Logistics systems and methods for supporting logistics systems

Abstract

To extend the functionality of the locker system and enable it to function as a useful warehouse in various product manufacturing processes. [Solution] In a logistics system in which a locker device equipped with multiple storage units, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users of the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of one of the storage units by different users communicate via a predetermined communication medium, the system is characterized by comprising: a registration step (3) in which a user management table is registered in a user information storage means to recognize the state in which each user temporarily occupies the same storage unit in multiple logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes in which the multiple users are involved; and an update step (16) in which the user management table is updated based on a succession request from a user operating one of the data terminals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a logistics system in which a server device manages the changing state of the possessor of luggage stored in a plurality of storage compartments, and a logistics support method for the logistics system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, locker operating companies have installed lockers separately at various locations within railway stations, etc. For depositing and retrieving luggage, a charge is levied on a daily basis, and cash such as coins is inserted to open and close the key for use. For this reason, the administrator goes to the installation location to collect the cash and grasp the usage status.

[0003] Since conventional lockers are used in a state where the user cannot be identified, unauthorized use of the lockers is likely to occur. Also, when using them, small change must be prepared, and since the fee is set on a daily basis, unnecessary fees are incurred for short-term use, for example, use for only 1 hour.

[0004] In addition, a system for paying locker usage fees by utilizing an electronic money card (transportation electronic money card) has been put into practical use.

[0005] In the normal locker usage mode, a business model in which multiple users deposit heavy luggage in one of the storage compartments for a fee, go shopping or sightseeing lightly, and then repeat the process of retrieving the deposited luggage is common.

[0006] Patent Document 1 below discloses a logistics system that utilizes a locker device as a logistics warehouse, which includes "a control program for a logistics management device that manages a logistics system that uses a first storage facility for storing first type of goods received by users of goods, a second storage facility for storing second type of goods to be transported to users of each of the multiple first storage facilities, and a third storage facility for storing third type of goods to be transported to users of each of the multiple first storage facilities that each of the multiple second storage facilities corresponds to, wherein the processor of the logistics management device functions as an acquisition means for acquiring the frequency of use of the goods by each user, and a classification means for classifying the goods corresponding to the first usage frequency as first type of goods, the goods corresponding to the second usage frequency which is lower than the first usage frequency as second type of goods, and the goods corresponding to the third usage frequency which is lower than the second usage frequency as third type of goods, based on the usage frequencies of multiple users belonging to a transport target area set for the third storage facility." [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7130884 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, there is a growing interest in a usage model where multiple vendors occupy the same storage unit that makes up the locker system for a certain period, for example, during the process of manufacturing a product from parts, and then, after the final process is completed, the goods are stored in the storage unit of the locker system as merchandise for sale. Therefore, a system is needed to manage the same storage facility in detail, including occupant registration and occupant usage status, at a level separate from the management of ordinary locker devices.

[0009] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a logistics system and a logistics support method for a logistics system that expands the functionality of a locker device by allowing multiple parties to manage one selected storage unit from among multiple storage units while changing its occupancy status, thereby enabling it to function as a useful warehouse in various logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The logistics system of the present invention that achieves the above objective has the following configuration. A logistics system comprising a locker device equipped with multiple storage units, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users of the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of any of the storage units by different users, communicating via a predetermined communication medium, characterized in that it includes a user information storage means that stores a user management table that recognizes the state in which each user temporarily occupies the same storage unit in multiple logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes in which the multiple users are involved, and an update means that updates the user management table based on a succession request from a user operating any of the data terminals. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the functionality of the locker device can be extended, allowing it to function as a useful warehouse in various product manufacturing processes while enabling the flexible construction of new logistics systems. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] The drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention, including not only essential components of the invention but also optional and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] A block diagram illustrating the configuration of the logistics system shown in this embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram illustrating the configuration of the logistics system shown in this embodiment. [Figure 3]A block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] A block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first to third data terminals shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] A block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows an example of a locker information management table stored in the logistics database. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows an example of a listing information table stored and managed by the server device. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the storage space transfer process in the server device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the storage space transfer process in the server device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating the storage space transfer process in the server device shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are provided for those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention and do not limit it in any way. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can modify or improve the embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention. Any modified or improved embodiments will fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0014] <System Configuration Description> [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the logistics system shown in this embodiment. In this embodiment, a logistics system is taken as an example, in which a locker device having a plurality of storage compartments, a plurality of data terminals operated by a plurality of users who use the locker device, and a server device that continuously manages the occupancy states of any of the storage compartments for different users communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium. However, it is assumed to include cooperation with a system that provides other services related to logistics.

[0015] In FIG. 1, L1 to LN are locker devices, and the server device 3-1 connected via the network 21 manages by associating the attributes, occupants, etc. of the items stored in each of the storage compartments R1 to R9.

[0016] CONT is a locker management controller, which has hardware resources described later and controls communication with users who operate the data terminals 4-1 to 4-N via the network 21 and data communication with the server devices 3-1 and 3-2.

[0017] In addition, the locker management controller CONT controls the locking and unlocking of the opening and closing doors of each of the storage compartments R1 to R9. Further, every time a change in the occupancy state of a user who uses each of the storage compartments R1 to R9 occurs, a process of settling the usage fee is performed.

[0018] The server device 3-2 has a platform and provides information in cooperation with an EC site for the products stored in any of the storage compartments R1 to R9.

[0019] In addition, the locker management controller CONT is configured to be able to read key information (two-dimensional code) issued by the server device 3-1 with a camera provided on the operation panel for an opening / closing request of the opening and closing doors of each of the storage compartments R1 to R9, and lock and unlock any of the keys of the corresponding storage compartments R1 to R9.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the logistics system shown in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the server device 3-1 has a function to manage the state in which multiple users (multiple data terminals (first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, and third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N)) have exclusive use of items deposited in any of the empty boxes (storage areas) of the locker devices L1 to LN via the network 21.

[0021] Specifically, server device 3-1 stores and manages the attributes of the contents of one of the storage compartments R1 to R9 provided by locker devices L1 to LN connected to network 22, as well as the attributes of the delivery person and the information of the occupant.

[0022] Furthermore, server device 3-2 has the function of publishing information on products available for sale, stored in one of the locker devices L1 to LN, on platform 3-2A, and accepting purchase requests from general users.

[0023] Furthermore, the storage facilities to be occupied may be configured in a way that manages the occupation status of multiple facilities as a single group.

[0024] Server device 3-1 allows users to configure access permissions based on the attributes of the packages they place in the lockers and the attributes of the delivery person, by operating data terminals 6-1 to 6-N. Server device 3-2 provides service support by delivering products (products that are available for sale and are packaged) stored in any of the storage facilities managed by server device 3-1 to users, including lockers designated by users who have made payments using platform 3-2A, or by transferring the occupant of a locker containing products after payment to the payer.

[0025] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device 3-2 shown in Figure 2. In Figure 3, 11 is the communication unit, which controls the communication processing that connects to the first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, the second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, the third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N, and the server device 3-1, all of which are connected to the network 21, which serves as the communication medium.

[0026] 13 is the CPU, which starts the operating system (OS) stored in external memory 18 connected to the internal bus 12, and starts various applications installed via APIs. It also executes the processing of various programs deployed on RAM 16.

[0027] 14 is a logistics database that stores information identifying each locker device L1 to LN managed by server device 3-1 (location coordinates, locker identification information, locker empty box information, occupant, items used, and attribute changes of the delivery person). Server device 3-1 centrally manages this information (location coordinates, locker identification information, locker empty box information, occupant, attributes of items used, and attribute changes) stored in the logistics database 14.

[0028] 15 is the keyboard, used for numerical input, text input, and icon selection for running applications.

[0029] 16 is expandable RAM that stores the basic program of platform 3-2A installed in external memory 18. 17 is a display that shows the program's startup status via various UI screens (not shown).

[0030] In this embodiment, the server device 3-2 has its basic program deployed in RAM 16. The server device 3-1 is connected to data terminals 6-1 to 6-N via network 23.

[0031] Specifically, the CPU 13 includes an update unit 16-1 that updates the user management table based on a succession request from a user operating any of the data terminals, an introduction unit 16-2 that introduces the sale of products stored in the same storage unit among the locker devices L1 to LN, including delivery, via a predetermined platform 3-2A, a settlement unit 16-3 that settles the usage fee each time the user occupying the same storage unit changes, and a service processing unit 16-4 that, when the introduction unit 16-2 receives a purchase request for a product via platform 3-2A, provides a delivery service to a delivery company that delivers the product from the same storage unit. This also includes cases where products stored in the same storage unit among the locker devices L1 to LN are sold without delivery.

[0032] In this embodiment, the following four usage patterns are envisioned for the items stored in the locker and the right to possess them.

[0033] (1) Moving an object + the right of possession is transferred. Specifically, the location of the locker containing the item changes, and the right to possess the locker is transferred, resulting in a change of possessor. This is a manner in which the combination of the item and the possessor changes.

[0034] (2) Moving an object does not transfer the right of possession. Specifically, the location of the locker containing the item changes, but the right of possession is not transferred, and the occupant of the locker containing the item remains unchanged. The combination of the item and the occupant remains unchanged.

[0035] (3) The object is not moved, but the right of possession is transferred. Specifically, the locker containing the items remains in the same location, but only the right of possession is transferred, changing the possessor. The combination of the items and the possessor changes in this manner.

[0036] (4) The object is not moved and the right of possession is not transferred. Specifically, the locker containing the items does not move, the right of possession is not transferred, and the possessor does not change. The combination of items and possessor remains unchanged, meaning that the items continue to be stored in the same location by the same possessor.

[0037] In this case, the usage described in (2) above involves using the locker for the purpose of moving objects, and the locker's occupancy rights held by the previous occupant are managed in such a way that the occupancy status of the locker is maintained in its original state.

[0038] In (2) above, for example, if a user occupies one of the lockers and orders multiple specific parts, and the next process (e.g., the assembly process) cannot proceed until multiple parts are available, transferring the user's right of occupancy to the parts supplier would make the management of locker occupancy status extremely complicated.

[0039] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, the second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, and the third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N shown in Figure 2.

[0040] The first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, the second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, and the third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N are envisioned to be devices such as tablet devices, PC devices, and smartphones.

[0041] In Figure 4(a), 301 is the CPU, which executes various applications by loading the OS and control programs stored in ROM 302 into RAM 303 and executing them. 304 is the communication unit, which controls communication for connecting to the server device 3-2 connected to network 21. 310 is the keyboard, which is configured to work in conjunction with a pointing device (not shown) to input text on a screen displayed on a display device (not shown), and to select tabs and icons on the displayed screen.

[0042] In the RAM 303 shown in Figure 4(b), 303-1 is a UI control unit that executes browser function processing and performs control to display information from the platform 3-2A provided by the server device 3-2 shown in Figure 2 to the display units 322 of the first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, the second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, and the third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N.

[0043] The UI control unit 303-1 performs functional processing to view the coordinates that identify the locker devices L1 to LN currently holding the contents, which are made public on platform 3-2A, and delivery information that identifies the delivery destination.

[0044] The CPU 301 includes an occupant entry unit 303-2 that enters into platform 3-2A as a carrier undertaking the shared transport of goods awaiting delivery in any of the locker devices L1~LN managed by server device 3-1, on RAM 303; a key information acquisition unit 303-3 that, after receiving a delivery request notification from the service processing unit 16-4 of server device 3-2, acquires key information from server device 3-1 to open and close the door of any of the boxes in a specific locker device L1~LN; and after acquiring the key information from server device 3-1, acquires information from server device 3-1 regarding the open / closed state of the doors of the occupied box in the locker device L1~LN to be occupied and the empty box in the locker device L1~LN to be newly deposited, as well as information regarding the storage or retrieval status of the contents.

[0045] The delivery notification unit 303-4 notifies the delivery company that will deliver the product from one of the storage facilities that was occupied to the person who purchased the product, of the delivery request.

[0046] Furthermore, CPU 301 manages user account information (user ID, password) registered on platform 3-2A, which is published on the web by server device 3-2, using an external storage device such as an SSD (not shown).

[0047] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of server device 3-1 shown in Figure 2.

[0048] In Figure 5(a), 401 is the CPU, which executes various applications by loading the OS and control programs stored in ROM 402 into RAM 403 and executing them. 404 is the communication unit, which performs communication control to connect with the communication units 304 of the server device 3-2 connected to the network 21, the first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, the second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, and the third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N. 405 is the input / output interface (I / O), which controls input and output with the logistics database 406. 422 is the display unit.

[0049] 410 is the keyboard, used by administrators to enter necessary text and numbers, and to launch installed applications.

[0050] The logistics database 406 stores location information obtained from locker devices L1 to LN located at fixed points, as well as box attributes (for example, the number of boxes, the number of empty boxes, the occupant, the occupancy period, and the attributes of the contents (e.g., parts → intermediate products → finished products → re-deposited goods → stored goods)).

[0051] Server device 3-1 updates and stores a user management table that recognizes the temporary occupancy of the same storage unit by each user in multiple logistics, commercial, and storage processes involving multiple users occupying the same storage unit selected by CPU 401 from locker devices L1 to LN.

[0052] As a result, the first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, the second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, and the third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N are configured to retrieve any empty BOX of locker devices L1 to LN stored in the logistics database 14 of the server device 3-2 via the network 21.

[0053] In the RAM 403 shown in Figure 5(b), the BOX occupancy information registration unit 403-1 performs the process of linking the installation coordinates of multiple locker devices L1 to LN that can be route-connected with the empty BOX information obtained from each locker device L1 to LN and registering it in the logistics database 14 provided by the server device 3-2. The key information issuance unit 403-2 performs the process of issuing key information (two-dimensional code) for opening and closing the BOX doors of each locker device L1 to LN to any data terminal.

[0054] The empty box information update unit 403-3 identifies available empty boxes and boxes in use as usage status for each locker device L1 to LN, and performs real-time update processing on the logistics database 14, making it possible to identify the location of available empty boxes.

[0055] In this embodiment, the basic program of the server device 3-1 includes a BOX occupancy information registration unit 403-1 that links the installation coordinates of multiple route-connectable locker devices L1 to LN with empty BOX information obtained from each locker device L1 to LN and registers this information in the logistics database 14 provided by the server device 3-2; a key information issuing unit 403-2 that issues key information for opening and closing the BOX doors of each locker device L1 to LN to any data terminal; and an empty BOX information update unit 403-3 that updates the information stored in the logistics database 14 as needed based on the empty BOX information of the locker devices L1 to LN. These programs are deployed on RAM 403 and executed.

[0056] Figure 6 shows an example of a locker information management table stored in the logistics database 406 shown in Figure 5.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 6, for locker number (LNo.1), the process from occupancy parameters SP-1 to SP-10 manages the occupancy start date, a two-dimensional code for locking and unlocking the storage compartment door, the occupant ID, and the attributes of the stored items. In occupancy parameter SP-10, a shipping ID (corresponding to the ID managed by server device 3-1) is set to identify any storage compartment as a product (including if packaged) that is ready for shipment.

[0058] In this embodiment, the locker information management table shown in Figure 6 is configured to identify and store, based on the usage patterns of any of the storage units, a first usage pattern in which an item is moved and the right of possession of the same storage unit is transferred; a second usage pattern in which an item is not moved and the right of possession of the same storage unit is transferred; a third usage pattern in which an item is moved and the right of possession of the same storage unit is not transferred; and a fourth usage pattern in which an item is not moved and the right of possession of the same storage unit is not transferred. In the example shown in Figure 6, the attributes of the usage pattern are indicated by (Zx:x is one of 1 to 4), and it shows a case where they are managed in a way that allows them to be identified by individual parameters based on the first to fourth usage patterns described above.

[0059] Figure 7 shows an example of a listing information table stored and managed by the server device 3-2 shown in Figure 1. In the example shown in Figure 7, information such as entry ID, locker ID, locker location (identified by GPS information), transaction price, order acceptance, and transaction completion are centrally managed for items for which the shipping ID shown in Figure 6 has been issued.

[0060] Furthermore, the CPU 13 of server device 3-2 registers products (in a ready-to-ship state) registered with the above shipping ID on the EC site on platform 3-2A to EC-related sites, making the information on products ready to ship public to both individual users and corporations, and enabling the acceptance of purchase applications.

[0061] Figures 8 to 10 are flowcharts illustrating the transfer of possession between storage locations R1 to R9 in server device 3-1 shown in Figure 1. (1) to (17) indicate each step.

[0062] CPU 401 determines whether the user requesting the connection is a user registration request for the locker information management table shown in Figure 6 (1). If CPU 401 determines that the user is not already registered as a user, it terminates this process.

[0063] On the other hand, if step (1) determines that it is a request for registration of an occupied user, and after receiving the occupant name and the attributes of the contents from the user of one of the first to third data terminals that is connected (2), the CPU 401 registers the received occupant name and the attributes of the contents in the user management table (3).

[0064] Next, if the CPU 401 determines that it has received a request from the user to use one of the locker devices L1 to LN (4), it presents the available locker devices that are not currently containing any items to the first to third data terminals operated by the user (5).

[0065] In this case, the user can select a conveniently located locker device by operating one of the first to third data terminals to input location information. The CPU 401 can then present the user with a list of available empty boxes (not shown).

[0066] Therefore, once CPU 401 confirms that a user has selected one of the available boxes by operating one of the first to third data terminals (6), it associates the occupied locker device (including the selected box number) with the user and registers them in the user management table (7).

[0067] Next, the CPU 401 issues a two-dimensional code to open and close the storage door of the locker device L1 to LN selected by the user (8), and registers it in the corresponding column of the user management table.

[0068] Next, in order for the user to bring parts into the storage compartments of locker devices L1 to LN, they use the issued two-dimensional code to open the storage door of the registered box. At that time, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the storage door registered in the user management table has been opened or closed (9).

[0069] At this point, if CPU 401 determines that a storage door registered in the user management table has been opened or closed, it updates the information in the user management table (16) and proceeds to step (12).

[0070] On the other hand, in step (9), if the CPU 401 determines that the storage door registered in the user management table has not been opened or closed, it determines whether it has received a registration request for the next user to become the occupant of the same storage unit (10). Furthermore, the content of steps (9) and (10) may be modified as appropriate to suit the four usage patterns described above.

[0071] If CPU401 determines that it has not received a registration request for the next user to become the occupant of the same storage unit, it returns to step (9).

[0072] On the other hand, in step (10), if the CPU 401 determines that it has received a registration request for the next user to become the occupant of the same storage unit, the CPU 401 registers the information (see Figure 6) of the next occupant in the user management table (11).

[0073] Next, the CPU 401 determines, based on the information of the contents attribute managed in the user management table, whether the contents stored in any of the locker devices L1 to LN that are under its exclusive management are available for retrieval (assembled and packaged as products) (12).

[0074] This step corresponds to a situation where the items stored in the boxes of locker devices L1 to LN are finished products, with no further assembly processes to be carried out. Rather, they are managed as products that have been confirmed for sale and are awaiting delivery. The occupancy of newly stored items does not change, and the system is fulfilling its original function as a warehouse. Furthermore, it can also manage situations where the stored items have been sold to a third party and are being used as a warehouse by the product purchaser for resale purposes.

[0075] Furthermore, if the product purchased is a seasonal item, such as a gas fan heater, and the current season is mid-summer, it may be preferable to store the product in locker boxes L1-LN rather than having the product picked up.

[0076] Furthermore, even when a buyer stores a gas fan heater in one of the locker devices L1 to LN on an auction site and transfers possession of the box to the successful bidder (a usage where the object does not move, but possession is transferred), server device 3-1 can identify and manage these usage patterns.

[0077] If the CPU 401 determines that the stored item is not available for retrieval, it then determines whether there is a next occupant based on the stored item attribute information managed in the user management table (17).

[0078] At this point, if CPU401 determines that there is another user, it returns to step (3) and repeats the same process. On the other hand, if in step (17) CPU 401 determines that there is no next user, it returns to step (12) and repeats the same process.

[0079] On the other hand, in step (12), if the CPU 401 determines that the stored items can be released, the CPU 401 requests the server device 3-2 to publish the products available for sale on a web page (13). Step (13) corresponds to the case among the usage patterns described above where the object does not move, but the right of possession is transferred.

[0080] Next, CPU 401 determines whether it has received notification from server device 3-2 that a sales transaction with a prospective buyer has been completed (14).

[0081] If CPU 401 determines that it has not received notification from server device 3-2 that a sales transaction with the prospective buyer has been completed, it returns to step (13).

[0082] On the other hand, in step (14), if the CPU 401 determines that it has received notification from the server device 3-2 that a sales transaction has been concluded with the prospective buyer, it arranges for delivery to one of the data terminals 6-1 to 6-N operated by the delivery person (15) and terminates the process. Here, the delivery person includes both a delivery company and a private individual.

[0083] In step (15), the server device 3-1 issues a two-dimensional code managed in the user management table, allowing the vendor to start the delivery of packaged products from one of the boxes occupied by a specific locker device to the designated delivery destination.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the server device 3-1 calculates the usage fee for the occupied BOX, taking into account the occupant's occupancy start date (occupancy period), number of days of occupancy, BOX attributes, and regional characteristics, and bills each occupant equally. Alternatively, the contract may be structured to allow for flexible billing based on usage status and utilization rate, such as by having a representative pay the usage fee, or by using contract attributes such as an annual or weekly contract.

[0085] [Effects of the First Embodiment] According to this embodiment, the functionality of the locker device can be extended, allowing it to function as a useful warehouse in various logistics processes, commercial flows, and storage processes, while enabling the flexible construction of new logistics systems.

[0086] [Second Embodiment] In the above embodiment, we described a case where changes in the occupant of a specific storage unit among multiple storage units are stored and managed. However, a configuration in which the occupancy status of specific storage units of separate locker devices is coordinated and managed is also possible.

[0087] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to this embodiment, since it is unlikely that a parts manufacturer and an assembly manufacturer will be located near each other during the process from parts to finished products, by managing storage facilities in association with each other, where the form of the stored items changes, it is possible to improve product processing efficiency while reducing the cost of moving physical items by using multiple storage facilities in a distributed manner until the finishing process leading to the final product. This example assumes a scenario in which both the items and the occupants move, as described in the usage example above.

[0088] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by a process in which one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0089] (1) A logistics system comprising a locker device equipped with multiple storage units, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users of the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of any of the storage units by different users, communicating via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the system includes a user information storage means that stores a user management table that recognizes the state in which each user temporarily occupies the same storage unit in multiple logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes in which the multiple users are involved, and an update means that updates the user management table based on a succession request from a user operating any of the data terminals.

[0090] (2) The system is characterized by providing a means for introducing the sale of products stored in the same storage facility via a predetermined platform.

[0091] (3) The server device is characterized by being equipped with a settlement means for settling usage fees each time the user occupying the same storage facility changes.

[0092] (4) The server device is characterized in that, when it receives a purchase request for the product via the platform through the referral means, it provides a service processing means to deliver the product to a delivery person who delivers the product from the same storage facility.

[0093] (5) The product is characterized in that, each time the user changes, it evolves into a product that can be sold to consumers through different manufacturing processes.

[0094] (6) The server device is characterized in that, when the user occupying the storage unit changes, it stores the usage status of the storage unit in an identifiable manner in the user management table so as to maintain the occupied status of the storage unit for a certain period of time, rather than leaving it in an empty state, in order for the stored items to be taken out and deposited again.

[0095] (7) A logistics support method for a logistics system in which a locker device equipped with multiple storage units, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users using the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of one of the storage units by different users communicate via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a registration step of registering a user management table in a user information storage means that recognizes the state in which each user temporarily occupies the same storage unit in multiple logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes in which the multiple users are involved; and an update step of updating the user management table based on a succession request from a user operating one of the data terminals.

[0096] (8) A logistics system comprising a locker device equipped with multiple storage units, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users of the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of any of the storage units by different users, wherein the server device includes a management table that identifies and stores, based on the usage patterns of any of the storage units, a first usage pattern in which goods are moved and the right of occupation of the same storage unit is transferred, a second usage pattern in which goods are not moved and the right of occupation of the same storage unit is transferred, a third usage pattern in which goods are moved and the right of occupation of the same storage unit is not transferred, and a fourth usage pattern in which goods are not moved and the right of occupation of the same storage unit is not transferred. [Industrial applicability]

[0097] In the embodiments described above, we explained the case where the server device 3-1 that manages the locker devices L1 to LN is designed as the system's base. However, by coordinating with upstream and downstream systems of the logistics system, a highly convenient system can be constructed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 3-1, 3-2 Server equipment 4-1-1~4-1-N First data terminal 4-2-1~4-2-N Second data terminal 4-3-1~4-3-N Third data terminal

Claims

1. A logistics system in which a locker device equipped with multiple storage compartments, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users utilizing the locker device, and a server device that continuously manages the occupation status of different users of any of the storage compartments communicate via a predetermined communication medium, A user information storage means that stores a user management table that recognizes the state in which each user temporarily occupies the same storage facility in multiple logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes involving multiple users, An update means for updating the user management table based on a succession request from a user operating any of the data terminals, A logistics system characterized by having the following features.

2. The logistics system according to claim 1, further comprising a means for introducing the sale of products stored in the same storage facility via a predetermined platform.

3. The server device is The logistics system according to claim 1, further comprising a settlement means for settling usage fees each time the user occupying the same storage facility changes.

4. The server device is The logistics system according to either claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the referral means includes a service means that, when a purchase request for the product is received via the platform, provides a delivery service to a delivery person who delivers the product from the same storage facility.

5. The logistics system according to claim 4, characterized in that the product evolves into a product that can be sold to consumers through different manufacturing processes each time the user changes.

6. The server device is The logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the occupant of the storage facility changes, the usage status of the storage facility is stored in an identifiable manner in the user management table so as to maintain the occupied status for a certain period of time, rather than leaving the storage facility empty, in order to remove the stored items and deposit them again.

7. A logistics support method for a logistics system, comprising a locker device equipped with multiple storage compartments, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users utilizing the locker device, and a server device that continuously manages the occupation status of different users of any of the storage compartments via a predetermined communication medium, A registration step involves registering a user management table in a user information storage device that recognizes the state in which each user temporarily occupies the same storage facility in multiple logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes involving multiple users, An update step to update the user management table based on a succession request from a user operating any of the data terminals, A logistics support method for a logistics system, characterized by comprising the following features.

8. A logistics system in which a locker device equipped with multiple storage compartments, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users utilizing the locker device, and a server device that continuously manages the occupation status of different users of any of the storage compartments communicate via a predetermined communication medium, The server device is A logistics system characterized by having a management table that identifies and stores, based on the usage patterns of any storage facility, a first usage pattern in which goods are moved and the right of possession of the same storage facility is transferred; a second usage pattern in which goods are not moved and the right of possession of the same storage facility is transferred; a third usage pattern in which goods are moved and the right of possession of the same storage facility is not transferred; and a fourth usage pattern in which goods are not moved and the right of possession of the same storage facility is not transferred.

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