Locker management system

Abstract

To improve utilization efficiency and reduce the uneven distribution of locker usage. [Solution] The locker management system (100) includes a reception unit (92) that accepts the conditions of the storage space S that the user wishes to reserve and the planned date and time of use, a selection unit (1014) that selects a storage space S that satisfies the conditions from the multiple storage spaces S at a first predetermined time before the planned date and time of use, using the reservation status and usage status of the lockers (1) at that time, and a notification unit (1012) that notifies the user that the selected storage space S is the storage space S assigned to the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a locker management system including lockers having a plurality of storage spaces.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a management system for improving the utilization rate of lockers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In lockers assuming a specific large number of users, usually, it is necessary to prepare lockers for the number of people, and a certain amount of space is required. Also, in this case, even though there are empty lockers, they may not be used, which is inefficient.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a management device that allocates an unused locker at the desired location when there is a reservation application for a shared locker. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 only allocates an unused locker at a point in time a predetermined time before the start time of use, and there is room for improvement in utilization efficiency.

[0006] Also, Patent Document 1 does not mention anything about uneven use, etc., and there is a possibility that problems such as premature deterioration of only specific lockers may occur.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, a locker management system according to one aspect of the present invention is a locker management system for managing lockers having a plurality of storage spaces, comprising: a reception unit that receives the conditions of the storage space that a user wishes to reserve and the planned date and time of use; a selection unit that, at a first predetermined time before the planned date and time of use, selects a storage space from the plurality of storage spaces that satisfies the conditions using the reservation status and usage status of the locker at that time; and a notification unit that notifies the user that the selected storage space is the storage space assigned to the user.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to solve the aforementioned problems, a control method for a locker management system according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a locker management system that manages a locker having a plurality of storage spaces, and includes: a reception step of receiving the conditions and planned date and time of use of the storage space that a user wishes to reserve; a selection step of selecting a storage space that satisfies the conditions from the plurality of storage spaces using the reservation status and usage status of the locker at a first predetermined time before the planned date and time of use; and a notification step of notifying the user that the selected storage space is a storage space assigned to the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the utilization efficiency of accommodation space can be improved. Furthermore, by using reservation status and usage status, the uneven distribution of used accommodation space can be suppressed. In addition, by notifying the user a first predetermined time before the scheduled date and time of use, the user can easily recognize the allocated accommodation space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an overview of the locker management system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of the locker management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3]This is a general perspective view of the locker management system. [Figure 4] Another general perspective of the locker. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing one of the locker opening / closing mechanisms. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a display on a mobile communication terminal used to lock and unlock lockers. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates an example of selecting a locker based on selection rules. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow in the locker management system when a locker is used. [Figure 9] This figure shows examples of the locker reservation screen and reservation confirmation screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the parts shown in the drawings of the present disclosure are illustrative and may differ from the actual scale.

[0012] This embodiment relates to a locker management system 100 that includes a locker 1 having multiple storage spaces S and a locker 1 that locks and unlocks doors or other opening / closing mechanisms 3 that open and close each storage space S by receiving power from a mobile communication terminal 8 such as a smartphone.

[0013] First, with reference to Figure 1, an overview of the locker management system 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the locker management system 100 includes a locker 1, a mobile communication terminal 8, and a management server 101. The management server 101 manages the reservation and usage status of locker 1. Locker 1 can be locked and unlocked by the user using their mobile communication terminal 8. If locker 1 has an auto-locking mechanism, i.e., it locks automatically when the opening / closing mechanism 3 is closed, the mobile communication terminal 8 may only be used to unlock locker 1. The mobile communication terminal 8 can communicate with the management server 101 via the network 50, and the ability to lock and unlock locker 1 by the mobile communication terminal 8 is controlled according to the reservation and other information regarding locker 1 managed by the management server 101. Power required for controlling the locking and unlocking of locker 1 may also be supplied by the mobile communication terminal 8. By supplying power from the mobile communication terminal 8, a highly efficient locker management system 100 can be realized without creating a complex structure that allows direct control from the management server 101 in the locker 1, and without having to place it near a power source to receive power.

[0014] <Locker: Overview> Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the locker management system 100 according to this embodiment. The locker management system 100 includes a locker 1. The locker 1 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4 in conjunction with Figure 2. Figures 3 and 4 are schematic perspective views of the locker 1. In particular, Figures 3 and 4 show the front side of the locker 1, in other words, the side facing the multiple opening / closing bodies 3 which will be described later, as the front side of the page. Also, compared to Figure 3, Figure 4 omits the illustration of the multiple opening / closing bodies 3 of the locker 1 and shows in more detail the side of the locker 1 that is behind each of the opening / closing bodies 3.

[0015] In the drawings showing the locker 1 of the present disclosure, the xyz axes are shown together. In particular, in each of the drawings showing the locker 1, the direction from left to right facing the front of the locker 1 is defined as the positive direction of the x-axis. Also, in each of the drawings showing the locker 1, the direction from the front to the back of the locker 1 is defined as the positive direction of the y-axis. Further, in each of the drawings showing the locker 1, the direction from the bottom to the top of the locker 1 is defined as the positive direction of the z-axis.

[0016] <Locker: Outer panel and opening / closing body> The locker 1 includes an outer panel 2 and a plurality of opening / closing bodies 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the outer panel 2 is configured such that a plurality of accommodation spaces S capable of accommodating contents are arranged at least in one of the vertical and horizontal directions facing the front of the locker 1, for example. In particular, the outer panel 2 is configured such that the opening of each accommodation space S is located on the front side of the locker 1.

[0017] Each of the opening / closing bodies 3 is attached, for example, to the side of the opening of the accommodation space S of the outer panel 2 as described later, and opens and closes each of the accommodation spaces S. Each of the opening / closing bodies 3 is rotatably attached to the outer panel 2 by a mechanism described later.

[0018] The locker 1, particularly the opening / closing body 3 of the locker 1 and each part located in the vicinity of the opening / closing body 3, will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 in combination with FIGS. 2 to 4. The schematic diagrams F41, F42, and F43 in FIG. 5 each show an enlarged view of one of the opening / closing bodies 3 and a part of the outer panel 2 located in the vicinity of the opening / closing body 3. In particular, each of the schematic diagrams in FIG. 5 shows the case where the opening / closing body 3 closes each of the accommodation spaces S. Also, the schematic diagram F41 shows the opening / closing body 3 from the front side, and the schematic diagrams F42 and F43 show the opening / closing body 3 from the back side, in other words, from the inside of the accommodation space S. Further, the schematic diagram F42 shows the opening / closing body 3 in the locked state to be described in detail later, and the schematic diagram F43 shows the opening / closing body 3 in the unlocked state to be described in detail later.

[0019] As shown in schematic diagram F41, the locker 1 has handles 32 on the outer surface of each opening / closing body 3 for the user of the locker 1 to grip in order to rotate the opening / closing body 3 relative to the outer panel 2 to open and close the storage space S. Furthermore, as shown in schematic diagrams F42 and F43, the locker 1 may also have hinges 33 that rotatably restrain each opening / closing body 3 relative to the outer panel 2. This allows the user of the locker 1 to open and close the storage space S by gripping the handles 32 and moving the opening / closing body 3, thereby rotating the opening / closing body 3 around the hinges 33 when the opening / closing body 3 is in the unlocked state, as described later.

[0020] The locker 1 further comprises a locking unit 4, a power receiving unit 5, and a control unit 6. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the control unit 6 comprises a power storage unit 61, a locking unit control unit 62, a memory 63, and a calculation unit 64.

[0021] <Locker: Lock> As shown in schematic diagrams F42 and F43, the locking mechanism 4 includes, for example, a locking mechanism projection 41 and a rotating shaft 42 that rotatably restrains the locking mechanism projection 41. Here, for example, the outer panel 2 includes an outer projection 21 that protrudes from the front side of the storage space S towards the center in the left-right direction of the storage space S, as shown in schematic diagrams F42 and F43. As shown in schematic diagram F42, when the opening / closing body 3 closes the storage space S and the opening / closing body 3 is locked, at least a portion of the locking mechanism projection 41 of the locking mechanism 4 is located further back in the storage space S than the outer projection 21 of the outer panel 2. Furthermore, in the locked state, at least a portion of the locking mechanism projection 41 overlaps with at least a portion of the outer projection 21 in a front view of the locker 1.

[0022] As a result, when the opening / closing body 3 is closed to the storage space S and the opening / closing body 3 is locked, even if the opening / closing body 3 is rotated around the hinge 33 to open the storage space S, the locking part projection 41 and the outer projection 21 interfere with each other, preventing the opening / closing body 3 from rotating. Therefore, in the locked state, the opening / closing body 3 maintains a closed state to the storage space S, making it impossible for a user of the locker 1 to open the storage space S even if they operate the opening / closing body 3.

[0023] On the other hand, as shown in schematic diagram F42, when the opening / closing body 3 is in the unlocked state, the locking projection 41 rotates around the rotation axis 42 and moves to a position where it does not overlap with the outer projection 21 when viewed from the front of the locker 1. Therefore, when it is in the unlocked state, a user of the locker 1 can open the storage space S by rotating the opening / closing body 3 around the hinge 33, for example, by grasping the handle 32 of the opening / closing body 3 and pulling it towards the front of the locker 1.

[0024] As a result, the locking mechanism 4 locks and unlocks the opening / closing body 3, enabling users of the locker 1 to put items into and take them out of the storage space S, and to maintain the storage of items in the storage space S.

[0025] <Locker: Power receiving unit> The power receiving unit 5 can receive power wirelessly from the power supply unit (described later) via, for example, near-field communication (NFC), and includes, for example, an NFC antenna (not shown). As shown in schematic diagrams F42 and F43, the power receiving unit 5 is located, for example, on the inner surface of the opening / closing body 3. The power receiving unit 5 receives power wirelessly from a mobile communication terminal 8, such as a smartphone (described later), located outside the housing space S. The location of the power receiving unit 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is located on the inside of the housing space S and can receive power wirelessly from the mobile communication terminal 8; for example, the power receiving unit 5 may be located on the inner surface of the outer panel 2. Also, as long as the power receiving unit 5 can receive power from the power supply unit (described later), the configuration of the power receiving unit 5 is not particularly limited and may include various configurations, such as a conventionally known NFC antenna. The power received by the power receiving unit 5 is sent to the control unit 6 by various means such as wired or wireless connections.

[0026] <Locker: Control Unit: Power Storage Unit and Lock Control Unit> The power storage unit 61 of the control unit 6 stores the power supplied from the power receiving unit 5 at least temporarily. The power storage unit 61 may include various batteries, such as secondary batteries, that can store power at least temporarily by applying voltage.

[0027] The lock control unit 62 operates the lock 4 using, for example, power stored in the power storage unit. In particular, the lock control unit 62 controls the locking and unlocking of the opening / closing body 3 by the lock 4, for example, by controlling the rotation of the lock projection 41 around the rotation axis 42 when the opening / closing body 3 is closed over the opening of the storage space S. The operation of the lock 4 by the lock control unit 62 may also be achieved by supplying power to a power unit such as a motor (not shown) using wired or wireless means, operating the power unit, and rotating the lock projection 41 around the rotation axis 42.

[0028] <Locker: Control Unit: Memory and Processing Unit> The memory 63, for example, temporarily holds data, for example, data necessary for a user of locker 1 to use locker 1. For example, the memory 63 may hold data such as the open / closed state of the opening / closed body 3, the locked / unlocked state of the opening / closed body 3, the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 61, or the conditions under which the lock control unit 62 performs locking and unlocking of the opening / closed body 3.

[0029] The arithmetic unit 64 may, for example, read data recorded in the memory 63, or write new data to the memory 63. The arithmetic unit 64 may also include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and perform arithmetic processing on the data read from the memory 63. For example, the arithmetic unit 64 may compare the open / closed state of the open / closed body 3, the locked / unlocked state of the open / closed body 3, and the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 61 with the conditions under which the lock control unit 62 performs locking and unlocking of the open / closed body 3. The arithmetic unit 64 may also record data in the memory 63 regarding whether or not to allow the lock control unit 62 to operate based on the above comparison. In this case, the lock control unit 62 may control the lock 4 based on the data regarding the operation of the lock control unit 62 recorded in the memory 63 and perform locking and unlocking of the open / closed body 3.

[0030] In addition to the parts described above, the control unit 6 may include communication means (not shown), including wired or wireless, and may also have a separate power supply to provide the power necessary to operate each part of the control unit 6. On the other hand, each part of the control unit 6 may be operated by power stored in the power storage unit 61. In this case, the locker 1 does not need a power supply to operate the control unit 6 and wiring to connect the power supply to the control unit 6, thereby saving power in the locker 1 and making the locker 1 simpler.

[0031] <Mobile communication devices> The mobile communication terminal 8 includes at least a display unit 9. The mobile communication terminal 8 may be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The mobile communication terminal 8 includes a power supply unit 81 for performing contactless power supply to the power receiving unit 5 described above. The power supply unit 81 includes, for example, an NFC antenna (not shown) that can perform contactless power supply to the power receiving unit 5 by means of NFC. The power supply unit 81 is located, for example, inside the mobile communication terminal 8, particularly on the side opposite to the display surface of the display unit 9 of the mobile communication terminal 8. However, the location of the power supply unit 81 in the mobile communication terminal 8 is not particularly limited as long as contactless power supply to the power receiving unit 5 is possible. Also, as long as the power supply unit 81 can perform contactless power supply to the power receiving unit 5, the configuration of the power supply unit 81 is not particularly limited and may include various configurations, for example, a conventionally known NFC antenna. The power supplied from the power supply unit 81 may be supplied to the power supply unit 81 from a power source such as a battery (not shown) provided in the mobile communication terminal 8.

[0032] Furthermore, the mobile communication terminal 8 is equipped with a reception unit 82. The reception unit 82 receives reservations for lockers 1 from users. Upon receiving a reservation, the mobile communication terminal 8 transmits the details to the management server 101. The reservation details include the conditions of the storage space S and the planned date and time of use. The conditions include the installation location of the locker 1, the desired size (e.g., large, medium, small, etc.) if the storage space S of the locker 1 installed at the desired installation location has multiple sizes, and the position at the installation location (e.g., upper, middle, lower, etc.).

[0033] As described above, the mobile communication terminal 8 can lock and unlock the locker 1. Figure 6 shows an example of the lock / unlock instruction screen for the locker 1. In the example shown in Figure 6, the display area 90 of the display unit 9 shows the locker number 901, the lock button 902, and the unlock button 903. The user can lock the storage space of locker 1 indicated by locker number 901 by pressing the lock button 902, and unlock it by pressing the unlock button 903.

[0034] Furthermore, unlocking the locker 1 using the mobile communication terminal 8 may be possible from a predetermined time before the reserved time (for example, 5 minutes before). For example, the management server 101 may include the reserved time in the confirmation notice described later, and the mobile communication terminal 8 may only be able to unlock the locker 1 when it is a predetermined time before the reserved time included in the received confirmation notice.

[0035] <Management Server> The management server 101 manages, for example, the reservation status of each storage space S by users of locker 1. The management server 101 may also record, for example, a relationship between each storage space S of locker 1, the ID of the mobile communication terminal 8 possessed by the user of locker 1, and the reservation date and time of one of the storage spaces S made by that user. In this case, the management server 101 controls the mobile communication terminal 8 so that only the mobile communication terminal 8 with the corresponding ID can operate the locking and unlocking of the opening / closing mechanism 3 that opens and closes the storage space S at the reserved date and time.

[0036] The management server 101 also includes an output unit 1011 and a notification unit 1012. The output unit 1011 outputs the usage status of the storage space S. The output unit 1011 may output the usage status of the storage space S to a management device (not shown) or to a mobile communication terminal 8. By outputting the usage status of the storage space S, external devices such as the management device and the mobile communication terminal 8 can recognize the usage status of the locker 1 having the storage space S. For example, if the usage status is received and displayed on a mobile communication terminal 8 owned by a user, the owner of the mobile communication terminal 8 can easily recognize the usage status of the locker 1.

[0037] Furthermore, the output unit 1011 outputs the usage history of the storage space S. By outputting the usage history of the storage space S, external devices such as a management device and a mobile communication terminal 8 can recognize the usage history of the locker 1 that has the storage space S. For example, if the management device owned by the administrator of the locker 1 receives and displays the usage history, the administrator can easily recognize the usage history of the locker 1.

[0038] The management server 101 also includes a management unit 1013, a selection unit 1014, and management data 1015.

[0039] The management data 1015 stores the selection rule 151, reservation data 152, and blacklist 153. The selection rule 151 is the rule used by the selection unit 1014 when selecting a storage space S. The reservation data 152 is information about the reservation details and the person who made the reservation for each of the multiple storage spaces S. The blacklist 153 is a list of users who have misused locker 1. The blacklist 153 includes, for example, those who have used locker 1 for a predetermined number of times beyond the reserved time. Hereinafter, users included in the blacklist 153 will be referred to as first users, and users not included in the blacklist 153 will be referred to as second users. The selection rule 151 may differ between first users and second users.

[0040] The notification unit 1012 notifies the mobile communication terminal 8 of the storage section S selected by the selection unit 1014 as the storage space S assigned to the user. The notification unit 1012 also includes a key for unlocking the storage space S in the notification of the assigned storage space S. By including the key for unlocking the storage space S in the notification, the user can unlock the storage space S using the mobile communication terminal 8 that they possess. Furthermore, by including the key in the notification, the need for separate key exchange or other processing is eliminated. In addition, if the selection unit 1014 cannot select a storage space S that meets the conditions, the notification unit 1012 may send a notification to the mobile communication terminal 8 requesting that the conditions be reset. This allows the user to reconsider the conditions if there is no storage space S that meets the conditions.

[0041] The management unit 1013 manages the reservations for locker 1. More specifically, the management unit 1013 manages all aspects of locker 1 using the reservation details for locker 1 received by the mobile communication terminal 8, the storage space S selected by the selection unit 1014 based on the reservation details, and the reservation data 152 stored in the management data 1015. In addition, the management unit 1013 manages the reservation time and the actual usage time for each user.

[0042] The selection unit 1014 selects a storage space S to be allocated based on the reservation details received by the mobile communication terminal 8, in accordance with the selection rule 151 stored in the management data 1015. Specifically, at a point in time one predetermined time before the scheduled date and time of use received by the mobile communication terminal 8, the selection unit 1014 uses the reservation status and usage status of the locker 1 to select a storage space S that meets the conditions from among multiple storage spaces S in accordance with the selection rule 151. The first predetermined time is, for example, 30 minutes. If the selection rule 151 differs between the first user and the second user, the selection unit 1014 can be said to have a different method for selecting the accommodation space S for the second user, who is different from the first user. In other words, the method of selecting the accommodation space S can be made different for a user who does not follow the rules, such as not adhering to the reservation time (first user), and for a user who does follow the rules (second user). This can reduce the disadvantage suffered by the rule-following user (second user).

[0043] [Details of selecting the storage space using the selection section] As described above, the selection unit 1014 selects the containment space S according to the selection rule 151. The specific details of the selection rule 151 are as follows. The selection rule 151 used when the user is the first user is called selection rule B, and the selection rule 151 used when the user is the second user is called selection rule W. First, when the user is the first user, the selection unit 1014 selects a storage space S according to the order of selection rule B below. If there is only one storage space S that matches the conditions reserved by the user, that storage space S will be selected.

[0044] <Selection Rule B when the user is the first user> (B1) Accommodation space S that is not booked within the second designated time before and after the scheduled date and time of use. (B2) Accommodation space S that has no reservations within the second designated time before the scheduled date and time of use, and has the longest time between the scheduled date and time of use and the next reservation. (B3) Accommodation space S where there are no reservations within the second designated time period after the scheduled usage date and time, the person who made the reservation before the scheduled usage date and time is not the first user, and the time until the reservation before the scheduled usage date and time is the longest. (B4) Accommodation space S where there is a reservation within the second designated time before and after the scheduled date and time of use, the person who made the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use is not the first user, and the sum of the time until the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use and the time until the reservation after the scheduled date and time of use is the longest. (B5) Accommodation space S where there are no reservations within the second designated time after the scheduled usage date and time, the person who made the reservation before the scheduled usage date and time is the first user, and the time until the reservation before the scheduled usage date and time is the longest. (B6) Accommodation space S where there is a reservation within the second designated time before the scheduled date and time of use, the person who made the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use is the first user, and the sum of the time until the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use and the time until the reservation after the scheduled date and time of use is the longest. The second prescribed time is, for example, one hour.

[0045] By using selection rule B described above, even if the first user fails to adhere to their reservation time, the potential impact on other users is reduced, allowing for efficient use of the locker.

[0046] Furthermore, if the user is a second user, the selection unit 1014 selects the accommodation space S according to the order of the following selection rules W.

[0047] <Selection Rule W when the user is the second user> (W1) Accommodation space S that is not booked within the second designated time before and after the scheduled date and time of use. (W2) Accommodation space S that is not reserved from two designated hours before the scheduled date and time of use (W3) The accommodation space S where the time until the reservation prior to the scheduled date and time of use is the longest, and the reservation is made by the second user. (W4) Accommodation space S with the longest time until the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use. (W5) Accommodation space S with no reservations after the scheduled date and time of use (W6) Accommodation space S with the longest time between the scheduled date and time of use and the next reservation. By using the selection rule W described above, a second user can efficiently use the locker while reducing the likelihood of being affected by the first user.

[0048] The selection unit 1014 may also select the accommodation space S regardless of whether it is the first user or the second user. In this case, the selection unit 1014 selects the accommodation space S in the order of the following selection rule N.

[0049] <Selection Rule N when no user is specified> (N1) Accommodation space S that is not booked within the second designated time before and after the scheduled date and time of use. (N2) Accommodation space S that is not reserved from two designated hours before the scheduled date and time of use (N3) Accommodation space S that is not reserved within the second designated time period after the scheduled date and time of use. By using the above selection rule N, the containment space S can be used in a balanced and efficient manner.

[0050] Next, referring to Figure 7, we will explain an example of selecting a dwelling space S by applying the selection rules. Here, we will explain using the example where there are four dwelling spaces S, A1 to A4, that meet the user's requirements. Figure 7 shows the reservation status from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM on June 1st. Here, the time slots indicated by "Reservation" are already reserved, "Reservation B" indicates a reservation by the first user, and "Reservation W" indicates a reservation by the second user. The user wishing to make a reservation wants to reserve a space from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

[0051] For example, if the user wishing to make a reservation is User 1, first, as shown in (B1), the system extracts the accommodation space S that has no reservations within the hour before and after the scheduled date and time of use (second predetermined time). At this point, accommodation spaces S1 and S2 are extracted. Next, as shown in (B2), the system searches for the accommodation space S that has no reservations within the hour before the scheduled date and time of use and has the longest time until the next reservation after the scheduled date and time of use. Of accommodation spaces S1 and S2, accommodation space S2 has the longest time until the next reservation. At this point, one accommodation space S is determined, so the selection unit 1014 selects accommodation space S2 as the accommodation space S to be assigned to the user who made the reservation.

[0052] Furthermore, if the user wishing to make a reservation is the second user, first, as shown in (W1), the system extracts the accommodation space S that has no reservations within one hour before or after the scheduled date and time of use. At this point, accommodation spaces S1 and S2 are extracted. Next, as shown in (W2), the system extracts the accommodation space S that has no reservations from one hour before the scheduled date and time of use. Here, accommodation spaces S1 and S2 are again extracted. Next, as shown in (W3), the system extracts the accommodation space S with the longest time until the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use, and where the reservation is made by the second user. Of accommodation spaces S1 and S2, only accommodation space S1 satisfies this condition. At this point, only one accommodation space S is determined, so the selection unit 1014 selects accommodation space S1 as the accommodation space S to be assigned to the user who made the reservation.

[0053] Furthermore, if there is no distinction between whether the user wishing to make a reservation is the first user or the second user, the following applies. First, as shown in (N1), The system extracts available spaces S that are not booked within one hour before or after the scheduled date and time of use. At this point, spaces S1 and S2 are extracted. Next, as shown in (N2), the system extracts available spaces S that are not booked within one hour before the scheduled date and time of use. At this point, spaces S1 and S2 are still extracted. Next, as shown in (N3), the system extracts available spaces S that are not booked within one hour after the scheduled date and time of use. At this point, spaces S1 and S2 are still extracted. Finally, two spaces S are extracted, so the selection unit 1014 selects one of the two extracted spaces S as the space S to be assigned to the user who made the reservation.

[0054] <Processing flow in locker management system 100> Next, with reference to Figure 8, the processing flow in the locker management system 100 will be explained. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow in the locker management system 100.

[0055] This section describes an example where locker 1 of the locker management system 100 is always locked and can only be unlocked using a key obtained through reservation.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, when using locker 1, first, the user reserves locker 1 by specifying the date and time of use and the desired storage space S conditions on the reservation screen of the mobile communication terminal 8 (S101). An example of the reservation screen is shown in F91 of Figure 9. In the example shown in F91 of Figure 9, the display unit 9 is provided with a field 91 for the user to enter the date and time of the reservation and a field 92 for the user to enter the desired storage space S conditions.

[0057] When locker 1 is reserved, the management server 101 accepts the reservation as a provisional reservation (S111, acceptance step) and notifies the mobile communication terminal 8 that the reservation has been accepted. Then, 30 minutes before the reserved date and time of use (first predetermined time) (YES in S112), the selection unit 1014 of the management server 101 uses the usage status and reservation status of locker 1 to select a storage space S to be assigned to the reserved user according to the selection rule 151 (S113, selection step). Once the selection is complete, the storage space S is confirmed as the storage space S to be assigned to the reserved user and a confirmation notification is sent to the mobile communication terminal 8 (S114, notification step). The confirmation notification includes the fact that the reservation has been confirmed, the date and time of use, and the number of the confirmed storage space S (locker number). The confirmation notification also includes key information for unlocking the storage space S at the reserved time. Figure 9, F92 shows an example of the confirmation notification screen displayed on the mobile communication terminal 8. In the example shown in F92, the date and time of use of locker 1 are displayed in column 93, the locker number indicating the available storage space S is displayed in column 94, and the unlock button for unlocking storage space S is displayed in column 95.

[0058] Upon receiving confirmation, the mobile communication terminal 8 can unlock the designated storage space S of locker 1 at the reserved time (YES in S102). When the user presses the unlock button displayed on the mobile communication terminal 8, an unlock command is sent from the mobile communication terminal 8 to locker 1 (S103), and the designated storage space S of locker 1 is unlocked (S121).

[0059] As described above, the locker management system 100 according to this embodiment manages a locker 1 equipped with multiple storage spaces S. The locker management system 100 includes a reception unit 82, a selection unit 1014, and a notification unit 1012. The reception unit 82 receives the conditions of the storage space S that the user wishes to reserve and the planned date and time of use. The selection unit 1014, at a first predetermined time before the planned date and time of use, uses the reservation status and usage status of the locker 1 at that time to select a storage space S that meets the conditions from among the multiple storage spaces S. The notification unit 1012 notifies the user that the storage space S selected by the selection unit 1014 is the storage space S assigned to the user.

[0060] This allows for the selection of storage space S based on the reservation and usage status of locker 1 one predetermined hour before the scheduled date and time of use, rather than at the time of reservation, thereby improving the efficiency of storage space S utilization. Furthermore, by using the reservation and usage status, it is possible to suppress the uneven distribution of storage space S used. In addition, by notifying the user one predetermined hour before the scheduled date and time of use, the assigned storage space S can be easily recognized by the user.

[0061] The locker management system 100 also includes a mobile communication terminal 8 and a management server 101. The mobile communication terminal 8 is equipped with a reception unit 82. The management server 101 is equipped with a selection unit 1014 and a notification unit 1012. The notification unit 1012 sends a notification to the mobile communication terminal 8, and the mobile communication terminal 8 displays the notified content. This allows the user to reserve a locker 1 using their own mobile communication terminal 8 and to see the result.

[0062] [Examples of implementation using software] The functions of the management server 101 (hereinafter referred to as "device") in the locker management system 100 are programs that cause a computer to function as the device, and these can be realized by programs that cause a computer to function as each control block of the device (in particular, the management unit 1013 and the selection unit 1014).

[0063] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the program. By executing the program using this control device and storage device, the functions described in each of the embodiments are realized.

[0064] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporary ones. These recording media may or may not be provided by the above device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the above device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0065] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits functioning as each of the above control blocks are formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the above control blocks by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0066] Furthermore, each process described in the above embodiments may be performed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may operate on the control device described above, or it may operate on other devices (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0067] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1 Locker 2. Outer panel 3. Opening / Closing Mechanism 4. Tablet part 5 Power receiving section 6 Control Unit 61 Energy Storage Unit 62 Lock control unit 8. Mobile communication terminals 9 Display section 81 Power supply section 82 Reception Department 100 Locker Management System 101 Management Server 1011 Output section 1012 Notification Department 1013 Management Department 1014 Selection Section 1015 Management Data 151 Selection Rules 152 Reservation Data 153 Blacklist

Claims

1. A locker management system for lockers with multiple storage spaces, A reception desk that receives the conditions and planned date and time of use for the accommodation space that the user wishes to reserve, At the first predetermined time before the scheduled date and time of use, A selection unit that selects a storage space that satisfies the above conditions from the plurality of storage spaces using the reservation status and usage status of the lockers at the above time, A locker management system comprising: a notification unit that notifies the user that the selected storage space is a storage space assigned to the user.

2. Each of the aforementioned users is provided with a management unit that manages the reserved time and the actual time used. The locker management system according to claim 1, wherein the method by which the selection unit selects the storage space differs for a first user whose number of uses of the locker exceeding the reserved time in the past exceeds a threshold, and for a second user who is different from the first user.

3. If there are multiple accommodation spaces that meet the above conditions, the selection unit will... (1) Accommodation spaces that are not reserved within the second designated time period before and after the scheduled date and time of use, (2) A space that is not reserved from the second specified time before the scheduled date and time of use, (3) Accommodation spaces that are not reserved within the second designated time period after the scheduled date and time of use, The locker management system according to claim 1, which determines the storage space to be selected in the order of the above.

4. The selection unit, when the user wishing to make a reservation is the first user and there are multiple accommodation spaces that meet the above conditions, (1) Accommodation spaces that are not reserved within the second designated time period before and after the scheduled date and time of use, (2) The accommodation space that has the longest time between the scheduled date and time of use and the next scheduled date and time, (3) If there is no reservation within the second predetermined time period after the scheduled date and time of use, and the person who made the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use is not the first user, the accommodation space with the longest time until the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use, (4) A reservation is made within the second predetermined time before or after the scheduled date and time of use, and the person who made the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use is not the first user, and the accommodation space is the one where the sum of the time before the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use and the time after the scheduled date and time of use is the longest, (5) If there is no reservation within the second predetermined time after the scheduled date and time of use, and the person who made the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use is the first user, and the accommodation space has the longest time until the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use, (6) A reservation is made within the second predetermined time before the scheduled date and time of use, the person who made the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use is the first user, and the accommodation space is the one where the sum of the time up to the reservation before the scheduled date and time of use and the time up to the reservation after the scheduled date and time of use is the longest, The locker management system according to claim 2, which determines the storage space to be selected in the following order.

5. The selection unit, when the user wishing to make a reservation is the second user and there are multiple accommodation spaces that meet the above conditions, (1) Accommodation spaces that are not reserved within the second designated time period before and after the scheduled date and time of use, (2) A space that is not reserved from the second specified time before the scheduled date and time of use, (3) The time until the reservation prior to the scheduled date and time of use is the longest, and the person making the reservation is the second user's accommodation space, (4) The accommodation space with the longest time until the reservation prior to the scheduled date and time of use, (5) Accommodation spaces that are not booked after the scheduled date and time of use, (6) The accommodation space with the longest time between the scheduled date and time of use and the reservation, The locker management system according to claim 2, which determines the storage space to be selected in the order of the above.

6. The locker management system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit provides a notification requesting the conditions to be reset if the selection unit cannot select a storage space that meets the conditions.

7. The locker management system according to claim 1, wherein the conditions specify the height at which the storage space is located and the size of the storage space.

8. Including mobile communication terminals and management servers, The aforementioned mobile communication terminal includes the aforementioned reception unit, The management server comprises the selection unit and the notification unit, The notification unit sends the notification to the mobile communication terminal. The locker management system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile communication terminal displays the content of the notification.

9. The aforementioned storage space is unlocked and locked by a lock mechanism. The locker management system according to claim 8, wherein the notification unit includes in the notification a key for unlocking and locking the selected storage space.

10. A control method for a locker management system that manages lockers having multiple storage spaces, A reception step in which the user receives the conditions of the accommodation space they wish to reserve and the planned date and time of use, A selection step is taken at a point in time, first predetermined time before the scheduled date and time of use, in which the reservation status and usage status of the lockers at that time are used to select a storage space from the plurality of storage spaces that meets the conditions, A locker management system control method, comprising a notification step of notifying the user that the selected storage space is a storage space assigned to the user.

Images