System to prevent incorrect inventory entry

Abstract

This system provides a mis-entry prevention system that prevents mis-entry of delivered goods into inappropriate storage devices in environments where the recipient of the delivered goods has access to multiple storage devices. [Solution] The system for preventing incorrect storage is installed in an apartment building and comprises a shared storage device 10 used by residents of the apartment building, a dedicated storage device 20 used exclusively by some of the users of the shared storage device 10, a user terminal 30 operated by the user at the destination of the delivered goods, and a wired, wireless, or combined network 100 that connects these devices 10, 20, and 30 in a way that enables communication between them.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for preventing mis-storage, and particularly to a system for preventing mis-storage that prevents errors in the storage destination when storing a delivered item in a storage device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the changes in lifestyle in general households and the improvement of the quality of logistics, the use of e-commerce has been increasing. In recent years, along with the prosperity of e-commerce, while delivered items such as purchased goods are often delivered to each household, the cases of leaving the house unattended have increased due to the increase in the proportion of dual-income couples, etc. An environment and facilities that can smoothly receive the above-mentioned delivered items are desired.

[0003] In response to the above needs, in recent years, in addition to the direct handover of delivered items in person, logistics companies have increasingly completed the delivery work by depositing the items in a storage device equipped with a plurality of storage boxes called so-called home delivery lockers. This storage device is installed, for example, in the entrance hall of an apartment building or other shared areas of commercial facilities or public facilities, and temporarily stores the delivered items delivered to the residents of the apartment building, etc. by home delivery, etc. By storing them in the storage box in a lockable manner, even when the resident is absent, the resident can smoothly receive the delivered item by taking out the delivered item addressed to himself / herself from the storage device without requesting a re-delivery.

[0004] In addition to the storage device installed in the shared area as described above, in recent years, many storage devices are also individually installed in the exclusive areas of each household in an apartment building.

[0005] As one of the conventional technologies used when delivering delivered items to the storage device installed in the above-mentioned shared area and the storage device installed individually, a delivery box management system disclosed in Patent Document 1, etc. has been proposed. The delivery box management system disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows for real-time monitoring of the availability of storage devices installed in common areas and individually installed storage devices, and assists delivery companies in determining their delivery routes. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-169478 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the delivery box management system described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that there is a risk that delivered items may not be placed in the appropriate storage device. In recent years, in large apartment buildings such as tower condominiums, shared storage units for residents are often installed in common areas such as entrance halls, and dedicated storage units are also installed near each individual unit, with multiple units of each type being common. When multiple storage devices are installed in the same facility, logistics companies often concentrate their deliveries in the shared storage devices, which are usually located near the facility's entrance, in order to complete the delivery process easily. This means that the storage boxes in the shared storage system are constantly occupied, and even though there are empty slots in the dedicated storage system, the logistics company may not notice and take the goods back, which creates problems in terms of the efficiency of delivery operations.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a system to prevent mis-entry of delivered goods into an inappropriate storage device in an environment where the user receiving the delivered goods has access to multiple storage devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve this objective, the present invention provides a mis-entry prevention system for preventing the incorrect entry of delivered goods into a storage device, comprising a storage device installed in a facility for temporarily storing delivered goods, having first and second storage devices used by a user who is a resident or user of the facility and the recipient of the delivered goods, wherein the first storage device outputs information prompting the user to enter the delivered goods into either of the storage devices, in response to the operation performed when the delivered goods are entered.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for preventing incorrect storage of delivered goods into a storage device, comprising: a shared storage device installed in a facility for temporarily storing delivered goods, which is shared by multiple users who are residents or users of the facility and recipients of the delivered goods; and a dedicated storage device installed in the facility for temporarily storing delivered goods, which is used by some of the multiple users, wherein the shared storage device outputs information prompting the user to place the delivered goods into either the shared storage device or the dedicated storage device, depending on the operation performed when the delivered goods are stored.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the erroneous storage prevention system of the present invention, the shared storage device stores a database that manages the usage status of the storage device and storage instruction information that sets the priority for storing delivered items in the storage device, and refers to the database and the storage instruction information to output information that prioritizes the storage of delivered items to storage devices with a pre-set priority among the storage devices that can store delivered items.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the erroneous storage prevention system of the present invention, the shared storage device has a database for managing the usage status of the storage device, and when it is determined by referring to the database that it is possible to store the delivery items in the shared storage device and the dedicated storage device, it outputs information prompting priority for storing the delivery items in the dedicated storage device.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the erroneous storage prevention system of the present invention, the shared storage device is characterized by restricting the entry of delivered items into the shared storage device.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the erroneous storage prevention system of the present invention, the dedicated storage device transmits information on the usage status of the dedicated storage device to the shared storage device, and the shared storage device registers the information on the usage status of the dedicated storage device received from the dedicated storage device in a database.

[0015] Furthermore, the erroneous storage prevention system of the present invention further includes a management server that manages information on storage devices, the dedicated storage device transmits information on the usage status of the dedicated storage device to the management server, the management server transmits the usage status information of the dedicated storage device received from the dedicated storage device to the shared storage device, and the shared storage device registers the usage status information of the dedicated storage device received from the management server in a database.

[0016] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, or any substitution of components or expressions of the present invention between methods, apparatus, systems, computer programs, recording media storing computer programs, etc., are also valid embodiments of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The mis-entry prevention system in the present invention is a storage device installed in a facility for temporarily storing delivered goods, and has first and second storage devices used by a user who is a resident or user of the facility and the recipient of the delivered goods. The first storage device outputs information prompting the user to place the delivered goods into one of the storage devices in response to the operation when the delivered goods are placed in the storage device. This makes it possible to prevent mis-entry of delivered goods into an inappropriate storage device in an environment where the user receiving the delivered goods can use multiple storage devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of the incorrect inventory prevention system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the installation of a storage device in the mis-entry prevention system of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the shared storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the shared storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the user DB of the shared storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the storage box DB of the shared storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the usage history DB of the shared storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the dedicated storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the dedicated storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the user DB of the dedicated storage device when the dedicated storage device is installed near a residential unit or the like. [Figure 11] In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the user DB of the dedicated storage device when the dedicated storage device is installed in the shared area on each floor or the like. [Figure 12] In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the storage box DB of the dedicated storage device when the dedicated storage device is installed near a residential unit or the like. [Figure 13] In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the storage box DB of the dedicated storage device when the dedicated storage device is installed in the shared area on each floor or the like. [Figure 14] In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the usage history DB of the dedicated storage device when the dedicated storage device is installed near a residential unit or the like. [Figure 15]This figure shows an example of the data structure of the usage history DB for a dedicated storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the dedicated storage device is installed in a common area on each floor. [Figure 16] This figure shows the configuration of a user terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the erroneous inventory prevention system when a user registers inventory instruction information in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the mis-entry prevention system when a shared storage device acquires information from a dedicated storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This flowchart shows the flow of the output operation of receiving instruction information by a shared storage device when a logistics company performs delivery work in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of input screen information, such as user identification information, in the output operation of receiving instruction information by the incorrect receiving prevention system of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This figure shows an example of the output screen information for receiving instruction information in the output operation of receiving instruction information by the receiving instruction instruction information system of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This figure shows the configuration of the incorrect inventory prevention system in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This figure shows the configuration of the management server in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the erroneous inventory prevention system when a user registers inventory instruction information in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the mis-entry prevention system when a shared storage device acquires information from a dedicated storage device in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] [First Embodiment] (Summary of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment of the present invention, the user is the recipient of the delivered goods and is a resident or user of the facility. Facilities include, for example, apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings, as well as offices, shops and commercial facilities such as convenience stores and supermarkets, and public facilities and institutions such as train stations and hospitals.

[0020] The facility is equipped with several types of storage devices, commonly known as parcel lockers, intended to store delivered items and temporarily keep them until the recipient retrieves them. In this embodiment, depending on the purpose of use, a shared storage device 10 that is shared by multiple users and a dedicated storage device 20 that is used exclusively by only some of those multiple users are installed.

[0021] The shared storage device 10 and the dedicated storage device 20 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "storage devices 10 and 20") may be installed in each of the facilities exemplified above, and the installation locations are not limited to these.

[0022] Users are, for example, residents of apartment buildings or users of other facilities. For example, if the storage devices 10 and 20 are installed in an apartment building, the user is a resident of that apartment building.

[0023] Logistics companies may include courier companies that deliver goods, dry cleaning companies (if the goods are clothing or other items requiring cleaning), or other retail businesses.

[0024] The storage devices 10 and 20 can accept and store not only delivery items such as courier packages, but also all kinds of other items. For example, storage devices 10 and 20 may be used to temporarily store delivery items that a user wishes to receive, from the time they are delivered by the logistics company until the user retrieves them. Furthermore, the storage devices 10 and 20 temporarily store the items that the user has requested to be delivered until the logistics company collects and retrieves them for delivery.

[0025] Users can also use storage devices 10, 20 to utilize the "cleaning" storage service. Users deposit their uncleaned clothing and other items into storage devices 10 and 20, and cleaning companies collect the deposited clothing and perform the cleaning. Afterward, the cleaned items may be stored again in the storage devices 10 and 20, and the user may use the system to retrieve the cleaned items from the storage devices 10 and 20.

[0026] Common areas of a facility are parts of the facility that are shared by all users, such as entrance halls, elevator lobbies, or gardens. Furthermore, the exclusive use area of ​​a facility refers to, for example, the part of the facility that is exclusively used by each user or some users, and may include, for example, each user's dwelling unit, room, office space, tenant space, classroom, etc. within the facility, or the surrounding area, or the space on each floor of the facility.

[0027] Logistics companies may, when delivering goods to users, perform face-to-face handover to the user or various other methods of contactless delivery, as is common with general deliveries. However, in this embodiment, we will proceed with the explanation of the case where the delivery is completed by storing the goods in a shared storage device 10 or a dedicated storage device 20 installed in the above-mentioned facility.

[0028] The mis-entry prevention system in this embodiment prevents the mis-entry of goods into storage devices other than those specified by the user during delivery operations by logistics companies.

[0029] In the embodiment described below, the above-mentioned facility is assumed to be an apartment building, and the users of the delivery destination are assumed to be residents living in each dwelling unit within the said apartment building.

[0030] (Configuration of the first embodiment) [1] Overall configuration of the system to prevent incorrect inventory entry Figure 1 shows the configuration of the incorrect inventory prevention system in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the system for preventing incorrect storage is installed in an apartment building and consists of a shared storage device 10 used by residents of the apartment building, a dedicated storage device 20 used exclusively by some of the users of the shared storage device 10, a user terminal 30 operated by the user at the destination of the delivered goods, and a wired, wireless, or combined network 100 that connects these devices 10, 20, and 30 in a way that enables communication between them.

[0031] When a logistics company visits a facility to deliver goods addressed to a user and operates a shared storage device 10 installed at the facility, the shared storage device 10 outputs receiving instruction information indicating which storage device the goods should be stored in. The logistics company checks the outputted receiving instruction information and places the delivered goods into the storage devices 10 and 20 specified in the receiving instruction information.

[0032] Figure 2 shows an example of the installation of storage devices 10 and 20 in the mis-entry prevention system of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, a shared storage device 10 is installed in the entrance hall on the first floor of an apartment building. In this example, a logistics company can store deliveries addressed to all residents of the apartment building in the shared storage device 10.

[0033] The dedicated storage device 20 includes a dedicated storage device 20a and a dedicated storage device 20b. In the example shown in Figure 2, a dedicated storage device 20b is installed on the second floor of the apartment building. The dedicated storage device 20b is installed, for example, in a common area such as the elevator hall on the second floor. In this example, the logistics company can store all deliveries addressed to users residing on the second floor of the apartment building in the dedicated storage device 20b. The dedicated storage device 20b may be installed not only on the second floor but also on each floor of the aforementioned apartment building, allowing the logistics company to store deliveries addressed to all users residing on each floor in the dedicated storage device 20b on each floor.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 2, a dedicated storage device 20a is installed on the third floor of the apartment building. In this example, the logistics company can store deliveries addressed to each resident on the third floor of the apartment building into the dedicated storage device 20a. In other words, while the dedicated storage device 20b is a storage device exclusively for all users residing on each floor, the dedicated storage device 20a is a storage device exclusively for users residing in each dwelling unit, and compared to the dedicated storage device 20b, the users to whom the delivered items are stored in the dedicated storage device 20a are limited. The dedicated storage device 20a may be installed not only on the third floor but also near each dwelling unit on other floors of the apartment building, allowing logistics companies to store deliveries addressed to users residing in each dwelling unit into the dedicated storage device 20a for each dwelling unit.

[0035] In summary, regarding users who can use storage devices 10 and 20, the shared storage device 10, dedicated storage device 20b, and dedicated storage device 20a are used in that order, allowing more users to receive a service to temporarily store and keep their own deliveries as the destination for their deliveries.

[0036] [2] Configuration of the shared storage device 10 (1) Overview of the shared storage device 10 The shared storage device 10 is a storage device for temporarily depositing items addressed to a user until the user retrieves them, and comprises one or more lockable storage boxes. The shared storage device 10 is preferably installed in a common area, such as the entrance hall of an apartment building, and is more easily accessible to logistics companies than the dedicated storage device 20. For example, the shared storage device 10 may be installed closer to the entrance of the facility or in a location with less stringent security measures (such as a location that can be reached even without authentication) compared to the dedicated storage device 20.

[0037] (2) Overall configuration of the shared storage device 10 Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the shared storage device 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the shared storage device 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the shared storage device 10 will be explained below using these diagrams.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the shared storage device 10 is composed of a control unit 11 which controls the entire shared storage device 10 and consists of a CPU, etc., an information storage unit 12 which stores various information, a communication unit 13 which communicates with the dedicated storage device 20 and user terminal 30 via the network 100, a display unit 14 which displays various information, an operation unit 15 which has various keys for inputting information, and a storage unit 16 which has one or more lockable and unlockable storage boxes for storing items. Each of the parts 11 to 16 is connected to an internal bus, through which various information is input and output, and various processes are executed under the control of the control unit 11.

[0039] The storage boxes of the shared storage device 10 can be shared by all users who have registered to use the facility. For example, if the shared storage device 10 is installed in an apartment building, the storage boxes of the shared storage device 10 can be shared by multiple users residing in the same apartment building. In other words, the storage boxes of the shared storage device 10 can store packages addressed to multiple users residing in the same apartment building.

[0040] If an item has already been placed in a storage box of the shared storage device 10, and the door is closed and locked, only the user who is the recipient of the item can unlock the storage box, and no one else can unlock it. However, family members, employees, and other related parties of the user may be allowed to unlock it. The storage boxes of the shared storage device 10 are only permitted to store other items after the items currently stored in them have been removed and the box is empty. In other words, once a delivery item is placed in a storage box of the shared storage device 10, its usage status will be "unavailable for new deliveries" until it is retrieved by the user at the delivery destination. During this "unavailable for new deliveries" period, no new deliveries can be placed in the storage box. When the recipient user removes the delivered item from the storage box, the status of that storage box changes to "available for storage," making it possible to store new items.

[0041] (3) Configuration of the control unit 11 The control unit 11 is a processing unit that is responsible for controlling the entire shared storage device 10, and is composed of, for example, electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and integrated circuits such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 11 reads information from the information storage unit 12 and also writes information to the information storage unit 12. The control unit 11 controls the operation of the storage boxes, such as locking and unlocking and opening and closing the doors, controls the operation of the screen display by the display unit 14, performs authentication processing when using the shared storage device 10, and manages information about users and delivery companies, as well as the usage status of each storage box. Furthermore, the control unit 11 is equipped with a timing function and records the arrival and departure times of delivered items in the usage history DB 123, which will be described later.

[0042] (4) Configuration of the information storage unit 12 The information storage unit 12 is, for example, a device that stores information such as a hard disk, memory, or semiconductor element. The information storage unit 12 has an area for storing programs to be executed by the control unit 11, and a temporary work area (such as RAM) that the control unit 11 uses when executing processing. The control unit 11 reads the program stored in its information storage unit 12, expands it into the work area, and executes various processes. The information storage unit 12 stores the databases described later.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the information storage unit 12 stores a user DB 121 that manages user information about users who use each storage device 10, 20, a storage box DB 122 that manages the usage status of the multiple storage boxes that make up the storage sections 16, 26 of each storage device 10, 20, and a usage history DB 123 that manages the usage history of the storage boxes of each storage device 10, 20. The following provides a detailed explanation of the data structure of each database, 121 to 123.

[0044] Each of the above databases 121 to 123 manages information regarding the shared storage device 10 and the dedicated storage device 20. In other words, each database 121 to 123 of the shared storage device 10 comprehensively manages not only the information of its own device (storage device 10) but also the information of the dedicated storage device 20.

[0045] User DB121 is a database for managing information about users who use storage devices 10 and 20 (users whose deliveries are stored in storage devices 10 and 20). Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the user DB 121 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in Figure 5, the user DB 121 manages "user authentication information" and "user personal information" associated with the "user ID," which is the identification information of each individual user, for the purpose of unlocking the storage boxes of the shared storage device 10, as well as "storage instruction information" indicating the storage device to which the user has instructed storage. The above-mentioned "user's personal information" includes, for example, the user's name (company name), the user's address, the room number of the apartment building where the user resides, and the email address of user terminal 30.

[0046] In this embodiment, along with the "User ID" mentioned above, or in place of the "User ID," information about the exclusive use of a room in an apartment building where the user resides, or the room number / tenant number of the office where the user works in a building (for example, room "202"), may be used as user identification information in each database. In this embodiment, the exclusive-use information is, as an example, the room number of an apartment building.

[0047] The receiving instruction information indicates the priority order of the storage devices 10 and 20 that the user wishes to receive. For example, the receiving instruction information may be information indicating whether the goods should be preferentially stored in the shared storage device 10 or the dedicated storage device 20. Furthermore, if a delivery addressed to a user can be stored in multiple dedicated storage devices 20, the storage instruction information may be assigned a priority order among those multiple dedicated storage devices 20 and the shared storage device 10.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 5, user DB121 manages storage devices 10 and 20 as "1", "2", and "3" in order of priority, as receiving instruction information. In the example shown in Figure 5, the user DB121 has the following priority settings assigned to the user with user ID "0001" as storage instruction information: "1" for the dedicated storage device 20a for each dwelling unit located next to the outside of the entrance door of the dwelling unit in the apartment building where the user resides; "2" for the dedicated storage device 20b located in front of the elevator hall on the user's floor in the apartment building; and "3" for the shared storage device 10 located in the entrance hall of the apartment building. In this example, the shared storage device 10 first attempts to encourage the logistics company to store the goods in the dedicated storage device 20a, and if it is not possible to store them in the dedicated storage device 20a, it will then encourage them to store them in the dedicated storage device 20b, and then in the shared storage device 10.

[0049] Storage Box DB122 is a database for managing the characteristics (attributes) and current usage status of each storage box in the shared storage device 10 and the dedicated storage device 20. Figure 6 shows an example of the data configuration of the storage box DB122 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in Figure 6, the storage box DB122 manages the type of storage device 10,20 and the information of the storage box for that storage device 10,20, associated with the storage device ID, which is the identification information of the storage device 10,20. As shown in Figure 6, the storage box DB122 manages information about the storage boxes of the storage devices 10 and 20, associating it with a "box number" that identifies each storage box in each storage device 10 and 20 with "attributes of each storage box," "usage status of each storage box (usage status information)," and, for storage boxes in which deliveries are stored ("unavailable for storage boxes"), "room number of the user to whom the deliveries are addressed."

[0050] "Storage box attributes" include information such as the size of the storage box, the location of each storage box in the shared storage device 10, and whether or not it has a freezing / refrigeration function.

[0051] The "Storage Box Usage Status" manages whether each storage box is in the "Available for Storage" or "Not Available for Storage" status. "Available for storage" indicates that there are no items stored in the storage box, or even if there are items stored, there is available space to store additional items, and therefore, storage of new items is permitted. "No entry" indicates that the delivery item is already stored in the storage box and entry of any further delivery items is prohibited.

[0052] In this embodiment, as an example, the storage section 16 of the shared storage device 10 is composed of seven storage boxes, and each storage box is numbered 1 to 7. These box numbers 1-7 correspond to storage boxes 161-167 shown in Figure 3, respectively.

[0053] The usage history DB123 is a database that manages usage history information (such as receiving and shipping) for each storage box in the shared storage device 10 and the dedicated storage device 20. Figure 7 shows an example of the data structure of the usage history DB123 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in Figure 7, the usage history DB 123 manages the following information, associated with the "work number" assigned to each receiving or shipping operation for each storage box of each storage device 10,20: the "box number" to which the shipped goods were received or shipped; the "time of the receiving or shipping operation"; the "type of receiving or shipping operation"; the "receiving operation number" corresponding to the shipping operation if it was a shipping operation; "attribute information of the shipped goods," such as whether they need to be refrigerated or frozen; "receiving information" indicating the logistics company that received the shipped goods into the storage box; and the "room number" of the user to whom the shipped goods are delivered.

[0054] The usage history DB123 records the history of which user's delivery items were received and when, and when they were dispatched (or have not yet been dispatched). The control unit 11 can refer to the usage history managed in the usage history DB123.

[0055] The control unit 11 of the shared storage device 10 registers or updates usage information and usage history in each database 122, 123 when there is an inflow or outflow of delivered items into or out of the storage boxes.

[0056] When a logistics company places a delivery into a storage box in the storage unit 16, the control unit 11 updates the usage status of the corresponding storage box in the storage box DB 122 from "available" to "unavailable". At this time, the control unit 11 registers in the storage box DB122 the room number of the user to whom the delivered item is located, associating it with the box number of the storage box.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 6, the storage box labeled "1" in the shared storage device 10 contains a delivery addressed to the user in room number "503". When the user in room number "503" retrieves the delivery, the usage status information for storage box DB122 is updated to "Available for storage," and the room number is updated to blank. The control unit 11 registers the history of these deliveries, including their receipt and dispatch, in the usage history DB 123.

[0058] (5) Configuration of the storage section 16 The storage section 16 is composed of multiple storage boxes. The storage boxes are storage compartments for temporarily storing delivery items related to the user, and each is configured to be lockable and unlockable. For example, even if the user is absent, the delivery person can place the delivery item addressed to the user into the storage box and lock it, allowing the storage unit 16 to safely store the delivery item until the user retrieves it. Additionally, users can store items they wish to have picked up in a storage box until the delivery person comes to collect them. In the example shown in Figure 3, the storage section 16 has storage boxes 161 to 167.

[0059] Each storage box may be configured such that, even though it is closed when its usage status is "ready to store," it can be opened by a predetermined operation using the control unit 15 without requiring authentication. On the other hand, each storage box is closed and locked when its usage status is "not available for storage." Only the user of the delivery destination of the goods stored in that storage box can unlock and open the storage box marked "not available for storage" by entering authentication information using the operation unit 15. The structure for locking and unlocking a storage box is not particularly limited, as long as it is fixed to the storage compartment so that the door can be opened and closed to block the entrance / exit.

[0060] (6) Configuration of the communications unit 13 The communication unit 13 is an interface that controls communication with the dedicated storage device 20 and the user terminal 30 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter, etc. The communication unit 13 is equipped with a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN or the Internet via wireless communication, or it may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0061] (7) Configuration of the display unit 14 and the operation unit 15 The display unit 14 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, or a lamp using an LED or other light-emitting element. The control unit 11 reads an image from the information storage unit 12 and performs image output processing to generate screen information. The control unit 11 outputs the generated image information to the display unit 14. The display unit 14 displays the input image information on a screen such as a display. Furthermore, the control unit 11 can output control signals to the display unit 14, which can then light up the lamps on the display unit 14.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 3, the display unit 14 is located inside the main body of the shared storage device 10, but it may also be an external display device connected via wired or wireless communication. For example, the display unit 14 is a tablet terminal or display device, which is located outside the main body of the shared storage device 10 and displays image information input from the control unit 11 via the wired or wireless connection.

[0063] The operation unit 15 includes an information input device, for example, consisting of various keys, and this information input device works in conjunction with the display unit 14 to provide a pointing device. The operation unit 15 receives various operations from residents, etc., and outputs a signal indicating the content of the operation to the control unit 11, etc. When the control unit 11 receives a signal indicating the operation content, it outputs a control signal to the display unit 14 instructing the display unit 14 to perform a screen display corresponding to the operation content, according to the content of the signal. When the display unit 14 receives the control signal, it displays information on the screen in accordance with the control signal. The display unit 14 and the operation unit 15 may be integrated to form a touch panel.

[0064] [3] Configuration of the dedicated storage device 20 (1) Overview of the dedicated storage device 20 The dedicated storage device 20 is a storage device for temporarily depositing items addressed to a user until the user retrieves them, and comprises one or more lockable storage boxes. The dedicated storage device 20 may be installed, for example, in the private area of ​​an apartment building or its surroundings, or in the common area on each floor of the apartment building (such as the space in front of the elevator), and may be installed in a location that is more difficult for logistics companies to access than the shared storage device 10. For example, the dedicated storage device 20 may be installed in a location further from the facility entrance than the shared storage device 10, or in a location where entry is restricted by security measures (such as a place where entry is not possible without successful authentication).

[0065] (2) Overall configuration of the dedicated storage device 20 Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the dedicated storage device 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the dedicated storage device 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the dedicated storage device 20 will be explained below using these diagrams. Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the dedicated storage device 20 is assumed to be the same as that of the shared storage device 10, which has the same name.

[0066] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the dedicated storage device 20 is composed of a control unit 21 which controls the entire dedicated storage device 20 and consists of a CPU, etc., an information storage unit 22 which stores various information, a communication unit 23 which communicates with the shared storage device 10 via the network 100, a display unit 24 which displays various information, an operation unit 25 which has various keys for inputting information, and a storage unit 26 which has one or more lockable and unlockable storage boxes for storing items. Each of the units 21-26 is connected to an internal bus, through which various information is input and output, and various processes are executed under the control of the control unit 21.

[0067] The storage boxes of the dedicated storage device 20 can be used by individual users or a selection of users from among the users who have registered to use the facility. For example, if the dedicated storage device 20 is a dedicated storage device 20a installed exclusively for each dwelling unit in an apartment building, the storage boxes of the dedicated storage device 20a can be used exclusively only by the user residing in that dwelling unit. In other words, unlike the shared storage device 10, the storage boxes of the dedicated storage device 20a can store deliveries addressed to the user residing in that dwelling.

[0068] If items have already been placed in the storage box of the dedicated storage device 20, and the door is closed and locked, only the user who is the recipient of the items can unlock the storage box, and no one else can unlock it. However, family members, employees, and other related parties of the user may be allowed to unlock it.

[0069] Unlike the storage boxes of the shared storage device 10, the storage boxes of the dedicated storage device 20 may be configured to allow additional items to be stored in the same storage box, even if there are already items stored inside, as long as the items are addressed to the same user and there is space for additional storage.

[0070] (3) Configuration of the storage section 26 Each storage box may be configured such that, even though it is closed when its usage status is "ready to store," it can be opened by a predetermined operation using the control unit 25 without requiring authentication. On the other hand, each storage box is closed and locked when its usage status is "no entry." Only the user whose delivery address is in that storage box can unlock and open the "no entry" storage box by entering authentication information using the operation unit 25. The structure for locking and unlocking a storage box is not particularly limited, as long as it is fixed to the storage compartment so that the door can be opened and closed to block the entrance / exit.

[0071] The storage section 26, like the storage section 16, is composed of multiple storage boxes. In the example shown in Figure 8, the storage section 26 has storage boxes 261 to 263. Each storage box in the storage section 26 may be locked once a delivery is placed inside, and the locked state may be maintained until the delivery is made, prohibiting the placement of additional items into the storage box. Alternatively, if there is space for additional items in the storage box and it is possible to place additional items inside, additional items may be placed inside. However, from a security standpoint, it is preferable to only allow additional shipments addressed to the same user.

[0072] The storage box in the storage section 26 is equipped with a storage status detection unit 260 for detecting the usage status of the contents inside the box. The storage status detection unit 260 is a device for detecting how many or how much delivered goods are stored in each storage box, and may be a general conventional device for detecting delivered goods in storage boxes.

[0073] For example, the storage status detection unit 260 may be any of the following embodiments. If the storage status detection unit 260 is configured to have an optical sensor, it may include a light irradiating element that emits light such as infrared light and a light receiving element, and the light receiving element may receive the light emitted from the light irradiating element and detect the delivered items inside the storage box based on the change in the amount of light. Specifically, the light-receiving element may be able to receive light emitted from the light-emitting element when there are no items to be delivered in the storage box, and when items are delivered, the emitted light may be blocked by the items, reducing the amount of light received, thereby detecting the items in the storage box. In this case, the storage status detection unit 260 detects "acceptable for storage" when the light receiving element is receiving light without being obstructed, and "unacceptable for storage" when it detects a change in light intensity due to obstruction by the delivered goods.

[0074] Furthermore, if the storage status detection unit 260 is configured to have an optical sensor, multiple sets of light emitting elements and light receiving elements may be installed in multiple stages in the vertical direction, and each set may be configured to independently detect changes in light intensity. In this case, as the amount of delivered goods piled up in the storage box increases, the number of light emitting elements whose emitted light is blocked increases, making it possible to detect the amount of delivered goods in the storage box in stages.

[0075] Furthermore, the storage status detection unit 260 may be configured to include a weight sensor. As more items are placed inside the storage box, the total weight of the items inside the box increases. Therefore, the storage status detection unit 260 detects "acceptable for storage" until a predetermined weight is reached, and "unacceptable for storage" once that weight is reached.

[0076] The storage status detection unit 260 may also detect the storage status inside the storage box by counting the number of times the logistics company has unlocked the storage box. In this case, the storage status detection unit 260 detects "acceptable for storage" until the number of times the logistics company unlocks the lock reaches a predetermined weight, and then detects "unacceptable for storage" once that weight is reached. When the user at the destination of the delivery unlocks the storage box, the storage status detection unit 260 considers that the delivery has been removed from the storage box and resets the counted number of times the logistics company has unlocked the storage box (returning it to "0").

[0077] Furthermore, as described above, the storage status detection unit 260 may be capable of detecting the amount of goods being stored in stages, such as a weight sensor or a multi-stage optical sensor. In this case, instead of simply indicating "ready to store," the unit may detect how much remaining space is available for storing the goods (the volume of the remaining space) as the amount of goods to be stored. If the storage status detection unit 260 is composed of a weight sensor, the storage status detection unit 260 may convert its weight into the volume of the empty space based on a predetermined table.

[0078] Furthermore, the storage status detection unit 260 may detect information indicating how many more items of what size can be stored, instead of the volume of the empty space, as the amount of items that can be stored.

[0079] The storage status detection unit 260 may be configured in ways other than those described above, or in combination of these configurations.

[0080] (4) Configuration of the information storage unit 22 The information storage unit 22 is, for example, a device that stores information such as a hard disk, memory, or semiconductor element. The information storage unit 22 has an area for storing programs to be executed by the control unit 21, and a temporary work area (such as RAM) that the control unit 21 uses when executing processing. The control unit 21 reads the program stored in its information storage unit 22, expands it into the work area, and executes various processes. The information storage unit 22 stores the databases described later.

[0081] As shown in Figure 9, the information storage unit 22 stores a user DB 221 that manages user information and the like, a storage box DB 222 that manages the usage status of the multiple storage boxes that make up the storage unit 26, and a usage history DB 223 that manages the usage history of each storage box.

[0082] As described above, the databases 121 to 123 of the shared storage device 10 comprehensively manage information including not only that of the shared storage device 10 but also that of the dedicated storage device 20, whereas the databases 221 to 223 of the dedicated storage device 20 manage only information of their own device (dedicated storage device 20) and do not manage information of the shared storage device 10 or other dedicated storage devices 20.

[0083] User DB221 is a database for managing information about users who use the device (dedicated storage device 20) (i.e., when items addressed to them are stored in the dedicated storage device 20). Figure 10 shows an example of the data configuration of the user DB 221 in the first embodiment of the present invention, where the dedicated storage device 20 is the dedicated storage device 20a. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the user DB 221 in the first embodiment of the present invention, where the dedicated storage device 20 is the dedicated storage device 20b.

[0084] In the example shown in Figures 10 and 11, the user database 221 manages "user authentication information" and "user personal information" that users use to unlock the storage boxes of the dedicated storage device 20, associated with the "user ID," which is the identification information of each individual user.

[0085] As shown in Figure 10, in the case of a dedicated storage device 20a installed near a user's dwelling unit, the user DB 221 manages only the information of users residing in that dwelling unit. As shown in Figure 11, in the case of a dedicated storage device 20b installed in the common area on each floor, the user DB 221 manages information only for the multiple users residing on each floor of that dwelling unit, and manages information for a larger number of users compared to the user DB 221 of the dedicated storage device 20a.

[0086] The storage box DB222 is a database for managing the characteristics (attributes) and current usage status of each storage box in the device (dedicated storage device 20). Figure 12 shows an example of the data configuration of the storage box DB222 in the first embodiment of the present invention, where the dedicated storage device 20 is the dedicated storage device 20a. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the storage box DB222 in the first embodiment of the present invention, where the dedicated storage device 20 is the dedicated storage device 20b.

[0087] In the example shown in Figures 12 and 13, the storage box DB222 manages the "attributes of each storage box," the "usage status (usage information) of each storage box," and, for storage boxes containing delivered items ("unavailable for delivery"), the "room number of the user to whom the delivered item is addressed."

[0088] As shown in Figure 12, in the case of a dedicated storage device 20a installed near a user's dwelling unit, the storage box DB222 manages only the information of the storage boxes of the dedicated storage device 20a that can only store deliveries addressed to the user residing in that dwelling unit. As shown in Figure 13, in the case of a dedicated storage device 20b installed in the common area on each floor, the storage box DB222 manages only the information of the storage boxes of the dedicated storage device 20b, which can only store deliveries addressed to multiple users residing on each floor of that dwelling unit.

[0089] As described above, the storage status detection unit 260 can detect not only whether or not delivery items have been received, but also the quantity of delivery items received. In the examples in Figures 12 and 13, the storage box DB222 managed the usage status of the storage box as either "acceptable for storage" or "unacceptable for storage." However, instead of "acceptable for storage," it may be possible to register and manage values ​​based on the amount of items being stored, such as "current amount of items being stored" or "current volume of available space."

[0090] The usage history DB223 is a database that manages usage history information (such as receiving and shipping) for each storage box in the device (dedicated storage device 20). Figure 14 shows an example of the data configuration of the usage history DB 223 in the first embodiment of the present invention, where the dedicated storage device 20 is the dedicated storage device 20a. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the usage history DB 223 in the first embodiment of the present invention, where the dedicated storage device 20 is the dedicated storage device 20b.

[0091] In the example shown in Figures 14 and 15, the usage history DB223 is a database that manages usage history information (such as incoming and outgoing items) for each storage box of the device (dedicated storage device 20). The usage history DB223 manages the following information in association with the "work number" assigned to each receiving or shipping operation for each storage box of each storage device 10,20: the "box number" to which the shipped goods were received or shipped, the "time of the receiving or shipping operation," the "type of receiving or shipping operation," the "receiving operation number" corresponding to the shipping operation if it was a shipping operation, "attribute information of the shipped goods" such as whether they need to be refrigerated or frozen, "receiving information" indicating the logistics company that received the shipped goods into the storage box, and the "room number" of the user to whom the shipped goods are delivered.

[0092] As shown in Figure 14, in the case of a dedicated storage device 20a installed near a user's dwelling unit, the usage history DB 223 manages only the usage history of the storage boxes of the dedicated storage device 20a, which can only store deliveries addressed to users residing in that dwelling unit. As shown in Figure 15, in the case of a dedicated storage device 20b installed in the common area on each floor, the usage history DB 223 manages only the usage history of the storage boxes of the dedicated storage device 20b, which can only store deliveries addressed to multiple users residing on each floor of that dwelling unit.

[0093] (5) Configuration of the communications unit 23 The communication unit 23 is an interface that controls communication with the shared storage device 10 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter, etc. The communication unit 23 is equipped with a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN or the Internet via wireless communication, or it may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0094] [4] Configuration of user terminal 30 The user terminal 30 is an information processing device operated by the user. The user terminal 30 is, for example, a portable information processing device such as a smartphone, tablet, wearable device, mobile phone, PDA, PHS, or PC.

[0095] The user operates their user terminal 30 to input storage instruction information indicating the storage devices 10 and 20 to which they prefer to receive their items, and then transmits and registers this information to the shared storage device 10. For example, the user uses the user terminal 30 to input the priority order for receiving the storage devices 10 and 20 as receiving instruction information.

[0096] Figure 16 shows the configuration of the user terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the user terminal 30 is composed of a control unit 31 which controls the entire user terminal 30 and consists of a CPU, an information storage unit 32 which stores various information, a communication unit 33 which communicates with the shared storage device 10 via the network 100, a display unit 34 which displays various information, and an operation unit 35 which is equipped with various keys and used for inputting information. Furthermore, the display unit 34 and the operation unit 35 may be integrated to form a touch panel. Each of the parts 31 to 35 is connected to an internal bus, through which various information is input and output, and various processes are executed under the control of the control unit 31.

[0097] The control unit 31 is a processing unit that oversees the control of the entire user terminal 30, and is composed of, for example, electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and integrated circuits such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 31 reads information from the information storage unit 32 and also writes information to the information storage unit 32.

[0098] The information storage unit 32 is, for example, a device that stores information such as a hard disk, memory, or semiconductor element. The information storage unit 32 has an area for storing programs to be executed by the control unit 31, and a temporary work area (such as RAM) that the control unit 31 uses when executing processing. The control unit 31 reads the program stored in its information storage unit 32, expands it into the work area, and executes various processes.

[0099] The communication unit 33 is an interface that controls communication with the pipe sharing storage device 10 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter or the like. The communication unit 33 is equipped with a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN or the Internet via wireless communication, or it may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0100] The display unit 34 is a display device such as a display or lamp. The control unit 31 reads an image from the information storage unit 32 and performs image output processing to generate screen information. The control unit 31 outputs the generated image information to the display unit 34. The display unit 34 displays the input image information on a screen such as a display. Furthermore, the control unit 31 can output control signals to the display unit 34, which can then light up the lamps on the display unit 34.

[0101] The operation unit 35 includes an information input device, for example, composed of various keys, and this information input device works in conjunction with the display unit 34 to provide a pointing device. The operation unit 35 receives various operations from the user and outputs a signal indicating the content of the operation to the control unit 31, etc. When the control unit 31 receives a signal indicating the operation content, it outputs a control signal to the display unit 34 indicating that it will display a screen corresponding to the operation content, in accordance with the content of the signal. When the display unit 34 receives the control signal, it displays information on the screen in accordance with the control signal. The display unit 34 and the operation unit 35 may be integrated to form a touch panel.

[0102] The user terminal 30 has the function of generating and sending an HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) request in response to a user's request, and the function of interpreting an HTTP response (an example of a response) and presenting it to the user. For example, the information storage unit 32 stores a web browser as one example. The control unit 31 interprets the HTTP response, generates image data and audio data, and presents the HTTP response to the user by displaying it on the display unit 34 or outputting the audio from the speaker of the user terminal 30.

[0103] [5] Other components Although not shown in the diagram, in this embodiment, the administrator of the system for preventing incorrect storage can use a terminal to check the information in the databases of the shared storage device 10 or the dedicated storage device 20 via the network 100.

[0104] (Operation of the first embodiment) (1) Arrangement of each device in the first embodiment As an example, the following explanation of the operation of the mis-entry prevention system will be given assuming that the facility has the following storage devices 10 and 20 available to a particular user: a shared storage device 10 installed in the entrance hall of the apartment building where the user resides, a dedicated storage device 20a for each dwelling unit installed next to the outside of the entrance door of the user's dwelling unit, and a dedicated storage device 20b installed in front of the elevator hall on the user's floor.

[0105] (2) User information registration process Figure 17 is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the erroneous storage prevention system when a user registers storage instruction information in the first embodiment of the present invention. The following explanation will describe the process of registering a shipping method, following the diagram provided.

[0106] First, the user operates the control panel 35 of the user terminal 30 to input user information (step S101). For example, user information includes the user's personal information and receiving instruction information as described above.

[0107] Next, the communication unit 33 of the user terminal 30 transmits user information to the shared storage device 10 (step S102).

[0108] When the communication unit 13 of the shared storage device 10 receives user information from the user terminal 30, the control unit 11 of the shared storage device 10 registers the received user information in the user DB 121 of the information storage unit 12 (step S103).

[0109] Next, the communication unit 12 of the shared storage device 10 transmits the registered user information to each dedicated storage device 20 (step S104).

[0110] When the communication unit 23 of each authentication input device 20 receives the above user information from the shared storage device 10, it registers it in the user DB 221 of the information storage unit 22 of its own device (step S105). This completes the registration process for user information, including receiving instruction information.

[0111] As described above, each information input / output device 20 can register the user's preferred delivery method in advance before the delivery of the goods addressed to the user, and transmit the details of that delivery method to the logistics company via the information input / output device 20. Therefore, users can avoid the cumbersome task of informing the logistics company of their preferred delivery method each time, and can use the delivery service in the way they prefer.

[0112] Furthermore, the information input / output devices 20 to which the shared storage device 10 transmits user information may be all of the information input / output devices 20, or it may be only a specific (partial) information input / output device 20, such as the information input / output device 20a described above.

[0113] (3) Information acquisition operation of the shared storage device 10 Figure 18 is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the mis-entry prevention system when the shared storage device 10 acquires information from the dedicated storage device 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The following explanation will describe the information acquisition operation of the shared storage device 10, following the diagram provided.

[0114] When a delivery is received into or out of a storage device 10 or 20, the device registers or updates new information regarding the receipt / out of a delivery in or out of its own database 122, 123, 222, 223 (usage status information and usage history) (steps S201, S202).

[0115] The shared storage device 10 registers usage information and usage history in databases 122 and 123, while each dedicated storage device 20, installed in the common areas on each floor or near the dwelling units, registers its own usage information and usage history in its own database 222 and 223. Therefore, in order for the shared storage device 10's databases 122 and 123 to comprehensively manage the usage status information and usage history of the storage devices 10 and 20, it is necessary to obtain the usage status information and usage history of each dedicated storage device 20 from each of the dedicated storage devices 20.

[0116] Each dedicated storage device 20 transmits the registered or updated usage information and usage history of its own device to the shared storage device 10 (step S203). At this time, the usage information and usage history transmitted are associated with the storage device ID of the dedicated storage device 20 that is the source of the transmission, so that the shared storage device 10 on the receiving side can recognize which dedicated storage device 20 the information was transmitted from.

[0117] When the shared storage device 10 receives usage information and usage history from each dedicated storage device 20, it registers them in databases 122 and 123 (step S204). This concludes the operation.

[0118] The shared storage device 10 acquires usage information and usage history from each dedicated storage device 20 and registers it in its own databases 122 and 123. As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 above, the databases 122 and 123 of the shared storage device 10 manage not only the usage information and usage history of the shared storage device 10 but also that of each dedicated storage device 20.

[0119] Regarding the timing of when the dedicated storage device 20 transmits usage information and usage history to the shared storage device 10, each dedicated storage device 20 may transmit the usage information and usage history to the shared storage device 10 after a predetermined time has elapsed each time it is registered in its own databases 222, 223, or it may transmit multiple usage information and usage history entries to the shared storage device 10 at predetermined intervals, regardless of the registration timing.

[0120] (4) Output operation of receiving instruction information during delivery work When logistics companies deliver goods addressed to users residing in the facility, they store the goods in storage devices 10 and 20 as requested by the users. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the output operation of receiving instruction information by the shared storage device 10 when a logistics company performs delivery work in the first embodiment of the present invention. The following describes the output process for this receiving instruction information.

[0121] First, the logistics company enters the entrance hall from the entrance of the apartment building and moves to the installation location of the shared storage device 10 in the said entrance hall. Therefore, the logistics company operates the "receiving key" on the operating unit 15 of the shared storage device 10 to start the receiving operation of the delivered goods (step S301).

[0122] Next, the logistics operator uses various keys, such as numeric keys, on the control unit 15 to input information identifying the user of the delivery destination (step S302). In this embodiment, as an example of information used to identify the user, the logistics company enters the room number of the user's residence.

[0123] Figure 20 shows an example of input screen information, such as user identification information, in the output operation of receiving instruction information by the incorrect receiving prevention system of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 shows the screen information displayed on the touch panel-like display unit 14 and the operation unit 15, as well as various keys and input fields, in step S302 of the output operation of receiving instruction information. In the example in Figure 20, various keys such as number keys 1411, The receiving key 1412 is pressed when requesting the delivery of goods to be placed in storage devices 10,20, A release key 1413 is pressed when requesting the release of items from the shared storage device 10, The room number input field 1414 is used to enter the room number as user identification information, Input field 1415 for the type of shipment to be received, The input fields 1416 show the type of item to be delivered and the size of the item. Furthermore, the input fields 1415 for the type of delivery and 1416 for the size of the delivery do not need to be provided on the screen. Furthermore, the input fields 1415 for the type of delivery and 1416 for the size of the delivery may be entered using a dropdown selection method.

[0124] In step S302, the logistics company uses the various keys 1411 on the screen shown in Figure 20 to enter the room number of the recipient user in the room number input field 1414. In addition, in step S302, the logistics provider may enter the type and size of the goods to be received into the input field 1415 for the type of goods and the input field 1416 for the size of goods, respectively. The types of delivered goods include general items that can be stored at room temperature, items that require refrigeration, items that require freezing, and various other types.

[0125] Next, the control unit 11 of the shared storage device 10 refers to the user DB 121 in the information storage unit 12, extracts the storage instruction information of the user whose user ID is associated with the entered room number, and recognizes the storage devices 10 and 20 that the user prefers to store items in (step S303).

[0126] Next, the control unit 11 refers to the storage box DB 122 and the current usage information of the storage devices 10 and 20, which are indicated in the storage instruction information as having a priority for receiving goods, and determines whether or not the goods can be stored in the storage device 10 or 20 with the highest priority (step S304).

[0127] In step S304, the control unit 11 may determine that storage is possible if there is a storage box in the corresponding storage device 10,20 with usage status information of "acceptable for storage," and may determine that storage is not possible if there is only a storage box with usage status information of "not acceptable for storage."

[0128] Furthermore, in step S304, the control unit 11 may determine that storage is possible if there is a storage box in the corresponding storage device 10,20 with usage status information of "acceptable for storage," and determine that storage is not possible if there is only a storage box with usage status information of "not acceptable for storage."

[0129] Furthermore, in step S304, the control unit 11 may determine that storage is possible if there is a storage box in the corresponding storage device 10,20 with usage status information of "acceptable for storage" and the type and size of the delivery item entered in step S302 matches that "acceptable for storage" storage box. However, if there are only storage boxes that are "not acceptable for storage," or if there is a storage box that is "acceptable for storage," but the type and size of the delivery item entered in step S302 does not match that "acceptable for storage" storage box, the control unit 11 may determine that storage is not possible.

[0130] For example, in step S302, if the type of delivery entered by the logistics company is "refrigerated", the control unit 11 refers to the attributes of the storage boxes in the storage box DB122 and determines whether the storage boxes marked "acceptable for storage" are capable of handling refrigeration. If the storage box is capable of handling refrigeration, it determines that the item can be stored; otherwise, it determines that the item cannot be stored. Furthermore, for example, in step S302, if the size of the delivery entered by the logistics company is "L size (large size)", the control unit 11 refers to the attributes of the storage boxes in the storage box DB122 and determines whether a storage box marked "acceptable for storage" can accommodate a "L size" delivery. If the storage box is capable, it determines that the delivery is possible to store the delivery; otherwise, it determines that the delivery is not possible to store the delivery.

[0131] In step S304, if the control unit 11 determines that the item can be stored in the storage device 10,20 with the highest priority (step S304 / Yes), it proceeds to the operation of step S307, which will be described later.

[0132] On the other hand, in step S304, if the control unit 11 determines that it is not possible to store the item in the dedicated storage device 20a with the highest priority (step S304 / No), it determines whether the storage instruction information indicates that the item should be stored in the storage device 10 or 20 with the next lower priority (step S305).

[0133] In step S305, if the control unit 11 determines that the storage device 10 or 20 with the next lower priority is not instructed in the storage instruction information (step S305 / No), then, since there are currently no storage devices 10 or 20 that can store the delivery addressed to that user, the display unit 14, under the control of the control unit 11, displays a message to the effect that "The delivery cannot be stored" (step S306) and terminates the operation. The logistics company will see the message, abandon the delivery of the package addressed to that user, and take it back.

[0134] In step S305, if the control unit 11 determines that the storage instruction information indicates that the goods should be stored in the storage device 10 or 20 with the next lower priority (step S305 / Yes), it proceeds to step S304 and determines whether or not the goods can be stored in the storage device 10 or 20 with the next lower priority (step S304).

[0135] The control unit 11 repeats the operations of steps S304 and S305, starting from the storage device 10, 20 with the highest priority for receiving in the receiving instruction information, down to the storage device 10, 20 with the lowest priority, until it determines that receiving is possible in all storage devices 10, 20 for which receiving is instructed in the receiving instruction information. If the control unit 11 determines that it is impossible to receive the delivery items in all storage devices 10, 20 that have been instructed to receive the delivery items in the receiving instruction information, it proceeds to step S306 and displays the message "Delivery items cannot be received" as described above.

[0136] The control unit 11 determines whether the storage devices 10 and 20, which are instructed to receive goods in the receiving instruction information, can receive goods in order from highest priority to lowest priority. If it determines that there are storage devices 10 and 20 that can receive goods, the display unit 14 displays a message prompting the receiving goods to be placed in the storage device 10 or 20 under the control of the control unit 11 (step S307).

[0137] Figure 21 shows an example of the output screen information for receiving instruction information in the output operation of receiving instruction information by the receiving instruction instruction information system of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example of the output screen for receiving instruction information shown in Figure 21, the display area 1421 for receiving instruction information is shown. In this example, the display area 1421 of the receiving instruction information shows the message: "Deliveries addressed to the user in room 201 should be placed in the dedicated storage device 20a in front of room 201 on the second floor." Thus, the outputted storage instruction information may include not only information to identify the storage devices 10 and 20 that prompt storage, but also information on the location of those storage devices 10 and 20, and may also display facility map information, etc. Additionally, the location of the storage box that encourages customers to place items inside may also be indicated.

[0138] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the storage devices 10 and 20 that prompted storage in step S307 are its own devices (shared storage device 10) (step S308). If it determines that they are its own devices (step S308 / Yes), it terminates the operation.

[0139] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the storage devices 10 and 20 that prompted the storage of goods are not its own devices (but are dedicated storage devices 20) (step S308 / No), it outputs a locking signal to the storage box of storage device 60 and locks the storage box of its own device (shared storage device 10) (step S309) in order to prevent the logistics company from mistakenly storing goods in the shared storage device 10, and then terminates its operation. This locking mechanism restricts logistics companies from storing their deliveries in the shared storage device 10. The logistics company then carries out the task of receiving the delivery items addressed to the user into the storage devices 10 and 20 displayed on the display unit 14.

[0140] Regarding the output operation of the above-mentioned storage instruction information, the following describes the case where the storage devices 10 and 20, which have the highest priority in the storage instruction information, are prioritized in the following order: dedicated storage device 20a near the dwelling unit, dedicated storage device 20b in the common area on the residential floor, and shared storage device 10 in the entrance hall. In this example, the control unit 11 of the shared storage device 10 first determines whether or not it is possible to store goods in the dedicated storage device 20a, and finally determines whether or not it is possible to store goods in the shared storage device 10 that the logistics company is currently operating.

[0141] As in this example, if the dedicated storage device 20 is given a higher priority than the shared storage device 10 in the usage information, the logistics company will prioritize receiving deliveries in the order from the dedicated storage device 20a with the fewest users to the shared storage device 10 with the most users. In this case, deliveries will be prioritized for users based on their living space or activity / usage space (such as their own residence), shortening the distance they have to carry the items to their living space and reducing the effort required to carry them. Furthermore, in this case, the rate at which delivered items are placed into the storage boxes of the shared storage device 10, which is used by many users, is reduced, thereby reducing the opportunities for logistics companies to take delivered items back and significantly improving the efficiency of delivery operations.

[0142] (Summary of the first embodiment) As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when a logistics company attempts to store a delivery addressed to a user in one of the storage devices 10 or 20, the shared storage device 10, which is one of the storage devices 10 or 20, outputs information (stored goods instruction information) about the appropriate storage device 10 or 20 to store the delivery addressed to that user. This effectively prevents the logistics company from mistakenly storing the delivery in an inappropriate storage device 10 or 20.

[0143] Since the shared storage device 10 is installed in a location that is easily accessible to logistics companies during delivery operations, logistics companies often head to the location of the shared storage device 10 and operate it when they visit the user's facility at the destination of the delivered goods during delivery operations. This makes it possible for them to easily and accurately identify the appropriate storage device 10, 20 for the receiving location.

[0144] Furthermore, in the erroneous storage prevention system of this embodiment, as described above, the shared storage device 10 outputs storage instruction information, which suppresses the concentration of deliveries to storage devices 10, 20 (especially the shared storage device 10) that are easily accessible to logistics companies during delivery work, thereby preventing redelivery of deliveries by logistics companies and improving the efficiency of delivery work.

[0145] Furthermore, if a user registers storage instruction information with the shared storage device 10 using the user terminal 30, the user can have their deliveries prioritized for storage devices 10, 20 (for example, a dedicated storage device 20a near their own dwelling), making it easier for the user to carry their deliveries back to their dwelling.

[0146] Furthermore, in the erroneous storage prevention system of this embodiment, if the content of the storage instruction information does not encourage the storage of goods to the shared storage device 10, the device locks its storage box to restrict the storage of goods, thereby reliably preventing logistics companies from erroneously storing goods in the storage devices 10 and 20.

[0147] [Second Embodiment] (Summary of the second embodiment) In the first embodiment of the present invention, in the system for preventing incorrect storage, each dedicated storage device 20 transmits information on its usage status and usage history to the shared storage device 10, thereby allowing the shared storage device 10 to acquire the above information from each dedicated storage device 20. In contrast, the mis-entry prevention system in the second embodiment of the present invention further includes a management server 40, which acquires usage information and usage history for each dedicated storage device 20, and transmits the acquired usage information and usage history to the shared storage device 10, thereby the shared storage device 10 ultimately acquires the usage information and usage history for the dedicated storage devices 20. Unless otherwise specified, the configuration and operation of the mis-entry prevention system in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described as being the same as the mis-entry prevention system in the first embodiment.

[0148] (Configuration of the second embodiment) [1] Overall configuration of the system to prevent incorrect inventory entry Figure 22 shows the configuration of the mis-entry prevention system in the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the system for preventing incorrect storage is installed in an apartment building and consists of a shared storage device 10 used by residents of the apartment building, a dedicated storage device 20 used exclusively by some of the users of the shared storage device 10, a user terminal 30 operated by the user of the delivery destination of the delivered goods, a management server 40 that acquires information from the dedicated storage device 20 and provides it to the shared storage device 10, and a wired, wireless, or a combination of these networks 100 that connects these devices 10, 20, 30, and 40 in a way that enables communication between them.

[0149] [2] Configuration of the management server 40 (1) Overall configuration of the management server 40 Figure 23 shows the configuration of the management server 40 in a second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the management server 40 will be explained below using these diagrams.

[0150] As shown in Figure 23, the management server 40 is configured to include a control unit 41, which is composed of a CPU and the like, that controls the entire shared storage device 10; an information storage unit 42 that stores various kinds of information; and a communication unit 43 that communicates with the shared storage device 10, the dedicated storage device 20, and the user terminal 30 via the network 100. Each of the units 41 to 43 is connected to an internal bus, through which various information is input and output, and under the control of the control unit 41, various processes are executed.

[0151] (2) Configuration of the control unit 41 The control unit 41 is a processing unit that is responsible for controlling the entire shared storage device 10, and is composed of, for example, electronic circuits such as a CPU and integrated circuits such as an FPGA. The control unit 41 reads information from the information storage unit 42 and also writes information to the information storage unit 42.

[0152] (3) Configuration of the information storage unit 42 The information storage unit 42 is, for example, a device that stores information such as a hard disk, memory, or semiconductor element. The information storage unit 42 has an area for storing programs to be executed by the control unit 41, and a temporary work area (such as RAM) that the control unit 41 uses when executing processing. The control unit 41 reads the program stored in its information storage unit 42, expands it into the work area, and executes various processes.

[0153] As shown in Figure 23, the information storage unit 42 stores a user DB 421 that manages user information and the like regarding users who use each authentication input device 20, a storage box DB 422 that manages the usage status of the multiple storage boxes that make up the storage unit 26 of each dedicated storage device 20, and a usage history DB 423 that manages the usage history of the storage boxes of each authentication input device 20.

[0154] Each dedicated storage device 20 transmits its usage status information and usage history to the management server 40. When the management server 40 receives usage information and usage history from each of the dedicated storage devices 20, it registers the received usage information and usage history in the storage box DB 422 and the usage history DB 423. Based on the above, storage box DB422 comprehensively manages the information of all storage boxes DB222 of the dedicated storage devices 20. Furthermore, the usage history DB423 comprehensively manages the information from the usage history DB223 of all dedicated storage devices 20.

[0155] (4) Configuration of the communications unit 43 The communication unit 43 is an interface that controls communication with the shared storage device 10, the dedicated storage device 20, and the user terminal 30 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter, etc. The communication unit 43 is equipped with a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN or the Internet via wireless communication, or it may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0156] (Operation of the second embodiment) (1) User information registration process Figure 24 is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the erroneous storage prevention system when a user registers storage instruction information in a second embodiment of the present invention. The following explanation will describe the process of registering a shipping method, following the diagram provided.

[0157] First, the user operates the control panel 35 of the user terminal 30 to input user information (step S401). For example, user information includes the user's personal information and receiving instruction information as described above.

[0158] Next, the communication unit 33 of the user terminal 30 sends user information to the management server 40 (step S402).

[0159] When the communication unit 43 of the management server 40 receives user information from the user terminal 30, the control unit 41 of the management server 40 registers the received user information in the user DB 422 of the information storage unit 42 (step S403).

[0160] Next, the communication unit 42 of the management server 40 transmits the registered user information to each storage device 10, 20 (step S404).

[0161] When the communication units 13 and 23 of each storage device 10 and 20 receive the above user information from the management server 40, they register it in the user databases 122 and 222 of their respective information storage units 12 and 22 (step S405). This completes the registration process for user information, including receiving instruction information.

[0162] The information input / output devices 20 to which the management server 40 transmits user information may be all of the information input / output devices 20, or it may be only a specific (partial) information input / output device 20, such as the information input / output device 20a described above.

[0163] (2) Information acquisition operation of the shared storage device 10 Figure 25 is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the mis-entry prevention system when the shared storage device 10 acquires information from the dedicated storage device 20 in a second embodiment of the present invention. The following explanation will describe the information acquisition operation of the shared storage device 10, following the diagram provided.

[0164] When a delivery is received into or out of a storage device 10 or 20, the device registers or updates new information regarding the receipt / out of a delivery in or out of its database 122, 123, 222, 223 (usage status information and usage history) (steps S501, S502).

[0165] Next, each dedicated storage device 20 transmits the registered or updated usage information and usage history of its own device to the management server 40 (step S503). At this time, the usage information and usage history transmitted are associated with the storage device ID of the dedicated storage device 20 that is the source of the transmission, so that the receiving management server 40 can recognize which dedicated storage device 20 the information was transmitted from.

[0166] When the management server 40 receives usage information and usage history from each dedicated storage device 20, it registers them in databases 422 and 423 (step S504).

[0167] Next, the management server 40 transmits the usage status information and usage history of each registered dedicated storage device 20 to the shared storage device 10 (step S505).

[0168] When the shared storage device 10 receives usage information and usage history for each dedicated storage device 20 from the administrator terminal 40, it registers them in databases 122 and 123 (step S506). This concludes the operation.

[0169] The shared storage device 10 acquires usage information and usage history from each dedicated storage device 20 and registers it in its own databases 122 and 123. As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 above, the databases 122 and 123 of the shared storage device 10 manage not only the usage information and usage history of the shared storage device 10 but also that of each dedicated storage device 20.

[0170] Regarding the timing of when the dedicated storage device 20 transmits usage information and usage history to the management server 40, each dedicated storage device 20 may transmit the usage information and usage history to the management server 40 after a predetermined time has elapsed each time it is registered in its own databases 222, 223, or it may transmit multiple usage information and usage history items to the management server 40 at predetermined intervals, regardless of the registration timing. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the timing at which the management server 40 transmits usage information and usage history of the dedicated storage device 20 to the shared storage device 10.

[0171] (Summary of the second embodiment) As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the system for preventing incorrect storage, the management server 40 acquires user information, usage status information, and usage history from each dedicated storage device 20 and provides them to the shared storage device 10 in a single package. Therefore, the shared storage device 10 can effectively reduce the processing burden associated with acquiring various types of information from each dedicated storage device 20.

[0172] In the erroneous storage prevention system of this embodiment described above, the management server 40 acquired various information from each dedicated storage device 20 and provided it to the shared storage device 10. However, instead of providing the information, the system may be configured so that the shared storage device 10 queries the management server 40 for storage instruction information each time a logistics company enters a room number. In this embodiment, when the shared storage device 10 transmits room number information to the management server 40, the management server 40 refers to the user DB 421, extracts storage instruction information associated with the room number from the user DB 421, and transmits it to the shared storage device 10, and the shared storage device 10 outputs the storage instruction information received from the management server 40.

[0173] Furthermore, in the erroneous storage prevention system of this embodiment, the shared storage device 10 manages various information in each database 121 to 123, but instead, the management server 40 may centrally manage the information of all storage devices 10 and 20. In this configuration, each storage device 10, 20 queries the management server 40 to obtain various information when necessary.

[0174] (Summary of the embodiments) In the first and second forms of the mis-deposit prevention system described above, when a logistics company attempts to deposit a delivery addressed to a user into storage devices 10 or 20, the shared storage device 10, which is easily accessible during delivery operations, outputs information (deposit instruction information) about the appropriate storage device 10 or 20 for the delivery addressed to that user. This effectively prevents logistics companies from mistakenly depositing deliveries into the wrong storage device 10 or 20.

[0175] The shared storage device 10, dedicated storage device 20, user terminal 30, and management server 40 described above are primarily implemented by a CPU and a program loaded into memory. However, it is also possible to configure this device or server with any other combination of hardware and software, and the high degree of design flexibility will be easily understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, when the shared storage device 10, dedicated storage device 20, user terminal 30, or management server 40 described above are configured as a group of software modules, this program may be recorded on a recording medium such as an optical recording medium, magnetic recording medium, magneto-optical recording medium, or semiconductor, and loaded from the above recording medium, or it may be loaded from an external device connected via a predetermined network.

[0176] The above embodiments are merely examples of preferred implementations of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Various modifications can be made to implement the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0177] According to the embodiments described above, unlike the storage boxes of the shared storage device 10, even if the usage status is "cannot be stored", if the items are for the same user and there is space to store additional items in the storage box, additional items can be stored in the same storage box. Alternatively, the dedicated storage device 20 may be configured, similar to the shared storage device 10, so that other items can only be stored in it after the stored items have been removed and the device is empty.

[0178] Furthermore, in the erroneous storage prevention system described above, the storage unit 26 of the dedicated storage device 20 uses the storage status detection unit 260 to detect the amount of delivered goods currently stored in the storage box, making it possible to effectively utilize the storage box by adding goods even if the storage box is already filled with delivered goods. The shared storage device 10 may also have a similar configuration and be configured to allow for the additional storage of delivered goods.

[0179] Furthermore, in the erroneous storage prevention system described above, the display unit 14 of the shared storage device 10 displayed storage instruction information on the screen, but in conjunction with this, or instead, the information may be output by other methods such as voice output.

[0180] Furthermore, in the erroneous receiving prevention system described above, the shared storage device 10 outputs receiving instruction information to the logistics company to direct the receiving storage devices 10 and 20 to be used. However, in conjunction with this, or instead, the dedicated storage device 20 may output receiving instruction information. In this case, the storage devices 10 and 20 that output receiving instruction information are referred to as the first storage devices, and the storage devices 10 and 20 that do not output information are referred to as the second storage devices.

[0181] Furthermore, in the erroneous storage prevention system described above, the user used the user terminal 30 to set the priority of the storage devices 10 and 20 to which they desired to receive goods, and registered this as storage instruction information in the shared storage device 10. However, this storage instruction information may be set and registered by someone other than the user. For example, the administrator of the facility where the user resides or uses, or a designated person in charge of the organization to which the user belongs, may set and register the receiving instruction information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 10 Shared storage device 11,21,31,41 Control Unit 12,22,32,42 Information storage unit 13,23,33,43 Communications Department 20, 20a, 20b Dedicated storage device 14,24,34 Display section 15,25,35 Operation section 16,26 Storage compartment 30 User terminals 40 Management Server 100 Networks 121,221,421 User Database 122,222,422 Storage Box DB 123,223,423 Usage History Database 161-167, 261-263 Storage Boxes 260 Storage status detection unit 1411 Various Keys 1412 Incoming Key 1413 Delivery Key 1414 Room number input field 1415 Input field for the type of item being shipped 1416 Input field for the size of the item being shipped 1421 Display area for incoming vehicle instruction information

Claims

1. A system to prevent incorrect storage of delivered items into a storage device, A storage device installed in a facility for temporarily storing delivered goods, comprising first and second storage devices used by a user who is a resident or user of the facility and is the recipient of the delivered goods, The first storage device is characterized by outputting information prompting the storage of a delivery item into one of the storage devices in response to an operation performed when the delivery item is being stored.

2. A system to prevent incorrect storage of delivered items into a storage device, A storage device installed in a facility for temporarily storing delivered items, which is a shared storage device shared by multiple users who are residents or users of the facility and are recipients of the delivered items, A storage device installed in the aforementioned facility for temporarily storing delivered items, comprising a dedicated storage device used by some of the aforementioned users, The shared storage device is a system for preventing incorrect storage, characterized in that it outputs information prompting the storage of a delivery item into either the shared storage device or the dedicated storage device, in response to the operation performed when the delivery item is stored.

3. The shared storage device stores a database for managing the usage status of the storage device and storage instruction information for which priority is set for the storage of goods to be delivered to the storage device. The erroneous storage prevention system according to claim 2, characterized in that it refers to the database and the storage instruction information and outputs information prompting that the storage device, among the storage devices that can store the delivered goods, be given priority in storing the delivered goods in a storage device with a pre-set priority for storage.

4. The shared storage device has a database for managing the usage status of the storage device, The erroneous storage prevention system according to claim 3, characterized in that, upon referring to the database and determining that it is possible to store the delivered goods in the shared storage device and the dedicated storage device, it outputs information prompting priority to store the delivered goods in the dedicated storage device.

5. The erroneous storage prevention system according to claim 4, characterized in that the shared storage device restricts the entry of delivered items into the shared storage device.

6. The dedicated storage device transmits information on the usage status of the dedicated storage device to the shared storage device. The mis-entry prevention system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the shared storage device registers information on the usage status of the dedicated storage device received from the dedicated storage device into the database.

7. The system further includes a management server that manages information about the aforementioned storage device, The dedicated storage device transmits information on the usage status of the dedicated storage device to the management server. The management server transmits the usage status information of the dedicated storage device received from the dedicated storage device to the shared storage device. The system for preventing incorrect storage according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the shared storage device registers information on the usage status of the dedicated storage device received from the management server into the database.

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