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

Abstract

Please use your reserved locker to properly ship your luggage. [Solution] The locker management device 100 according to this embodiment includes a reception unit 121, a locker determination unit 122, a display unit 123, a notification unit 124, and a fee determination unit 127. The reception unit 121 receives information from the user terminal 400 specifying the locker to be reserved and information regarding the delivery destination of the luggage to be stored in the locker. The locker determination unit 122 determines the locker to be reserved by the user based on the information received by the reception unit 121. The display unit 123 displays the information of the locker to be reserved, determined by the locker determination unit 122, to the user terminal 400. The notification unit 124 notifies the delivery company server 300 of the information of the locker to be reserved and the information regarding the delivery destination. The delivery fee determination unit 127 determines the delivery fee for the luggage stored in the locker.

Description

Technical Field

[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. Also, such locker devices are sometimes 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, it is not possible to properly ship luggage using a reserved locker. For example, in the prior art, a user directly operates a touch panel provided in the locker device at the same time as depositing the luggage, and pays the delivery fee calculated from the delivery destination information and the luggage information, etc., to ship the luggage deposited in the locker. Therefore, in the prior art, it is not possible to determine the delivery fee to be charged to the user at the stage of reserving the use of the locker, and it is not possible to properly ship the luggage using the reserved locker.

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 information specifying the locker to be reserved and information regarding the delivery destination of the luggage to be deposited in the locker from the user's terminal; a locker determination unit that determines the locker to be reserved by the user based on the information received by the reception unit; a presentation unit that presents the information of the locker to be reserved determined by the locker determination unit to the user's terminal; a notification unit that notifies the delivery company's terminal of the information of the locker to be reserved and the information regarding the delivery destination; and a fee determination unit that determines the shipping fee for the luggage deposited in the locker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to properly ship packages using reserved lockers. [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 the processing at the reception unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the processing of the display control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a method for determining the door closing time according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a specific example of the processing performed by the locker management device 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 that occurs when multiple items are deposited in a single locker managed by the locker management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of a locker management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 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 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 notifies the delivery company server 300 and the user terminal 400 of the information of the locker to be reserved, determined from the information received from the user terminal 400, in order to support the proper deposit and delivery of packages.

[0011] The locker device 200 is a locker device provided with a plurality of lockers for storing luggage deposited by users, and is communicably connected to the locker management device 100 by a provided control device to control the opening and closing of the 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 the luggage deposited by users.

[0012] The delivery company server 300 is a server device owned by a delivery company that performs the task of delivering the luggage of users deposited in lockers to a designated delivery destination, and is realized by a computer, a cloud system, etc. For example, the delivery company server 300 receives a request for luggage delivery from the locker management device 100 and notifies the content of the received request to the terminal owned by the delivery staff.

[0013] The user terminal 400 is an information processing terminal owned by a user who requests the deposit of luggage and the delivery of luggage, and is realized by a smartphone, a tablet, etc. For example, the user terminal 400 accesses a dedicated website for receiving the use and delivery requests of lockers by the user's operation, and inputs information for making a reservation for the 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 this embodiment will be described. The locker management device 100 receives, from the user terminal 400, information specifying a locker to be reserved and information regarding the delivery destination of the luggage to be deposited in the locker, and determines a locker to be the target of the user's reservation. Then, the locker management device 100 causes the user terminal 400 to display the information of the determined reservation target locker, and notifies the delivery company server 300 of the information of the reservation target locker and the information regarding the delivery destination. Then, the locker management device 100 determines the delivery fee for the luggage deposited in the locker.

[0015] For example, the locker management device 100 receives information such as the reservation target date of the luggage delivery service according to this embodiment received from the user terminal 400, the size of the luggage, the number of luggage, the delivery destination of the luggage, and the desired area of the locker device 200 to be reserved. Then, the locker management device 100 determines a locker device 200 that matches the received reservation information, and presents information such as the locker number of the deposit destination of the determined locker device 200, the installation location, and the password used to unlock the door to the user terminal 400.

[0016] Subsequently, the locker management device 100 notifies, for example, the locker number of the deposit destination of the determined locker device 200, the password used to unlock the door, the delivery destination of the luggage, etc. to the delivery company server 300. After that, 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 of the luggage.

[0017] Through the series of processes described above, when the locker management device 100 receives a reservation for using a locker and a request for delivering luggage from a user, it determines a locker to be reserved from the received information and notifies the user, and after notifying the delivery operator of the information of the locker to be reserved and the delivery information of the luggage, it can determine the delivery fee paid by the user, so that the luggage can be properly shipped using the reserved locker.

[0018] 〔Configuration of the locker management device 100〕 Subsequently, 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.

[0019] The communication unit 110 is realized, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. For example, the communication unit 110 is communicably connected to a plurality of locker devices 200, a delivery company server 300, and a user terminal 400 via a network such as the Internet, and realizes the transmission and reception of information with each device.

[0020] The memory unit 130 is implemented by a storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or a hard disk. The memory unit 130 stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 120. The storage device may be implemented by a storage system installed outside the locker management device 100.

[0021] The storage unit 130 stores locker reservation information and delivery request information received from the user, as well as identification information for determining the number of packages deposited in the locker. Now, with reference to Figure 3, the information stored in the storage unit 130 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the storage unit according to this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 shows an example of locker reservation information and package delivery request information registered in association with locker device A, which is an example of a locker device 200 to be reserved. For example, the storage unit 130 stores information for the following items: "Date and time", "Locker number", "User PIN", "Delivery person PIN", and "Delivery destination".

[0023] The "Date and Time" field stores the date and time the user requested to use the locker, and the "Locker Number" field stores the number of the locker that the user reserved. Additionally, the "User PIN" field stores the PIN set by the user to open the locker door when depositing luggage, and the "Delivery Personnel PIN" field stores the PIN set by the delivery person to open the locker door when retrieving the deposited luggage. Furthermore, the "Delivery Destination" field stores the name of the building or other details of the delivery destination the user requested.

[0024] For example, the memory unit 130 stores a reservation and delivery request for locker number "a" to be used on "5 / 15 / 11:00", with the user PIN "xxx", the delivery person PIN "xxx", and the delivery destination of the package being "Hotel A".

[0025] 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), which executes various programs stored in the storage device inside the locker management device 100 using RAM or the like as a working area. For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, the control unit 120 includes a reception unit 121, a locker determination unit 122, a presentation unit 123, a notification unit 124, an opening / closing control unit 125, a registration unit 126, a fee determination unit 127, and a display control unit 128.

[0026] The reception unit 121 receives information from the user terminal 400 specifying the locker to be reserved and information regarding the delivery destination of the luggage to be stored in the locker. For example, the reception unit 121 receives one or more of the following information: the date on which the user will store the luggage in the locker, the size of the luggage, the number of luggage items, the delivery destination, and the area where the locker is located. The information regarding the area where the locker is located refers to information specifying the general area where the user wishes to store their luggage, such as "North Exit of XX Station," indicating an area within a predetermined range.

[0027] Furthermore, the reception unit 121 accepts the candidate locker for reservation selected by the user from among multiple candidate lockers for reservation extracted using information about the delivery destination. For example, when the reception unit 121 receives input from the user regarding the building of the delivery destination, it extracts as a candidate locker device 200 a locker device 200 that is located in a position where packages can be delivered to the destination on the same day, and which has an available locker that matches the user's desired package size and number of packages. The reception unit 121 then displays the candidate lockers in a list on the user terminal 400 and accepts the candidate locker selected by the user as the designated locker for reservation.

[0028] Here, with reference to Figure 4, a specific example of the information received by the reception unit 121 will be explained. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the processing of the reception unit according to the embodiment. In Figure 4, an example is shown in which information entered by the user on a website dedicated to the parcel delivery service according to this embodiment is received as information for locker usage reservation and parcel delivery request. In addition, Figure 4 shows an example of processing in which, when delivery destination information is received, locker candidates are displayed and the locker candidate selected by the user is accepted as the designated locker.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the reception unit 121 receives the information entered on the reservation screen displayed on the user terminal 400, which includes the reservation date "5 / 15 / 11:00", luggage size "medium", number of luggage "1", and delivery destination "Hotel A", as information for the user's locker reservation and luggage delivery request.

[0030] Then, the reception unit 121 displays on the user terminal 400 the following locker options that are available for delivery to "Hotel A" on the reservation date "5 / 15" and that meet the request for a medium-sized package and one package: "1. Locker A at XX Station North Exit, 2. Locker B at XX Station North Exit, 3. Locker C at XX Station South Exit, 4. Locker D on the 1st floor of △△ Station".

[0031] Subsequently, the reception unit 121 receives the user's selection of locker option "1. Locker A at the North Exit of XX Station" and accepts the information for "Locker A at the North Exit of XX Station" as the designated locker to be reserved. This allows the reception unit 121 to appropriately receive information from the user specifying the locker they wish to reserve and information regarding delivery requests.

[0032] Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the delivery destinations of packages accepted by the reception desk 121; any location where packages can be delivered is acceptable, such as hotels, airports, bus stops, train stations, etc.

[0033] The locker selection unit 122 determines the locker to be reserved by the user based on the information received by the reception unit 121. For example, the locker selection unit 122 determines one of the lockers in the locker device 200 located within the area specified by the user as the locker to be reserved by the user, which has an available locker that matches the size and number of luggage items on the reservation date received by the reception unit 121.

[0034] Furthermore, the locker selection unit 122 determines the locker to be reserved from among the lockers in which the delivery company can deliver the package to the destination within a predetermined period. For example, the locker selection unit 122 takes into account the delivery company's requests, such as the delivery schedule notified by the delivery company server 300, and determines the locker to be reserved by the user from among the locker devices 200 in which the delivery company can deliver the package to the destination on the same day that the package is deposited.

[0035] Furthermore, the locker determination unit 122 can determine information for unlocking the locker door when, for example, a locker reserved by the user has been determined. The PIN can include a user PIN used by the user when depositing luggage and a delivery person PIN used by the delivery person when retrieving luggage for delivery. The information for unlocking the locker is not limited to the aforementioned PIN, but may also include information such as a QR code.

[0036] The display unit 123 displays information about the locker to be reserved, as determined by the locker determination unit 122, on the user terminal 400. For example, the display unit 123 displays information to the user terminal 400 that allows the user to use the reserved locker, such as the locker number, information for unlocking the locker, and the detailed installation location of the locker device 200 that houses the locker, as determined by the locker determination unit 122.

[0037] Here, we will explain with specific examples the process by which the presentation unit 123 presents information about the locker to be reserved to the user terminal 400. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the processing of the presentation unit according to the embodiment. Figure 5 shows an example in which the information of the locker to be reserved, determined according to the information received from the user on the reservation day, is displayed as a reserved locker notification screen on the day of the locker usage (delivery day), which is the reservation day.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, on the reservation date, the reception unit 121 receives the information entered on the reservation screen displayed on the user terminal 400, which includes the reservation date "5 / 15 / 11:00", luggage size "medium", number of luggage "1", delivery destination "Hotel A", and designated area "○○ Station North Exit", as information for the user's locker usage reservation and luggage delivery request.

[0039] Subsequently, based on the received information, the locker selection unit 122 determines the locker to be reserved by the user, and the presentation unit 123 presents the information of the reserved locker to the user terminal 400 as a reserved locker notification screen on the day of locker use (delivery day), which is the reserved date and time. As shown in Figure 5, the presentation unit 123 displays a "reserved locker notification screen" on the user terminal 400 that shows information such as the reserved date and time "5 / 15 / 11:00", the reserved locker "○○ Station North Exit Locker A", the locker number "b", the PIN "1234", the luggage deposit time "until 13:00", and the delivery destination "Hotel A", as well as a "Show Map" button that displays a map showing detailed information about the location of the reserved locker.

[0040] This allows the display unit 123 to appropriately present to the user terminal 400 information that the user will use to use the locker, such as the locker number, location information, and PIN code that have been determined to be reserved by the user.

[0041] The notification unit 124 notifies the delivery company server 300 of information regarding the reserved locker and the delivery destination. For example, the notification unit 124 notifies the delivery company server 300 of information used to deliver the package, such as the date and time of the locker reservation received from the user, the delivery destination, the locker number determined by the locker determination unit 122, and the delivery person's PIN.

[0042] Here, the timing at which the notification unit 124 notifies the delivery company server 300 of the information is not particularly limited. For example, the notification unit 124 can notify the information at the time the locker determination unit 122 determines the locker to be reserved, or on the day of use (delivery date and time) of the locker, or a predetermined date before that.

[0043] Furthermore, on the day of delivery, the notification unit 124 can determine the optimal route for collecting only from locker devices 200 that have accepted delivery requests on that day, and can notify the delivery company server 300 of the scheduled collection time along with the locker number information and delivery destination information registered in each locker device 200.

[0044] The opening / closing control unit 125 controls the opening and closing of the locker doors. For example, the opening / closing control unit 125 normally closes the doors of each locker in the managed locker device 200, and opens the doors when the PIN code set for each locker is entered. Here, we will explain the processing contents of the opening / closing control unit 125 with a specific example.

[0045] For example, the opening / closing control unit 125 controls the locker so that it does not open after a preset deposit time has elapsed. Specifically, based on the locker usage date and time information received from the user, the opening / closing control unit 125 controls the door to open upon entry of a PIN code before the usage date and time, but to close the door even if a PIN code is entered after the usage date and time.

[0046] Furthermore, the opening and closing control unit 125 controls the opening and closing of the doors according to a pre-set door closing time for each locker device 200, for example. The door closing time will now be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a method for determining the door closing time according to the embodiment. The door closing time is, for example, a time set for each locker device 200 based on the time it takes for a delivery person to collect packages.

[0047] Figure 6 shows an example where a delivery person, responsible for delivering packages deposited in multiple locker devices 200, collects packages sequentially from locker device A to locker device C (an example of locker devices 200), gathers them at a collection point, and then delivers the packages to the destination hotel. In this situation, for example, if the delivery company sets a target delivery date of 6 PM, the arrival times of each locker device from A to C and the collection point are determined by working backward from the collection point based on the distance from the collection point.

[0048] Specifically, the scheduled arrival times are predetermined so that the packages arrive at locker A at 2 PM, locker B at 3 PM, locker C at 4 PM, and the collection point at 5 PM. In this case, the opening / closing control unit 125 determines the door closing times for each locker device A through C so that they close 30 minutes before the scheduled arrival time. Specifically, the door closing times are set to 1:30 PM for locker A, 2:30 PM for locker B, and 3:30 PM for locker C.

[0049] The opening / closing control unit 125 will open the door upon input of a PIN code until the determined door closing time, but will close the door after the door closing time even if a PIN code is entered. As a result, the opening / closing control unit 125 can manage the period up to the door closing time set before the collection time as the period during which it accepts luggage deposits from users, thus preventing users from depositing luggage after the luggage has been collected.

[0050] Furthermore, the door closing time is not particularly limited as long as it is before the timing of collection by the locker device 200, and can be changed, for example, according to the optimal collection route determined by the notification unit 124 mentioned above.

[0051] Furthermore, the locker device 200 sets a luggage deposit time according to the determined door closing time. For example, as shown in the example in Figure 6, locker A accepts luggage deposits until 13:00, locker B until 14:00, and locker C until 15:00. Here, the locker determination unit 122 can refer to the reservation target date and time received from the user and the luggage deposit time of the locker device 200 to determine the locker device 200 to be reserved from among the locker devices 200 that have a luggage deposit time set after the reservation target date and time.

[0052] Furthermore, the opening / closing control unit 125 may, for example, keep the door closed even after receiving the PIN code following the acceptance of luggage deposit from the user, or it may allow the door to be reopened within 15 minutes of deposit, or it may allow the door to be reopened until the door closing time.

[0053] Furthermore, the opening / closing control unit 125 is not limited to closing the door according to the aforementioned door closing time. For example, when it receives a predetermined operation performed by a delivery person when collecting a package, it can also close the door even if a PIN is entered, thereby preventing the user from depositing a package after it has been collected.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Furthermore, the fee determination unit 127 uses the identification information registered by the registration unit 126 to determine additional shipping charges based on 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. If the fee determination unit 127 determines that there are multiple packages inside the locker, it calculates additional shipping charges based on the number of packages and determines the total amount of the regular shipping charge plus the additional charge as the shipping charge to be billed to the user.

[0058] Specifically, the fee determination unit 127, when it is pre-set to accept only one piece of luggage per locker, can determine the additional charge by identifying any luggage other than the basic one as additional luggage and adding an additional charge for each additional piece of luggage.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The display control unit 128 displays on the user terminal 400 the sum of the shipping fee determined by the fee determination unit 127 and the luggage storage fee as the amount to be charged to the user. For example, the display control unit 128 displays on the user terminal 400 the sum of the luggage shipping fee determined by the fee determination unit 127 and the locker storage fee used by the user from the time the luggage was stored until delivery as the usage fee for the luggage delivery service according to this embodiment.

[0061] [Specific examples] Next, the overall processing flow performed by the locker management device 100 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figures 7 and 8. Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams showing specific examples of processing performed by the locker management device according to the embodiment. The examples in Figures 7 and 8 show a series of processes from when the locker management device 100 receives a locker usage reservation and delivery request from the user terminal 400, to when the billing amount including delivery charges is displayed on the user terminal 400 after the delivery of the package.

[0062] First, the locker management device 100 receives the information entered by the user terminal 400 on a dedicated website accessed by the user terminal 400, including the reservation date and time "5 / 15 / 11:00", luggage size "medium", number of luggage "1", delivery destination "Hotel A", and designated area "○○ Station North Exit", as information for the user's locker reservation and luggage delivery request (Figure 7(1)).

[0063] Next, the locker management device 100 determines that, based on the received information, it is possible to deposit one medium-sized locker at 11:00 on 5 / 15, and selects locker device 200 of "○○ Station North Exit Locker A," located in the "○○ Station North Exit" area, as the locker to be reserved. Along with selecting "○○ Station North Exit Locker A," the locker management device 100 also determines the locker number "b," the user PIN "1234," and the delivery person PIN "4321."

[0064] Next, on the day the locker is to be used, the locker management device 100 displays a "reserved locker notification screen" to the user terminal 400, which shows information such as the reserved date and time "5 / 15", the reserved locker "○○ Station North Exit Locker A", the locker number "b", the PIN code "1234", the luggage deposit time "until 13:00", and the delivery destination "Hotel A", as well as a "Show Map" button that displays a map showing detailed information about the location of the reserved locker (Figure 7(2)).

[0065] The locker management device 100 then notifies the delivery company server 300 of the information used for delivering the package, such as the reserved locker "○○ Station North Exit Locker A", locker number "b", PIN "4321", and delivery destination "Hotel A" (Figure 7(3)).

[0066] Subsequently, the locker management device 100 receives notification from the delivery company server 300 that the delivery of the package has been completed (Figure 8(4)). The locker management device 100 then displays a payment screen on the user terminal 400 showing the total amount to be charged to the user, which is 2,200 yen, consisting of the locker deposit fee of 700 yen and the package delivery fee of 1,500 yen (Figure 8(5)).

[0067] Through the series of processes described above, the locker management device 100 can receive locker usage reservations and delivery requests from users, notify the delivery company server 300 of the information regarding the delivery request, mediate the delivery procedure for the package, and then have the user pay the delivery fee. This means that the package can be properly shipped using the reserved locker.

[0068] Next, using Figure 9, we will explain the process by which the locker management device 100 according to the embodiment determines the shipping fee according to the number of packages deposited in a single locker. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of the process when multiple packages are deposited in a single locker managed by the locker management device according to the embodiment.

[0069] The example in Figure 9 illustrates the process of determining the number of packages when multiple packages are deposited in a single locker, based on a photograph of the packages inside the locker, and then calculating the shipping fee by adding an additional charge corresponding to the number of packages. In the example in Figure 9, the delivery person will deliver all packages in the locker to the destination, regardless of the number of packages deposited.

[0070] First, the user deposits two items of luggage, one suitcase and one bag, into a reserved locker. Then, when the delivery person collects the luggage, they take a photograph of the two items inside the locker, and the photograph is registered in the locker management device 100 via the delivery company server 300.

[0071] The locker management device 100 then determines from the registered photographs that there are two packages in the locker subject to the delivery request, and determines that one additional package has been delivered in addition to the one package subject to the regular charge, and determines the delivery fee by adding the additional charge for one package to the regular charge.

[0072] Subsequently, the locker management device 100 determines a total shipping fee of 2,500 yen to be charged to the user, which is the "regular fee of 1,500 yen" plus an "additional charge of 1,000 yen" for one extra piece of luggage, and displays a payment screen on the user terminal 400.

[0073] As a result, the locker management device 100 can appropriately determine and bill the user for the shipping fee, which includes all the items in the delivered locker, even when multiple items are deposited into a single locker by the user.

[0074] In the example described above, the system explained an instance where a user reserved a medium-sized locker and was allowed to use that medium-sized locker as reserved. However, the system is not limited to this example. For instance, if the locker management device 100 finds that there are no medium-sized lockers available on the day the user is scheduled to use the locker, it can also allow the user to use an available large-sized locker instead.

[0075] In this case, the locker management device 100 can inform the user that the reserved locker has been switched by displaying information about the destination locker to the user terminal 400. Furthermore, when the locker management device 100 collects a locker usage fee from the user, it collects the fee set for the original size "medium" locker, not the fee set for the destination size "large".

[0076] Furthermore, while the above example described a scenario where all packages deposited in a locker for delivery are delivered, there may be cases where packages remain in the locker due to delivery refusal by the delivery company, etc. In such cases, the locker management device 100 can determine that the use of the locker 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 use due to the delivery company's actions.

[0077] 〔flowchart〕 Next, an example of processing by the locker management device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 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 10 can be executed in a different order, and additional or omitted processes may be included.

[0078] First, the reception unit 121 receives information about the locker to be reserved and information about the delivery request from the user terminal 400 (S101). Then, the locker selection unit 122 determines the locker to be reserved from the received information (S102). Next, the presentation unit 123 presents the information of the locker to be reserved to the user terminal 400 (S103).

[0079] Next, the notification unit 124 notifies the delivery company server 300 of the information of the reserved locker and the delivery destination (S104). Then, the registration unit 126 registers identification information indicating the number of packages deposited in the reserved locker (S105).

[0080] Here, the locker management device 100 determines whether or not there is one item of luggage deposited in the locker (S106). If there is one item of luggage deposited in the locker (S106; Yes), the fee determination unit 127 determines the normal shipping fee (S107). On the other hand, if there is more than one item of luggage deposited in the locker (S106; No), the fee determination unit 127 determines the shipping fee with an additional charge added according to the number of items (S108).

[0081] After processing S107 or S108, the display control unit 128 displays the total amount of the luggage deposit fee and delivery fee on the user terminal 400 as the amount to be charged to the user (S109), and the locker management device 100 ends the process.

[0082] 〔effect〕 The locker management device 100 according to this embodiment includes a reception unit 121, a locker determination unit 122, a display unit 123, a notification unit 124, and a fee determination unit 127. The reception unit 121 receives information from the user terminal 400 specifying the locker to be reserved and information regarding the delivery destination of the luggage to be stored in the locker. The locker determination unit 122 determines the locker to be reserved by the user based on the information received by the reception unit 121.

[0083] The display unit 123 displays information about the locker to be reserved, as determined by the locker determination unit 122, to the user terminal 400. The notification unit 124 notifies the delivery company server 300 of the information about the reserved locker and the delivery destination. The fee determination unit 127 determines the delivery fee for the luggage deposited in the locker.

[0084] As a result, the locker management device 100 can appropriately arrange for a delivery company to handle the delivery of luggage deposited in a locker reserved by a user, mediate the delivery procedures, and determine the delivery fee for the luggage to be delivered. Therefore, it can be said that luggage can be properly shipped using the reserved locker.

[0085] 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 additional shipping fee according to the number of packages.

[0086] As a result, the locker management device 100 can appropriately determine and bill the user for the shipping fee, which includes all the items in the delivered locker, even if multiple items are deposited into a single locker by the user.

[0087] Furthermore, the locker management device 100 has an opening / closing control unit 125. The opening / closing control unit 125 controls the locker so that it does not open if a preset deposit time has elapsed. This allows the locker management device 100 to manage the time for accepting luggage deposits from users, thereby preventing users from depositing luggage after the deposit time has elapsed.

[0088] Furthermore, the reception unit 121 of the locker management device 100 receives information such as the date and time the user will deposit their luggage in the locker, the size of the luggage, the number of luggage items, the delivery destination, and the area where the lockers are located. This allows the locker management device 100 to receive detailed requests from users for the lockers they wish to reserve and to determine which lockers meet the user's preferences as the lockers to be reserved.

[0089] Furthermore, the reception unit 121 of the locker management device 100 receives a candidate locker for reservation selected by the user from among multiple candidate lockers for reservation extracted using information about the delivery destination. This allows the locker management device 100 to determine any locker candidate selected by the user from among the candidate lockers that can be delivered to the delivery destination on the same day as the locker for reservation.

[0090] Furthermore, the locker determination unit 122 of the locker management device 100 determines which lockers are available for reservation from among the lockers that the delivery company can use to deliver packages to the destination within a predetermined period. In this way, the locker management device 100 can determine which lockers are available for reservation for the user in accordance with the requirements of the delivery company.

[0091] Furthermore, the locker management device 100 includes a display control unit 128. The display control unit 128 displays the sum of the delivery fee determined by the fee determination unit 127 and the luggage storage fee as the amount to be charged to the user on the user terminal 400. This allows the locker management device 100 to appropriately inform the user of the amount to be charged in the delivery service according to this embodiment.

[0092] 〔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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 〔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 11. Figure 11 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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]

[0100] 100 Locker Management Device 110 Communications Department 120 Control Unit 121 Reception Department 122 Locker Selection Section 123 Presentation section 124 Notification Department 125 Opening / Closing Control Unit 126 Registration Department 127 Pricing Department 128 Display Control Unit 130 Storage section 200 Locker device 300 Delivery Company Servers 400 user terminals

Claims

1. A reception unit that receives information from the user's terminal specifying the locker to be reserved and information regarding the delivery destination of the luggage to be stored in the locker, A locker determination unit determines the locker to be reserved by the user based on the information received by the reception unit, A display unit that displays information about the locker to be reserved, determined by the locker determination unit, to the user's terminal, A notification unit that notifies the delivery company's terminal of the information of the locker subject to the reservation and the information of the delivery destination, 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 system further includes a registration unit that registers identification information for determining the number of items of luggage deposited in the locker, The fee determination unit uses the identification information registered by the registration unit to determine an additional shipping fee corresponding to the number of packages. The locker management device according to feature 1.

3. The locker management device according to claim 1, further comprising an opening / closing control unit that controls the locker not to open when a predetermined deposit time has elapsed.

4. The reception desk receives one or more of the following information: information about the date and time the user deposits the luggage into the locker, information about the size of the luggage, information about the number of luggage items, information about the delivery destination, and information about the area where the locker is installed. The locker management device according to feature 1.

5. The locker management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reception unit further receives a candidate locker to be reserved selected by the user from among a plurality of candidate lockers to be reserved extracted using the information regarding the delivery destination.

6. The locker management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locker determination unit determines the locker to be reserved from among the lockers in which the delivery company can deliver the package to the delivery destination within a predetermined period.

7. The locker management device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that displays on the user's terminal the sum of the delivery fee determined by the fee determination unit and the luggage storage fee as the amount to be charged to the user.

8. A locker management method performed by a locker management device, A reception process that receives information from the user's terminal specifying the locker to be reserved and information regarding the delivery destination of the luggage to be stored in the locker, A locker determination step, which determines the locker to be reserved by the user based on the information received in the aforementioned reception step, A presentation step in which information about the locker to be reserved, determined by the locker determination step, is presented to the user's terminal, A notification step of notifying the delivery company's terminal of the information of the locker subject to the reservation and the information of the delivery destination, 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.

9. A reception procedure that receives information from the user's terminal specifying the locker to be reserved and information regarding the delivery destination of the luggage to be stored in the said locker, A locker determination procedure that determines the locker to be reserved by the user based on the information received through the aforementioned reception procedure, A presentation procedure for presenting information about the locker to be reserved, determined by the locker determination procedure, to the user's terminal, A notification procedure for notifying the delivery company's terminal of the locker information subject to the reservation and the delivery destination information, 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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