Locker device and locker system

Abstract

To provide a locker device and locker system that prevents users from paying unintended usage fees. [Solution] The locker device 100 comprises a locker unit 1 having a plurality of locker boxes 11, a display unit 14 that displays the usage fee corresponding to each of the plurality of locker boxes 11, and a control device 2 that changes the usage fee displayed on the display unit 14. Before changing the display of the usage fee, the control device 2 changes the display on the display unit 14 to a display that gives notice of the change in the usage fee.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locker device and a locker system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, locker devices and locker systems have been proposed that change the usage fees of locker devices installed in facilities such as stations according to conditions.

[0003] For example, as shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, the locker device management system described in Patent Document 1 includes a control device 20. The control device 20 controls the charging means 13 provided in each of the plurality of lockers 11a that constitute the locker device 10. The control device 20 selects a predetermined charging pattern from among a plurality of charging patterns according to the time, and charges the charging means 13 based on the selected charging pattern. The charging means 13 includes a fee display unit 16 that displays the charged usage fee. The user of the locker device 10 pays the usage fee displayed on the fee display unit 16 and uses the locker 11a. Thus, the usage fee of the locker 11a is changed according to, for example, the time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in this type of locker system, users of the locker device generally pay the usage fee as follows: First, they check the usage fee displayed on the price display and decide whether or not to use the locker; then they store their belongings in the locker; and finally, they pay the usage fee. Therefore, the timing of changes to the locker usage fee and the timing of the user's payment operation may overlap. In this case, the usage fee initially considered when deciding whether or not to use the locker may differ from the usage fee at the time of the actual payment operation. Consequently, users may end up paying an unintended usage fee.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a locker device and locker system that prevents users from paying usage fees they did not intend. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention made to solve the above problems is a locker device comprising a locker section having a plurality of locker boxes, a display section that displays a usage fee corresponding to each of the plurality of locker boxes, and a control device that changes the usage fee displayed on the display section, wherein the control device changes the display on the display section to a display indicating that the usage fee will be changed before changing the display of the usage fee.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention is a locker system comprising: a locker device; and a display control device which is communicably connected to the locker device and, after receiving the fee information from the locker device, transmits a display control signal to the locker device to cause the display unit to display information indicating a change in the usage fee based on the fee information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] As described above, the present invention provides a locker device and locker system that prevents users from paying unintended usage fees by changing the display on the display unit before changing the display of the usage fee. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a functional configuration diagram of a locker device and locker system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the information displayed on a display unit that constitutes a part of the locker system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the information acquired in the locker system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the locker system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating other operations of the locker system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a functional configuration diagram of a locker system according to a second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a functional configuration diagram of a locker device 100 and a locker system 200 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, if there are multiple similar configurations in the figures, some of the reference numerals may be omitted for some of the components.

[0012] The locker device 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises a locker unit 1 and a control device 2. The locker unit 1 is installed, for example, in stores, offices, train stations, airports, bus terminals, or tourist facilities.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the locker section 1 is provided in multiple rows (in this embodiment, for example, two rows) to form a locker row 10. Each locker section 1 is equipped with multiple locker boxes 11 (in this embodiment, for example, five). In other words, multiple locker boxes 11 are provided in one locker section 1.

[0014] The locker box 11 includes a luggage storage section 12 for storing luggage, a door (not shown) that can open and close the luggage storage section 12, an electric lock 13 that switches between a locked and unlocked state of the door, and a display section 14 that displays "information regarding usage fees".

[0015] The luggage storage compartment 12 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape using, for example, metal plates or pillars, and opens to the front. The door is equipped with a well-known handle or the like to open and close the luggage storage compartment 12. The electric lock 13 includes a mechanism to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state of the door in response to instructions from the control device 2.

[0016] The display unit 14 displays "information regarding usage fees" corresponding to each of the multiple locker boxes 11. The display unit 14 may also indicate whether or not a locker box 11 is in use. The display unit 14 is installed on each of the multiple locker boxes 11, for example, on the surface of the door as described above. The display unit 14 can be made of various devices. For example, the display unit 14 can be made of a liquid crystal display (LCD). Alternatively, the display unit 14 can be made of an electronic shelf label (ESL) such as e-paper. Devices such as e-paper are easier to attach and detach from the locker box 11 compared to LCDs. Therefore, if the display unit 14 is made of an electronic shelf label that can be attached and detached from the locker box 11, the installation and maintenance of the display unit 14 becomes easier. In this case, the cost of installation and maintenance of the display unit 14 is reduced.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the information regarding usage fees displayed by the display unit 14 includes pre-change information 15 indicating the current usage fees. Further, the "information regarding usage fees" includes post-change information 16 indicating the usage fees after the change from the current usage fees. Additionally, the "information regarding usage fees" includes notice information 17 notifying that the current usage fees will be changed to the post-change usage fees. The notice information 17 may include the time until the change in usage fees. Thus, the display unit 14 displays, as the "information regarding usage fees," mainly the usage fees of the locker box 11 and information notifying the change in usage fees. The information regarding usage fees may be referred to as fee information. Also, the fee information may be denoted as fee information 28a with a reference numeral 28a attached. Further, the fee information 28a may include the usage fees corresponding to the type of the locker box 11 and the switching time of the usage fees. Also, the fee information 28a may include information regarding the fees before and after the switch and information regarding the time for causing the display unit 14 to display information notifying the change in usage fees, etc.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 2 includes a central control device 20 and an ESL server 26 connected to the central control device 20. Further, the control device 2 includes a gateway / access point 27 connected to the ESL server 26. The central control device 20 is provided separately, for example, at a position adjacent to the locker unit 1. The central control device 20 includes a locker control unit 21 that controls the entire locker unit 1, an acquisition unit 22 that acquires information, and a storage unit 23 that stores information. Further, the central control device 20 includes a communication unit 24 that transmits and receives information and a user operation unit 25 that receives a user's operation on the locker unit 1.

[0019] The locker control unit 21 includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). The central arithmetic unit of the locker control unit 21 has a timekeeping function and a calendar function in order to manage the date.

[0020] The acquisition unit 22 communicates with the locker unit 1, the ESL server 26, the gateway / access point 27, and other devices (not shown) via the communication unit 24. Through this communication, the acquisition unit 22 acquires, for example, reference information 28. The reference information 28 can be referred to in the "fee determination process" described later. As shown in FIG. 3, the reference information 28 includes any of fee information 28a, trend information 28b, standard information 28c, and sales information 28d. Further, the reference information 28 includes any of facility information 28e, weather information 28f, location information 28g, and event information 28h.

[0021] The fee information 28a is information regarding usage fees. The fee information 28a includes, for example, the usage fee of the locker box 11 described above and information indicating a notice of a change in the usage fee. Further, the fee information 28a may include the charging pattern P described later.

[0022] The trend information 28b is information indicating the usage trend of how the locker device 100 is being used. The trend information 28b includes, for example, the "number of users by time period" of the locker device 100, the "maximum usage time", the "number of users by day", etc. Further, the "number of users by day" may include the "number of users by day of the week". Also, the "number of users by day of the week" may include the "number of users on weekdays", the "number of users on holidays", or the "number of users during consecutive holidays". Further, the trend information 28b includes the "rotation number" indicating how many times a single locker box 11 is used in a day. Also, the trend information 28b includes the "maximum excess time" indicating the longest time among the usage times exceeding a predetermined usage time, etc.

[0023] The standard information 28c is information regarding standards such as the structure and dimensions of the locker device 100. The standard information 28c includes, for example, the "number of doors per locker device 100", the "size information of the locker box 11 (extremely small, small, medium, large, extra large)", etc.

[0024] The sales information 28d is information indicating the sales of the locker device 100. The sales information 28d includes the "daily or time-based sales of the locker device 100".

[0025] Facility information 28e is information about the facility where the locker device 100 is installed. Facility information 28e includes "facility attributes" such as public transportation, commercial facilities, event halls, and amusement parks, as well as the "daily number of users" of the facility.

[0026] Weather information 28f is information about the weather at the time the locker device 100 is used or will be used. Weather information 28f includes, for example, "weather information" such as sunny, cloudy, and rainy, and "various data" such as precipitation, snow depth, temperature, humidity, and sunshine duration.

[0027] Location information 28g is information about the location where the locker device 100 is installed. Location information 28g includes, for example, the "prefecture name" and "city / town name" of the prefecture where the locker device 100 is installed. This location information 28g may also include latitude and longitude information.

[0028] Event information 28h is information about events that occurred or are scheduled to occur on the date and time when the locker device 100 was used. Event information 28h includes, for example, whether or not there are any events (concerts, sports matches, etc.) at the facility where the locker device 100 is installed or at facilities in the surrounding area.

[0029] The acquisition of reference information 28 by the acquisition unit 22 may be performed automatically at predetermined intervals or manually. The predetermined intervals may be, for example, "midnight every day" or "every 3 hours". The reference information 28 acquired by the acquisition unit 22 is stored in the storage unit 23. When storing the reference information 28 in the storage unit 23, the acquisition date and time may be added to the reference information 28 before storage.

[0030] The storage unit 23 includes a storage device such as memory or storage. The storage unit 23 stores the reference information 28 acquired by the acquisition unit 22. The storage unit 23 may store multiple billing patterns P indicating the type of usage fee as billing information 28a in the reference information 28. Table 1 is a table showing an example of a billing pattern P.

[0031] [Table 1]

[0032] As shown in Table 1, there are four types of billing patterns P in this embodiment, namely P1 to P4. Each of these billing patterns P1 to P4 specifies the hourly usage fee for using the locker box 11. The billing patterns P can be referenced in the fee determination process described later.

[0033] The communication unit 24 transmits and receives information between the central control unit 20 and the ESL server 26 and gateway / access point 27. The communication unit 24 may also transmit and receive information with other external devices (not shown).

[0034] The user operation unit 25 is an input device that receives user input. The user operation unit 25 consists of, for example, a liquid crystal display (not shown) and a touch panel. The liquid crystal display of the user operation unit 25 displays an operation menu for when the user uses the locker box 11. The user operates the touch panel of the user operation unit 25 according to the operation menu and performs operations such as payment of the usage fee. In other words, the user operation unit 25 receives payment operations from the user. Specifically, the user first checks the availability of the locker box 11 by checking the display unit 14 of the locker box 11. After that, the user deposits their luggage into the locker box 11 whose availability was confirmed, moves on, and operates the user operation unit 25 on the central control unit 20 to pay the usage fee. The current usage fee to be paid by the user is determined by the "fee determination process" described later.

[0035] The ESL server 26 is an external device separate from the locker unit 1 and is connected to the locker control unit 21 and the gateway / access point 27. The gateway / access point 27 is connected to each display unit 14 of the locker unit 1 via wireless communication such as WiFi® or Bluetooth®. The ESL server 26 and gateway / access point 27 may be mounted on the central control unit 20. Alternatively, the ESL server 26 and gateway / access point 27 may be provided separately from the central control unit 20.

[0036] The control device 2, configured as described above, determines the usage fee according to the "fee determination process" described later. The control device 2 also displays the determined usage fee on the display unit 14 using wireless communication between the gateway / access point 27 and the display unit 14.

[0037] Furthermore, when the control device 2 confirms a change in the usage fee through the "fee change processing" described later, it operates as follows: The control device 2 utilizes wireless communication between the gateway / access point 27 and the display unit 14. The control device 2 then processes the current usage fee displayed on the display unit 14 (the pre-change information 15 described above) to change to the new usage fee (the post-change information 16 described above).

[0038] Furthermore, before changing the display of the current usage fee, the control device 2 utilizes wireless communication between the gateway / access point 27 and the display unit 14. The control device 2 then processes the display of information (the aforementioned notice information 17) on the display unit 14 to indicate that a change in the usage fee is to be announced.

[0039] The gateway / access point 27 may also function as a display control unit that controls the display unit 14. Furthermore, the display control unit may be one of the elements constituting a display control device that controls the display unit 14. For example, the display control device may include either the ESL server 26 and the gateway / access point 27, or both, as shown in Figure 1. The locker system 200 may also include the display control device and the locker device 100.

[0040] Furthermore, the display control device may be connected to the locker device 100 in a communicative manner. After receiving fee information from the locker device 100, the display control device may operate as follows: The display control device may send a display control signal to the locker device 100 to display information on the display unit 14 indicating that a change in usage fees will be announced based on the fee information. The locker device 100 may also be equipped with a communication unit that can communicate with external devices.

[0041] Next, the operation of the locker device 100 with the above configuration will be described. The locker device 100 performs a "fee determination process" to determine the usage fee. Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example of the "fee determination process". First, when processing starts, the locker control unit 21 of the control device 2 refers to a plurality of reference information 28 stored in the storage unit 23 (step S101). Then, the locker control unit 21 compares each reference information 28, for example, in chronological order, and determines whether or not there is "information regarding changes in locker demand" (step S102).

[0042] The criteria for judgment can be set as appropriate. For example, if a change in locker demand is actually confirmed in Reference Information 28, then it may be determined that "information regarding changes in locker demand" is "present". For example, if the "turnover rate" is on an increasing trend when comparing the latest trend information 28b with the previous trend information 28b, the judgment result may be set to "present".

[0043] Furthermore, if the reference information 28 allows us to predict changes in locker demand, we may determine that there is "information regarding changes in locker demand." For example, if the latest weather information 28f is "rain in the afternoon" and the weather information 28f prior to the latest weather information 28f is "sunny in the morning," we will determine that there is "information that will affect changes in locker demand." Similarly, if the latest event information 28h is "event," and the event information 28h prior to the latest event information 28h is "no event," we will determine that there is "information that will affect changes in locker demand."

[0044] If the result of the judgment is "None" (Step S102; NO), the process returns to Step S101. If the result of the judgment is "Yes" (Step S102; YES), the locker control unit 21 calculates the next "optimal usage fee" which is different from the current usage fee (the pre-change information 15 mentioned above). The locker control unit 21 also calculates the optimal "change implementation date and time" for changing the current usage fee to the optimal usage fee (Step S103).

[0045] There are various methods for calculating the "optimal usage fee" and the "date and time of change implementation." For example, a predetermined rule may be set in advance, and the above calculation may be performed based on that rule. The rule may be, for example, "if there is event information 28h, the current usage fee will be increased by 30%." Alternatively, the rule may be, "the date and time to change to the 30% increased usage fee is the day before the event." Alternatively, a learning model may be generated using past reference information 28 stored over a predetermined period. Then, the above calculation may be performed using the learning model. When using a learning model, the usage fee can be determined based on a variety of information, such as trend information 28b, weather information 28f, and event information 28h. For this reason, it is preferable to implement pricing that can flexibly respond to various locker demands.

[0046] After calculating the "optimal usage fee" and the "date and time of change implementation," the locker control unit 21 stores the "optimal usage fee" and the "date and time of change implementation" as the modified information 16 in the storage unit 23. The locker control unit 21 also transmits the optimal usage fee and the date and time of change implementation as the modified information 16 to the ESL server 26 (step S104). This completes the fee determination process.

[0047] The above fee determination process is merely an example. For example, the following process could be used as the fee determination process to determine the next optimal usage fee and the date and time of change. Specifically, a rule could be set in advance stating that "the optimal usage fee on holidays is billing pattern P1, and the change will be implemented at midnight on holidays." Alternatively, a predetermined rule could be set stating that "the optimal usage fee at night is billing pattern P2, and the change will be implemented at 9 PM every day." The locker control unit 21 then determines the next optimal usage fee and the date and time of change based on the predetermined rule, billing patterns P1 to P4, and the timing and calendar functions described above.

[0048] Furthermore, when calculating the optimal usage fee and change implementation date and time based on the prescribed rules, billing patterns P1 to P4, and the timing and calendar functions, the following method is recommended: Specifically, during times when demand for using the locker boxes 11 is high, a billing pattern with a high hourly usage fee (for example, billing pattern P1 in Table 1 above) is set. Also, during times when demand for using the locker boxes 11 is low, a billing pattern with a low hourly usage fee (for example, billing pattern P2 in Table 1 above) is set.

[0049] Alternatively, the following process may be used as the fee determination process to determine the optimal usage fee and the date and time for implementing the change. Specifically, the administrator of the locker system 200 may independently determine the next optimal usage fee and the date and time for implementing the change at any time.

[0050] Next, other operations of the locker device 100 will be described. The locker device 100 performs a fee change process that actually changes the usage fee. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the fee change process performed when the usage fee is changed. First, when the process starts, the ESL server 26 of the control device 2 determines whether or not there is "usage fee change information" (step S201). The usage fee change information includes the changed information 16 described above. In step S201, the ESL server 26 checks whether or not it has received the changed information 16 from the locker control unit 21. That is, the ESL server 26 checks whether or not it has received the "optimal usage fee" and the "change implementation date and time".

[0051] Next, if the ESL server 26 determines in step S201 that there is no "usage fee change information" (step S201; NO), it returns to the beginning of the fee change process. On the other hand, if there is "usage fee change information" (step S201; YES), the ESL server 26 communicates with the locker control unit 21 via the communication unit 24. The ESL server 26 then determines whether the "current date and time" has passed n minutes before the "change implementation date and time" (step S202). Here, "current date and time" is the current date and time obtained using the timing function and calendar function of the central processing unit (CPU) of the locker control unit 21. "Change implementation date and time" is, as described above, the optimal date and time to change the current usage fee to the optimal usage fee.

[0052] The specific time of n minutes prior can be set as needed. This time can be set, for example, as follows: at least the time required for the user of the locker unit 1 to store their luggage in the luggage storage unit 12, and the time from the completion of luggage storage until the user operates the user operation unit 25. Then, the time of n minutes prior is set to exceed this total time. For example, n minutes prior may be set to 5 minutes prior or to 10 minutes prior.

[0053] By setting the time in n minutes in advance in this way, users who intend to use the locker unit 1 around the time the usage fee will be changed can understand the following: Specifically, by checking the display of the advance notice information 17 on the display unit 14, users can understand in advance that the usage fee will be changed.

[0054] Therefore, for users who have decided to use the locker unit 1 after checking the previous usage fee displayed on the display unit 14 (pre-change information 15 in Figure 2), the following can be prevented: that is, the usage fee may be changed without the user's knowledge between the time the user actually stores their luggage, moves on, and operates the user operation unit 25 on the central control device 20. Therefore, it can be prevented that the user will end up paying a usage fee different from the one they confirmed.

[0055] Next, if n minutes before the "change implementation date and time" have not passed in step S202 (step S202; NO), the process returns to the beginning of the fee change process. On the other hand, if n minutes before the fee change implementation date and time have passed (step S202; YES), the ESL server 26 communicates with the locker control unit 21 via the communication unit 24. The ESL server 26 then checks the usage status of each locker box 11 (step S203). Whether or not there are unused locker boxes 11 among the multiple locker boxes 11 can be determined using well-known sensors, etc.

[0056] If there are no unused locker boxes 11 (step S203; NO), the process returns to the beginning of the fee change process. On the other hand, if there are unused locker boxes 11 (step S203; YES), the ESL server 26 operates as follows: The ESL server 26 designates the locker box 11 determined to be unused as the target locker box 11. Next, the ESL server 26 communicates with the locker control unit 21 via the communication unit 24. Then, the ESL server 26 checks whether the advance notice information 17 (see Figure 2) has already been displayed on the display unit 14 of the target locker box 11 (step S204).

[0057] Next, if the notification information 17 has not already been displayed on the display unit 14 (step S204; NO), the ESL server 26 operates as follows: The ESL server 26 transmits a display control signal from the gateway / access point 27 to the display unit 14 of the target locker box 11. The display control signal is transmitted using wireless communication. The display control signal includes notification information 17, which is information indicating that a change in usage fees will be announced. As a result, the display unit 14, upon receiving the display control signal, displays the notification information 17 instead of the pre-change information 15. The ESL server 26 then communicates with the locker control unit 21 via the communication unit 24. The ESL server 26 then stores in the storage unit 23 that the notification information 17 has been displayed (displayed) (step S206). The process then returns to the beginning of the fee change process.

[0058] On the other hand, if the notification information 17 has already been displayed on the display unit 14 (step S204; YES), the ESL server 26 communicates with the locker control unit 21 via the communication unit 24. The ESL server 26 then compares the "current date and time" with the "change implementation date and time" mentioned above. Based on the comparison, the ESL server 26 determines whether the "current date and time" has passed the "change date and time" (step S205).

[0059] Next, if the "current date and time" has not passed the "change implementation date and time" (step S205; NO), the process returns to the beginning of the fee change process. On the other hand, if the "current date and time" has passed the "change implementation date and time" (step S205; YES), the ESL server 26 operates as follows: The ESL server 26 transmits a display control signal from the gateway / access point 27 to the display unit 14 of the target locker box 11. The display control signal is transmitted using wireless communication. The display control signal includes the changed information 16. As a result, the display unit 14, upon receiving the display control signal, displays the changed information 16 (the changed usage fee) instead of the advance notice information 17 (step S207). Step S207 completes the fee change process. The fee determination process and fee change process described above can be performed simultaneously for multiple locker boxes 11 and display units 14. Alternatively, the fee determination process and fee change process can be performed individually for each of the multiple locker boxes 11 and display units 14.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the advance notice information 17 is displayed on the display unit 14 before the usage fee displayed on the display unit 14 is changed from the usage fee before the change to the usage fee after the change. Therefore, the user of the locker unit 1 can recognize the change in usage fee in advance. Therefore, even if the timing of the change in usage fee and the timing of the user's payment operation may overlap, the user can recognize that the usage fee will be changed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from paying an unintended usage fee. Thus, it is possible to provide a locker system that suppresses the user from paying an unintended usage fee.

[0061] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, each of the multiple locker boxes 11 in the locker device 100 is provided with a display unit 14. Therefore, fee change processing corresponding to each locker box 11 can be suitably implemented.

[0062] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the locker device 100 includes a central control device 20. The central control device 20 accepts the user's payment operation for the usage fee after the user has deposited their luggage. The present invention functions particularly effectively in a locker device 100 with such a configuration.

[0063] Specifically, in this locker system 100, only a usage fee display unit 14 is installed in each locker box 11. In the locker system 100, the actual payment of the usage fee is performed by a central control unit 20, which is located separately from the locker boxes 11. In this case, there is a high possibility that the timing of when the user checks the availability and usage fee of the locker box 11 and stores their belongings will be different from the timing of when they actually perform the payment operation. Specifically, the timing of the payment operation will be after the timing of checking the usage fee. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the usage fee will change between the time the user checks the usage fee on the display unit 14, stores their belongings, moves, and performs the payment operation on the central control unit 20.

[0064] However, according to this embodiment, the advance notice information 17 is displayed on the display unit 14. Therefore, users of the locker device 100 can recognize changes in usage fees in advance. As a result, even if there is a discrepancy between the timing of checking usage fees and the timing of the user's payment operation, the user can recognize that the usage fees will be changed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent users from paying usage fees they did not intend to pay.

[0065] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by configuring the display unit 14 with an electronic shelf label such as electronic paper, the following effects and advantages can be achieved. Specifically, compared to a configuration in which a liquid crystal display or the like is incorporated into each locker box 11 to form the display unit 14, the display unit 14 can be easily attached to and detached from the locker box 11. This makes the introduction and maintenance of the display unit 14 easier, thus reducing costs. Moreover, this configuration makes the following easier as well. For example, it is easy to change an existing locker system that displays usage fees using paper stickers or the like to a locker device 100 equipped with the display unit 14 of the present invention. Therefore, the locker device 100 can be constructed at a lower cost compared to building a new locker system from scratch.

[0066] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the locker device 100 includes a communication unit 24 capable of communicating with an external device. Therefore, the locker device 100 can send and receive various types of information to and from an external device via the communication unit 24.

[0067] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the locker system 200 is composed of a locker device 100 and a display control unit (for example, either or both of the ESL server 26 and the gateway / access point 27). The display control unit transmits a display control signal to the locker device 100 via wireless communication, causing the advance notice information 17 to be displayed on the display unit 14 based on the fee information 28a. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a display control unit in each locker box 11. Consequently, there are fewer constraints on the placement of the display control unit. As a result, it is easier to freely arrange each component of the locker device 100.

[0068] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 6 is a functional configuration diagram of the locker system 300 according to the second embodiment. Descriptions of configurations and elements common to the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0069] The locker system 300 has substantially the same configuration as the locker device 100 and locker system 200 described above. However, the locker system 300 differs from the embodiments described above in that it does not include an ESL server 26 and a gateway / access point 27. In this locker system 300, the display unit 14 provided in the locker box 11 and the locker control unit 21 are directly connected by wire.

[0070] In this second embodiment, the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, compared to a configuration using wireless communication, the stability of the connection between the locker control unit 21 and the display unit 14 can be further improved, and communication can be performed without lag.

[0071] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, those skilled in the art can implement the invention in various ways, without departing from the core principles, in accordance with prior art knowledge. Such modifications, as long as they still possess the configuration of the locker device 100 and locker system 200 of the present invention, are of course included within the scope of the present invention.

[0072] Furthermore, although a display unit 14 was installed in each locker box 11, this can be omitted, and the liquid crystal display of the user operation unit 25 may be used as the display unit 14.

[0073] In other words, in a configuration where a central control device 20 for receiving payment operations for usage fees is provided separately from the locker unit 1, the display unit 14 may be provided in either the locker box 11 or / or the central control device 20.

[0074] Furthermore, as described above, the present invention is particularly effective when the display unit 14 and the user operation unit 25 are located in separate positions. However, the present invention can also be applied to a locker system that includes a user operation unit 25 for performing payment operations for each locker box 11, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Locker Room 2 Control device 10 locker lines 11 Locker Boxes 12 Luggage compartment 14 Display section 100 Locker device 200 Locker System

Claims

1. A locker device comprising: a locker section having multiple locker boxes; a display section that displays the usage fee corresponding to each of the multiple locker boxes; and a control device that changes the usage fee displayed on the display section, The control device is a locker device that, before changing the display of the usage fee, changes the display on the display unit to a display indicating that the usage fee will be changed.

2. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is provided in each of the plurality of locker boxes.

3. The locker device according to claim 1, further comprising a central control device that accepts payment of the usage fee by the user after the user has deposited their luggage.

4. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit has an electronic shelf label.

5. The locker device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a communication unit that is communicatively connected to an external device and transmits fee information relating to the usage fee to the external device.

6. The locker device according to claim 5, A display control device comprising: a display control unit which is communicatively connected to the locker device and, after receiving the fee information from the locker device, transmits a display control signal to the locker device to cause the display unit to display information indicating a change in the usage fee based on the fee information; A locker system, including a locker system.

Images