Methods and systems for delivering goods

Abstract

To provide a secure method for delivering goods. [Solution] This delivery method includes: a control device placed in a secure space where security against intrusion by unspecified persons is ensured associates the delivery item to be delivered to the secure space with an RFID tag (tag); after the control device authenticates the user who will receive the delivery item, a reader / writer connected to the control device transmits an activation signal to the tag placed in the secure space together with the delivery item; the tag that receives the activation signal emits light and / or sound; the reader / writer transmits a detection signal to detect the tag; and the tag that receives the detection signal transmits a response signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for delivering a delivery item and a delivery system for realizing this method.

Background Art

[0002] When delivering a delivery item, the recipient may be absent. As a method of avoiding redelivery of the delivery item at this time, a delivery method called "leave-at-door delivery" may be adopted. This is a method in which the recipient designates a place accessible to a third party including the delivery person of the delivery item (for example, in front of the entrance, in the garage, an unlocked storage room, a parcel box, etc.) instead of carrying the delivery item into a lockable locker, and the delivery item is delivered to that place. As a result, not only is the recipient released from the stress of being required to be at home, but also the burden of redelivery is reduced for the delivery person. In leave-at-door delivery, there is a risk that the delivery item may be stolen. Therefore, in recent years, in order to prevent this problem, methods and systems for leaving the delivery item in a space with a certain level of security have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a novel method for delivering goods and a system for realizing this method. Alternatively, one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a secure and user-friendly method for delivering goods and a system for realizing this method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a method for delivering a delivery. This method includes a control device placed in a secure space where security against intrusion by an unspecified person is ensured, associating a delivery with an RFID tag to be delivered to the secure space; after the control device authenticates the user who will receive the delivery, a first RFID reader / writer connected to the control device transmits an activation signal to the RFID tag placed in the secure space together with the delivery; the RFID tag that receives the activation signal emits light and / or sound; the first RFID reader / writer transmits a detection signal to detect the RFID tag; and the RFID tag that receives the detection signal transmits a response signal.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is a delivery system for delivering goods. This system comprises a control device, a delivery server connected to the control device, and a first RFID reader / writer. The control device is located in a secure space where security against unauthorized intrusion is ensured. The first RFID reader / writer is connected to the control device and configured to read RFID tags. The control device is configured to transmit signals indicating that it associates the goods to be delivered into the secure space with the RFID tags, authenticates the user receiving the goods, transmits an activation signal to the RFID tags via the first RFID reader / writer after authenticating the user, transmits a detection signal to detect the RFID tags via the first RFID reader / writer, and receives a response signal transmitted by the RFID tags in response to the detection signal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Block diagram of a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A functional block diagram of the control device for a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A schematic perspective view of an RFID tag used in a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] A functional block diagram of an RFID tag used in a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A schematic plan view of a security space used in a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] A schematic front view of a storage unit usable in a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A schematic front view of a storage unit usable in a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] A schematic perspective view of a collection box used in a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Block diagram of a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] A schematic perspective view of a collection box used in a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] A schematic perspective view of an RFID tag used in a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings and other materials. However, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit, and is not to be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] While drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc., of each part compared to the actual embodiment in order to clarify the explanation, they are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In this specification and each figure, elements having the same function as those described in previously shown figures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, when referring collectively to multiple elements having the same or similar function, a reference numeral is used, and when referring to them individually, a hyphen and a natural number are used after the reference numeral.

[0010] <First Embodiment> This embodiment describes a delivery method for a delivery item according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to simply as "this delivery method"), and a system for realizing this delivery method (hereinafter also referred to as "this delivery system"). As will be described in detail below, in the delivery method according to this embodiment, the delivery item is left at a designated location. However, the delivery item is not left at an arbitrary location; rather, it is delivered to a space where a certain level of security is ensured, and then the recipient or their agent (hereinafter collectively referred to as "user") who is to receive the delivery item receives it. Furthermore, when the delivery person places the delivery item in the secure space, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag (hereinafter also referred to simply as "tag") is used to assist the user in receiving the delivery item. When the user receives the delivery item, the tag attached to the delivery item or placed near the delivery item is activated, and the user is notified of the delivery item's location by light, sound, and / or vibration. This allows the user to easily find and receive the delivery item.

[0011] 1. Delivery System A block diagram of the present delivery system is shown in FIG. 1. The present delivery system 100 basically includes a delivery server 102 and a control device 110 that is communicatively connected to the delivery server 102 via a wide area network (hereinafter referred to as a network) 106 such as the Internet. The control device 110 is installed in a security space that is the delivery destination of the delivered item. The delivery system 100 further includes an RFID reader / writer 130 (hereinafter also simply referred to as a reader / writer) that is connected to the control device 110 and controlled by the control device 110. As an optional configuration, the delivery system 100 may include an optical reader 132, a camera 134, a light emitting device 136, and a speaker 138 that are connected to the control device 110 and controlled by the control device 110. A user terminal 104 is connected to the network 106. Hereinafter, these configurations will be described. Although not shown, a portable delivery support terminal carried by a delivery person to support delivery operations may be connected to the network 106.

[0012] (1) Delivery Server and User Terminal The delivery server 102 is a device having a computing function and a communication function. It may be a personal computer, but is preferably an application server having a higher computing function. Although not shown, a database is connected to the delivery server 102. As the database, various types of databases such as a hierarchical database, a network database, and a relational database can be adopted. The delivery server 102 is managed by, for example, a merchant who delivers the delivered items or a merchant who manages the present delivery system 100, and manages and tracks the delivered items and tags 140 by receiving various signals from the control device 110 installed in each security space.

[0013] The user terminal 104 is a communication terminal owned, managed, and / or used by a user who utilizes this delivery method. Examples of the user terminal 104 include smartphones, tablets, notebook or desktop personal computers. Preferably, a smartphone, a tablet, or a notebook personal computer, which are portable communication terminals, are used as the user terminal 104. (2) Control device The control device 110 is a communication information terminal having communication functions, computing functions, information display functions, etc. For example, in addition to a desktop computer, a communication information terminal such as a tablet can be configured as the control device 110. As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the control device 110 includes, in addition to a control unit 112, a storage unit 114, a display unit 116, an input unit 118, and a transmission / reception unit 120 controlled by the control unit 112. The control device 110 may further have an imaging unit 122 and an audio output unit 124 controlled by the control unit 112. A reader / writer 130 is connected to the control unit 112 via an interface not shown, and further, an optical reader 132, a camera 134, a light emitting device 136, and a speaker 138 may be connected to the control unit 112 via an interface.

[0014] The control unit 112 has a central processing unit and controls the entire control device 110. The storage unit 114 stores basic application software for operating the control device 110 and applications that define the operation of the control unit 112, and is configured to store, in addition to the calculation results of the control unit 112, information acquired by the reader / writer 130 and the optical reader 132, images acquired by the imaging unit 122, etc. The storage unit 114 can be composed of, for example, a main storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), and / or an external storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory.

[0015] The display unit 116 functions as an auxiliary device for inputting information into the control device 110 and / or as an information providing device for providing various information to delivery personnel and users. For example, a liquid crystal display module or an organic electroluminescent display module can be used as the display unit 116.

[0016] The input unit 118 is configured for inputting information to the control device 110, and can be configured as, for example, a keyboard, mouse, pointer, or numeric keypad. Alternatively, the input unit 118 may be configured as a touch sensor module mounted on the display unit 116. By providing the input unit 118, information input from delivery personnel or users can be accepted.

[0017] The transmitting / receiving unit 120 is configured to communicate with at least the delivery server 102 via the network 106, and can be configured by appropriately combining known transmitting and receiving modules.

[0018] The imaging unit 122 is configured for acquiring images and can be made up of, for example, a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) device. Alternatively, the imaging unit 122 may be made up of a photosensor provided in the pixels of a liquid crystal display module or an organic electroluminescent display module that constitutes the display unit 116. By providing the imaging unit 122, it is possible to acquire the user's biometric information (face, fingerprints, palm prints, etc.) and read various information displayed on the user terminal 104. Furthermore, since various information represented by barcodes and matrix-type two-dimensional codes can also be read optically, identifiers attached to tags (tag identifiers) and identifiers directly or indirectly attached to delivered items (delivery item identifiers) can be read. For this reason, the control device 110 can associate the tag identifier and delivery item identifier read by the imaging unit 122 on the control unit 112 and transmit that they have been associated to the delivery server 102 via the transmitting / receiving unit 120. By associating the tag identifier and delivery item identifier with each other, the delivered item and its corresponding tag 140 are associated.

[0019] The audio output unit 124 is a speaker and can be configured to output various sounds (for example, warning sounds, warning messages, and guidance messages) stored in the memory unit 114 in accordance with commands from the control unit 112. This can assist delivery personnel in their delivery work and users in receiving delivered items. For example, the audio output unit 124 can be configured to output audio instructions on how users should receive delivered items or how delivery personnel should place delivered items, or to output warning sounds or warning messages when a user or delivery person makes an error on the delivery system 100.

[0020] (3) Leader / Writer The reader / writer 130 operates according to the commands of the control device 110. Specifically, it is a device that reads information stored in the tag 140, such as a tag identifier, and transmits it to the control device 110, and also has the function of sending and receiving various signals with the tag 140. The reader / writer 130 has an internal and / or external antenna, and communicates with the tag 140 by receiving and transmitting radio waves through this antenna. The frequency of the radio waves used can be appropriately selected depending on the size of the security space, the scale of the facility where the security space is set up, the material of the storage area where the delivered items are placed, etc., and can be appropriately selected from the 300MHz band, 430MHz band, or 2.45GHz band.

[0021] (4) Optical reader The optical reader 132, which can be configured as any device, is a device for optically reading various codes such as barcodes and matrix-type two-dimensional codes, and is configured to transmit the read information to the control device 110 in accordance with the control device 110's commands. For this reason, it can read tag identifiers, delivery item identifiers, delivery person identifiers attached to IDs owned by delivery persons, etc. If the control device 110 does not have an imaging unit 122, or if the imaging function of the imaging unit 122 is insufficient, these identifiers can be quickly read and provided to the control device 110 by providing the optical reader 132.

[0022] Furthermore, some of the functions of the optical reader 132 may be implemented by the delivery support terminal. That is, a delivery support terminal equipped with an optical reader may be used to read the tag identifier, delivery item identifier, delivery person identifier, etc., and the read identifiers may be transmitted to the control device 110 and / or delivery server 102 via the network 106.

[0023] (5) Camera The camera 134, which can be configured in any way, is configured to acquire images (still images or videos) of the security space. In the example shown in Figure 1, the camera 134 is connected to the control device 110, in which case the acquired images may be stored in the storage unit 114 of the control device 110, or they may be continuously or periodically transmitted from the control device 110 to the delivery server. However, the camera 134 does not necessarily have to be connected to the control device 110; for example, images acquired by the camera 134 may be transmitted to the delivery server 102 using the network 106 without going through the control device 110. By using the images acquired by the camera 134, security in the security space can be improved. For example, if there is fraudulent receipt or theft of a delivery, or the theft of a tag 140, the images acquired by the camera 134 can be used. This can improve the user's trust in the delivery system 100.

[0024] (6) Light-emitting device and speaker The light-emitting device 136 and speaker 138 are placed at any location within the security space. For example, the light-emitting device 136 and speaker 138 may be installed in a storage unit (described later) within the security space. The light-emitting device 136 is controlled by the control device 110 and is configured to emit light when it is necessary to alert the user or delivery person, in accordance with the commands of the control device 110. Similarly, the speaker 138 is also controlled by the control device 110 and is configured to output various sounds stored in the memory unit 114 of the control device 110 when instructing the user or delivery person on how to receive or deliver the goods, and / or when it is necessary to alert the user or delivery person.

[0025] 2. Tags As described above, the delivery system 100 and the delivery method using it utilize tags 140 to assist users in receiving their deliveries. A schematic perspective view and a functional block diagram of the tag 140 are shown in Figures 3 and 4, respectively. The tag 140 is an active wireless communication device and includes an antenna 150, a battery 152, a light-emitting element 154, a speaker 156, etc., along with a control circuit 148, within a housing 142. Although not shown, a vibrator may also be provided within the housing 142. Additionally, a stop button 146 may be provided to stop the operation of the light-emitting element 154, the speaker 156, and / or the vibrator. A tag identifier 144 for identifying each tag 140 is attached to the housing 142. The tag identifier 144 may be a combination of specific symbols, numbers, letters, etc., or it may be a barcode or a matrix type two-dimensional code.

[0026] Antenna 150 is provided to receive signals transmitted from reader / writer 130 and to transmit various signals. Signals received by antenna 150 are processed by control circuit 148, which then sends commands corresponding to these signals to battery 152, light-emitting element 154, speaker 156, etc.

[0027] Battery 152 is controlled by control circuit 148 and provides power for the operation of tag 140. Battery 152 may be a primary battery or a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium battery.

[0028] The light-emitting element 154 is an organic or inorganic electroluminescent element, controlled by the control circuit 148, and emits light using power supplied from the battery 152. The light-emitting element 154 may emit light continuously at a constant brightness according to commands from the control circuit 148, or it may be configured to blink at arbitrary intervals. It may also emit light in various colors according to commands from the control circuit 148.

[0029] The speaker 156 is also controlled by the control circuit 148 and is configured to output sounds (such as warning sounds or voice messages) stored in the control circuit 148 according to the commands of the control circuit 148.

[0030] The stop button 146 is a switch for stopping the operation of the light-emitting element 154, the speaker 156, and / or the vibrator. The control circuit 148 is configured such that operating this switch stops the operation of the light-emitting element 154, the speaker 156, and / or the vibrator. The control circuit 148 may also be configured to send a reception signal (described later) containing its own tag identifier to the reader / writer 130 when the stop button 146 is operated.

[0031] 3. Delivery method for shipped items The following describes how to deliver items to a secure space using the delivery system 100, using the flowchart shown in Figure 5. Here, "delivered items" refer to any item that the user intends to receive, such as goods or packages delivered to the user. More specifically, this includes items purchased at physical stores such as supermarkets, department stores, liquor stores, dry cleaners, restaurants, cafes, fast food establishments, bookstores, stationery stores, and drugstores handling cosmetics and pharmaceuticals; items ordered using e-comass; and packages personally transferred to the user by a third party, either free of charge or for a fee. The items may also be rental items (e.g., rental shoes, rental costumes, rental bags). Alternatively, the delivered items may be goods for which ownership transfer to the user has not yet been completed. In this case, as described later, the user can receive the goods and make payment triggered by the tag 140 retrieval operation described later.

[0032] (1) Delivery of goods First, the delivery is made by a delivery person. As mentioned above, the delivery is not left at a location of the delivery person's choosing, but is delivered to a secure space. The secure space is equipped with a locking mechanism to ensure a certain level of security. By providing a locking mechanism, a space that was not originally intended for use as a delivery facility can be constructed as a delivery space. Therefore, the delivery system 100 can be constructed at a low cost.

[0033] For example, as shown in the schematic plan view of Figure 6, the security space 160 is a space in which a lockable door 162 is provided as a locking mechanism, and the user unlocks the security space 160 using a specific code such as a PIN, a key, a magnetic card, or an ID card such as an identification card equipped with an integrated circuit (IC) chip. Alternatively, the security space 160 may be configured to lock and unlock the locking mechanism using biometric information such as the user's face, fingerprints, or palm print.

[0034] Alternatively, if access restrictions are imposed on the site or building where the security space 160 is located, these access restrictions may be used as a locking mechanism for the security space 160. For example, if access is restricted at the gates of the site or building based on user information stored in a magnetic card or IC chip, the gates may be used as a locking mechanism. Therefore, an open space within the site or building can be used as the security space 160.

[0035] Therefore, the security space 160 is established within facilities where access is restricted. For example, the security space 160 is established on the premises or in buildings of apartment buildings, businesses, educational institutions, medical institutions, nursing care facilities, etc., or on the premises or in buildings of various facilities such as sports facilities, commercial facilities, and entertainment facilities where access is restricted. In this case, the user is a person who belongs to a group associated with the various facilities where the security space 160 is established and whose identity has been verified. For example, if the security space 160 is established in an apartment building, the user is a resident of the apartment building. If the security space 160 is established on the premises or in buildings of businesses, educational institutions, medical institutions, nursing care facilities, etc., the user is an employee or worker of such a facility. If the security space 160 is established on the premises or in buildings of various facilities such as sports facilities, commercial facilities, and entertainment facilities, the user is an employee or worker of such facility, or a user who has been granted prior permission to use such facility.

[0036] The delivered items placed in the security space 160 are placed so that multiple users can access them without restriction. That is, once a user enters the security space 160, the security space 160 is configured so that they can access the delivered items placed in the security space 160 without any restrictions. Therefore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, for example, the delivered items are placed in the security space 160 and stored in storage units 164 such as shelves (racks), tables, or desks that do not have partitions or walls. Alternatively, the delivered items may be placed on the floor of the security space 160. Although not shown, the storage unit 164 may be provided with an unlocked door. However, preferably, the door is configured to transmit at least a portion of the light from the tag 140 and / or at least a portion of the sound. The antenna of the reader / writer 130 may be incorporated into the storage unit 164 itself. This allows the radio waves emitted from the reader / writer 130 to be transmitted to the entire storage unit 164.

[0037] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8, a delivery box having one or more lockers, each equipped with a door 166, may be provided in the security space 160 as a storage area 164, and one or more deliveries may be placed in each locker. In this case, the lockers are not locked. That is, each locker does not have a locking mechanism, or a locking mechanism is not used. When using lockers equipped with doors 166, a cooling device may be connected to the locker, allowing the locker to function as a refrigerator or freezer. Alternatively, an existing refrigerator or freezer may be used as the storage area 164. This allows deliveries requiring low-temperature management to be stored at an appropriate temperature. Preferably, the doors 166 are configured to transmit at least a portion of the light from the tag 140, or at least a portion of the sound.

[0038] Access to each security space 160 is limited to users and delivery personnel authorized to enter the security space 160. Therefore, even if all users have unrestricted access to packages left in the security space 160, unspecified third parties cannot access the security space 160, thus ensuring sufficient security. Furthermore, since the identities of users and delivery personnel are known, it creates an environment where malicious acts, such as intentionally receiving packages intended for other users, are less likely to occur. In addition, high-functional storage facilities such as lockable lockers, delivery boxes equipped with sensors for detecting packages and communication functions are unnecessary. By appropriately using existing spaces and simple storage units 164, the security space 160 and the storage units 164 installed therein can be constructed at low cost.

[0039] Furthermore, with conventional delivery methods that utilize lockable locker-type delivery boxes, if all lockers are in use, delivery is impossible, forcing redelivery. However, this delivery method allows the use of storage units 164 without partitions, eliminating partition constraints on the placement of delivered items. Alternatively, the movement of already delivered items is permitted. Therefore, delivered items can be arranged efficiently, resulting in a significant improvement in storage efficiency. This greatly reduces the likelihood of redelivery, leading to reduced delivery costs and savings in human resources required for delivery.

[0040] (2) Associating the delivery item with the tag When a package is delivered to the security space 160, the package is associated with the tag 140. Specifically, the package identifier attached to the package is read using the imaging unit 122 or optical reader 132 of the control device 110. The package identifier may be a barcode or a matrix-type two-dimensional code. If the package identifier is made up of symbols, numbers, or letters, the authentication code of the package may be entered using the input unit 118 of the control device 110. As a result, the package identifier is obtained and stored in the storage unit 114 of the control device 110 temporarily or for a certain period of time.

[0041] Furthermore, the tag identifier of the tag 140 corresponding to each delivery is read. Specifically, first, the tags 140 stored in the collection box 170 located in the security space 160 are retrieved (see Figure 6). As shown in Figure 9, the collection box 170 has a housing 172, and an input slot 172a for inserting the tags 140 is provided in the housing 172. The collection box 170 does not have a locking mechanism, or it may have a locking mechanism. In the former case, the delivery person can retrieve the tags 140 through the input slot 172a or by opening a door 174 attached to the housing 172.

[0042] If a locking mechanism is present, the door 174 can be unlocked using a physical key that has been distributed to the delivery person in advance or is temporarily provided to them. Alternatively, a collection box 170 connected to the control device 110 may be used, and the control device 110 and collection box 170 may be configured to read the delivery person's biometric authentication using the imaging unit 122 of the control device 110, compare it with the delivery person's biometric information stored in the storage unit 114 in advance, and open the door 174 when they match. Alternatively, the control device 110, delivery server 102, and collection box 170 may be configured to send the delivery person's biometric information read by the control device 110 to the delivery server 102, compare it with the delivery person's biometric information stored in the delivery server 102's database in advance, and open the door 174 according to a command sent from the delivery server 102 when they match. Alternatively, the delivery server 102, control device 110, and collection box 170 may be configured to read the delivery person identifier using the imaging unit 122 or optical reader 132 of the control device 110, compare it with the delivery person's authentication code stored in advance in the storage unit 114 or the database of the delivery server 102, and open the door 174 when they match. If the delivery person's authentication fails, a display to notify the user may be shown on the display unit 116, and / or a sound to notify the user of the authentication failure may be output using the audio output unit 124 or speaker 138. At this time, the light-emitting device 136 may be turned on. By adding a locking mechanism to the collection box 170, a deterrent against the theft of the tag 140 can be created.

[0043] After removing the tag 140, the tag identifier 144 (see Figure 3) attached to the tag 140 is read using the imaging unit 122 or the optical reader 132. If the tag identifier 144 is made up of symbols, numbers, letters, etc., the tag identifier 144 of the tag 140 may be input using the input unit 118 of the control device 110. As a result, a tag identifier that identifies each tag 140 is obtained and stored in the storage unit 114 of the control device 110 temporarily or for a certain period of time.

[0044] In the control unit 112 of the control device 110, these delivery item identifiers and tag identifiers are associated, and these identifiers, as well as signals indicating that these identifiers are associated, are transmitted from the control device 110 to the delivery server 102.

[0045] Through the above operations, each delivery item is associated with its corresponding tag 140. At this time, the status of the tag 140 may be changed on the delivery server 102. For example, the status of tag 140 may be changed from "Waiting" to "In Use". The control device 110 may also send a status change signal to tag 140 that includes the tag identifier of the associated tag 140. The control circuit 148 of tag 140 that receives the status change signal determines whether its own tag identifier is included in the status change signal, and if it is, changes its status. For example, it changes the status from "Waiting" to "In Use".

[0046] (3) Sending delivery completion notification and receipt request notification Once the delivery item and tag 140 are associated, the control device 110 sends a delivery completion notification to the delivery server 102. This allows the delivery server 102 to recognize that the delivery item has been properly delivered and associated with tag 140. On the delivery server 102, the identifier of the user who will receive the delivery item is associated with the delivery item identifier and tag identifier. Alternatively, a signal sent from the control device 110 that includes the delivery item identifier and tag identifier and indicates that they are associated may be used as the delivery completion notification.

[0047] Subsequently, the delivery server 102 generates a receipt request notification to inform the user that delivery is complete and sends it to the user terminal 104 via the network 106. This receipt request notification includes text and / or a diagram to inform the user that the delivery of the item is complete, and may also include an authentication code to authenticate the user when receiving the item. This authentication code may be a combination of symbols, numbers, and letters, or it may be a barcode or a matrix-type two-dimensional code. This allows the user to recognize that the item has been delivered. The authentication code is also stored in a database. The delivery server 102 may also send this authentication code to the control device 110. In the control device 110, the authentication code is stored in the storage unit 114.

[0048] (4) Placement of tags and delivery items After this, the delivery personnel place the delivered items within the security space 160. Depending on the size, weight, and nature of the delivered items, they may be placed in the storage room 164 or on the floor of the security space 160. At this time, the tags 140 associated with each delivered item are placed together with the delivered item. For example, the tags 140 may be placed on top of the delivered item, or they may be secured to the delivered item using fasteners such as clips, tape, or string. Alternatively, the tags 140 may simply be placed near the delivered item. Alternatively, the delivered items and tags 140 may be stored in a tray (not shown). With these operations, the delivery of the delivered items is completed.

[0049] 4. How to receive your delivery Next, we will explain how users receive their deliveries using the flowchart shown in Figure 10.

[0050] (1) User authentication First, user authentication is performed. User authentication is performed, for example, by reading the authentication code sent to the user terminal 104 with the imaging unit 122 or optical reader 132 of the control device 110, or by inputting the authentication code using the input unit 118. The control device 110 transmits the read or input authentication code to the delivery server 102. If the delivery server 102 finds that the received authentication code matches an authentication code stored in the database, it determines that the user has been successfully authenticated. Subsequently, the tag identifier associated with the authentication code is transmitted to the control device 110. If the user cannot be successfully authenticated, the delivery server 102 transmits a rejection signal to the control device 110, and the control device 110 may, in accordance with the instructions contained in this rejection signal, display the necessary information on the display unit 116, or further / or notify the user of the authentication failure using the audio output unit 124. Furthermore / or, it may also notify the user of the authentication failure using the light-emitting device 136 and / or speaker 138.

[0051] User authentication using an authentication code may be performed on the control device 110. For example, the control device 110 may compare the authentication code read or entered with the authentication code stored in the storage unit 114, and if they match, it may determine that the user has been properly authenticated. The authentication result may then be sent from the control device 110 to the delivery server 102.

[0052] Furthermore, user authentication is not limited to the authentication code displayed on the user terminal 104; the authentication code printed on the delivery notice that is mailed when the delivery is made may also be used. Alternatively, the authentication code downloadable from the website printed on the delivery notice may also be used.

[0053] Alternatively, user authentication may be performed using the user's biometric information. Specifically, the user's biometric information may be acquired using the imaging unit 122 of the control device 110 and authenticated by comparing this with the user's biometric information stored in the storage unit 114 beforehand. If the user identifier is not stored in the storage unit 114, after the user authentication is successfully performed by the control device 110, the control device 110 requests the user identifier from the delivery server 102, and the delivery server 102 transmits the tag identifier associated with the user identifier to the control device 110 in accordance with this request.

[0054] Alternatively, the verification of biometric information may be performed on the delivery server 102 instead of on the control device 110. That is, the user's biometric information acquired by the imaging unit 122 may be transmitted to the delivery server 102, and the delivery server 102 may perform verification against the user's biometric information pre-stored in the delivery server 102's database. If the user is successfully authenticated on the delivery server 102, the delivery server 102 transmits the tag identifier associated with the user identifier to the control device 110. If authentication fails, as described above, a rejection signal is transmitted to the control device 110, and the control device 110 may display the necessary information on the display unit 116 in accordance with the instructions contained in this rejection signal, or / or may notify the user that authentication has failed using the audio output unit 124, light-emitting device 136, speaker 138, etc.

[0055] Alternatively, user authentication may be performed by unlocking a door 162, which is provided as a locking mechanism for the security space 160. That is, if a user unlocks the security space 160 using a key, a magnetic card, or an ID card (example such as an identification card with an integrated circuit (IC) chip), the system may determine that the user has been correctly authenticated. In this case, information about the key, magnetic card, or ID card is stored in the storage unit 114 in advance and associated with a user identifier. In addition, an unlocking device 168 for inserting a key or reading a magnetic card or ID card is provided outside the security space 160 (see Figure 6) and is connected to the control device 110. When the unlocking device 168 is activated, the door 162 opens and a signal indicating that user authentication is complete is sent to the control device 110. Upon receiving this signal, the control device 110 may request a signal from the delivery server 102 requesting a tag identifier along with the user identifier associated with the information about the key, magnetic card, or ID card transmitted from the unlocking device 168. The delivery server 102 sends the corresponding tag identifier to the control device 110 in accordance with this request.

[0056] Through the above process, the user is authenticated. Once the user is authenticated, the status of tag 140 may be changed on the delivery server 102. For example, the status of tag 140 may be changed from "In Use" to "Calling".

[0057] (2) Tag activation and receipt of delivery Once a user is successfully authenticated, the control device 110 activates the tag 140 associated with that user's delivery. Specifically, the control device 110 sends a command to the reader / writer 130 to activate the tag 140, and the reader / writer 130 sends an activation signal containing the tag identifier of the corresponding tag 140. When the control circuit 148 of the tag 140 receives the activation signal, it determines whether its own tag identifier is included in the activation signal. If its own tag identifier is included, the tag 140 operates using power from the battery 152 in accordance with the command of the control circuit 148. Specifically, the tag 140 outputs light using the light-emitting element 154, or, without emitting light from the light-emitting element 154, outputs sound stored in the control circuit 148 from the speaker 156. Alternatively, the tag 140 may output light and sound simultaneously. If the tag 140 has a vibrator, it may also activate the vibrator to vibrate the tag 140 itself.

[0058] At this time, the control device 110 may transmit a status change signal including the tag identifier of the tag 140 to be activated, along with the activation signal. Alternatively, the control device 110 may be configured to transmit an activation signal including a status change command. When the tag 140 receives the status change signal, or an activation signal including a status change command, the control circuit 148 determines whether its own tag identifier is included in the signal, and if it is, changes its status. For example, it may change the status from "In Use" to "Calling".

[0059] As described above, since the delivered items are placed on the floor of the storage area 164 or security space 160, which do not have partitions or walls, the location of the delivered items cannot be identified within the security space 160. Therefore, depending on the size of the security space 160, the amount of delivered items, and the packaging method, it may be difficult for users to easily find their own delivered items. This causes significant stress for users. However, with this delivery method, activating the tag 140 causes the tag 140 to light up, emit sound, and / or vibrate, so that users can quickly find and receive the delivered items they are supposed to receive by the light and sound.

[0060] As described above, this delivery method allows for the delivery of goods even before ownership is transferred to the user. In this case, after the user is authenticated, the user uses the input unit 118 to request the display unit 116 to display the goods. The control device 110 displays the goods on the display unit 116 according to the user's input. When the user selects a product using the input unit 118, the control unit 112 sends an activation signal via the reader / writer 130 to activate the tag 140 associated with that product. This activates the tag 140 placed with the product, allowing the user to easily find and receive the desired product.

[0061] (3) Sending a receipt completion notification and collecting the tags Once the delivered item is received, the tag 140 is no longer needed by the user and is therefore collected. For example, the operation of the tag 140 can be stopped using the stop button 146. If the tag 140 is configured to send a receipt signal when the stop button 146 is operated, the control device 110 may be configured to send a receipt completion notification to the delivery server 102 when it receives the receipt signal via the reader / writer 130. This allows the delivery server 102 to know that the delivered item has been received by the user simply by requiring the user to operate the stop button 146. After that, the tag 140 is placed in the collection box 170. This allows the tag 140 to be collected.

[0062] If the tag 140 is not equipped with a stop button 146, the control device 110 may be configured to stop the operation of the tag 140 by reading the identifier of the tag 140 and to send a receipt completion notification to the delivery server 102. Specifically, the control device 110 reads the tag identifier of the tag 140 using the imaging unit 122 or optical reader 132. When the tag identifier of an active tag 140 (i.e., a tag 140 with the status "calling") is read, the control device 110 sends a stop signal to the tag 140 via the reader / writer 130 to stop the operation of the tag 140, and also sends a receipt completion notification to the delivery server 102. At this time, the control device 110 may display the method of reading the tag 140 on the display unit 116 to assist the user's operation. After that, the tag 140 is placed in the collection box 170 to complete the collection of the tag 140.

[0063] Through the above process, the delivery is received by the user and the tag 140 is retrieved. Upon receiving the receipt completion notification, the status of the tag 140 may be changed on the delivery server 102. For example, the status of the tag 140 may be changed back from "calling" to "standby". Alternatively, the tag 140 may be configured so that when the stop button 146 is operated, its status is changed according to the instructions of the control circuit 148. If the operation of the tag 140 is to be stopped by reading the identifier of the tag 140, the control device 110 may be configured to send a status change signal to the tag 140, which includes an instruction to change the status from "calling" to "standby".

[0064] Furthermore, when delivering goods for which ownership has not yet been transferred to the user, payment should be initiated by the delivery server 102 after receiving a delivery completion notification, according to the payment method registered in the delivery server 102's database beforehand.

[0065] As described above, in this delivery method, the tag 140 associated with the delivery is placed together with the delivery in the storage compartment 164 of the security space 160. Therefore, once user authentication is complete, the tag 140 is activated, allowing the user to easily find their delivery. In other words, the delivery can be received quickly and without stress. Furthermore, after receiving the delivery, a receipt completion notification can be sent to the delivery server 102 with a simple operation, eliminating the need to install sensors or other devices in the storage compartment 164 to determine the presence or absence of a delivery. Consequently, the storage compartment 164 does not require the complex devices and mechanisms found in the delivery boxes commonly used in apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings today. This means that this delivery system can be built at a low cost, which contributes to reducing delivery costs.

[0066] Furthermore, upon receiving their delivery, users are motivated to deactivate the tag 140, thus encouraging the aforementioned tag 140 retrieval operation. This prevents users from intentionally or unintentionally taking the tag 140 with their delivery, promoting its reuse. These characteristics also contribute to reducing delivery costs.

[0067] 5. How to prevent the loss of tags As described above, this delivery method incorporates measures to deter users from intentionally or unintentionally taking the tag 140 along with the delivered items. However, to further strengthen the prevention of theft of the tag 140 by third parties, measures to prevent the loss of the tag 140 may be taken. A flowchart illustrating measures to prevent the loss of the tag 140 is shown in Figure 11.

[0068] Specifically, the control device 110 is configured to send a detection signal (detection signal) to the tag 140. This detection signal is transmitted via the reader / writer 130. The detection signal is transmitted periodically or regularly, and the transmission interval is set as appropriate (e.g., between 1 second and 10 minutes or between 1 second and 1 minute). The detection signal may include the identifier of the tag 140. For example, the detection signal may include the identifiers of all tags 140 used in the security space 160, or it may include the identifiers of some of the tags 140. For example, since the recovered tags 140 are in a lockable collection box 170, a detection signal may be used that includes the identifiers of the other tags 140, i.e., the tags 140 that are placed in the security space 160 with the delivered items. Alternatively, a detection signal that includes the status of the tag 140 (e.g., "in use" or "calling") may be transmitted.

[0069] When tag 140 receives a detection signal, it generates a response signal as a response to the detection signal in accordance with the instructions of the control circuit 148 and transmits it to the reader / writer 130. If the detection signal contains the tag identifier of tag 140, tag 140 may be configured not to send a response signal when it receives a detection signal that does not contain its own tag identifier, but to send a response signal when it receives a detection signal that contains its own tag identifier. If the detection signal contains a status, the control circuit 148 of tag 140 may be configured to send a response signal when its own status matches the status in the detection signal.

[0070] By receiving this response signal, the control device 110 can confirm that all tags 140, or tags 140 intended for detection, are within the communication range, i.e., within the security space 160. This allows the control device 110 to confirm that the tags 140 have not been lost and are being used appropriately within the security space 160. It is also possible to identify tags 140 located within the security space 160 by including the tag identifier and / or status of the tag 140 in the response signal. Upon receiving the response signal, the control circuit 148 continues to transmit detection signals periodically or periodically.

[0071] On the other hand, if no response signal is received for a set period of time (for example, 1 minute to 10 minutes, or 1 minute to 5 minutes), it is determined that the tag 140 has been removed from the secure space. Therefore, the control device 110 is configured to send a loss signal to the delivery server 102, which includes the identifier of the tag 140 that did not send a response signal, if no response signal is received for a set period of time. This allows the delivery server 102 to recognize that the tag 140 has been lost and to identify the lost tag 140. When the delivery server 102 receives the loss signal, it may change the status of the corresponding tag 140 to "lost".

[0072] In this delivery method, a return request notification may also be sent to the user terminal 104 to the user who took the tag 140, prompting them to return the tag 140. Specifically, the delivery server 102 may be configured to identify the user identifier associated with the identifier of the lost tag 140, and to send a return request notification to the user terminal 104 using the address of the user terminal 104 registered in the database. The user who receives the return request notification can return to the security space 160 and place the tag 140 in the collection box 170. Once the tag 140 is placed in the collection box 170, it will be within the communication range of the reader / writer 130, and the response signal sent by the tag 140 in response to the detection signal will be received by the control device 110. The control device 110 is configured to determine that the return is complete when it receives the response signal after sending a loss signal, and to send a return completion notification to the delivery server 102. This allows the delivery server 102 to be aware of the return of the tag 140. When the delivery server 102 receives a return completion notification, it may change the status of the corresponding tag 140 to "Waiting".

[0073] Furthermore, in this delivery method, the tag 140 may also be equipped with a function to prevent loss. A flowchart illustrating this function is shown in Figure 12.

[0074] Specifically, the tag 140 is configured not only to receive a detection signal and send a response signal, but also to change its status (e.g., "Lost") and operate (i.e., emit light, emit sound, and / or vibrate) if it does not receive a detection signal for a set period of time (e.g., 1 minute to 10 minutes, or 1 minute to 5 minutes). In this case, when the status is "Lost," the tag 140 will not stop operating even if the stop button 146 is operated, and will continue to operate until a detection signal is received again. Alternatively, the tag 140 may be configured to temporarily stop operating when the stop button 146 is operated, but to resume operation if a detection signal is not received after a certain period of time (e.g., 10 minutes to 1 hour). By configuring the tag 140 in this way, users can easily find the tag 140. Furthermore, it is possible to encourage the return of the tag 140 not only to users before they receive a return request notification or before they notice the return request notification, but also to third parties who do not receive a return request notification.

[0075] Subsequently, when tag 140 is returned to the collection box 170, tag 140 can receive a detection signal. Therefore, by receiving a response signal, the control device 110 can determine that the return of tag 140 has been completed. Furthermore, when the control device 110 receives a response signal from tag 140 whose status is "lost," it sends a return completion notification to the delivery server 102 and also sends a stop signal or a status change signal to tag 140. This allows the delivery server 102 to determine that the lost tag 140 has been recovered, and to stop the operation of tag 140 and change its status (for example, to "standby"). Alternatively, tag 140 may be configured to stop operation when it receives a detection signal while its status is "lost."

[0076] As described above, by applying the delivery system 100 and delivery method according to one embodiment of the present invention, safe delivery to a designated location becomes possible, thereby ensuring the security of the delivered items, reducing the burden on delivery personnel, and lowering the resulting delivery costs. Furthermore, since the delivered items can be placed in a simple storage unit 164 without partitions, efficient delivery is possible. In addition, since the tag 140 assists in the discovery of delivered items, users can quickly find and receive their delivered items without feeling stressed. Moreover, the collection of the tag 140 and the sending of receipt completion notifications do not place a significant burden on the user. For this reason, this delivery method can be said to be a user-friendly delivery method. Furthermore, since the loss or theft of the tag 140 can be effectively suppressed and prevented, the increase in delivery costs caused by the loss or theft of the tag 140 can also be prevented.

[0077] <Second Embodiment> This embodiment describes modifications of the delivery system 100 and delivery method described in the first embodiment. By using these modifications, the burden on the user in retrieving the tags 140 can be further reduced. Configurations that are the same as or similar to those described in the first embodiment may be omitted from the description.

[0078] 1. Variation 1 As shown in Figure 13, in the delivery system 100 according to this modified example, in addition to the reader / writer 130 described above (hereinafter referred to as the first reader / writer 130-1), another active RFID reader / writer (hereinafter referred to as the second reader / writer 130-2) is used. Similar to the first reader / writer 130-1, the second reader / writer 130-2 is also connected to the control device 110 and operates according to the commands of the control device 110. The specifications of the second reader / writer 130-2 (communication distance, output, frequency of radio waves used, etc.) may be the same as or different from those of the first reader / writer 130-1. In the latter case, for example, the communication distance and radio wave transmission output of the second reader / writer 130-2 may be smaller than those of the first reader / writer 130-1.

[0079] Similar to the first reader / writer 130-1, the second reader / writer 130-2 is also placed within the security space 160. However, unlike the first reader / writer 130-1, the second reader / writer 130-2 is placed inside the collection box 170 (Figure 14). The collection box 170 is configured to shield the radio waves emitted by the first reader / writer 130-1, the second reader / writer 130-2, and the tag 140. Specifically, the housing 172 is configured to include metal such as aluminum or stainless steel.

[0080] Therefore, various signals such as detection signals and activation signals transmitted from the first reader / writer 130-1 are not received by the tags 140 located inside the collection box 170. Conversely, various signals transmitted from the second reader / writer 130-2 are received by the tags 140 located inside the collection box 170, but not by the tags 140 located outside the collection box 170 (for example, the tags 140 located in the storage compartment 164). Also, signals transmitted by the tags 140 located inside the collection box 170 are received by the second reader / writer 130-2, but not by the first reader / writer 130-1. Conversely, signals transmitted by the tags 140 located outside the collection box 170 are received by the first reader / writer 130-1, but not by the second reader / writer 130-2.

[0081] Since the second reader / writer 130-2 also transmits detection signals periodically or periodically, the tags 140 located inside the collection box 170 receive the detection signals and transmit response signals in response. These response signals are received by the second reader / writer 130-2. Therefore, the control device 110 can identify the tags 140 located inside the collection box 170. On the other hand, based on the response signals received by the first reader / writer 130-1, the control device 110 can identify the tags 140 located outside the collection box 170, i.e., the tags 140 currently in use. Thus, the control device 110 and the delivery server 102 can determine whether the tags 140 in the security space 160 are in use or on standby.

[0082] In this modified version, after the user receives the delivered item, the user only needs to place the tag 140 into the collection box 170 without performing any operations on the tag 140 or the control device 110. As described above, the tag 140 collected in the collection box 170 can receive the detection signal transmitted from the second reader / writer 130-2, and the response signal transmitted from the tag 140 in response to the detection signal is received by the second reader / writer 130-2. Therefore, by configuring the tag 140 to stop operating when it receives the detection signal transmitted from the second reader / writer 130-2, the operation of the operating tag 140 collected in the collection box 170 can be stopped. Furthermore, by configuring the control device 110 to send a delivery completion notification to the delivery server 102 upon receiving the response signal transmitted by the operating tag 140, a delivery completion notification can be sent to the delivery server 102 simply by placing the tag 140 into the collection box 170, and the delivery server 102 can confirm that the receipt of the delivered item has been completed. Therefore, the user only needs to receive the delivery and place the tag 140 into the collection box 170; there is no need to perform any separate procedures or operations for confirmation of receipt.

[0083] The same applies when a lost tag 140 is recovered. When the second reader / writer 130-2 receives a response signal from the tag 140, whose status is "lost" on the delivery server 102, the control device 110 sends a return completion notification to the delivery server 102. This allows the delivery server 102 to be aware of the recovery of the lost tag 140. In addition, the operation of the tag 140 can be stopped and its status changed (for example, from "lost" to "standby") by sending a stop signal or a status change signal from the second reader / writer 130-2.

[0084] 2. Variation 2 The second reader / writer 130-2 does not necessarily have to be an active RFID reader / writer, and may be a passive RFID reader / writer configured to communicate with a passive RFID tag over a relatively short communication distance (e.g., longer than 0 cm but 3 cm or less, 10 cm or less, 10 cm or less, or 20 cm or less). For example, the first reader / writer 130-1 may be configured to emit radio waves at frequencies in the 300 MHz, 430 MHz, or 2.45 GHz band, and the second reader / writer 130-2 may be configured to emit radio waves at frequencies in the 13.56 MHz or 900 MHz band. This significantly reduces the communication distance between the second reader / writer 130-2 and the tag 140 compared to the communication distance between the first reader / writer 130-1 and the tag 140. In this case, a passive tag (hereinafter referred to as a passive tag) 158 is mounted on the housing 142 of the tag 140. This passive tag does not respond to the first reader / writer 130-1, but only to the passive second reader / writer 130-2 (see Figure 15). The passive tag 158 stores the same tag identifier as the tag 140, and this tag identifier is read using the second reader / writer 130-2.

[0085] Therefore, the collection box 170 does not need to completely shield the radio waves, and it is sufficient to configure the collection box 170 so that the radio waves emitted from the second reader / writer 130-2 remain inside the collection box 170. In other words, the collection box 170 should be configured so that the radio waves emitted from the second reader / writer 130-2 are not received by the passive tag 158 attached to the tag 140 located outside the collection box 170, the radio waves emitted from the second reader / writer 130-2 are received by the passive tag 158 attached to the tag 140 inside the collection box 170, and the radio waves emitted from the first reader / writer 130-1 are received by the tag 140 both inside and outside the collection box 170.

[0086] After the user receives the delivery and places the tag 140 into the collection box 170, the passive tag 158 on the tag 140 is read by the second reader / writer 130-2. Subsequently, the control device 110 sends a receipt completion notification to the delivery server 102 and also sends a stop signal and a status change signal to the tag 140 via the first reader / writer 130-1. Upon receiving these signals via the antenna 150, the tag 140 stops operating and changes its status from "calling" to "standby". This causes the tag 140 to cease operation. The delivery server 102 can also be notified that the delivery has been received and the tag 140 has been collected.

[0087] When the lost tag 140 is placed in the collection box 170, after the passive tag 158 is read by the second reader / writer 130-2, the control device 110 sends a return completion notification to the delivery server 102 and also sends a stop signal and a status change signal to the tag 140 via the first reader / writer 130-1. Upon receiving these signals via the antenna 150, the tag 140 stops operating and changes its status from "lost" to "standby". As a result, the tag 140 stops operating, and the delivery server 102 can recognize that the lost tag 140 has been recovered.

[0088] As described above, by applying this modified version, it is possible to construct a delivery method that can further reduce the burden on the user.

[0089] The embodiments described above as embodiments of the present invention can be combined and implemented as appropriate, insofar as they do not contradict each other. Furthermore, any additions, deletions, or design changes made by the Company based on these embodiments, or additions, omissions, or changes in processes, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the essence of the present invention.

[0090] Any effects or benefits other than those brought about by the embodiments described above, if they are clear from the description herein or easily predictable by the business operator, are naturally considered to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 100: Delivery system, 102: Delivery server, 104: User terminal, 106: Network, 110: Control device, 112: Control unit, 114: Memory unit, 116: Display unit, 118: Input unit, 120: Transmit / receive unit, 122: Imaging unit, 124: Audio output unit, 130: Reader / writer, 130-1: First reader / writer, 130-2: Second reader / writer, 132: Optical reader, 134: Camera, 136: 138: Light device, 140: Tag, 142: Enclosure, 144: Tag identifier, 146: Stop button, 148: Control circuit, 150: Antenna, 152: Battery, 154: Light-emitting element, 156: Speaker, 158: Passive tag, 160: Security space, 162: Door, 164: Storage compartment, 166: Door, 168: Unlocking device, 170: Collection box, 172: Enclosure, 172a: Input slot, 174: Door

Claims

[Claim 1] A control device placed within a secure space that ensures security against intrusion by unspecified persons associates the delivered items and RFID tags with each other. After the control device authenticates the user receiving the delivery, the first RFID reader / writer connected to the control device transmits an activation signal to the RFID tag placed in the security space together with the delivery. The RFID tag that receives the activation signal emits light and / or sound. The first RFID reader / writer transmits a detection signal for detecting the RFID tag, and A method for delivering an item, comprising the RFID tag receiving the detection signal transmitting a response signal.

Images