Locker system

Abstract

When multiple people share a single locker, handle the locker key appropriately. [Solution] The locker system (100) includes a locker (1) that is unlocked by an electronic key, and a plurality of portable communication terminals (8) that unlock the locker (1) using the electronic key. Each portable communication terminal (8) has a creation unit (83) that creates an unlocking key, which is an electronic key for unlocking the locker (1) next time the locker (1) is used, a storage unit (84) that stores the unlocking key, and a transmission unit (85) that transmits the unlocking key to another portable communication terminal (8) among the plurality of portable communication terminals (8). The locker (1) can only be unlocked with the unlocking key.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a locker system including lockers having a plurality of accommodation 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 available lockers, they may not be used, which is inefficient.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a management device that allocates an unused locker at a desired location when there is a reservation application for a shared locker. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is premised on the case where one user uses one locker, and does not mention the case where multiple users share one locker.

[0006] Also, when multiple people share one locker, it is necessary to consider how to handle the locker key. Patent Document 1 does not mention how to handle the locker key either.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, a locker system according to one aspect of the present invention is a locker system including a locker that is unlocked by an electronic key and a plurality of portable communication terminals that unlock the locker using the electronic key, wherein each portable communication terminal includes a creation unit that creates an unlocking key, which is an electronic key for unlocking the locker next time the locker is used, a storage unit that stores the unlocking key, and a transmission unit that transmits the unlocking key to another portable communication terminal among the plurality of portable communication terminals, and the locker is unlocked only with the unlocking key. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, two people can unlock a locker: the owner of the mobile communication terminal used to access the locker, and the owner of another mobile communication terminal who obtains the unlocking key from the said mobile communication terminal. Therefore, one locker can be shared by two people. Furthermore, since the unlocking key is created using the mobile communication terminal used to access the locker, the locker cannot be unlocked using any mobile communication terminal other than that terminal or the other mobile communication terminal that obtained the unlocking key. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a third party from opening the locker. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an overview of the locker system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of the locker system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view of the locker 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 the process of sending and receiving unlocking keys between mobile communication devices. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example where it is not possible to send and receive unlocking keys between mobile communication devices. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates an example of sending and receiving unlocking keys via a management server. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow in a locker system. [Figure 11] This is a functional block diagram of a locker system according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Embodiment 1] The locker system 100 according to this embodiment allows multiple mobile communication terminals 8 to share the unlocking key for unlocking the locker 1. By sharing the unlocking key among multiple mobile communication terminals 8, it becomes possible for multiple people to use one locker 1.

[0011] 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 system 100 that includes a locker 1 having multiple storage spaces S and a locking / unlocking mechanism 3, such as a door, that opens and closes each storage space S, which is powered by a mobile communication terminal 8 such as a smartphone.

[0013] First, the overview of the locker system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the locker system 100 includes a locker 1 and multiple mobile communication terminals 8. When distinguishing between the multiple mobile communication terminals 8, they will be referred to as mobile communication terminal 8(A) and mobile communication terminal 8(B). Hereafter, when distinguishing between the mobile communication terminals 8, the mobile communication terminal 8 that creates the unlocking key will be referred to as mobile communication terminal 8(A), and the mobile communication terminal 8 that receives the unlocking key will be referred to as mobile communication terminal 8(B). The mobile communication terminals 8 are also connected to the management server 101 via the network 50 so as to be able to communicate. The management server 101 includes a key server 1011 and a reservation server 1012. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the key server 1011 and the reservation server 1012, they will simply be referred to as the management server 101. The key server 1011 manages the keys for unlocking locker 1. The reservation server 1012 manages the reservation and usage status of locker 1. Locker 1 can be locked and unlocked by users using their own mobile communication terminals 8. Furthermore, if locker 1 has an auto-locking mechanism, meaning 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's ability to lock and unlock locker 1 is controlled according to reservations and other information related to locker 1 managed by the management server 101. Power required for controlling the locking and unlocking of locker 1 may also be supplied from the mobile communication terminal 8. By supplying power from the mobile communication terminal 8, a highly efficient locker system 100 can be realized without creating a complex structure in locker 1 that allows direct control from the management server 101, nor without placing it near a power source to receive power.

[0014] <Locker: Overview> Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the locker system 100 according to the present embodiment. The locker system 100 includes a locker 1. The locker 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 in conjunction with FIG. 2. FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic perspective views of the locker 1. In particular, FIGS. 3 and 4 show the locker 1 with the front side of the locker 1, that is, the side facing a plurality of opening / closing bodies 3 to be described later, as the front side facing the paper surface. Further, compared with FIG. 3, FIG. 4 omits the illustration of the plurality of opening / closing bodies 3 of the locker 1 and shows more details of the side deeper than each of the opening / closing bodies 3 of the locker 1.

[0015] In the drawings showing the locker 1 of the present disclosure, the xyz axes are also shown. In particular, in each of the drawings showing the locker 1, the direction from the left to the right toward 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 toward 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 to, for example, 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 to be described later.

[0018] The locker 1, and in particular the opening / closing body 3 of the locker 1 and the parts located near the opening / closing body 3, will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 5 in conjunction with Figures 2 to 4. Schematic diagrams F41, F42, and F43 in Figure 5 show enlarged views of one of the opening / closing bodies 3 and a portion of the outer panel 2 located near the opening / closing body 3, respectively. In particular, each schematic diagram in Figure 5 shows the case where the opening / closing body 3 closes each of the storage spaces S. Furthermore, schematic diagram F41 shows the opening / closing body 3 from the front side, while schematic diagrams F42 and F43 show the opening / closing body 3 from the back side, in other words, from the inside side of the storage space S. Moreover, schematic diagram F42 shows the opening / closing body 3 in the locked state, which will be described in detail later, and schematic diagram F43 shows the opening / closing body 3 in the unlocked state, which will 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 display unit 9 may display a two-dimensional code containing various information. This information may include a terminal ID for identifying the terminal, a public key used for encryption, an unlocking key encrypted with the public key, a locker ID, etc. The two-dimensional code may be a QR code (registered trademark).

[0033] The mobile communication terminal 8 also includes a reception unit 82, a creation unit 83, a storage unit 84, a transmission unit 85, an acquisition unit 86, an encryption unit 87, and a camera unit 88. The reception unit 82 receives reservations for lockers 1 from users. The mobile communication terminal 8, having received a reservation, transmits its contents to the reservation server 1012. The reservation contents 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.). When the reservation server 1012 receives a reservation, it instructs the key server 1011 to generate a reservation key for the corresponding locker 1 and transmits it to the mobile communication terminal 8 that made the reservation. The reservation key is a locker key that can unlock the reserved locker 1 only once.

[0034] The creation unit 83 creates an unlocking key, which is an electronic key used to unlock locker 1. An unlocking key is created each time locker 1 is used. In other words, the creation unit 83 creates an unlocking key when locker 1 is unlocked by a reserved key, and the created unlocking key is also written to locker 1. This makes it possible to unlock locker 1 using only the key created by the creation unit 83. Furthermore, the created unlocking key becomes invalid when the use of locker 1 ends. Therefore, after the use of locker 1 ends, it is no longer possible to unlock locker 1 using the unlocking key created for that use.

[0035] The storage unit 84 stores the unlocking key created by the creation unit 83. The mobile communication terminal 8 uses the unlocking key stored in the storage unit 84 to unlock the locker 1.

[0036] The transmitting unit 85 transmits the unlocking key created by the creation unit 83 to other mobile communication terminals 8. This allows the unlocking key to be shared with other mobile communication terminals 8. Details on how to transmit to other mobile communication terminals 8 will be described later.

[0037] The acquisition unit 86 acquires the public key from the key server 1011 or another mobile communication terminal 8(B). Whether the acquisition unit 86 acquires the public key from the key server 1011 or another mobile communication terminal 8(B) depends on the method of sharing the unlocking key, which will be described later. The encryption unit 87 encrypts the unlocking key created by the creation unit 83 using the public key acquired by the acquisition unit 86. The camera unit 88 is a camera that takes pictures. The camera unit 88 is used when it is necessary to photograph a two-dimensional code in the sharing of the unlocking key.

[0038] As described above, the mobile communication terminal 8 includes an acquisition unit 86 that obtains a public key from another mobile communication terminal 8, and an encryption unit 87 that encrypts the unlocking key with the public key. The transmission unit 85 transmits the encrypted unlocking key to the other mobile communication terminal 8. As a result, the unlocking key cannot be decrypted by any mobile communication terminal other than the one that transmitted the public key, thus reducing the possibility of misuse even if the unlocking key being transmitted is obtained by a third party.

[0039] Furthermore, the mobile communication terminal 8 includes a camera unit 88 and a display unit 9. The acquisition unit 86 acquires the public key by photographing a two-dimensional code displayed on another mobile communication terminal 8 with the camera unit 88. The transmission unit 85 displays a two-dimensional code indicating the encrypted unlocking key on the display unit 9. This makes it easy and reliable to send and receive the public key and the unlocking key.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] <Management Server> The management server 101 includes a key server 1011 and a reservation server 1012. The key server 1011 manages the keys for unlocking locker 1. For example, when the key for unlocking locker 1 is shared between mobile communication terminals 8, the key server 1011 encrypts the unlocking key so that it can be securely transmitted from mobile communication terminal 8(A) to mobile communication terminal 8(B). Details of the processing in the key server 1011 will be described later. The reservation server 1012 manages the reservation status of each storage space S by users of locker 1. For example, the reservation server 1012 may record a link between each storage space S of locker 1, the ID of the mobile communication terminal 8 held by the user of locker 1, and the reservation date and time of one of the storage spaces S by that user.

[0043] <Share of unlocking keys> Next, we will explain the case where the unlocking key is shared between two mobile communication terminals 8, for example, between mobile communication terminal 8(A) and mobile communication terminal 8(B). By sharing the unlocking key between mobile communication terminal 8(A) and mobile communication terminal 8(B), it becomes possible for multiple people to use the same locker 1.

[0044] (Transmission and reception between mobile communication terminals 8) First, referring to Figure 7, we will explain the case where unlocking keys are sent and received directly between mobile communication terminals 8(A) and 8(B). Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow when unlocking keys are sent and received between mobile communication terminals 8.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, 701, when transmitting an unlocking key created by the mobile communication terminal 8(A) to the mobile communication terminal 8(B), first, as shown in 702, the mobile communication terminal 8(A) photographs the two-dimensional code 711 displayed on the mobile communication terminal 8(B). The two-dimensional code 711 contains the ID of the mobile communication terminal 8(B) and its public key. The mobile communication terminal 8(A), having photographed the two-dimensional code 711, obtains the public key from the two-dimensional code 711. Then, as shown in 703, it encrypts the unlocking key with the obtained public key. After that, as shown in 704, the mobile communication terminal 8(A) displays a two-dimensional code 712 containing the ID of locker 1, the ID of the mobile communication terminal 8(B), and the encrypted unlocking key. The mobile communication terminal 8(B) obtains its own ID and the encrypted unlocking key by photographing the two-dimensional code 712 displayed on the mobile communication terminal 8(A). Then, as shown in 705, the mobile communication terminal 8(B) verifies that the ID contained in the two-dimensional code 712 is its own terminal's ID, decrypts the encrypted unlocking key, and obtains the unlocking key. This allows the unlocking key to be transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 8(A) to the mobile communication terminal 8(B) while ensuring security.

[0046] Note that while unlocking keys can be transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 8 that created them to other mobile communication terminals 8, they cannot be forwarded. For example, as shown in Figure 8, it is possible to transmit the unlocking key from the mobile communication terminal 8(A) that created it to mobile communication terminals 8(B) and 8(D), but it is not possible to forward the unlocking key from mobile communication terminal 8(B), which did not create the unlocking key itself, to another mobile communication terminal 8(C). This prevents the unlocking key from being forwarded without the knowledge of the user of the mobile communication terminal 8 that created it.

[0047] In other words, the transmitting unit 85 will not transmit the unlocking key if the unlocking key it possesses was not created on its own device. This prevents the unlocking key from being transmitted by any device other than the mobile communication terminal 8 that created it, thus preventing the unlocking key from being forwarded.

[0048] (Transmission and reception via management server 101) Next, referring to Figure 9, we will explain the case in which unlocking keys are sent and received between mobile communication terminals 8(A) and 8(B) via the management server 101. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of sending and receiving unlocking keys via the management server 101. As shown in Figure 9, first, mobile communication terminal 8(A) obtains public key K from key server 1011 (A1). It also obtains public key Y from reservation server 1012 (A2). Then, it encrypts the unlocking key created by mobile communication terminal 8(A) with a password created on its own terminal, and then encrypts it again with public key K. It also encrypts the password with public key Y. Then, it sends the unlocking key encrypted with public key K to key server 1011 (A3). It also sends the password encrypted with public key Y to reservation server 1012 (A4).

[0049] The reservation server 1012 decrypts and retrieves the password encrypted with public key Y. Then, the public key B is obtained from the mobile communication terminal 8(B) (B1), and the password is encrypted. Then, the password encrypted with public key B is sent to the mobile communication terminal 8(B) (B2).

[0050] The key server 1011 decrypts the unlocking key, which is encrypted with the password and then encrypted with the public key K. It then obtains the public key B from the mobile communication terminal 8(B) (B3), and encrypts the password-encrypted unlocking key with the public key B. Finally, it sends it to the mobile communication terminal 8(B) (B4).

[0051] The mobile communication terminal 8(B) decrypts the password encrypted with public key B, which was sent from the reservation server 1012. Then, it decrypts the unlocking key, which was encrypted with the password and then encrypted with public key B, which was sent from the key server 1011. Finally, it decrypts the unlocking key, which was encrypted with the password, using the decrypted password. As a result, the mobile communication terminal 8(B) can obtain the unlocking key.

[0052] <Processing flow in locker system 100> Next, the processing flow in the locker system 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow in the locker system 100.

[0053] This section describes an example where locker 1 of the locker system 100 is always locked and can only be unlocked using a reserved key obtained through a reservation.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10, when using locker 1, first, the user reserves locker 1 by specifying the date, time, and conditions of use on the reservation screen of the mobile communication terminal 8(A) (S101). When locker 1 is reserved, the management server 101 accepts the reservation (S111), generates a reservation key (S112), and sends it to the mobile communication terminal 8(A). The reservation key is a key that can unlock locker 1 only once.

[0055] The mobile communication terminal 8(A) unlocks locker 1 using the reserved key at the reserved time (S102, S131). Subsequently, the mobile communication terminal 8(A) creates an unlocking key to unlock locker 1 (S103) and writes it to locker 1. From then on, locker 1 can be unlocked using the unlocking key.

[0056] Once unlocked with the reserved key, locker 1 is locked when luggage or other items are stored in the storage space S and the opening / closing mechanism 3 is closed (S132).

[0057] Subsequently, the mobile communication terminal 8(A) transmits the unlocking key to the mobile communication terminal 8(B) that shares locker 1 (S104). The mobile communication terminal 8(B) obtains the unlocking key for locker 1 (S121). This allows the mobile communication terminal 8(A) to unlock locker 1 using the unlocking key (S105), and also allows the mobile communication terminal 8(B) to unlock locker 1 using the unlocking key (S122). Locker 1 can then be unlocked using either the unlocking key from the mobile communication terminal 8(A) or the mobile communication terminal 8(B) (S133).

[0058] As described above, the locker system 100 according to this embodiment includes a locker 1 that is unlocked by an electronic key, and a plurality of portable communication terminals 8 that use the electronic key to unlock the locker 1. Each portable communication terminal 8 includes a creation unit 83 that creates an unlocking key, which is an electronic key for unlocking the locker 1 next time the locker 1 is used, a storage unit 84 that stores the unlocking key, and a transmission unit 85 that transmits the unlocking key to another portable communication terminal 8 among the plurality of portable communication terminals 8. The locker 1 can only be unlocked with the unlocking key. This makes it possible for two people to unlock the locker 1: the owner of the portable communication terminal 8 used to use the locker 1, and the owner of another portable communication terminal 8 that obtains the unlocking key from the said portable communication terminal 8. Thus, one locker 1 can be shared by two people. Furthermore, since the unlocking key is created by the portable communication terminal 8 used to use the locker 1, it is not possible to unlock the locker 1 using any portable communication terminal 8 other than the said portable communication terminal 8 and the other portable communication terminal 8 that obtained the unlocking key. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a third party from opening locker 1.

[0059] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0060] In this embodiment, the key server 1011 creates unlocking keys for each user and sends them to each user's mobile communication terminal 8. This allows all users to share and use the locker 1 without the mobile communication terminal 8 that created the unlocking key having to send the unlocking key to other mobile communication terminals 8.

[0061] Figure 11 is a functional block diagram showing the main components of the key server 1011 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the key server 1011 includes a creation unit 111 and a transmission unit 112. The creation unit 111 creates an unlocking key for unlocking the locker 1. More specifically, when one locker 1 is shared by multiple people, the creation unit 111 creates a different unlocking key for each of the multiple users. This ensures that users of the locker 1 can only unlock the locker 1 with the unlocking key assigned to them. The transmission unit 112 transmits the unlocking keys created by the creation unit 111 to the corresponding mobile communication terminal 8.

[0062] This makes it possible to unlock a single locker 1 using multiple mobile communication devices 8. Furthermore, since each mobile communication device 8 has a different unlocking key, the risk of a third party unlocking the locker even if the unlocking key is leaked is reduced.

[0063] As described above, the locker system 100 according to this embodiment includes a key server 1011 that creates electronic keys, a locker 1 that is unlocked by the electronic key, and a plurality of mobile communication terminals 8 that unlock the locker 1 using the electronic key. The key server 1011 includes a creation unit 111 that creates electronic keys used to unlock the locker 1, and a transmission unit 112 that transmits the electronic keys to the plurality of mobile communication terminals 8. The creation unit 111 creates a different electronic key for each of the plurality of mobile communication terminals 8. The transmission unit 112 transmits the electronic key corresponding to each of the plurality of mobile communication terminals 8 to each of the plurality of mobile communication terminals 8. This makes it possible for each of the plurality of mobile communication terminals 8 to unlock a single locker 1. Furthermore, since each mobile communication terminal 8 has a different unlocking key (electronic key), even if the unlocking key is leaked, the risk of the locker 1 being unlocked by a third party can be reduced.

[0064] Furthermore, the creation unit 111 creates unlocking keys for each mobile communication terminal 8 included in the locker system 100. This allows for the creation of electronic keys (unlocking keys) for each mobile communication terminal 8 included in the locker system 100, and their transmission to each of them.

[0065] 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 within 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]

[0066] 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 83 Creation Department 84 Preservation Department 85 Transmitter 86 Acquisition Department 87 Encryption section 88 Camera Section 100, 100' Rocker System 101 Management Server 1011 Key Server 111 Creation Section 112 Transmitter 1012 Reservation Server

Claims

1. A locker system comprising a locker unlocked by an electronic key, and a plurality of portable communication terminals that unlock the locker using the electronic key, The aforementioned mobile communication terminal is Each time the locker is used, a creation unit creates an unlocking key, which is an electronic key used to unlock the locker next. A storage unit for storing the aforementioned unlocking key, The system includes a transmission unit that transmits the unlocking key to another mobile communication terminal among the plurality of mobile communication terminals, The locker system is such that the locker can only be unlocked with the aforementioned unlocking key.

2. The aforementioned mobile communication terminal is A unit for obtaining a public key from the aforementioned other mobile communication terminal, The system includes an encryption unit that encrypts the unlocking key with the public key, The locker system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the encrypted unlocking key to the other mobile communication terminal.

3. The aforementioned mobile communication terminal is Equipped with a camera unit and a display unit, The acquisition unit acquires the public key by photographing the two-dimensional code displayed on the other mobile communication terminal with the camera unit. The locker system according to claim 2, wherein the transmitting unit causes the display unit to display a two-dimensional code indicating the encrypted unlocking key.

4. The locker system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit does not perform the transmission if the unlocking key held by the terminal was not created by the terminal.

5. The aforementioned locker can be unlocked at the start of use using the reservation key issued at the time of reservation, and automatically locks when the door is closed. The locker system according to claim 1, wherein the creation unit creates the unlocking key when the locker is unlocked by the reserved key.

6. A locker system comprising a key server that creates electronic keys, a locker that is unlocked by the electronic key, and a plurality of portable communication terminals that unlock the locker using the electronic key, The aforementioned key server, A manufacturing unit for creating an electronic key used to unlock the aforementioned locker, The system includes a transmitting unit that transmits the electronic key to the plurality of mobile communication terminals, The creation unit creates a different electronic key for each of the multiple mobile communication terminals. The aforementioned transmission unit transmits the electronic key corresponding to each of the plurality of mobile communication terminals to each of the mobile communication terminals in the locker system.

7. The aforementioned plurality of mobile communication terminals are a predetermined number of mobile communication terminals, The locker system according to claim 6, wherein the creation unit creates a predetermined number of the electronic keys.

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