage is stored, or having the luggage delivered, or both. For example, if the usage period of the locker where the luggage is stored is about to expire, the suggestion unit 121 displays a suggestion screen on the user terminal 400 with buttons that allow the user to choose between extending the locker usage period or having the luggage delivered.

[0029] Here, with reference to Figure 5, a specific example of the processing of the proposal unit 121 will be given. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the processing of the proposal unit according to the embodiment. Figure 5 shows an example in which the proposal screen is displayed on the user terminal 400 at "22:30", 30 minutes before the pre-set expiration date "23:00".

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the suggestion unit 121 detects that a package has been stored in locker 2 at "22:30", 30 minutes before the expiration date. The suggestion unit 121 then displays a suggestion screen on the user terminal 400 of the user using locker 2 where the package is stored, showing two selectable buttons: an "Extend" button indicating an extension of the locker's usage period and a "Delivery" button indicating delivery of the package stored in the locker.

[0031] This allows the suggestion unit 121 to prompt users of lockers with a short time remaining to retrieve their belongings, and at the same time, to suggest extensions or delivery options if the user is unable to retrieve their belongings. The timing of the suggestion unit 121's suggestion of extension or delivery is not particularly limited; it can be done anytime before the expiration date.

[0032] The reception unit 122 receives requests for delivery of packages stored in lockers from the user terminal 400. For example, if the "Delivery" button on the suggestion screen displayed by the suggestion unit 121 is pressed, or if the user requests package delivery themselves before the suggestion screen is displayed, the reception unit 122 further receives one or more of the following information: locker information, package delivery destination information, package delivery date and time information, and package quantity information.

[0033] The delivery date and time accepted by the reception unit 122 is any date the user wishes for delivery, for example, it accepts a date two days from the current date when the delivery request is made. In this case, the locker management device 100 can manage the locker where the luggage is stored by setting the locker management status from the current date to "extended," thereby preventing other users from making reservations for the locker.

[0034] Furthermore, the delivery destinations for packages accepted by the reception unit 122 are not particularly limited; for example, any location where packages can be delivered, such as a hotel, airport, bus stop, train station, or home, is acceptable, and the unit accepts information such as the name and address of the delivery destination building.

[0035] When a delivery request is received by the reception unit 122, the notification unit 123 notifies the delivery company server 300 of the information about the locker where the package is stored and the information about the delivery destination of the package. For example, when a delivery request is received from a user by the reception unit 122, the notification unit 123 notifies the delivery company server 300 of the information used for package delivery, such as the information about the locker where the package is stored, the information about the delivery destination of the package, the information about the delivery date and time of the package, and the information about the number of packages.

[0036] The adjustment unit 124 cancels a user's locker reservation if the reception unit 122 has received a request for an extension of locker usage or a request for delivery of luggage, and the extended period of use of the locker has been reserved by another user for the same locker during the extended period.

[0037] For example, if the adjustment unit 124 receives an extension request or a delivery request and the current user who is currently using the locker extends the locker usage period, and another user has reserved the same locker during the extended period, resulting in an overlap in locker usage periods, the adjustment unit 124 cancels the other user's reservation for the extended period.

[0038] Here, the adjustment unit 124 can, for example, suggest to the user whose reservation was canceled that they switch to a locker of a larger size that is available, if the current user extends the locker usage period and there are no available lockers of the same size as the one to be extended during the extended period, but there are available lockers of a larger size than the one to be extended.

[0039] Furthermore, the adjustment unit 124 can cancel the locker reservation of the user who made the latest locker reservation, selected from among users who have reserved a locker of the same size or larger as the locker reserved for use during the extended period.

[0040] Here, with reference to Figure 6, the processing of the adjustment unit 124 will be explained with specific examples. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the processing of the adjustment unit according to the embodiment. Figure 6 shows an example of the process of identifying a user who will cancel their reservation from among users with locker sizes of the same size or larger, such as "small" or "medium," when a user with a "small" locker size has requested an extension.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6, if a user who deposited luggage in locker number "2," which is a "small" size locker, on "5 / 15" requests an extension of the locker's usage period, the reservation and the extended usage period for the same locker will overlap on "5 / 16." In such a case, the adjustment unit 124 refers to the information of lockers "1," "3," and "4," which are the same size or larger than the "small" size of locker number "2" for which the extension of usage has been requested.

[0042] Here, the management status for locker number "1" and locker number "3" on 5 / 16 is both "reserved," and the management status for locker number "4" on 5 / 16 is "delivered," meaning that none of the lockers are available. Therefore, the adjustment unit 124 compares the reservation acceptance dates and times for locker numbers "1" through "3," which are in the "reserved" management status and can be canceled, and identifies user "Z" who reserved locker number "3," which has the latest reservation acceptance date and time of "5 / 12 / 11:00." Then, the adjustment unit 124 cancels the usage reservation for locker number "3" for the identified user "Z."

[0043] As a result, when the adjustment unit 124 needs to cancel a reservation made by a user due to an extension of locker usage time, it can cancel the reservation of the user with the latest reservation time among users who have reserved lockers of the same size or larger, and reassign the reservation of a user who made an earlier reservation to the canceled locker.

[0044] Furthermore, the identification of users who cancel their reservations by the adjustment unit 124 is not limited to the process described above. For example, it is also possible to identify users who cancel their reservations from among non-member users by checking whether users who have reserved lockers of the same size or larger are members of the parcel delivery service according to this embodiment.

[0045] The display control unit 125 causes the adjustment unit 124 to display information indicating that the locker reservation has been canceled on the user terminal 400 of a designated user whose locker reservation has been canceled. For example, the display control unit 125 causes the user terminal 400 owned by the user whose locker reservation has been canceled by the adjustment unit 124 to display a reservation cancellation notification screen on the user terminal 400 owned by the user whose locker reservation has been canceled by the adjustment unit 124, which contains the reason for the cancellation, the date and time, the locker number, etc.

[0046] Furthermore, the display control unit 125 can, for example, display information to the user terminal 400 of the user who reserved the locker subject to extension if the reservation of the user with the latest reservation acceptance time for a locker of the same size or larger is canceled. To illustrate with an example in Figure 6, the display control unit 125 can display a screen to the user terminal 400 of user "Y", who reserved locker number "2", notifying that the locker subject to the reservation has been changed from locker number "2" to locker number "3".

[0047] The registration unit 126 registers identification information to determine the number of packages deposited in the locker. For example, the registration unit 126 acquires images taken inside the locker when a delivery person retrieves packages deposited in the locker, via the delivery company server 300, as identification information to determine the number of packages, and registers it in the storage unit 130.

[0048] Here, the image captured inside the locker is not particularly limited as long as it is an image that can determine the number of items inside the locker; for example, it may be an image captured by a camera installed inside the locker. In addition to the image described above, the identification information may also be, for example, information indicating the number of stickers attached to each item by attaching stickers output from the locker device 200 to the items.

[0049] The fee determination unit 127 determines the shipping fee for luggage deposited in the locker. For example, the fee determination unit 127 calculates the shipping fee to be charged to the user for luggage deposited in the locker by the user, taking into account the size and weight of the luggage, the distance to the delivery destination, and the handling fee for the delivery service.

[0050] Furthermore, the fee determination unit 127 uses the identification information registered by the registration unit 126 to determine additional shipping charges according to the number of packages. For example, the fee determination unit 127 determines the number of packages inside the locker from the image of the inside of the locker stored in the storage unit 130. Then, the fee determination unit 127 compares the number of packages inside the locker with the number of packages received from the user terminal 400, and if there is a difference in the number of packages, it calculates additional shipping charges and determines them as the shipping charges to be billed to the user.

[0051] Furthermore, the fee determination unit 127 can determine the shipping fee by, for example, referring to whether or not the user is a member of the parcel delivery service according to this embodiment. For example, the fee determination unit 127 can discount the fee for the delivery service if the user terminal 400 that has received a locker reservation and delivery request matches a terminal that has been registered in advance as a member.

[0052] Here, with reference to Figure 7, a specific example of the processing of the fee determination unit will be explained. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the processing of the fee determination unit according to the embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example of the processing in which the fee determination unit 127 determines the fee to be charged to the user when the user deposits luggage on "5 / 15" and sets "5 / 17" as the desired delivery date, two days later.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 7, the locker management device 100 receives a request from a user for delivery of a package deposited in locker number "3" on May 15th, two days later, on May 17th. In this case, the locker management device 100 sets the management status for May 16th, the period from today until the delivery date, as "extended," and sets the management status for May 17th, the delivery date, as "delivered."

[0054] Subsequently, when the fee determination unit 127 receives notification from the delivery company server 300 on the delivery day, "5 / 17," that the delivery of the package has been completed, it determines the additional deposit fee of "1400 yen" for the two days from "5 / 16" to "5 / 17" and the delivery fee of "1500 yen" for the deposited package, and displays a payment screen on the user terminal 400 showing the total amount of "2900 yen" to be charged to the user.

[0055] As a result, when a user requests delivery of luggage stored in a locker, the fee determination unit 127 can appropriately calculate the usage fees for luggage storage and luggage delivery services during the extension of the locker reservation and have the user pay them.

[0056] [Specific examples] Next, the overall processing flow performed by the locker management device 100 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figures 8 and 9. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams showing specific examples of processing performed by the locker management device according to the embodiment. In the example in Figures 8 and 9, the locker management device 100 shows a series of processes from confirming the deposit of luggage into a locker reserved by the user on "5 / 15" to determining the fee to be charged to the user after the luggage is delivered on "5 / 16".

[0057] First, at "5 / 15 / 13:00", when the reservation for use was accepted in advance, the locker management device 100 confirms that the user has deposited luggage into locker number "2" (Figure 8(1)). Then, at "5 / 15 / 22:00", one hour before the locker's expiration date of "23:00", the locker management device 100 displays a suggestion screen on the user terminal 400 offering to extend the locker's usage time or to have the deposited luggage delivered (Figure 8(2)).

[0058] Next, when the locker management device 100 receives input for delivery on the suggestion screen, it displays a delivery request screen on the user terminal 400 and receives information about the delivery request, such as the locker number to be used "2", the desired delivery date "5 / 16", the delivery destination "Hotel X", and the number of packages "1" (Figure 8(3)). After that, the locker management device 100 notifies the delivery company server 300 of the information about the received delivery request (Figure 9(4)).

[0059] Then, at "5 / 16 / 14:00", the locker management device 100 confirms that the delivery person has retrieved the package from locker number "2" (Figure 9(5)). Subsequently, at "5 / 16 / 20:00", when the locker management device 100 receives information that the package delivery has been completed, it determines the additional deposit fee for "5 / 16" of "700 yen" and the delivery fee of "1500 yen", and displays a payment screen on the user terminal 400 showing the total amount of "2200 yen" to be charged to the user (Figure 9(6)).

[0060] Through the series of processes described above, the locker management device 100 can calculate the appropriate amount to be charged to the user when it receives a delivery request from the user for a package that has already been deposited. Therefore, it can appropriately ship the package using the locker in which it was deposited.

[0061] Next, with reference to Figure 10, a specific example will be given to describe the series of processes from the cancellation of the usage reservation by the adjustment unit 124 to the display of the reservation cancellation notification screen by the display control unit 125. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of the series of processes by the adjustment unit and the display control unit according to the embodiment. Figure 10 shows an example in which the usage reservation of user "B" is canceled due to the extension of locker usage by user "A".

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 10, the locker management device 100 has confirmed that user "A" deposited luggage into locker number "2" today, May 15th, and has set its management status to "Deposited". Furthermore, the locker management device 100 has already received a reservation for locker number "2" from user "B" for use tomorrow, May 16th, and has set its management status for May 16th to "Reserved".

[0063] In this situation, the locker management device 100 receives input from user "A" indicating that they wish to extend the use of locker number "2," which they are currently using, until tomorrow, "May 16th" (Figure 10(1)). In this case, the locker management device 100 determines that the extension period for locker number "2" that user "A" has requested, "May 16th," overlaps with the "May 16th" that user "B" has reserved for use.

[0064] Then, the locker management device 100 cancels the reservation of user "B" who made a reservation for use on "5 / 16" during the extended period (Figure 10(2)). Subsequently, the locker management device 100 displays a reservation cancellation notification screen to the user terminal 400 of user "B" who made the reservation, indicating that the reservation for locker number "2" on "5 / 16" has been canceled due to the extension by the current user (Figure 10(3)).

[0065] As a result, the locker management device 100 can prevent the extension of a locker's usage by the current user from overlapping with users who have already reserved a locker for the extended period, and can properly manage the use of lockers.

[0066] Furthermore, even if luggage delivery is selected, the locker management device 100 will notify users who have made reservations for the extended period of their reservation, similar to the example above where an extension was selected, that the current user's luggage is stored in the locker on the day of delivery and it is not available for use by other users.

[0067] In the example described above, all packages deposited in the locker for delivery were delivered. However, there may be cases where packages remain in the locker due to delivery refusal by the delivery company. In such cases, the locker management device 100 can determine that the locker's usage has been extended for the locker in which packages remain, and manage the locker's usage status. The locker management device 100 does not charge the user any extension fees for the extension of locker usage due to the delivery company's actions.

[0068] 〔flowchart〕 Next, an example of processing by the locker management device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the locker management device according to this embodiment. Note that each step in the flowchart shown in Figure 11 can be executed in a different order, and additional or omitted processes may be included.

[0069] First, the locker management device 100 offers the user an extension of the locker's usage period or delivery of their luggage before the expiration date of the locker reserved by the user (S101). Then, the locker management device 100 determines whether the user has chosen delivery of their luggage or an extension of the locker's usage period (S102). If delivery of luggage is chosen (S102; Yes), the locker management device 100 receives information from the user regarding the delivery of their luggage (S103).

[0070] The locker management device 100 then notifies the delivery company server 300 of the information regarding the delivery of the package (S104). Subsequently, the locker management device 100 confirms that the delivery person has retrieved the deposited package (S105). The locker management device 100 then determines the additional deposit fee and the delivery fee for the package, and bills the user for the total amount (S106), after which the locker management device 100 completes the process.

[0071] On the other hand, if the user does not select delivery of the luggage and instead selects to extend the locker usage period (S102; No), the locker management device 100 confirms that the user will retrieve the luggage during the extended period (S107). Then, the locker management device 100 determines the amount of the luggage deposit and bills the user (S108), and the locker management device 100 ends the process.

[0072] 〔effect〕 The locker management device 100 according to this embodiment includes a reception unit 122, a notification unit 123, and a fee determination unit 127. The reception unit 122 receives requests for delivery of luggage deposited in lockers from the user's terminal. When the reception unit 122 receives a delivery request, the notification unit 123 notifies the delivery company's terminal of the information of the locker where the luggage is deposited and the information of the delivery destination of the luggage. The fee determination unit 127 determines the delivery fee for luggage deposited in lockers.

[0073] As a result, when a user requests delivery of luggage stored in a locker, the locker management device 100 can appropriately arrange for a delivery company and mediate the delivery procedure. It can also appropriately calculate the usage fees for each service, from locker reservation to luggage storage and delivery, and have the user pay them. Therefore, it can be said that luggage can be properly shipped using the locker in which it was stored.

[0074] Furthermore, the locker management device 100 has a suggestion unit 121. The suggestion unit 121 suggests to the user terminal 400 either extending the use of the locker where the luggage is stored, or having the luggage delivered, or both. This allows the locker management device 100 to suggest to the user using the locker an extension or delivery, which are options for when the user is unable to retrieve their luggage.

[0075] Furthermore, when a delivery request is received, the reception unit 122 also receives information about the locker, the delivery destination, the delivery date and time, and the number of packages. This allows the locker management device 100 to receive the details of the user's delivery request for packages already deposited and to notify the arranged delivery company of the information to be used for package delivery.

[0076] The locker management device 100 also includes an adjustment unit 124 and a display control unit 125. The adjustment unit 124 cancels a predetermined user's locker reservation when the reception unit 122 has received a request for an extension of locker use or a request for delivery of luggage, and the use of the locker for the extended period has been reserved by another user. The display control unit 125 causes the predetermined user terminal 400 whose locker reservation has been canceled by the adjustment unit 124 to display information indicating that the locker use has been canceled.

[0077] As a result, the locker management device 100 can prevent the extension of a locker's usage by the current user from overlapping with users who have already reserved a locker for the extended period, and can properly manage the use of lockers.

[0078] Furthermore, the adjustment unit 124 cancels the locker reservation of the user who selected from among users who have reserved a locker of the same size as the locker reserved for use during the extended period, and who made the latest locker reservation.

[0079] As a result, when the locker management device 100 needs to cancel a reservation made by a user due to an extension of locker usage time, it can cancel the reservation of the user with the latest reservation time among users who reserved lockers of the same size, and reassign the reservation of a user who reserved an earlier time to the canceled locker.

[0080] The locker management device 100 also has a registration unit 126. The registration unit 126 registers identification information to determine the number of packages deposited in the locker. In this case, the fee determination unit 127 uses the identification information registered by the registration unit 126 to determine the shipping fee according to the number of packages.

[0081] As a result, the locker management device 100 can appropriately determine and bill the user for the shipping fee, even if there are more packages in the lockers than the number of packages received from the user, by taking into account all the packages in the lockers that have been delivered.

[0082] 〔others〕 Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of those described as being performed automatically may be performed manually. Conversely, all or part of those described as being performed manually may be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be changed at will unless otherwise specified.

[0083] Furthermore, each component of the illustrated device is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically or functionally configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device and functional configuration are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. In addition, the embodiments described above and the processes carried out in each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, as long as the processing content is not contradictory.

[0084] 〔program〕 Furthermore, the locker management device 100 according to the above-described embodiment is realized by including a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the processing of the locker management device according to the embodiment. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which a central processing unit 1030, memory 1040, storage 1050, output IF (Interface) 1060, input IF 1070, and communication interface 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0085] The central processing unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the memory 1040 and storage 1050, as well as programs read from the input device 1020, and executes various processes. The memory 1040 is a memory device, such as RAM, that temporarily stores data used by the central processing unit 1030 for various calculations. The storage 1050 is a storage device where data used by the central processing unit 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is implemented using ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, etc.

[0086] Output IF1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to output devices 1010 that output various types of information, such as monitors and printers. It can be implemented using connectors of standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). Input IF1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as mice, keyboards, and cameras. It can be implemented using USB, for example. Input devices 1020 may also be devices that read information from optical recording media, magneto-optical recording media, tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory, or external storage media such as USB memory.

[0087] The communication interface 1080 receives data from other devices via the network N and sends it to the central processing unit 1030, and also transmits data generated by the central processing unit 1030 to other devices via the network N. The central processing unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and input IF 1070. For example, the central processing unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or storage 1050 into memory 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0088] For example, if computer 1000 functions as the control unit 120 of locker management device 100, the central processing unit 1030 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 120 by executing a program loaded on memory 1040.

[0089] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention may be implemented in other forms by various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" used above can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, the "applying part" can be read as the "applying means" or "applying circuit." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 100 Locker Management Device 110 Communications Department 120 Control Unit 121 Proposal Department 122 Reception Department 123 Notification Department 124 Adjustment section 125 Display Control Unit 126 Registration Department 127 Pricing Department 130 Storage section 200 Locker device 300 Delivery Company Servers 400 user terminals

Claims

1. A reception desk that receives requests for delivery of luggage stored in lockers from the user's terminal, When the reception unit receives the delivery request, a notification unit notifies the delivery company's terminal of the information of the locker where the package was deposited and the information of the delivery destination of the package. A fee determination unit that determines the shipping fee for the luggage deposited in the locker, A locker management device characterized by having the following features.

2. The locker management device according to claim 1, further comprising a suggestion unit that suggests to the user's terminal either extending the use of the locker in which the luggage is deposited, or the delivery of the luggage, or both.

3. The locker management device according to claim 1, characterized in that when a delivery request is received, the reception unit further receives one or more of the following: information about the locker, information about the delivery destination of the package, information about the delivery date and time of the package, and information about the number of packages.

4. When the reception unit receives a request for an extension of the locker's use or a request for the delivery of the package, and the extended period of use of the locker is reserved, and another user reserves the use of the same locker during the extended period, the adjustment unit cancels the reservation of the specified user for the locker's use. The adjustment unit causes a display control unit to display information indicating that the locker reservation has been canceled on the terminal of a predetermined user whose locker reservation has been canceled. The locker management device according to claim 2, further comprising the above.

5. The locker management device according to claim 4, characterized in that the adjustment unit cancels the locker usage reservation of the user who selected from among users who have reserved the use of a locker of the same size or larger as the locker reserved for use during the extended period, and whose reservation was accepted at the latest date and time.

6. The system further includes a registration unit that registers identification information obtained by the delivery company to determine the number of packages deposited in the locker, The fee determination unit uses the identification information registered by the registration unit to determine the shipping fee according to the number of packages. The locker management device according to feature 1.

7. A locker management method performed by a locker management device, A reception process that accepts requests for delivery of luggage stored in lockers from the user's terminal, When the delivery request is received through the aforementioned acceptance process, a notification process is performed to notify the delivery company's terminal of the information of the locker where the package was deposited and the information of the delivery destination of the package. A fee determination process for determining the shipping fee for the luggage deposited in the locker, A locker management method characterized by including the following.

8. A procedure for receiving requests for delivery of luggage stored in lockers from the user's terminal, When the delivery request is accepted through the aforementioned acceptance procedure, a notification procedure is provided to notify the delivery company's terminal of the information of the locker where the package was deposited and the information of the delivery destination of the package. A fee determination procedure for determining the shipping fee for the luggage deposited in the locker, A locker management program characterized by having a computer execute a command.

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