Delivery lockers, parcel receiving management devices, and buildings

Abstract

This service ensures that even in homes or facilities without designated receiving facilities, customers can safely use the unattended delivery service. [Solution] A portable delivery box 20 that is carried and left by a delivery person D, comprising: a storage section 20a in which a package P is stored; a lid section 20b that opens and closes the opening for loading and unloading the package P in the storage section 20a; a locking section 22a that can be locked or unlocked when the opening is closed by the lid section 20b; a password input section 22b for entering a password key to change the locking section 22a from the locked state to the unlocked state; and a location information acquisition means 23 that acquires its own location information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery box, a cargo receiving management device, and a building.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the demand for home delivery and delivery has been increasing, and not only receiving packages in person but also receiving them at receiving facilities such as delivery boxes and delivery lockers is often selected by users. In addition, there is also an increasing demand for a receiving method called "leave-and-go delivery", in which a user designates a place where a third party including a delivery person can freely access and the package is delivered to that place. It goes without saying that receiving packages by receiving facilities or leave-and-go delivery is convenient for users, but it is also highly convenient and useful for delivery companies as it can reduce the number of redeliveries.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, if a receiving facility is installed permanently, space for it must be secured within the site, and the cost of the receiving facility itself and the construction cost are also high. Therefore, receiving facilities are not installed in all households. Also, leave-and-go delivery is a convenient receiving method, but there is a risk that the package may get wet in rainy weather or be stolen, so there are not a few people who are reluctant to use it.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to enable people to safely use the unattended delivery service for packages, even when there are no package receiving facilities installed in their homes or other buildings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is a portable delivery box 20 that is carried and left by a delivery person D, as shown in Figures 1 to 8, A storage section 20a in which luggage P is stored, The lid portion 20b opens and closes the loading and unloading opening for luggage P in the storage portion 20a, With the opening closed by the lid portion 20b, the locking portion 22a (locking device 22, electronic locking portion 22a) is capable of being locked or unlocked, The locking mechanism 22a is configured to have a passcode input section 22b (locking device 22, passcode input section 22b) for inputting a passcode key to unlock the locking mechanism 22a from the locked state, It is characterized by comprising a location information acquisition means 23 (GPS receiver 23) that acquires its own location information.

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1, since the package P is placed in the storage compartment 20a, the lid 20b is closed, and it can be locked by the locking part 22a, even if the delivery box 20 is carried and left unattended by the delivery person D, the risk of the package P inside the storage compartment 20a getting wet in the rain or being stolen can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the locking part 22a is unlocked by entering a PIN key from the PIN input unit 22b, it is impossible for anyone who does not know the PIN key to open the lid 20b. Moreover, since this delivery box 20 is equipped with a location information acquisition means 23 that acquires its own location information, if its location information can be acquired, the delivery box 20 can be tracked, further suppressing the risk of theft of the package P. As a result, even if there is no package receiving equipment installed in the house or facility, the unattended package receiving service can be used with peace of mind.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is, for example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, in the delivery box 20 described in claim 1, The aforementioned PIN is a one-time PIN generated by an external device (e.g., a receiving management server 10). The system is further characterized by comprising a password key information receiving means 203 (one-time passcode receiving unit 203) for receiving the information of the one-time password key from the external device.

[0009] According to the invention described in claim 2, the one-time passcode information can be received from an external device by the PIN key information receiving means 203 (one-time passcode receiving unit 203), so the one-time passcode for opening the lid 20b of the delivery box 20 can always be kept up-to-date. This reduces the risk of theft of the package P, so even if there is no package receiving equipment installed in the house or facility, the package delivery service can be used with peace of mind.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is, for example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, in the delivery box 20 described in claim 1, The system further includes identification signal transmitting means 24, 201 (identification signal transmitter 24, identification signal transmitting unit 201) that transmit an identification signal to an external device (e.g., a receiving management server 10) to identify itself, The identification signal transmitting means 24,201 is characterized by linking the identification signal and the location information and transmitting them to the external device.

[0011] According to the invention described in claim 3, the identification signal transmitting means 24,201 associates the identification signal of the delivery box 20 with location information and transmits it to an external device. Therefore, even if there are multiple delivery boxes 20, the external device can determine which delivery box 20 is where. As a result, multiple delivery boxes 20 can be tracked individually, thereby reducing the risk of theft of multiple packages P at once.

[0012] The invention described in claim 4 is, for example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, in the delivery box 20 described in claim 1, The system is further characterized by comprising location information transmission means for transmitting the aforementioned location information to an external device (for example, a receiving management server 10).

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 4, the location information transmission means transmits the location information of the delivery box 20 to an external device, so that the external device can acquire the location information. As a result, the delivery box 20 can be tracked, further reducing the risk of theft of the package P. This allows for the safe use of the package delivery service even when there is no package receiving equipment installed in the home or facility.

[0014] The invention described in claim 5 is a package receiving management device 10 that is communicably connected to the delivery box 20 described in claim 2 and to information processing terminal devices 30 and 40 used by the recipient U (user U) of the package P contained in the delivery box 20, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, for example, A one-time passcode transmission request receiving means 102 (one-time passcode transmission request receiving unit 102) receives a request from the delivery box 20 to transmit the one-time passcode to the delivery box 20, A one-time password generation means 103 (one-time passcode generation unit 103) that generates a new one-time password after receiving the aforementioned request, The system is characterized by comprising a one-time password transmission means 104 (one-time passcode transmission unit 104) that transmits the information of the one-time password generated by the one-time password generation means 103 to the delivery box 20.

[0015] According to the invention described in claim 5, a new one-time access key can be generated in response to a request from the delivery box 20, and the new one-time access key can be transmitted to the delivery box 20. As a result, the delivery box 20 can always maintain the locked state of the locking part 22a with the new access key applied, further reducing the risk of theft of the package P. This allows for the safe use of the package delivery service even if there is no package receiving equipment installed in the home or facility.

[0016] The invention described in claim 6 is a package receiving management device 10 that is communicably connected to a delivery box 20 described in claim 3 or 4, and to information processing terminal devices 30, 40 used by the recipient U of the package P contained in the delivery box 20, as shown in Figures 1 to 8, for example, A location information receiving means 101 (identification signal receiving unit 101) that receives the location information transmitted from the delivery box 20, A location information transmission request receiving means 105 (location information transmission request receiving unit 105) receives a request from the information processing terminal devices 30 and 40 to transmit the location information of the delivery box 20 to the information processing terminal devices 30 and 40, The system is characterized by comprising a location information transmission means 106 (location information transmission unit 106) that transmits the location information acquired from the delivery box 20 to the information processing terminal devices 30 and 40.

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 6, location information acquired from the delivery box 20 can be transmitted to the information processing terminal devices 30 and 40 that have received the transmission request, so that the information processing terminal devices 30 and 40 can confirm the location information of the delivery box 20. In other words, the information processing terminal devices 30 and 40 can confirm and track the location information of the delivery box 20 via the package receiving management device 10, so that the risk of theft of the package P can be further reduced. In addition, the delivery information of the package P can be made visible. As a result, even if there is no package receiving equipment installed in the house or facility, the package receiving service can be used with peace of mind.

[0018] The invention according to claim 7 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG. 8, in the cargo receiving management device 10 according to claim 6, an arrival scheduled time calculating means 107 (arrival scheduled time calculation section 107) for calculating an arrival scheduled time at which the delivery box 20 arrives at the delivery destination of the recipient U from the position information of the delivery box 20 acquired by the position information acquisition means 101 and the delivery destination information of the recipient U; wherein the position information transmitting means 101 transmits the position information and the arrival scheduled time together.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 7, the arrival scheduled time of the package P can be transmitted to the information processing terminal devices 30 and 40 together with the position information acquired from the delivery box 20. Therefore, on the side of the information processing terminal devices 30 and 40, the position information of the delivery box 20 and the arrival scheduled time can be confirmed together. Thereby, since the delivery information of the package P can be made visible, even when there is no cargo receiving facility installed in a house, facility, etc., the cargo receiving service by leave-at-door can be used with confidence.

[0020] The invention according to claim 8 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG. 7, in the cargo receiving management device 10 according to claim 6, a leave-at-door location information transmission request means 108 (leave-at-door location information transmission request section 108) for requesting the information processing terminal devices 30 and 40 to transmit leave-at-door location information which is a place where the delivery box 20 should be placed; and a leave-at-door location information transmitting means 109 (leave-at-door location information transmitting section 109) for transmitting the leave-at-door location information received from the information processing terminal devices 30 and 40 to the portable information processing terminal device 50 used by the delivery person D.

[0021] According to the invention described in claim 8, the information processing terminals 30 and 40 are requested to transmit information about the location where the delivery box 20 should be placed, and the information processing terminals 30 and 40 transmit the information about the location. The acquired information about the location is then transmitted to the portable information processing terminal 50 used by the delivery person D. As a result, the delivery person D can determine where the delivery box 20 should be placed at the delivery destination using the portable information processing terminal 50. This ensures that the recipient U's instructions for unattended delivery are reliably transmitted to the delivery person D via the delivery management device 10, allowing for the safe and reliable use of the unattended delivery service.

[0022] The invention described in claim 9 is, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 7, a building 1 in which a delivery box 20 according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is placed, The delivery box 20 is equipped with an engaging portion that is integrally provided with the delivery box 20. The building 1 is provided with an integrated non-engaging portion of the delivery box 20 that engages with the engaging portion in a locked state. The lock is characterized in that it is configured to be unlockable by the recipient U of the delivery box.

[0023] According to the invention described in claim 9, the delivery box 20 can be fixed to the building 1 by engaging an engaging portion, which is integrally provided with the delivery box 20, with an engaging portion, which is integrally provided with the building 1, in a locked state. This significantly reduces the risk of theft of the delivery box 20, allowing for the safe use of the package delivery service. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, the objective is to enable the safe use of a package delivery service even when there are no package receiving facilities installed in homes, facilities, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of the network configuration for a receiving management system. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration for a receiving management server. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of a delivery box. [Figure 4] This is a side cross-sectional view showing an aerial video display device used as a second user terminal and an example of its use. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example of the software configuration for a package receiving management system, including a package receiving management server, delivery boxes, and user terminals. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the delivery process of a delivery person delivering a parcel locker and the notification of a one-time passcode. [Figure 7] This is a floor plan showing the general layout of the user's home and the location of items to be placed. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a display screen that appears on a user's terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, while the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples. The directions in the following embodiments and illustrated examples are set solely for the convenience of explanation.

[0027] Figure 1 shows an example of the network configuration of the package receiving management system of this embodiment. In the package receiving management system network, the package receiving management server 10, the portable delivery box 20, user terminals 30 and 40, and the driver terminal 50 are connected to each other via a communication network N. With this type of package receiving management system, even if user U, who is to receive package P, is not at home 1, package P can be received by leaving it in a delivery box 20. In other words, in the package receiving management system of this embodiment, the delivery box 20 is carried by the delivery person D.

[0028] The package receiving management server 10 is a server device that acquires location information transmitted from the delivery box 20 in which the package P is stored, and transmits that location information to the user terminals 30 and 40 used by user U, who is the recipient of the package P. The computer comprising the receiving management server 10 may consist of a single computer, or it may consist of multiple computers capable of distributed or parallel processing. Furthermore, this computer may be a cloud computing system.

[0029] The home of user U (user's home 1), to which package P is to be delivered, may be a detached house or an apartment building. Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the type of residence, such as living alone, with a family, or in a shared house.

[0030] In this embodiment, user U is a member of a family household residing in a detached house and possesses a first user terminal 30, which is a user terminal that is an information processing terminal device connected to the package receiving management server 10 in a communicative manner. In this embodiment, the first user terminal 30 is a portable information processing terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet. Therefore, the first user terminal 30 is capable of general information processing and communication. Additionally, within the user's home, there is a second user terminal 40, which is a user terminal shared by user U and their family. In this embodiment, the second user terminal 40 is an aerial image display device 40 (described later), which is an information processing terminal device that is communicatively connected to the receiving management server 10. However, it is not limited to this, and other information processing terminal devices may also be used.

[0031] The delivery box 20 is configured to safely store packages P in a watertight and locked state, and has a function to receive, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System) signals and transmit a signal to the package receiving management server 10 to identify itself. This allows the package receiving management server 10 to determine the location of the delivery box 20 containing the package P and transmit that location information to the user terminals 30 and 40.

[0032] The driver terminal 50 is a portable information processing terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet, carried by the delivery person D who delivers the package P, and is connected to the package receiving management server 10 via a communication network N. Delivery driver D loads package P onto vehicle V and is also riding in vehicle V. Therefore, the location information of package P, which is loaded onto the cargo bed of vehicle V, is equal to the location information of vehicle V. On the other hand, delivery driver D, who possesses the driver terminal 50, is not necessarily riding in vehicle V. Therefore, the location information of the driver terminal 50 may not be equal to the location information of vehicle V.

[0033] The communication network N may include various communication network lines such as telephone lines, ISDN lines, fiber optics, mobile communication networks, satellite communication lines, CATV lines, and other dedicated lines, as well as Internet service providers (i.e., the Internet) that connect them. It may also be a collective communication network in which various communication networks such as LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and NFC (Near Field Communication) are connected in a manner that enables communication with each other. Furthermore, the form of connection may be wired, wireless, or a mixture of wired and wireless.

[0034] (Hardware configuration) Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the receiving management server 10 according to this embodiment. The receiving management server 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 14, and a communication module 15.

[0035] The CPU 11 executes various programs and performs calculations. The ROM 12 stores programs necessary for startup. The RAM 13 is a work area for temporarily storing processing by the CPU 11 and storing data. The HDD 14 stores various data and programs. The communication module 15 communicates with other devices via a communication network.

[0036] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the delivery box 20 according to this embodiment. The delivery box 20 basically comprises a storage section 20a in which packages P are stored, and a lid section 20b that opens and closes the opening for loading and unloading packages P in the storage section 20a. Other components of the delivery box 20 are attached to at least one of the storage section 20a and the lid section 20b. Furthermore, this delivery box 20 is designed to be foldable and can be loaded into vehicle V. Therefore, it can handle urgent requests for unattended delivery.

[0037] Such a delivery box 20 further includes, in addition to the storage compartment 20a and the lid 20b, a computer 21, a locking device 22, a GPS receiver 23, and an identification signal transmitter 24.

[0038] Furthermore, all components of the delivery box 20, except for the storage section 20a and the lid section 20b, are powered by a battery (not shown) and can operate from that power. Alternatively, a solar panel may be attached to the lid 20b to use the battery as a storage battery. In that case, the delivery box 20, which is left outdoors, will continue to receive sunlight, making it easier to charge the storage battery and ensuring that the power supply to each component of the delivery box 20 is not easily interrupted.

[0039] The computer 21 is a control device necessary for controlling each component installed in the delivery box 20, and is mainly composed of a processor 21a and a memory 21b that stores multiple applications executed by the processor 21a. Furthermore, the computer 21 is equipped with a communication module 20c that manages communication with external devices. Here, "external devices" refers not only to the locking device 22, GPS receiver 23, and identification signal transmitter 24 that constitute the delivery box 20 together with the computer 21, but also to external devices other than the delivery box 20 that are connected to the delivery box 20 via the communication network N. This allows, for example, the computer to receive data for updating one-time passwords transmitted from the package receiving management server 10, or to receive update programs.

[0040] The locking device 22 includes an electronic locking unit 22a that can be locked or unlocked with the opening of the storage unit 20a closed by the lid 20b, and a passcode input unit 22b for inputting a passcode (i.e., a personal key) to switch the electronic locking unit 22a from the unlocked state to the locked state. In this embodiment, the electronic lock unit 22a is a so-called electronic lock, but if the passcode input unit 22b is a dial key type, it does not need to be an electronic lock. In this embodiment, the passcode input unit 22b is a numeric keypad, equipped with numbers from 0 to 9, a cancel key, an enter key, etc. (see Figure 6). Therefore, the electronic lock of the electronic lock unit 22a operates from the locked state to the unlocked state by numeric keypad input from the passcode input unit 22b. Once unlocked, the lid unit 20b can be opened and the luggage P can be taken out of the storage unit 20a. In the case of collection, luggage P can be placed inside the storage unit 20a.

[0041] In this embodiment, a one-time passcode is used as the passcode entered from the passcode input unit 22b. Once the passcode has been entered and the lid 20b has been opened or closed, the passcode will need to be changed.

[0042] In this embodiment, a passcode input unit 22b is used as the PIN input unit, but a password (one-time password) may be used instead of a passcode (one-time passcode). This enhances security by requiring the input of a PIN that includes letters (alphabet) and numbers.

[0043] The GPS receiver 23 can determine its own location, i.e., the location of the delivery box 20 on Earth, by receiving multiple GPS signals from multiple GPS satellites. The location information data of the delivery box 20 is transmitted to the package receiving management server 10 when a request for transmission of the delivery box 20's location information is received from the user terminals 30 and 40. In this embodiment, a GPS receiver 23 is used as the means for acquiring location information, but the invention is not limited to this, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0044] The identification signal transmitter 24 can transmit a signal to the package receiving management server 10 to identify each individual delivery box 20. Since the identification signal identifies each individual delivery box 20, the package receiving management server 10, upon receiving the identification signal, will know which delivery box 20 the identification signal came from. By linking location information to the transmitted identification number and sending the data, the package receiving management server 10 can determine the current location of each delivery box 20 on Earth. Furthermore, the identification signal transmitted by the identification signal transmitter 24 is performed periodically at short time intervals, such as once every few seconds, once every tens of seconds, or once every few minutes, by the function of the identification signal transmitting unit 201, which will be described later.

[0045] (Second user terminal) Figure 4 shows the configuration and usage example of the aerial image display device 40 used as the second user terminal 40.

[0046] The aerial image display device 40, although not shown in the diagram, is an optical system consisting of a light source (display), a retroreflective material, and a beam splitter. The light source and retroreflective material are housed within a casing, and the beam splitter forms part of the casing. Light emitted from the light source undergoes normal reflection at the beam splitter and proceeds to the retroreflective material, where it is retroreflective in the same direction as the incident light and proceeds back to the beam splitter. The light that has passed through the beam splitter converges and then diffuses again, thereby enabling the display of an image in the air. The aerial image 40a displayed by this aerial image display device 40 is projected onto the entrance floor 71 or entrance hall 72 of the entrance 7a.

[0047] Furthermore, the aerial image display device 40 has a spatial touch sensor function that functions as an input unit 406, which will be described later, enabling touch operation on the aerial image 40a at the position where the aerial image 40a is floating. This makes it possible to input various types of information and perform various operations. In this embodiment, the aerial image display device 40 itself is also the display unit 405, which will be described later, and the aerial image 40a can also be said to be the display unit 405.

[0048] The aerial images 40a displayed by the aerial image display device 40 are the same as those displayed by the first user terminal 30 for the package receiving service according to this embodiment, but do not need to be the same as those displayed by the first user terminal 30 for other purposes. For example, information such as a clock, weather information, inventory management information, and the daily schedule of user U can be displayed. In addition, the aerial image 40a can also be used as a screen to block the view of the package P when it is received in person. In other words, by displaying an image with a high screen-blocking effect as the aerial image 40a, the view of the delivery person D can be obstructed.

[0049] The remote control 41 is used to activate the aerial image display device 40 and display the aerial image 40a, and in this embodiment, it is installed on the wall of the entrance 7a. The remote control 41 may be used to select between a blind mode and an information display mode.

[0050] (Software configuration) Figure 5 shows an example of the software configuration of the receiving management server 10 and user terminals 30 and 40 according to this embodiment.

[0051] The receiving management server 10 has, as its main functional units, an identification signal receiving unit 101, a one-time passcode transmission request receiving unit 102, a one-time passcode generation unit 103, a one-time passcode transmission unit 104, a location information transmission request receiving unit 105, a location information transmission unit 106, an estimated arrival time calculation unit 107, a delivery location information transmission request unit 108, a delivery location information transmission unit 109, and a storage unit 110.

[0052] The delivery box 20 has, as its main functional units, an identification signal transmission unit 201, a one-time passcode transmission request unit 202, a one-time passcode reception unit 203, and a storage unit 204.

[0053] The user terminals 30 and 40 have, as their main functional units, location information transmission request units 301 and 401, location information and estimated arrival time receiving units 302 and 402, delivery location information transmission request receiving units 303 and 403, delivery location information transmission units 304 and 404, display units 305 and 405, input units 306 and 406, and storage units 307 and 407.

[0054] First, let's explain the main functional components of the receiving management server 10.

[0055] The identification signal receiving unit 101 has the function of receiving identification signals with location information transmitted from the identification signal transmitter 24 of the delivery box 20 via the communication network N and the communication module 15. As described above, the identification signal transmitter 24 transmits identification signals periodically at short time intervals. Since many delivery boxes 20 are used in a single area, it is assumed that the identification signal receiving unit 101 is constantly receiving identification signals. Furthermore, the received identification signal is linked to the location information of the delivery box 20, as described above.

[0056] The one-time passcode transmission request receiving unit 102 has the function of receiving one-time passcode transmission requests sent from the one-time passcode transmission request unit 201 of the delivery box 20 via the communication network N and the communication module 15.

[0057] The one-time passcode generation unit 103 has the function of generating a one-time passcode in accordance with the one-time passcode transmission request received from the one-time passcode transmission request unit 202 of the delivery box 20. The generated one-time passcodes are stored in a database in the storage unit 110 (one-time passcode database 110b). Duplicate one-time passcodes are not generated by comparing them with the database 110b each time a passcode is generated.

[0058] The one-time passcode transmission unit 104 has the function of transmitting the one-time password data generated by the one-time passcode generation unit 103 to the delivery box 20 via the communication network N and the communication module 15.

[0059] The location information transmission request receiving unit 105 has the function of receiving requests from the location information transmission request units 301 and 401 of the user terminals 30 and 40 to transmit the location information of the package P (delivery box 20) that user U has requested to be left at the door.

[0060] The location information transmission unit 106 has the function of extracting the delivery box 20 that user U has requested to be left at, from the identification signal that is constantly being received, determining the location information associated with the identification signal, and transmitting that location information to user terminals 30 and 40 via the communication network N and the communication module 15. When transmitting location information to user terminals 30 and 40, the estimated arrival time data calculated by the estimated arrival time calculation unit 107 is also transmitted along with the location information.

[0061] The estimated arrival time calculation unit 107 has the function of calculating the estimated arrival time from the current location of the delivery box 20 to the user's home 1, based on the location information of the delivery box 20 and the address information of the user's home 1 that has been registered in advance. The calculated estimated arrival time data is transmitted to the user terminals 30 and 40 along with the location information via the communication network N and the communication module 15 when the location information is transmitted to the user terminals 30 and 40.

[0062] The delivery location information transmission request unit 108 has the function of requesting user terminals 30 and 40 to send delivery location information, such as "Please specify a location on the premises of user's home 1 where the delivery box 20 will be placed," to the package receiving management server 10. The timing for requesting user terminals 30 and 40 to transmit delivery location information can vary, including when user U directly or indirectly requests delivery of package P to a designated location, when the delivery of package P is changed from face-to-face to designated location, the day before delivery of package P, or when the delivery is changed to redelivery due to user U's circumstances. In addition, when the driver terminal 50 receives a communication requesting the transmission of delivery location information, the server also requests user terminals 30 and 40 to transmit the information. In this case, the package receiving management server 10 further includes a delivery location information transmission request receiving unit (not shown) as its main functional unit. Alternatively, it may be possible to request the submission of delivery location information by sending a dedicated form that allows the recipient to select a delivery location from multiple options.

[0063] The delivery location information transmission unit 109 has the function of transmitting delivery location information received from user terminals 30 and 40 to the driver terminal 50. The package receiving management server 10 is further equipped with a delivery location information receiving unit (not shown) as its main functional unit, which receives delivery location information data received from user terminals 30 and 40. The timing of transmitting the delivery location information data to the driver terminal 50 will vary depending on when the user terminals 30 and 40 are requested to transmit the delivery location information. Basically, the delivery location information data will be transmitted to the driver terminal 50 immediately upon receipt.

[0064] The memory unit 110 stores at least a map information database 110a containing map information of the area where the package P is delivered, and a one-time passcode database 110b containing one-time passcodes generated by the one-time passcode generation unit 103. The map information database 110a is used to verify the location information of the delivery box 20, the current location, and the address information of the user's home 1.

[0065] Next, we will explain the main functions of the delivery box 20.

[0066] The identification signal transmitting unit 201 has the function of controlling the timing of the transmission of identification signals by the identification signal transmitter 24. That is, it has the function of pre-setting the timing of the transmission of identification signals to occur periodically at short time intervals, and transmitting the identification signals through the identification signal transmitter 24 according to that setting.

[0067] The one-time passcode transmission request unit 202 has the function of requesting the parcel receiving management server 10 to transmit a one-time passcode via the communication network N and communication module 21c when the parcel P is placed in the delivery box 20, the electronic lock unit 22a is locked, and a one-time passcode is set. The signal requesting the transmission of the one-time passcode is received by the one-time passcode transmission request reception unit 102 of the parcel receiving management server 10.

[0068] The one-time passcode receiving unit 203 has the function of receiving one-time passcode data transmitted from the one-time passcode transmitting unit 104 of the receiving management server 10 via the communication network N and the communication module 21c, and storing that data in the storage unit 204.

[0069] The memory unit 204 stores the one-time passcode information 204a received by the one-time passcode receiving unit 202. When a passcode is entered using the passcode input unit 22b, it is compared with the one-time passcode information 204a stored in the memory unit 204. If they match, the electronic lock unit 22a is unlocked; if they do not match, the electronic lock unit 22a remains locked. A limit on the number of mismatches may be set, and if the electronic lock unit 22a is not unlocked within the limit, the one-time passcode information 204a is erased.

[0070] Next, the main functional components of user terminals 30 and 40 will be described. Note that the first user terminal 30 and the second user terminal 40 have similar functions.

[0071] The location information transmission request units 301 and 401 have the function of requesting the package receiving management server 10 to transmit the current location information of the package P (delivery box 20) to the user terminals 30 and 40 via the communication network N when the user U wants to know the current location information of the package P (delivery box 20) that has been requested to be left at the delivery location. The signal requesting the transmission of location information is received by the location information transmission request reception unit 105 of the package receiving management server 10.

[0072] The location information and estimated arrival time receiving units 302 and 402 receive location information and estimated arrival time data for packages P (delivery boxes 20) transmitted from the location information transmitting unit 106 of the package receiving management server 10, and have the function of displaying or storing this data in a displayable state on the display units 305 and 405 of the user terminals 30 and 40.

[0073] The delivery location information transmission request receiving units 303 and 403 have the function of receiving a request from the delivery location information transmission request unit 108 of the delivery management server 10 to send delivery location information to the delivery management server 10, such as "Please specify a location on the premises of the user's house 1 where the delivery box 20 will be placed."

[0074] The delivery location information transmission units 304 and 404 have the function of transmitting information specifying the location where the delivery box 20 should be placed, from the delivery location information 307a and 407a (see Figure 7) stored in the storage units 307 and 407, to the package receiving management server 10 via the communication network N.

[0075] The display units 305 and 405 have the function of displaying various information on the display screen 80, including information on the one-time passcode, location information, and estimated arrival time information transmitted from the receiving management server 10. In the case of the first user terminal 30, the display unit 305 is composed of a touch panel superimposed on the input unit 306. In the case of the second user terminal 40, the display unit 405 is composed of the aerial image display device 40 as described above.

[0076] As shown in Figure 8, the display screen 80 shown in the display units 305 and 405 displays the user's home 1 and the current location of the package P (delivery box 20) on a map 81 of the delivery area of ​​delivery person D, and also displays an information display field 82 showing the estimated arrival time overlaid on top. Information display section 82 includes various information such as the estimated arrival time, the name of the delivery company, order details, and delivery method. The information displayed in the information display area 82 can be switched using the toggle tabs 82a, 82b, 82c, and 82d. The screen of the information display area 82 displayed when toggle tab 82a is selected is shown in Figure 8, and by selecting the other toggle tabs 82b, 82c, and 82d, you can see screens displaying different information.

[0077] Additionally, an icon 83 indicating that an alert has been set is displayed on the display screen 80. Alerts can be set to, for example, "sound when package P is 5 minutes away from arrival," "sound when package P arrives," "sound 5 minutes after package P arrives," or "sound when package P is 1km away from arrival." This allows user U to be notified by sound when package P has arrived or is about to arrive. Instead of alerts, notifications can be sent to user terminals 30 and 40 via email or push notifications.

[0078] Input units 306 and 406 have functions for requesting the receiving management server 10 to transmit location information of the package P (delivery box 20), transmitting the delivery location information to the receiving management server 10 when a request for transmission of the delivery location information is received from the receiving management server 10, inputting various other information, and performing various operations on the terminal. In the case of the first user terminal 30, the input unit 306 is composed of a touch panel superimposed on the display unit 305. In the case of the second user terminal 40, as described above, it is composed of a touch sensor on the aerial image display device 40.

[0079] The memory units 307 and 407 store information 307a and 407a regarding the delivery location at the user's home 1 where user U, who possesses user terminals 30 and 40, resides.

[0080] (Notification of one-time passcode) As described above, the one-time passcode for unlocking the electronic lock unit 22a in the locking device 22 is generated by the one-time passcode generation unit 103 of the parcel receiving management server 10 and stored in the storage unit 110 of the parcel receiving management server 10. The generated one-time passcode data is then transmitted to the parcel box 20 by the one-time passcode transmission unit 104 via the communication network N and the communication module 15. User U needs to know the one-time passcode when opening the lid 20b of the delivery box 20 and retrieving the package P. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the generated one-time passcode data may be sent to the delivery box 20 by the one-time passcode transmission unit 104 and simultaneously sent as a notification to the user terminals 30 and 40. Furthermore, this is not the only option; the delivery person D who makes a contactless delivery may also notify the recipient by placing a document containing a one-time passcode into the mailbox 4. In this case, the document may be enclosed in an envelope or similar so that the delivery person D does not see the one-time passcode. Alternatively, the one-time passcode may be obtained by scanning a password-protected QR code that only user U knows in advance.

[0081] (Information about the user's home and delivery location) Figure 7 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration and placement location of the user's home 1 in this embodiment. User's house 1 is a detached house as described above, with a house 5 built on plot 2. Plot 2 is surrounded by a wall 3, with an opening facing the front road, allowing people and vehicles to enter and exit through this opening in the wall 3. A front entrance approach 2a is laid out on plot 2 facing the opening, and a front entrance porch 2b is located at the end of the front entrance approach 2a. In addition, a parking space 2c is provided on plot 2 adjacent to the front entrance approach 2a. A mailbox 4 is integrally installed in the part of the wall 3 that is close to the entrance approach 2a.

[0082] House 5 has multiple openings. These multiple openings include an entrance door 6a facing the entrance porch 2b, a first sliding window 6b adjacent to the parking space 2c, a second sliding window 6c and a third sliding window 6d adjacent to the garden on the front road side of the property 2, and a back entrance 6e adjacent to the back garden of the property 2. The entrance / exit 6a is opened and closed by the entrance door 61.

[0083] House 5 has multiple rooms. These multiple rooms include an entrance hall 7a located on the indoor side of the front door 6a and front door 61, a storage space 7b located on the indoor side of the first sliding window 6b, a staircase 7c located near the entrance hall 7a, a living room 7d located on the indoor side of the second sliding window 6c and third sliding window 6d, and a kitchen room 7e located on the indoor side of the back door 6e. The entrance 7a has an entrance floor 71 with an earthen floor and an entrance hall 72 set at a floor level one step higher than the entrance floor 71. The floor level of the entrance hall 72 is at the same level as the first floor.

[0084] Furthermore, the exterior wall or foundation of the house 5, or the fence 3, is integrally or integrally provided with a box engagement portion 8 for engaging the delivery box 20. In other words, in this embodiment, the delivery box 20 can be fixed to the exterior wall or foundation or fence 3 of the user's house 1. The engagement structure between the engaging part of the delivery box 20 and the engaged part of the box is not particularly limited, but it is structured to engage with each other when locked. Furthermore, only user U can unlock the lock.

[0085] The locations of the box engagement portion 8 (i.e., the delivery locations) are the portion of the wall 3 located next to the mailbox 4, the portion of the exterior wall located next to the entrance door 6a, the portion of the exterior wall or foundation located next to the first sliding window 6b, the portion of the exterior wall or foundation located between the second sliding window 6c and the third sliding window 6d, and the portion of the exterior wall or foundation located next to the back door 6e. As a result, when the delivery box 20 is engaged with the box engagement portion 8 and the package P is left there, it is easy for the user U to take the package P out of the delivery box 20 and carry it inside because it is close to an entrance. When packages P are brought indoors from the designated drop-off location near the entrance 6a, they can be easily carried into storage space 7b or upstairs 7c (i.e., to the upper floor). Storage space 7b is close to the drop-off location near the first sliding window 6b, the living room 7d is close to the drop-off locations near the second sliding window 6c and third sliding window 6d, and the kitchen room 7e is close to the drop-off location near the back door 6e. Therefore, the designated drop-off location may be changed depending on the type of item in the package P and for each user U. In addition, the drop-off location near the mailbox 4 is suitable when the item P is used outdoors. Hereafter, the delivery location near mailbox 4 will be designated as the first delivery location, the delivery location near entrance 6a as the second delivery location, the delivery location near the first sliding window 6b as the third delivery location, the delivery locations near the second sliding window 6c and the third sliding window 6d as the fourth delivery location, and the delivery location near the back door 6e as the fifth delivery location.

[0086] (Flow of the package delivery service at the doorstep) Next, we will explain the process for receiving packages via unattended delivery.

[0087] First, user U arranges for the delivery of package P through user terminals 30 and 40. At this time, they choose whether to receive the package in person or leave it at the door. If they choose to receive package P in person, the delivery method is the same as for ordinary packages P, and since the delivery box 20 is not used, the explanation is omitted. Furthermore, the arrangement of package P and the selection of the delivery method can be done, for example, through the order form for package P on a shopping website.

[0088] When the option to leave package P at a designated location is selected and the order for package P is placed, the order information is transmitted to the delivery company for package P. There are various ways in which a delivery company can obtain package P to user's home 1, such as it being transported from the seller, being picked up from the seller, or being in stock at the warehouse. Therefore, we will omit the explanation up to the point where the delivery company obtains package P.

[0089] When an order for package P is placed and the delivery method for package P is "leave at door", the package management server 10 needs to confirm with user U where at user's home 1 the package should be left at door. Therefore, communication takes place between the package management server 10 and user terminals 30 and 40, and the package management server 10's delivery location information transmission request unit 108 requests user terminals 30 and 40 to send the delivery location information to the package management server 10. From user terminals 30 and 40, users can select any of the multiple delivery locations (first delivery location, second delivery location, third delivery location, fourth delivery location, fifth delivery location) at the user's home 1, and transmit the result of their selection to the package receiving management server 10 via the communication network N.

[0090] Package P is placed in the delivery box 20 by delivery person D or warehouse worker, the lid 20b is closed, and the electronic lock part 22a of the locking device 22 is locked. Then, the one-time passcode transmission request unit 202 requests the package receiving management server 10 to transmit a one-time passcode to the delivery box 20.

[0091] The parcel receiving management server 10 receives a request from the delivery box 20 to send a one-time passcode, and the one-time passcode generation unit 103 generates a one-time passcode. The generated one-time passcode is transmitted by the one-time passcode transmission unit 104 from the package receiving management server 10 to the locking device 22 of the delivery box 20.

[0092] When the one-time passcode data is transmitted to the locking device 22, the electronic lock unit 22a is set to a state where the one-time passcode is configured. The delivery box 20 is then loaded onto the cargo bed of the vehicle V, and transportation to the user's home 1 begins. The delivery box 20 emits an identification signal linked to its location, and the package receiving management server 10 constantly receives this identification signal. Therefore, the package receiving management server 10 can always know the current location of the delivery box 20.

[0093] If user U wants to know the current location of package P (delivery box 20), the location information transmission request unit 301, 401 requests the package receiving management server 10 via the communication network N to transmit the location information of package P to user terminals 30, 40. Then, the receiving management server 10 transmits location information and estimated arrival time information to user terminals 30 and 40 via the communication network N using the location information transmission unit 106. The display units 305 and 405 of user terminals 30 and 40 then display the location information and estimated arrival time information as shown in Figure 8. This allows user U to confirm the current location and estimated arrival time of package P.

[0094] When delivery person D arrives at the user's house 1, he carries the delivery box 20 to the designated delivery location, engages the engaging part of the delivery box 20 with the box-engaged part 8, and secures the delivery box 20 to the house 5. Following the above steps, delivery person D completes the delivery of package P via contactless delivery. Furthermore, the driver terminal 50 shall report the completion of delivery to the receiving management server 10 and user terminals 30 and 40 as needed.

[0095] User U can retrieve package P from the delivery box 20 at any time after delivery by delivery person D has completed the delivery. The delivery box 20 can be detached from the box engagement part 8, folded, and either collected during the next delivery of package P, or returned to the delivery company.

[0096] This embodiment provides the following excellent effects. In other words, since the package P is placed inside the storage compartment 20a, the lid 20b is closed, and it can be locked by the electronic lock unit 22a, even if the delivery box 20 is carried and left unattended by the delivery person D, the risk of the package P inside the storage compartment 20a getting wet in the rain or being stolen can be reduced. Furthermore, since the electronic lock unit 22a is unlocked by entering a one-time passcode from the passcode input unit 22b, it is impossible for anyone who does not know the one-time passcode to open the lid 20b. Moreover, since this delivery box 20 is equipped with a GPS receiver 23 that acquires its own location information, if its location information can be acquired, the delivery box 20 can be tracked, further reducing the risk of theft of the package P. As a result, even if there is no package receiving equipment installed in the house or facility, the unattended package receiving service can be used with peace of mind.

[0097] Furthermore, the delivery box 20 can receive one-time passcode information from the package receiving management server 10 via the one-time passcode receiving unit 203, so the one-time passcode for opening the lid 20b of the delivery box 20 can always be kept up-to-date. This reduces the risk of theft of packages P, so even if there are no package receiving facilities installed in homes or facilities, the package delivery service can be used with peace of mind.

[0098] Furthermore, the identification signal transmitter 24 (identification signal transmitting unit 201) links the identification signal of the delivery box 20 with location information and transmits it to the package receiving management server 10. Therefore, even if there are multiple delivery boxes 20, the package receiving management server 10 can determine which delivery box 20 is where. This allows for individual tracking of multiple delivery boxes 20, thereby mitigating the risk of theft of multiple packages P at once.

[0099] Furthermore, the package receiving management server 10 can generate a new one-time passcode in response to a request from the delivery box 20 and send this new one-time passcode to the delivery box 20. As a result, the delivery box 20 can always maintain the locked state of the electronic lock unit 22a with the latest one-time passcode applied, further reducing the risk of theft of the package P. This allows for the safe use of the package receiving service even if there are no package receiving facilities installed in the home or facility.

[0100] Furthermore, the package receiving management server 10 can transmit location information obtained from the delivery box 20 to user terminals 30 and 40 that have received a transmission request, allowing user terminals 30 and 40 to confirm the location information of the delivery box 20. In other words, user terminals 30 and 40 can confirm and track the location information of the delivery box 20 via the package receiving management server 10, further reducing the risk of theft of packages P. In addition, delivery information for packages P can be made more visible. As a result, even if there are no package receiving facilities installed in homes or facilities, users can use the package delivery service with peace of mind.

[0101] Furthermore, the package receiving management server 10 can transmit the estimated arrival time of package P along with the location information obtained from the delivery box 20 to the user terminals 30 and 40, allowing the user terminals 30 and 40 to check both the location information of the delivery box 20 and the estimated arrival time. This makes the delivery information of package P more visible, so even if there are no package receiving facilities installed in the house or facility, the package receiving service can be used with peace of mind.

[0102] Furthermore, the package receiving management server 10 requests user terminals 30 and 40 to send information about the location where the delivery box 20 should be placed. The server receives the information from user terminals 30 and 40 and transmits the acquired information to the driver terminal 50 used by delivery person D. This allows delivery person D to determine exactly where in the user's home 1 the delivery box 20 should be placed using the driver terminal 50. As a result, user U's delivery instructions can be reliably transmitted to delivery person D via the package receiving management server 10, allowing users to confidently use the package delivery service.

[0103] Furthermore, by engaging the engagement part, which is integrally provided with the delivery box 20, with the box engagement part 8, which is integrally provided with the user's home 1, while the lock is engaged, the delivery box 20 can be fixed to the user's home 1. This significantly reduces the risk of theft of the delivery box 20, allowing users to use the unattended delivery service with peace of mind.

[0104] Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for the realization of a decarbonized society through the promotion of carbon neutrality, which aims to achieve virtually zero carbon dioxide emissions, and for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Various initiatives are being undertaken in the construction industry as well. The parcel receiving service using the delivery box 20 of this embodiment can prevent delivery personnel D from redelivering parcels P, thus contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from the vehicle when delivery personnel D delivers parcels P (Target 13). Furthermore, the delivery box 20 is opened and closed by a lid 20b with a locking device. The delivery box 20 can also be fixed to the house 5. Moreover, the delivery box 20 is highly secure because it can be tracked using location information. In other words, its superior security can improve local safety and contribute to creating a community where people can continue to live (Goal 11).

[0105] [Variation] The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to those described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Modifications are described below. The following modifications may be combined as much as possible.

[0106] [Variation 1] The storage compartment 20a and lid 20b of the modified delivery box 20 have, although not shown in the figures, a coolant storage compartment for storing a coolant. It is preferable to store a coolant together with the package P when storing a package P that requires cooling, as this helps to keep the package P cool.

[0107] [Variation 2] In the above embodiment, the user's home 1 is a detached house, but in this modified example, the user's home is an individual dwelling unit in an apartment building or similar multi-unit dwelling. In multi-unit dwellings, there are sometimes freestanding delivery boxes installed in the common areas, but since such delivery boxes are shared by the residents of the multi-unit dwelling, there is not always an available space. Therefore, if the delivery box 20 can be delivered to the front door of each dwelling unit, it becomes possible to receive packages P even if there is no available space in the freestanding delivery boxes installed in the common area of ​​the multi-unit dwelling. In addition, if the box engagement part 8 is installed on the exterior wall in front of the entrance, the delivery box 20 can be fixed in place, thus increasing security.

[0108] [Variation 3] In the above embodiment, the delivery box 20 is provided with an identification signal transmitter 24 and an identification signal transmitting unit 201 as a functional unit. However, in this modified example, the identification signal transmitter 24 and the identification signal transmitting unit 201 are not provided. That is, for example, if only a limited number of delivery boxes 20 are used within the delivery area, there is no need to identify the delivery box 20 by an identification signal. Therefore, instead of the identification signal transmitter 24 and the identification signal transmitting unit 201, it is sufficient to provide a location information transmission means for transmitting acquired location information (e.g., GPS information) to the package receiving management server 10. This modified method of transmitting location information can send the location information of the delivery box 20 to the package management server 10, allowing the package management server 10 to acquire that location information. As a result, the delivery box 20 can be tracked, further reducing the risk of theft of the package P. This allows for the safe use of the package delivery service even if there are no package receiving facilities installed in the home or facility. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 1 user's home 2 Site 2a Entrance approach 2b Entrance porch 2c Parking space 3 Wall 4 Mailbox 5 houses 6a Entrance / Exit 6b First sliding window 6c Second sliding window 6d Third sliding window 6e Back door 10. Receiving Management Server 20 Delivery boxes 20a Storage area 20b Lid 22 Locking device 22a Electronic lock section 22b Passcode input section 23 GPS receiver 24 Identification signal transmitter 30 First User Terminal 40 Second user terminal 50 Driver terminals 80 display screen 81 Map 82 Information display column

Claims

1. A portable delivery box that is carried and left at the delivery location by a delivery person, The storage area where luggage is stored, A lid that opens and closes the loading and unloading opening in the aforementioned storage compartment, A locking mechanism that allows locking or unlocking while the opening is closed by the lid, The locking mechanism includes a key input section for entering a key to change the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state, A delivery box characterized by being equipped with a means for acquiring its own location information.

2. In the delivery box according to claim 1, The aforementioned PIN is a one-time PIN generated by an external device. A delivery box further comprising a key information receiving means for receiving the information of the one-time key from the external device.

3. In the delivery box according to claim 1, The system further comprises identification signal transmission means for transmitting an identification signal to an external device to identify itself, The delivery box is characterized in that the identification signal transmission means links the identification signal and the location information and transmits them to the external device.

4. In the delivery box according to claim 1, A delivery box further comprising location information transmission means for transmitting the aforementioned location information to an external device.

5. A package receiving management device that is communicably connected to a delivery box according to claim 2 and an information processing terminal device used by the recipient of a package stored in the delivery box, A one-time password transmission request receiving means that receives a request from the delivery box to transmit the one-time password to the delivery box, A one-time password generation means that generates a new one-time password after receiving the aforementioned request, A package receiving management device characterized by comprising: a one-time password transmission means for transmitting information of the one-time password generated by the one-time password generation means to the delivery box.

6. A package receiving management device that is communicably connected to a delivery box according to claim 3 or 4 and an information processing terminal device used by the recipient of a package stored in the delivery box, Location information receiving means for receiving the location information transmitted from the delivery box, Location information transmission request receiving means that receives a request from the information processing terminal device to transmit the location information of the delivery box to the information processing terminal device, A parcel receiving management device characterized by comprising location information transmission means for transmitting the location information obtained from the parcel delivery box to the information processing terminal device.

7. In the receiving management device according to claim 6, The system further includes an estimated arrival time calculation means that calculates the estimated arrival time of the delivery box when it arrives at the recipient's delivery address, based on the location information of the delivery box and the recipient's delivery address information obtained by the location information acquisition means, The aforementioned location information transmission means is characterized by transmitting the location information and the estimated arrival time together.

8. In the receiving management device according to claim 6, A means for requesting the transmission of delivery location information, which is the location where the delivery box should be placed, to the information processing terminal device, A package receiving management device further comprising a means for transmitting the delivery location information received from the information processing terminal device to a portable information processing terminal device used by the delivery person.

9. A building in which a delivery box according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is placed, The aforementioned delivery box is equipped with an engaging portion that is integrally provided with the delivery box, The building is provided with an integrated non-engaging portion that engages with the engaging portion of the delivery box in a locked state. The building is characterized in that the lock is configured to be unlockable by the recipient of the delivery box.

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