Locker system

Abstract

This system provides a locker system that allows for the continuous use of multiple locker devices. [Solution] The locker system comprises a plurality of locker devices having one or more locker boxes, and a server device that can communicate with each of the plurality of locker devices. The server device 200 has a usage time confirmation unit 212 that compares the total usage time of the locker system by the user with a comparison time related to the available time during which the user can use the locker system. The locker device 100 has a lock / unlock processing unit 124 that performs locking or unlocking processing of the locker box 110 operated by the user if the total usage time is less than or equal to the comparison time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locker system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for enabling continuous use of a locker box (locker 6). In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a key number of a locker box that can be used by the user and time data indicating the expiration date thereof are registered in a list band 34 carried by the user. The user can continuously use the locker box with the key number registered in this list band 34 by means of this list band 34 until the expiration date registered in this list band 34.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, even within the expiration time, the user cannot use a locker box other than the locker box with the key number registered in the list band 34 or other locker devices.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a locker system that enables continuous use of a plurality of locker devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a locker system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a locker system comprising a plurality of locker devices having one or more locker boxes, and a server device that can communicate with each of the plurality of locker devices, wherein the server device has a usage time confirmation unit that compares the total usage time of the locker system by the user with a comparison time related to the available time during which the user can use the locker system, and the locker device has a lock / unlock processing unit that performs a locking or unlocking process of the locker box operated by the user if the total usage time is less than or equal to the comparison time.

[0007] The comparison time may be the same as the available time, or a predetermined time shorter than the available time.

[0008] The total usage time may be the sum of the time from when the locker device is locked until the retrieval operation is performed.

[0009] The available time may be set according to the usage fee paid by the user when they start using the locker system.

[0010] The locker device may further include an output processing unit that generates unlocking information, which is information for unlocking, after locking and outputs the unlocking information; a storage processing unit that stores the unlocking information; an operation information acquisition processing unit that acquires the unlocking information from an external source; and an authentication unit that compares the unlocking information acquired by the operation information acquisition processing unit with the unlocking information stored in the storage processing unit.

[0011] The server device stores user information including user identification information that identifies the user, the total usage time by the user, and the available time set for the user. It may further include a user information update unit that updates the user information after the locking process or the unlocking process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present invention makes it possible to provide a locker system that allows for the continuous use of multiple locker devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a locker system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of a locker device 100. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the appearance of the locker device 100. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100. [Figure 5] This block diagram shows an example of server device 200. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of user information. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing an example of the control unit 210 of the server device 200. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of updated user information. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of updated user information. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of updated user information. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the processing operations performed in the locker system according to this embodiment when an item is deposited. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the processing operations performed in the locker system according to this embodiment when an item is retrieved. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] <Locker System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a locker system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The locker system according to this embodiment includes a plurality of locker devices 100 and a server device 200. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the locker system has three locker devices 100, but the number of locker devices 100 is not limited to three. The server device 200 is capable of communicating with each of the plurality of locker devices 100. The server device 200 communicates with the plurality of locker devices via a network such as the Internet, for example.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the locker device 100 has one or more locker boxes 110. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the locker device 100 has nine locker boxes 110, but the number of locker boxes of the locker device 100 is not limited to nine. Each of the one or more locker boxes 110 has a storage part for storing luggage, a door provided to be openable and closable at the opening of the storage part, and a locking mechanism for regulating the opening and closing of the door.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the locker device 100 has a control part 120, an input part 130, a display part 140, a communication part 150, an output part 160, and a storage part 170. The control part 120 is an information processing device for performing information processing such as a computer. The input part 130 is an input device for receiving input of information, and is, for example, a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, a microphone, or an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader. The display part 140 is a display device for displaying information such as a display. The communication part 150 is a communication device for transmitting and receiving information to and from other devices. The output part 160 is a device for outputting information (for example, a printing device for printing information, a communication device for transmitting information to other devices, a display device for displaying information, or an NFC writer for writing information to an NFC chip). The storage part 170 is a storage device for storing information, and is, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive.

[0017] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100. The control unit 120 includes an operation information acquisition processing unit 121, a display processing unit 122, a transmission / reception processing unit 123, a lock / unlock processing unit 124, an output processing unit 125, a storage processing unit 126, and an authentication unit 127.

[0018] The operation information acquisition processing unit 121 acquires information regarding deposit operations performed by the user and information regarding retrieval operations performed by the user. When a deposit operation is performed by the user, the operation information acquisition processing unit 121 acquires information regarding the deposit operation performed by the user, and when a retrieval operation is performed by the user, it acquires information regarding the retrieval operation performed by the user. Information regarding deposit operations performed by the user includes, for example, information identifying the locker box operated by the user. Information regarding retrieval operations performed by the user includes information identifying the locker box operated by the user and unlocking information, which is information for unlocking the locker box 110.

[0019] The user's deposit operation may include various actions. For example, a button for depositing items may be provided for each locker box 110, and the user's deposit operation may include the user operating this button. Alternatively, a lever for depositing items may be provided for each locker box 110, and the user's deposit operation may include the user operating this lever. Furthermore, if the door of the locker box 110 is open when not in use, the user's deposit operation may include the user closing the door. Additionally, if the input unit 130 is a touch panel, the user's deposit operation may include the user inputting a deposit request using the touch panel.

[0020] The retrieval operation performed by the user may include various operations. For example, the unlocking information generated by the output processing unit 125 (described later) may be issued as code information, and the retrieval operation performed by the user may include the operation of having the input unit 130, provided in the locker device 100, read the code information, if the input unit 130 is a camera. Alternatively, if the input unit 130 is a keyboard or touch panel, the unlocking information may be issued as a PIN, and the retrieval operation performed by the user may include the operation of the user entering the PIN using the input unit 130. Furthermore, if the input unit 130 is an NFC reader, the unlocking information may be recorded on an NFC chip, and the retrieval operation performed by the user may include the operation of having the input unit 130 read the unlocking information stored on the NFC chip.

[0021] The display processing unit 122 performs a process to display, for example, a user identification information input screen for inputting user identification information on the display unit 140.

[0022] The transmission / reception processing unit 123 performs a process to transmit user identification information entered by the user using the input unit 130 to the server device 200.

[0023] The locking / unlocking unit 124 performs the locking process for the locker box 110 into which an item has been deposited, and the unlocking process for the locker box 110 into which an item has been retrieved.

[0024] The output processing unit 125 generates unlocking information, which is information for unlocking the locker box 110, and outputs the unlocking information using the output unit 160. If the retrieval operation performed by the user includes an operation to have the input unit 130 (camera) of the locker device 100 read code information, the output processing unit 125 may, for example, generate code information as unlocking information and, if the output unit 160 is a printing device, output a piece of paper on which the code information has been printed; if the output unit 160 is a communication device, it may transmit the code information to a user terminal used by the user; or if the output unit 160 is a display device, it may display the code information. If the user's retrieval operation includes inputting the PIN using the input unit 130 (keyboard or touch panel), the output processing unit 125 may, for example, generate the PIN as unlocking information and, if the output unit 160 is a printer, output a piece of paper with the PIN printed on it; if the output unit 160 is a communication device, transmit the PIN to the user's terminal; or, if the output unit 160 is a display device, display the PIN. If the user's retrieval operation includes inputting unlocking information stored in an NFC chip to the NFC reader (if the input unit 130 is an NFC reader), the output processing unit 125 may, for example, if the output unit 160 is an NFC writer, write the unlocking information to an NFC card carried by the user or an NFC chip embedded in the user's terminal. The user terminal is, for example, an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or smart glasses.

[0025] The memory processing unit 126 stores the unlocking information in the memory unit 170.

[0026] When a removal operation is performed, the authentication unit 127 checks whether the unlocking information obtained by the operation information acquisition processing unit 121 matches the unlocking information stored in the storage unit 170.

[0027] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a server device 200. The server device 200 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 230. The control unit 210 is an information processing device for performing information processing such as that of a computer. The storage unit 220 is a storage device for storing information, such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. The communication unit 230 is a communication device for sending and receiving information with other devices.

[0028] In this embodiment, the storage unit 220 of the server device 200 stores user information for each user, which is information relating to the locker box system used by that user. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of user information. In the example shown in Figure 6, user information for users A, B, and C is shown. User information includes, for example, user identification information to identify the user, available time which is the time the user can use the locker system, total usage time which is the total time the user has used the locker system, and the usage status of the locker system. User identification information is information that the user registers in advance using a user terminal or locker device, and is used to identify the user. User identification information includes, for example, the user's name, the user's contact information (address, telephone number, email address, etc.), and identification numbers such as IDs. Available time is set when the user wishes to use the locker system using a user terminal or locker device, and may be set to a length of time corresponding to the usage fee paid by the user, for example. Total usage time is the total usage time that the user has used the locker system, and is the sum of the usage time of all locker boxes used by the user within the locker system. The usage time is, for example, the time from locking the locker box to retrieving the contents. The locker device equipped with the locker box may measure the usage time, or the locker device may transmit the start time and end time of use to the server device, and the server device may calculate the usage time from the start time and end time of use. The usage status of the locker system indicates whether the user is currently using the locker box 110 of the locker system or not. Other user information may include the user's past usage history and the amount the user has paid. The usage history may include, for example, information that identifies the locker device 100 that the user has used in the past (such as the location of the locker device 100, or the name and identification number of the locker device 100), and information that identifies the locker box that the user has used in the past.

[0029] In the example shown in Figure 6, User A has 3 hours of available time, a total usage time of 2 hours and 15 minutes, and is not currently using the locker system. Also in the example shown in Figure 6, User B has 3 hours of available time, a total usage time of 0 minutes, is currently using locker box 110B of locker device 100B, and started using it at Y3:Y4 on Y2 / Y1 / 2024. In the example shown in Figure 6, User C has 6 hours of available time, a total usage time of 5 hours, is currently using locker box 110C of locker device 100C, and started using it at Z3:Z4 on Z2 / Z1 / 2024.

[0030] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the control unit 210 of the server device 200. The control unit 210 includes a transmission / reception processing unit 211, a usage time confirmation unit 212, and a user information update unit 213.

[0031] The transmission / reception processing unit 211 uses communication via the communication unit 230 to send and receive information with other devices (for example, the locker device 100 or the user terminal used by the user). The transmission / reception processing unit 211 receives information such as user identification information transmitted from the locker device 100, the locker box usage time of the user identified by the user identification information, usage history, and the amount paid by the user.

[0032] The usage time confirmation unit 212 checks whether the user identification information received by the transmission / reception processing unit 211 matches the user identification information contained in the user information stored in the storage unit 220. In other words, the usage time confirmation unit 212 checks whether user information associated with user identification information that matches the user identification information received by the transmission / reception processing unit 211 is stored.

[0033] If the input user identification information matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 220, the usage time confirmation unit 212 stores in the storage unit 220 information such as the usage time, usage history, and amount paid by the user identified by the user identification information received from the locker device 100. At this time, the usage time confirmation unit 212 adds the received usage time of the locker box 110 to the stored total usage time and updates the total usage time.

[0034] The usage time confirmation unit 212 checks whether the total usage time of a user is less than or equal to the comparison time, which is the user's available time, based on the user information identified by the user identification information. Here, the comparison time may be the same as the available time, or it may be a predetermined amount shorter than the available time. For example, if the difference between the total usage time and the available time is small, it can be foreseen at the time of use that there is a high possibility that the available time will be exceeded when retrieving the items. If the available time is exceeded when retrieving the items, an additional fee must be paid, but if the user does not have the additional fee with them when retrieving the items, they will not be able to retrieve their belongings and the usage time will only increase, which is inconvenient. By setting the comparison time to a predetermined amount shorter than the available time, it becomes possible to have the user pay the fee that they are likely to be short of in advance at the time they start using the system, which is convenient. The available time is set, for example, according to the usage fee that the user pays when they start using the locker system.

[0035] If the total usage time is less than or equal to the comparison time, the transmission / reception processing unit 211 transmits availability information to the locker device 100 indicating that the user can use the locker system. The transmission / reception processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 receives this availability information, and the display processing unit 122 displays that the locker system is available based on the received availability information. The lock / unlock processing unit 124 performs the locking process of the locker box 110 into which an item was deposited if it is a deposit operation, and performs the unlocking process of the locker box 110 into which an item was retrieved if it is a retrieval operation.

[0036] If the total usage time is greater than the comparison time, the server device 200 calculates the usage fee for the excess amount based on the excess time information, which is the difference between the total usage time and the comparison time, and transmits information regarding the usage fee for the excess amount to the locker device 100. The display processing unit 122 displays an excess payment guidance screen on the display unit 140 to guide the user through the payment of the excess usage fee. After the payment processing is completed, the lock / unlock processing unit 124 locks the locker box 110 into which the item was deposited if it was a deposit operation, or unlocks the locker box 110 into which the item was retrieved if it was a retrieval operation. For example, if the payment processing is not completed within a predetermined time from the display of the excess payment guidance screen, the process is terminated if it was a deposit operation. If it was a retrieval operation, the timing of the usage time is restarted and the process is terminated. The timing of the usage time can be restarted by, for example, instructing the locker device 100 to restart timing, and the locker device 100 stores the new start time of use and restarts timing.

[0037] Thus, in this embodiment, the server device 200 stores user information, including available time and total usage time. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to manage the use of multiple locker devices 100 by a user based on the user information stored in the server device 200. As a result, in this embodiment, as long as the user's total usage time is less than the user's comparison time, the user can use any of the multiple locker devices 100. In other words, in this embodiment, continuous use of multiple locker devices is possible.

[0038] The transmission / reception processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 transmits usage information regarding the user's use (for example, the start time of use (for example, the time when locking was completed)) to the server device 200 after the locking and unlocking processes of the locker box 110. The transmission / reception processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 receives the usage information, and the user information update unit 213 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 updates the user information of the user stored in the storage unit 220 based on the received usage information.

[0039] Figure 8-10 shows an example of updated user information. For example, if user A in Figure 6 deposits an item into locker box 110A of locker device 100A, and the locking process for locker box 110A is performed at X3:X4 on X2 / X1 / 2024, the user information update unit 213 records the time the locking process was performed, in other words, the start time of use, as usage information (Figure 8). As a result, user A's user information will store that the user started using locker box 110A of locker device 100A at X3:X4 on X2 / X1 / 2024, but since no retrieval operation has been performed, the total usage time is not added. Also, if user B in Figure 6 performs a retrieval operation for locker box 110B of locker device 100B, since the start time of use is already recorded in the user information, the time from the start time of use to the time the retrieval operation was performed is calculated as the usage time and added to the total usage time. Since User B's total usage time was 0 hours, if the time from the start of use to the time the retrieval operation was performed was 1 hour, 1 hour is added to 0 hours, and User B's total usage time is recorded as 1 hour (Figure 9).

[0040] Furthermore, if user C in Figure 6 performs a retrieval operation on locker box 110C of locker device 100C, the usage time from the start time of use to the time of the retrieval operation is added to the total usage time, similar to user B. Since user C's total usage time was 5 hours, if user C's usage time was 1 hour and 30 minutes, 1 hour and 30 minutes would be added to 5 hours, and user C's total usage time would be recorded as 6 hours and 30 minutes (Figure 10). At this time, since the total usage time is 30 minutes greater than the available time, the locker box will not be unlocked even if the user performs a retrieval operation, and the user will be prompted to pay the excess usage fee. If the locker usage fee is set at 100 yen per hour, when user C pays the usage fee of 100 yen and completes the payment of the excess usage fee, the amount paid by user C and 1 hour of available time will be added to the user information, and user C's available time will be recorded as 7 hours (Figure 10). As a result, the total usage time becomes less than or equal to the available time, and the user can unlock the locker box.

[0041] Furthermore, after the locking process of the locker box 110, the output processing unit 125 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 outputs unlocking information, which is information for unlocking, via the output unit 160, and the storage processing unit 126 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 stores the unlocking information in the storage unit 170.

[0042] <User Registration> The control unit 210 of the server device 200 may further include a user information registration unit 214. The user information registration unit 214 stores the user registration information received by the transmission / reception processing unit 211 as user information in the storage unit 220. At this time, the user registration information may be input by the input unit 130 of the locker device 100, and the transmission / reception processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 may transmit the input user registration information to the server device 200, or it may be transmitted to the server device 200 from the user terminal used by the user.

[0043] <Use by users who have not registered> The locker device 100 may also be made available to users who have not registered. In this case, the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 may further include a usage time confirmation unit 128.

[0044] The display processing unit 122 may display a user registration confirmation screen on the display unit 140 to confirm with the user whether or not user registration has already been performed when information regarding the deposit operation is obtained by the operation information acquisition processing unit 121, or when the authentication unit 127 confirms that the unlocking information obtained by the operation information acquisition processing unit 121 matches the unlocking information stored in the storage unit 170. Furthermore, if information indicating that user registration has already been performed is entered, the display processing unit 122 may display a user identification information input screen on the display unit 140 for entering user identification information.

[0045] If information indicating that the user is not registered is entered into the input unit 130 during the deposit operation, the display processing unit 122 may display a registration intention confirmation screen on the display unit 140 to ask the user whether or not they wish to register. If information indicating that the user wishes to register is entered, the display processing unit 122 may display a registration information input screen to receive user registration information, and if user registration information is entered, it may display a payment guidance screen to inform the user of the locker system usage fee. Once the payment process is complete, the lock / unlock processing unit 124 may perform the locking process of the locker box 110 into which the deposit was made. The transmission / reception processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 may then transmit the user registration information entered by the input unit 130 to the server device 200. Furthermore, if information indicating that the user does not wish to register is entered into the input unit 130, the display processing unit 122 displays a payment guidance screen to inform the user of the usage fee for the locker box 110 into which the deposit was made. Once the payment process is complete, the lock / unlock processing unit 124 locks the locker box 110 into which the deposit was made.

[0046] On the other hand, if information indicating that the user is not registered is entered into the input unit 130 during the retrieval operation, the usage time confirmation unit 128 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 checks whether the usage time of the retrieved locker box 110 is greater than the time during which the locker box 110 can be used (box availability time). If the usage time is less than or equal to the box availability time, the lock / unlock processing unit 124 performs the unlocking process for the retrieved locker box 110. If the usage time is greater than the box availability time, the display processing unit 122 displays an excess payment guidance screen on the display unit 140 to guide the user through the payment of the excess usage fee. Once the payment process is completed, the lock / unlock processing unit 124 performs the unlocking process for the retrieved locker box 110. At this time, even if there is remaining availability time, since the user is not registered, the remaining availability time is not recorded in the storage unit and is lost. Therefore, when the user uses the locker device, the remaining availability time is not used.

[0047] <Processing operations in the locker system> Figure 11 shows an example of processing operations performed in the locker system according to this embodiment when an item is deposited. The processing operations shown in Figure 11 are performed, for example, when a user performs a deposit operation. In other words, the processing operations shown in Figure 11 are performed, for example, when information regarding the user's deposit operation is acquired by the operation information acquisition processing unit 121 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100.

[0048] The display processing unit 122 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 displays a user registration confirmation screen on the display unit 140 to confirm with the user whether or not user registration has already been completed (step S1101). If information indicating that user registration has already been completed is entered into the input unit 130 (step S1102, YES), the display processing unit 122 displays a user identification information input screen on the display unit 140 for entering user identification information (step S1103).

[0049] If user identification information is entered into the input unit 130, the transmit / receive processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 transmits the user identification information entered into the input unit 130 to the server device 200, the transmit / receive processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 receives the user identification information transmitted from the locker device 100, and the usage time confirmation unit 212 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 checks whether the user identification information received by the transmit / receive processing unit 211 (i.e., the entered user identification information) matches the user identification information contained in the user information stored in the storage unit 220 (step S1104). If the user identification information entered into the input unit 130 does not match the user identification information contained in the user information stored in the storage unit 220 (step S1104, NO), the transmit / receive processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 sends error information to the locker device 100 indicating that they did not match. The transmit / receive processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 receives this error information, and the display processing unit 122 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 displays on the display unit 140 a message indicating that an error has occurred in which the user cannot be identified (step S1103). If the user identification information entered into the input unit 130 matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 220 (step S1104, YES), the usage time confirmation unit 212 checks whether the total usage time, which is the total time the user has used the service, is greater than the comparison time, which is the time the user can use the service (available time) (step S1105).

[0050] If the total usage time is less than or equal to the comparison time (step S1105, NO), the transmit / receive processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 transmits availability information to the locker device 100 indicating that the user can use the locker system. The transmit / receive processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 receives the availability information, and the lock / unlock processing unit 124 performs the locking process for the locker box 110 into which the item was deposited (step S1106). After the locking process, the transmit / receive processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 transmits usage information regarding the user's use (for example, the start time of use (for example, the time when locking was completed)) to the server device 200. The transmit / receive processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 receives the usage information, and the user information update unit 213 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 updates the user information of the user stored in the storage unit 220 based on the received usage information. Furthermore, after the locking process, the output processing unit 125 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 generates unlocking information, which is information for unlocking, and outputs the unlocking information via the output unit 160. The storage processing unit 126 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 then stores the unlocking information in the storage unit 170 (step S1107).

[0051] If the total usage time is greater than the comparison time (step S1105, YES), the transmission / reception processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 transmits excess time information, which is the difference between the total usage time and the comparison time, to the locker device 100. The transmission / reception processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 receives the excess time information, and the display processing unit 122 calculates the usage fee for the excess amount based on the excess time information and displays an excess payment guidance screen on the display unit 140 to guide the user through the payment of the excess usage fee (step S1108). If the payment processing for the excess usage fee is not completed (step S1109, NO), the display processing unit 122 displays the excess payment guidance screen on the display unit 140 again (step S1108). If the payment processing for the excess usage fee is completed (step S1109, YES), the lock / unlock processing unit 124 performs the locking operation of the locker box 110 into which the item was deposited (step S1106). For example, if the payment processing is not completed within a predetermined time from the display of the excess payment notification screen, the process may be terminated.

[0052] If, in step S1102, information indicating that the user is not registered is entered into the input unit 130 (step S1102, NO), the display processing unit 122 displays a registration intention confirmation screen on the display unit 140 to ask the user whether or not they wish to register (step S1110). If, in step S1102, information indicating that the user does not wish to register is entered into the input unit 130 (step S1111, NO), the display processing unit 122 displays a payment guidance screen on the display unit 140 to inform the user of the usage fee for the locker box 110 into which the user has deposited (step S1112). If the payment processing for the usage fee is not completed (step S1113, NO), the display processing unit 122 displays the payment guidance screen on the display unit 140 again (step S1112). If the payment processing for the usage fee is completed (step S1113, YES), the lock / unlock processing unit 124 performs the locking process for the locker box 110 into which the user has deposited (step S1114).

[0053] If information indicating a desire to register as a user is entered into the input unit 130 (step S1111, YES), the display processing unit 122 displays a registration information input screen on the display unit 140 for receiving user registration information (step S1115). If user registration information has been entered, the display processing unit 122 displays a payment guidance screen to inform the user of the locker system usage fee (step S1116). If the payment process is completed (step S1117, YES), the lock / unlock processing unit 124 performs the locking process of the locker box 110 into which the item was deposited (step S1118). The transmission / reception processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 transmits the user registration information entered in the input unit 130 to the server device 200. The transmission / reception processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 receives the user registration information transmitted from the locker device 100. The user information registration unit 214 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 stores the user registration information received by the transmission / reception processing unit 211 (i.e., the entered user registration information) as user information in the storage unit 220 (step S1119).

[0054] Figure 12 shows an example of processing operations performed in the locker system according to this embodiment when an item is retrieved. The processing operations shown in Figure 12 are performed, for example, when a user performs a retrieval operation. In other words, the processing operations shown in Figure 12 are performed, for example, when information regarding the retrieval operation is acquired by the operation information acquisition processing unit 121 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100. The information regarding the retrieval operation includes unlocking information.

[0055] The authentication unit 127 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 checks whether the unlocking information acquired by the operation information acquisition processing unit 121 matches the unlocking information stored in the storage unit 170 (step S1201). If the unlocking information acquired by the operation information acquisition processing unit 121 does not match the unlocking information stored in the storage unit 170 (step S1201, NO), the display processing unit 122 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 displays an error message on the display unit 140 (step S1202) and terminates the process. If the unlocking information acquired by the operation information acquisition processing unit 121 matches the unlocking information stored in the storage unit 170 (step S1201, YES), the display processing unit 122 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 displays a user registration confirmation screen on the display unit 140 to confirm with the user whether user registration has already been completed (step S1203).

[0056] If information indicating that user registration has already been entered is entered (step S1204, YES), the display processing unit 122 displays a user identification information input screen for entering user identification information on the display unit 140 (step S1205).

[0057] If user identification information is entered, the transmission / reception processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 transmits the entered user identification information to the server device 200, the transmission / reception processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 receives the user identification information transmitted from the locker device 100, and the usage time confirmation unit 212 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 checks whether the user identification information received by the transmission / reception processing unit 211 (i.e., the entered user identification information) matches the user identification information contained in the user information stored in the storage unit 220 (step S1206). If the entered user identification information does not match the user identification information contained in the user information stored in the storage unit 220 (step S1206, NO), the transmit / receive processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 sends error information to the locker device 100 indicating that they did not match. The transmit / receive processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 receives this error information, and the display processing unit 122 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 displays the user identification information input screen on the display unit 140 again, along with a message indicating that an error has occurred in that the user cannot be identified (step S1205). If the input user identification information matches the user identification information contained in the user information stored in the storage unit 220 (step S1206, YES), the transmit / receive processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 sends operation time request information to the locker device 100 requesting information about the operation time, which is the time the user performed the retrieval operation. The transmit / receive processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 receives the operation time request information and then sends information about the operation time to the server device 200. The transmit / receive processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 receives the information about the operation time, and the usage time confirmation unit 212 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 calculates the total usage time of the user based on the information about the operation time received by the transmit / receive processing unit 211, and confirms whether the calculated total usage time is greater than the comparison time, which is the time the user has available (step S1207).

[0058] If the total usage time is less than or equal to the comparison time (step S1207, NO), the transmit / receive processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 transmits availability information to the locker device 100 indicating that the user can use the locker system. The transmit / receive processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 receives the availability information, and the lock / unlock processing unit 124 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 performs the unlocking process for the retrieved locker box 110 (i.e., the locker box 110 corresponding to the unlocking information) (step S1208). After the unlocking process, the transmit / receive processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 transmits usage information regarding the user's use to the server device 200. The transmit / receive processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 receives the usage information, and the user information update unit 213 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 updates the user information of the user stored in the storage unit 220 based on the received usage information (step S1209).

[0059] If the total usage time is greater than the comparison time (step S1207, YES), the transmission / reception processing unit 211 of the control unit 210 of the server device 200 transmits excess time information, which is the difference between the total usage time and the comparison time, to the locker device 100. The transmission / reception processing unit 123 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 receives the excess time information, and the display processing unit 122 calculates the usage fee for the excess amount based on the excess time information and displays an excess payment guidance screen on the display unit 140 to guide the user through the payment of the excess usage fee (step S1210). If the payment processing for the excess usage fee is not completed (step S1211, NO), the display processing unit 122 displays the excess payment guidance screen on the display unit 140 again (step S1210). If the payment processing for the excess usage fee is completed (step S1211, YES), the lock / unlock processing unit 124 performs the unlocking process for the retrieved locker box 110 (i.e., the locker box 110 corresponding to the unlocking information) (step S1208). For example, if the payment processing is not completed within a predetermined time from the display of the excess payment notification screen, the timing of the usage time may be restarted and the process may be terminated. The timing of the usage time may be restarted, for example, by instructing the locker device 100 to restart timing, and the locker device 100 may store the new start time of use and restart timing.

[0060] In step S1204, if information indicating that the user is not registered is entered (step S1204, NO), the usage time confirmation unit 128 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 checks whether the usage time of the locker box 110 from which the retrieval operation was performed is greater than the available time of the locker box 110 (step S1212).

[0061] If the usage time is less than or equal to the available time (step S1212, NO), the lock / unlock processing unit 124 performs the unlocking process for the retrieved locker box 110 (step S1208). If the usage time is greater than the available time (step S1212, YES), the display processing unit 122 displays an excess payment guidance screen on the display unit 140 to guide the user to pay the excess usage fee (step S1210).

[0062] In the processing operation shown in Figure 12, steps S1203 and S1204 may be performed before step S1201. That is, first, a user registration confirmation screen is displayed on the display unit 140 (step S1203), and if information indicating that user registration has already been entered is entered (step S1204, YES), the display processing unit 122 displays a user identification information input screen for entering user identification information on the display unit 140 (step S1205), and if information indicating that user registration has not been entered is entered (step S1204, NO), the authentication unit 127 checks whether the unlocking information obtained by the operation information acquisition processing unit 121 matches the unlocking information stored in the storage unit 170 (step S1201). Then, if the unlocking information acquired by the operation information acquisition processing unit 121 matches the unlocking information stored in the storage unit 170 (step S1201, YES), the usage time confirmation unit 128 of the control unit 120 of the locker device 100 may check whether the usage time of the locker box 110 from which the retrieval operation was performed is greater than the box availability time of the locker box 110 (step S1212).

[0063] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, various modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 100 Locker device 110 Locker Box 120 Control Unit 121 Operation Information Acquisition Processing Unit 122 Display Processing Unit 123 Transmit / Receive Processing Unit 124 Locking / unlocking section 125 Output Processing Unit 126 Memory Processing Unit 127 Certification Department 128 Usage Time Confirmation Section 130 Input section 140 Display section 150 Communications Department 160 Output section 170 Storage section 200 Server Devices 210 Control Unit 211 Transmit / Receive Processing Unit 212 Usage Time Confirmation Section 213 User Information Update Section 214 User Information Registration Section 220 Storage section 230 Communications Department

Claims

1. A locker system comprising a plurality of locker devices having one or more locker boxes, and a server device capable of communicating with each of the plurality of locker devices, The server device is It has a usage time confirmation unit that compares the total usage time of the locker system by the user with a comparison time related to the available time that the user can use the locker system, The aforementioned locker device is A locker system having a locking / unlocking processing unit that performs locking or unlocking of the locker box operated by the user if the total usage time is less than or equal to the comparison time.

2. The locker system according to claim 1, wherein the comparison time is the same as the available time, or a predetermined time shorter than the available time.

3. The locker system according to claim 1, wherein the total usage time is the sum of the time from locking the locker device to the time from locking to retrieval.

4. The locker system according to claim 1, wherein the available time is set according to the usage fee paid by the user when they start using the locker system.

5. The aforementioned locker device is After locking, an output processing unit generates unlocking information, which is information for unlocking, and outputs said unlocking information. A storage processing unit that stores the unlocking information, An operation information acquisition processing unit that acquires the aforementioned unlocking information from an external source, The locker system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: an authentication unit that compares the unlocking information acquired by the operation information acquisition processing unit with the unlocking information stored in the storage unit.

6. The server device is The system stores user information including user identification information that identifies the user, the total usage time by the user, and the available usage time set for the user. The locker system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a user information update unit that updates the user information after the locking process or the unlocking process.

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