Delivery box control system, intercom system, delivery box control method, and delivery box control program

Abstract

To provide a control system of a delivery box applied to a collective facility capable of ensuring the convenience of a courier and satisfactory security of the delivery box.SOLUTION: A control system of a delivery box as an example of an embodiment is a control system of a delivery box that is to be installed in a collective facility including a shared entrance. The control system of the delivery box includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a piece of information for unlocking an electric lock of a shared entrance; and an output unit that is configured so as to, when the information is acquired together with a piece of information that identifies a predetermined facility that constitutes the collective facility, output a signal for unlocking a delivery box corresponding to the predetermined facility under a predetermined condition. The control system is preferably incorporated into an intercom system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a delivery box control system, an intercom system, a delivery box control method, and a delivery box control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there have been an increasing number of cases where delivery boxes are installed in collective facilities such as apartment buildings to receive parcels delivered when the recipient is not at home. In addition, a method of receiving parcels without meeting the recipient using the delivery box, regardless of whether the recipient is at home or not, has also become widespread, and further spread of delivery boxes is expected. In view of this situation, several systems related to delivery boxes have been proposed. Patent Document 1 proposes a system for promoting the use of delivery boxes installed in collective housing. The system of Patent Document 1 is configured to notify information related to the use of the delivery box when a call is made by an intercom device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-130219 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in a typical delivery box, the door is locked after the delivery company places the package in the box, but the door is often unlocked before the package is received. In this case, items other than the delivery package may be placed in the box due to vandalism, or the door may be locked and the box may become unusable. For this reason, it is desirable to lock the door of the delivery box even before the package is received. However, if the door of the delivery box is locked before the package is received, it will be difficult for the delivery company to use the box.

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a delivery box control system that is applicable to public facilities and that ensures good security for the delivery boxes while not compromising the convenience of delivery companies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a delivery box control system that is installed in a collective facility with a shared entrance, and is characterized in that it includes an acquisition unit that acquires information for unlocking the electric lock on the shared entrance door, and an output unit that, when the information is acquired together with information identifying a specific facility that makes up the collective facility, outputs a signal for unlocking the delivery box corresponding to the specific facility under specified conditions.

[0007] One aspect of the intercom system disclosed herein is an intercom system installed in an apartment complex with a shared entrance, and is characterized in that it includes an acquisition unit that acquires information for unlocking the electric lock on the door of the shared entrance, and an output unit that, when the information is acquired together with information identifying a specific facility that constitutes the apartment complex, outputs a signal for unlocking a delivery box corresponding to the specific facility under specified conditions.

[0008] A control method for a delivery box according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a delivery box installed in an apartment building with a shared entrance, comprising the steps of acquiring information for unlocking an electric lock on the door of the shared entrance, and outputting a signal for unlocking a delivery box corresponding to the specified facility under specified conditions when the information is acquired together with information identifying a specified facility constituting the apartment building. A control program for a delivery box according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for implementing the control method on a computer. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a delivery box control system can be provided that ensures good security for the delivery box while not compromising the convenience of the delivery company. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an intercom system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a lobby intercom device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for controlling unlocking of a delivery box. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure for controlling unlocking of a delivery box. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an intercom system according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment. In addition, it is assumed from the beginning that multiple embodiments and modified examples described below can be selectively combined.

[0012] The subject of the device and system of the present disclosure includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device and system of the present disclosure. The computer includes a processor that operates according to the program as a main hardware configuration. The type of the processor does not matter as long as it can realize the above functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits including an integrated circuit (IC) or a large scale integrated circuit (LSI). The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or may be provided in multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into one device or may be provided in multiple devices. The program is stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a computer-readable ROM, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The program may be stored in the storage medium in advance, or may be supplied to the storage medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an intercom system 1 incorporating a delivery box control system as an example of an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the intercom system 1 is a system installed in a collective facility such as an apartment building, and includes a lobby intercom device 11 provided at a common entrance 10 which is a common area, multiple intercom master units 21 provided in each dwelling unit which is a private area, and a control device 30 which controls these devices. Multiple delivery boxes 40 are also connected to the intercom system 1. The control device 30 also has a function of controlling the delivery boxes 40.

[0014] In the example shown in FIG. 1, a dedicated delivery box 40 is installed in each dwelling unit. The delivery box 40 includes a receiving room for storing packages, a door for opening and closing the receiving room, and a locking mechanism for the door. In general, the delivery box 40 includes a door open button operated when the door is opened, a display unit for displaying whether or not packages can be stored, an insertion slot for inserting a slip, a stamping mechanism for stamping the slip, and a stamping button operated when stamping. The delivery box 40 also includes at least one of an insertion unit for a key (dedicated key) for unlocking the door and an input unit for inputting an unlocking password. It is sufficient that the delivery box 40 includes a door locking mechanism, and it is not necessary, for example, to include a stamping mechanism.

[0015] The delivery box 40 is mainly used by a delivery company when the resident who is the recipient of the package is not at home, but a delivery method in which the delivery box 40 is used to receive packages without meeting the recipient is also becoming established. The delivery company operates the door open button of the delivery box 40 to open the door, stores the package in the receiving compartment, and locks the door. When the package is stored and the door is locked, the display changes to show that the box is in use. The resident can open the door using a special key or an unlocking password and remove the package. The delivery box 40 can also be used to store packages to be collected by delivery companies, etc.

[0016] The door of the delivery box 40 is locked not only after the package is stored (after the package is received) but also before the package is received. This prevents items other than the delivery item from being stored in the box due to tampering or the door from being locked and made unusable, ensuring good security. On the other hand, if the door of the delivery box 40 is locked before the package is received, the delivery company will not be able to use the box, so it is necessary to unlock the door in an appropriate manner that takes security into consideration. The intercom system 1 executes a process for unlocking the delivery box 40 so as to ensure good security for the delivery box 40 while not impairing the convenience of the delivery company.

[0017] Although details will be described later, the control device 30 is configured, when information for unlocking the electric lock of the front door 13 of the shared entrance 10 (hereinafter referred to as "door unlocking information") is acquired together with information identifying a specific dwelling unit (hereinafter referred to as "dwelling unit identifying information"), to output an unlocking signal for unlocking the delivery box 40 corresponding to the dwelling unit under specific conditions. In other words, the intercom system 1 automatically unlocks the delivery box 40 in association with the unlocking of the electric lock of the front door 13. The delivery box 40 is configured to unlock the door upon receiving the unlocking signal.

[0018] Examples of collective facilities to which intercom system 1 is applied include collective housing such as condominiums, dormitories, and company housing, but are not limited to collective housing as long as the facility has a shared entrance 10. Intercom system 1 is applicable to facilities consisting of a group of multiple facilities (multiple companies, departments, divisions, etc.), such as offices, factories, research facilities, medical facilities, and accommodation facilities. In addition, the control system for the delivery box can be configured independently of intercom system 1, for example by providing a dedicated shared entrance device for operating delivery box 40 at shared entrance 10, but when intercom system 1 is provided, it is preferable to incorporate it therein.

[0019] The common entrance 10 is provided with a lobby intercom device 11, which is a common entrance device for calling each dwelling unit. The lobby intercom device 11 is used by visitors, including delivery people. A visitor can enter the name of the dwelling unit he or she is visiting into the lobby intercom device 11 to call the dwelling unit. The common entrance 10 is also provided with a front door 13 and a locking device 14 for locking the front door 13. The locking device 14 is, for example, an autolock device that automatically locks the front door 13 when the front door 13 is closed, and operates an electric lock attached to the front door 13 under the control of the control device 30. The front door 13 is, for example, an automatic door, and is basically kept locked under normal circumstances. The lobby intercom device 11 is connected to the intercom master unit 21 and the control device 30 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0020] The lobby intercom device 11 is installed outside the front door 13 of the common entrance 10. Therefore, in order for a visitor to enter inside the front door 13 of the collective facility, the visitor must call the residence of the visitor using the lobby intercom device 11 and ask the resident of that residence to unlock the electronic lock on the front door 13. The resident can confirm the visitor using the intercom master unit 21 and operate the intercom master unit 21 to unlock the electronic lock.

[0021] In the example shown in FIG. 1, a non-contact key detection device 12 is installed at the common entrance 10. Similar to the lobby intercom device 11, the non-contact key detection device 12 is installed outside the front door 13 of the common entrance 10. The non-contact key detection device 12 is, for example, configured with an IC card reader, and transmits a door unlocking signal to the lock device 14 when it detects a pre-registered card key. This unlocks the electric lock and opens the front door 13. The card keys are owned by the residents of each dwelling unit, but may be provided to delivery companies, newspaper delivery people, etc. as a dedicated key for companies to unlock the electric lock on the front door 13.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the lobby intercom device 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the lobby intercom device 11 has a numeric keypad 11a for inputting an apartment number and a call button 11b for making a call. A visitor can call the apartment he or she is visiting by inputting the apartment number using the numeric keypad 11a and pressing the call button 11b. The lobby intercom device 11 also has a camera 11d, a microphone 11e, a speaker 11f, a monitor 11g, and a reverse master key insertion section 11h. A resident or the like who owns a key can insert the key into the reverse master key insertion section 11h to unlock the electric lock on the front door 13.

[0023] The lobby intercom device 11 captures an image of the visitor with the camera 11d and transmits the image to the intercom master unit 21 from which the call was made. The speaker 11f outputs a ringtone, and when a resident answers, the visitor's voice, etc. Also, the visitor's voice is picked up by the microphone 11e and transmitted to the intercom master unit 21, so that the visitor can converse with the resident of the destination. The monitor 11g may display, for example, the dwelling unit number entered with the numeric keypad 11a, or may display an image captured by the camera 11d. The speaker 11f and monitor 11g may be used to output information regarding the usage status of the delivery box 40, which will be described later.

[0024] The lobby intercom device 11 may further include a delivery button 11c used by a delivery company. When the delivery button 11c is operated, for example, a call may be made to the intercom master unit 21 in a manner different from that for general visitors so that the visitor can be identified as a delivery company. In addition, the delivery button 11c may be used to unlock the delivery box 40 or to check information regarding the usage status, as described below.

[0025] Each dwelling unit is provided with an intercom master unit 21 and a front door slave unit 22. In this embodiment, a delivery box 40 is provided corresponding to each dwelling unit. The intercom master unit 21 is installed inside each dwelling unit, and the front door slave unit 22 and the delivery box 40 are installed outside each dwelling unit. The front door slave unit 22 and the delivery box 40 are generally installed near the entrance of each dwelling unit. Each dwelling unit may be provided with, for example, a sub-master unit connected to be able to communicate with the front door slave unit 22 via the intercom master unit 21, and may be provided with multiple delivery boxes 40.

[0026] The intercom master unit 21 is an information terminal communicatively connected to the entrance handset 22 and the delivery box 40. The intercom master unit 21 is also communicatively connected to the lobby intercom device 11 and the control device 30 via the branch switch 16. The intercom master unit 21 includes a microphone, a speaker, a monitor, a call button, etc. Using the intercom master unit 21, a resident can talk to a visitor via the lobby intercom device 11 or the entrance handset 22, and can check an image of the visitor.

[0027] Intercom master unit 21 further includes an unlock button for unlocking the electric lock on front door 13. Intercom master unit 21 may also be provided with an input function for making settings related to unlocking delivery box 40. In this embodiment, when a package is stored in delivery box 40, the information is preferably transmitted to intercom master unit 21 and displayed on a monitor. Intercom master unit 21 may be connected to a wide area communication network such as the Internet, and may be configured to transmit a notification to a communication terminal of a resident to notify the resident that a package has arrived.

[0028] The entrance slave unit 22 is provided outside each dwelling unit and includes a call button 22a for calling the intercom master unit 21. Similarly to the lobby intercom device 11, the entrance slave unit 22 includes a camera, a microphone, and a speaker. When the call button 22a is operated, a call is made to the intercom master unit 21, and the visitor is photographed by the camera of the entrance slave unit 22, and the image is displayed on the monitor of the intercom master unit 21. The intercom master unit 21 may be provided with a function for recording images of the visitor. When the delivery box 40 is operated, the intercom master unit 21 may record an image of the operator photographed by the camera of the entrance slave unit 22.

[0029] As described above, the control device 30 is communicatively connected to the lobby intercom device 11 at the shared entrance 10 and the intercom master units 21 at each residence, and has the function of controlling these devices. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the control device 30 is connected to the cloud server 50 via a gateway 51. The gateway 51 functions as a router. The control device 30 may obtain information required for controlling the intercom system 1 from the cloud server 50. The control device 30 is also communicatively connected to the management office master unit 15 in the management room. The management office master unit 15 can transmit various information to the lobby intercom device 11 and the multiple intercom master units 21 via the control device 30, for example.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 30. As shown in Fig. 3, the control device 30 includes a processor 31 that executes arithmetic processing for controlling the intercom system 1, and a memory 32 in which a control program and the like are stored. The control device 30 is a device that comprehensively controls the intercom system 1, and is communicatively connected to the lobby intercom device 11, the intercom master unit 21, the management office master unit 15, and the like, receives signals from each device to acquire various information, and outputs control signals to each device to control each device. The control device 30 is also communicatively connected to the entrance slave unit 22 and the delivery box 40 via the intercom master unit 21.

[0031] The control device 30 includes a first processing unit 33 that executes operations such as calling the intercom master unit 21 and unlocking the electric lock of the front door 13. The first processing unit 33 is configured to call a specific intercom master unit 21 when a call operation is performed on the lobby intercom device 11, and to output a door unlock signal to the lock device 14 based on the operation of the intercom master unit 21. When the door unlock signal is output to the lock device 14, the electric lock of the front door 13 is unlocked. The first processing unit 33 also executes a call to the intercom master unit 21 when the call button 22a of the front door slave unit 22 is operated.

[0032] The control device 30 further includes a second processing unit 34 and a third processing unit 35. The second processing unit 34 and the third processing unit 35 are configured to execute control related to the delivery box 40. The second processing unit 34 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires door unlocking information for unlocking the electric lock of the front door 13, and an output unit that outputs an unlocking signal for unlocking the delivery box 40 corresponding to a specific dwelling unit under specific conditions when the unlocking information is acquired together with dwelling unit identification information that identifies the specific dwelling unit. The third processing unit 35 functions as an output unit that outputs information regarding the usage status of the delivery box 40 to the lobby intercom device 11.

[0033] The control device 30 is configured by a computer including a processor 31. The memory 32 is configured by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, etc., and is built into the computer including the processor 31. The control device 30 may be configured by one computer or may be configured by multiple computers. Also, some or all of the functions of the control device 30 may exist in a server or the like outside the collective facility, such as a cloud server 50.

[0034] The second processing unit 34 and the third processing unit 35 will be described in detail below. As described above, the second processing unit 34 and the third processing unit 35 execute control related to the delivery box 40. The processor 31 realizes the functions of the first processing unit 33, the second processing unit 34, and the third processing unit 35 by reading and executing a control program installed in the memory 32. In other words, the control program installed in the memory 32 includes a program for causing a computer to control the delivery box 40.

[0035] For example, when door unlocking information for unlocking the electric lock on the front door 13 is acquired together with dwelling unit specific information for identifying a specific dwelling unit, the second processing unit 34 outputs an unlocking signal for unlocking the delivery box 40 of the specific dwelling unit under specific conditions. When the unlocking signal is output to the delivery box 40, the locking mechanism of the delivery box 40 is activated and the door is unlocked. The specific dwelling unit is the delivery destination dwelling unit, and by acquiring the dwelling unit specific information, only the delivery box 40 of the delivery destination can be unlocked. Note that the door unlocking information and the dwelling unit specific information only need to be acquired in association with each other, such as by acquiring them in a series of operations of the lobby intercom device 11, and do not need to be acquired completely simultaneously.

[0036] An example of the door unlock information is information based on a general call operation of the intercom master unit 21. Specifically, the information includes the dwelling number inputted by the numeric keypad 11a of the lobby intercom device 11 and an operation signal of the call button 11b. When the information based on the call operation of the intercom master unit 21 is acquired, the second processing unit 34 may output an unlock signal to the delivery box 40 of the delivery destination dwelling under a predetermined condition, regardless of whether or not the resident responds. Alternatively, the second processing unit 34 may output an unlock signal to the delivery box 40 only when there is no response from the resident. In this case, the electric lock of the front door 13 is unlocked using a dedicated key provided to the delivery company.

[0037] The delivery company may be provided with an unlocking means other than a dedicated key, such as a key inserted into the reverse master key insertion portion 11h or a password entered into the lobby intercom device 11, as a means for unlocking the electric lock on the front door 13. Also, the camera 11d of the lobby intercom device 11 may be used to read information identifying the delivery company, such as an employee ID card, and unlock the electric lock on the front door 13. The second processing unit 34 may output an unlocking signal to the delivery box 40 of the residence of the delivery destination when a call operation is performed on the intercom master unit 21 and the front door 13 is unlocked by a predetermined unlocking means.

[0038] Another example of the door unlocking information is information based on a dedicated operation set for delivery companies, which differs from the normal calling operation of the intercom master unit 21. The dedicated operation includes inputting the dwelling number using the numeric keypad 11a of the lobby intercom device 11, as well as at least one of the operation of the delivery button 11c and the operation of holding the dedicated key over the non-contact key detection device 12. In this case, the operation signal of the delivery button 11c and the detection signal of the dedicated key become the door unlocking information, and the dwelling number inputted using the numeric keypad 11a becomes the dwelling identification information.

[0039] For example, the delivery company can press the delivery button 11c, enter the residence number on the numeric keypad 11a, and hold a special key over the non-contact key detection device 12 to unlock the electric lock on the front door 13 and unlock the delivery box 40 at the residence of the delivery destination under specified conditions. In this case, a normal call is not made to the intercom master unit 21. If the lobby intercom device 11 is not provided with the delivery button 11c, a specific button on the numeric keypad 11a (for example, the # button) may be used.

[0040] The door unlocking information may be authentication information set for each dwelling unit. The delivery company can unlock a specific delivery box 40 by, for example, entering the authentication information using the numeric keypad 11a of the lobby intercom device 11. In this case, the normal call to the intercom master unit 21 is not made. Also, since the authentication information includes information that identifies the specific dwelling unit that is the delivery destination, the delivery company does not need to enter the dwelling unit number. In other words, when the authentication information is used, the door unlocking information and the dwelling unit specifying information are obtained at the same time. In other words, the door unlocking information includes the dwelling unit specifying information.

[0041] An example of the authentication information is a password that is set for each parcel. For example, a resident can set a password when purchasing an item to be delivered, and the password is provided to the delivery company and used to unlock the delivery box 40. The authentication information may also be a one-time password that the intercom system 1 provides to the delivery company. For example, when a password is requested from the communication terminal of the delivery company, the intercom system 1 provides a one-time password for unlocking the delivery box 40 in the residence of the delivery destination.

[0042] It is preferable that a delivery box 40 in use, in which a package has been stored and the door is locked, is not automatically unlocked until the package is removed. In a delivery box 40 in use, the locking mechanism is prohibited from operating, and the door is not unlocked even if an unlocking signal is received from the second processing unit 34. Alternatively, if a delivery box 40 identified by the dwelling unit identification information is in use, an unlocking signal is not transmitted from the second processing unit 34. In other words, the delivery box 40 that is unlocked by the function of the second processing unit 34 is limited to a delivery box 40 before receiving a package.

[0043] As described above, when the electric lock door unlock information is acquired together with the dwelling unit identification information and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the second processing unit 34 outputs an unlock signal to the delivery box 40 of the dwelling unit identified by the dwelling unit identification information. In other words, even if the door unlock information and the dwelling unit identification information are acquired, the delivery box 40 will not be unlocked unless a predetermined condition is satisfied. One example of the predetermined condition is that the elapsed time since the electric lock on the front door 13 was unlocked does not exceed a predetermined time.

[0044] For example, the second processing unit 34 outputs an unlock signal to a specific delivery box 40 only within a predetermined time after the electric lock on the front door 13 is unlocked. By limiting the output of the unlock signal to within the predetermined time, the security of the delivery box 40 can be ensured. For example, the second processing unit 34 outputs a lock signal to lock the delivery box 40 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the electric lock was unlocked. In this case, the delivery company needs to operate the door open button of the delivery box 40 to open the door within a predetermined time after the electric lock on the front door 13 is unlocked. Note that the delivery box 40 may be configured to be automatically locked when the output of the unlock signal is stopped, regardless of the lock signal.

[0045] The predetermined time is determined, for example, taking into consideration the time it takes to arrive at a dwelling unit from the shared entrance 10. The predetermined time may be the same for each dwelling unit, or may be set to a different time taking into consideration the distance from the shared entrance 10 to the dwelling unit. The intercom system 1 may also be provided with a setting unit for setting the predetermined time. The setting unit may be provided, for example, in each intercom master unit 21, and is set arbitrarily by the resident of each dwelling unit. Alternatively, the setting unit may be provided in the management office master unit 15, and the predetermined time may be set by a manager or the like.

[0046] Another example of the predetermined condition is that a predetermined operation has been performed on the entrance slave unit 22 of the residence of the delivery destination. The predetermined operation is an operation different from the operation for calling the intercom master unit 21. A call to the intercom master unit 21 by the entrance slave unit 22 is normally performed by pressing the call button 22a once briefly, but the predetermined operation is a special operation not performed in a normal call operation, such as pressing and holding the call button 22a for three seconds or more, pressing it twice in succession, or pressing it three or more times in succession. In this case, a normal call to the intercom master unit 21 is not made.

[0047] For example, when the door unlock information and the dwelling unit identification information are acquired at the same time and a signal based on a special operation of the call button 22a is acquired, the second processing unit 34 outputs an unlock signal to a specific delivery box 40. The predetermined operation is not limited to the special operation of the call button 22a, and may be an operation of an operation unit other than the call button 22a. The entrance slave unit 22 may be provided with a button for the delivery company in an inconspicuous position, such as inside the cover or on the side or bottom of the device. The second processing unit 34 may output an unlock signal to the delivery box 40 when it acquires an operation signal of this button.

[0048] At least one of a predetermined time limit and a predetermined number of times limit may be set for a predetermined operation of intercom master unit 21. For example, when an operation of intercom master unit 21 is performed within a predetermined time after the electric lock of front door 13 is unlocked, second processing unit 34 determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied and outputs an unlock signal for delivery box 40. In this case, the operation of front door slave unit 22 does not need to be a special operation, and may be the same as the operation for calling intercom master unit 21.

[0049] It is preferable that the second processing unit 34 does not output an unlock signal for the delivery box 40 when the operation of the front door slave unit 22 exceeds a predetermined number of times. The predetermined number of times may be set to one time or to two or more times. By setting a limit on the number of times that are recognized as valid operations, the security of the delivery box 40 is further strengthened. For example, when the electric lock is unlocked based on the door unlock information, the second processing unit 34 outputs an unlock signal for the delivery box 40 when an operation signal based on a special operation of the front door slave unit 22 is acquired for the first time, and does not output an unlock signal even if the operation signal is acquired multiple times. In this case, a call is made to the intercom master unit 21.

[0050] When the second processing unit 34 unlocks the electric lock on the front door 13 based on the door unlock information, the second processing unit 34 may unlock the delivery box 40 a predetermined time after the electric lock is unlocked. For example, the second processing unit 34 outputs an unlocking signal to the delivery box 40 of the identified dwelling unit after a first predetermined time has elapsed and within a second predetermined time after the electric lock is unlocked. In this case, the delivery box 40 remains locked from the time the electric lock is unlocked until the delivery company arrives at the delivery destination dwelling unit, further enhancing security.

[0051] The third processing unit 35 outputs information relating to the usage status of the delivery box 40 to the lobby intercom device 11. The third processing unit 35 may display the information relating to the usage status of the delivery box 40 on the monitor 11g, or may output the information as sound from the speaker 11f. The information relating to the usage status of the delivery box 40 is information relating to whether or not the delivery box 40 of each dwelling unit is in a usable state, i.e., whether or not a package has been stored therein, and is stored in the memory 32.

[0052] If the delivery box 40 is equipped with a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a package stored in the receiving compartment, the detection information of the sensor is transmitted to the control device 30 and stored in the memory 32 as information related to the usage status of the delivery box 40. Alternatively, the delivery box 40 may be provided with a sensor in a stamping mechanism, locking mechanism, or the like that can detect that a package has been stored and the door has been locked. In this case as well, the detection information of the sensor is transmitted to the control device 30 and stored in the memory 32 as information related to the usage status. The control device 30 may obtain information related to the usage status of the delivery box 40 from an image captured by a camera of the entrance slave unit 22.

[0053] For example, when door unlock information for unlocking the electric lock on the front door 13 is acquired together with dwelling unit identification information for identifying the specific dwelling unit, the third processing unit 35 outputs information regarding the usage status of the delivery box 40 in the specific dwelling unit to the lobby intercom device 11. Specifically, text such as "The delivery box is currently in use" may be displayed on the monitor 11g, and this voice may be output from the speaker 11f. In this case, the delivery company does not need to travel to the delivery destination, reducing the burden on the delivery company.

[0054] When information regarding the usage status of delivery box 40 is requested by lobby intercom device 11, third processing unit 35 may output information regarding the usage status of delivery box 40 in a specific dwelling unit to lobby intercom device 11. The delivery company can check the usage status of delivery box 40, for example, by performing an operation to request the usage status of delivery box 40 instead of inputting authentication information or the like.

[0055] The third processing unit 35 may output information regarding the usage status of delivery boxes 40 in multiple dwelling units based on a request operation. One example of a request operation is inputting a dwelling unit number using the numeric keypad 11a and then operating the delivery button 11c. At this time, multiple dwelling unit numbers may be input. When there are multiple delivery destinations, the delivery company can check the usage status of the delivery boxes 40 without having to input authentication information, etc., reducing the burden on the delivery company.

[0056] Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 4, an example of a control procedure for unlocking delivery box 40 by intercom system 1 (delivery box control system) having the above configuration will be described.

[0057] 4, in the process of unlocking delivery box 40, first, door unlocking information for unlocking the electric lock on front door 13 is obtained (S1). As described above, the door unlocking information is a signal based on an operation for calling intercom master unit 21, authentication information set for each dwelling unit, an operation signal of delivery button 11c, a detection signal of a dedicated key provided in advance to the delivery company, etc. For example, when authentication information is used as the door unlocking information, a normal call to intercom master unit 21 is not made, but a call to intercom master unit 21 may be made, and delivery box 40 may be unlocked if there is no response from intercom master unit 21.

[0058] Next, the presence or absence of dwelling unit specific information that identifies the specific dwelling unit is confirmed (S2). Since the authentication information includes information that identifies the specific dwelling unit, if the door unlocking information is authentication information, the door unlocking information and the dwelling unit specific information are acquired at the same time. If the door unlocking information is other than authentication information, for example, the dwelling unit number entered using the numeric keypad 11a becomes the dwelling unit specific information. If the delivery person presses the delivery button 11c, enters the dwelling unit number using the numeric keypad 11a, and then holds a dedicated key over the non-contact key detection device 12, or if the delivery person enters the dwelling unit number using the numeric keypad 11a and then holds a dedicated key over the non-contact key detection device 12, the door unlocking information is acquired together with the dwelling unit specific information.

[0059] When door unlock information is acquired along with the dwelling unit identification information, the electronic lock on front door 13 is unlocked, and if certain conditions are met, an unlock signal is output to delivery box 40 of the dwelling unit identified by the dwelling unit identification information (S3, S4). When delivery box 40 receives the unlock signal, the locking mechanism is activated and the door is unlocked. This allows the delivery company to open the door of delivery box 40 and store the package in delivery box 40. On the other hand, if the certain conditions are not met, the unlock signal for delivery box 40 is not output.

[0060] The predetermined condition is, for example, that the elapsed time since the electric lock on front door 13 was unlocked does not exceed a predetermined time. As described above, delivery box 40 may be automatically locked by stopping the output of the unlock signal. In this case, when the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, the output of the unlock signal may be stopped and delivery box 40 may be locked. Also, when the elapsed time since the electric lock on front door 13 was unlocked exceeds the predetermined time, a locking signal for locking delivery box 40 may be output.

[0061] It is preferable that a delivery locker 40 in use, in which a package is stored in the receiving compartment and the door is locked, is not unlocked by the unlocking process. However, when the delivery locker 40 is used for the purpose of storing packages to be collected by a delivery company or the like, the delivery locker 40 is unlocked by the unlocking process. The intercom system 1 may have a basic setting that a delivery locker 40 in use is not unlocked by the unlocking process, for example, but the setting may be changed by the intercom master unit 21.

[0062] Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing another example of the process for unlocking delivery box 40. The example shown in Fig. 5 is similar to the example shown in Fig. 4 in that when door unlock information is acquired together with dwelling unit identification information, an unlock signal is output to delivery box 40 of the identified dwelling unit under predetermined conditions (S1, S2, S4). In the example shown in Fig. 5, the predetermined condition for unlocking delivery box 40 is set to be a predetermined operation of entrance slave unit 22 (S11). The predetermined condition may further include a time limit from the unlocking of the electric lock.

[0063] In the process of unlocking delivery box 40 shown in Fig. 5, door unlock information is acquired along with dwelling unit identification information, and when a predetermined operation is performed on front door slave unit 22, an unlock signal is output to a specific delivery box 40. The predetermined operation on front door slave unit 22 is a special operation that is different from, for example, an operation to call intercom master unit 21. Furthermore, a predetermined number of times that is recognized as a valid operation is set for the predetermined operation (S12). Therefore, if the predetermined operation is performed more than a predetermined number of times (for example, once), an unlock signal for delivery box 40 is not output.

[0064] In S12, for example, if the predetermined operation is pressing the call button 22a twice in succession, the two consecutive operations of the call button 22a are counted as one operation. Also, if the predetermined operation is pressing the call button 22a twice in succession, the predetermined number of times in S12 may be set taking into consideration the number of consecutive presses. For example, if the operation is pressing the call button 22a twice in succession, the predetermined number of times is set to six.

[0065] If delivery box 40 is in use, information regarding the usage status of delivery box 40 may be output to lobby intercom device 11, and the unlocking process for delivery box 40 may be terminated. In this case, it becomes possible to check the usage status of delivery box 40 at shared entrance 10, improving convenience for the delivery company. Information regarding the usage status of delivery box 40 is information regarding whether delivery box 40 is in a state where it can be used, and is acquired based on detection information from a sensor installed in delivery box 40, etc., and stored in memory 32.

[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the elapsed time from when the electric lock of the front door 13 is unlocked exceeds a predetermined time, a locking signal for locking the delivery box 40 is output (S13, S14), and the delivery box 40 is locked. Also, the unlocking signal for the delivery box 40 may be output after the first predetermined time has elapsed from when the electric lock of the front door 13 is unlocked and within the predetermined time (second predetermined time) of S13. In this case, the delivery box 40 remains locked from when the electric lock is unlocked until the delivery company arrives at the residence of the delivery destination, so security is further enhanced. The first predetermined time is, for example, 1 to 3 minutes, and can be arbitrarily set by the resident of each residence by a setting unit provided in the intercom master unit 21. Also, the second predetermined time of S13 is, for example, 5 to 15 minutes, and can be set by the setting unit in the same manner as the first predetermined time.

[0067] As described above, according to the intercom system 1 incorporating the delivery box control system, the delivery box 40 is locked even before the package is received, so good security for the delivery box 40 can be ensured. On the other hand, the delivery company can easily unlock the delivery box 40, so there is no particular hindrance to the delivery company's use, and the convenience for the delivery company is not compromised. In other words, the system of this embodiment is an innovative system that can ensure good security for the delivery box 40 without compromising the convenience for the delivery company.

[0068] The above-described embodiment may be appropriately modified in design without impairing the purpose of the present disclosure. In the above-described embodiment, a case where one delivery box 40 is installed in each dwelling unit is illustrated, but multiple delivery boxes 40 may be installed in each dwelling unit, or may be installed together in a predetermined location on each floor. The number of delivery boxes 40 may be less than the number of dwelling units that make up the apartment complex. In addition, the information terminal and entrance slave unit installed in the facility that makes up the collective facility are not limited to the intercom master unit 21 and the entrance slave unit 22. The entrance slave unit may be a dedicated device for the delivery box control system, and the information terminal may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the case where delivery box 40 is connected to intercom master unit 21 has been exemplified, but delivery box 40 may be connected to control device 30. In this case, a relay device that relays communication between control device 30 and each delivery box 40 may be connected between control device 30 and each delivery box 40.

[0070] As in the intercom system 1x shown in Fig. 6, in addition to the delivery box 40 installed in each dwelling unit, a shared delivery box 70 including multiple delivery boxes 70a may be provided. For example, a delivery company can use the shared delivery box 70 when the delivery box 40 in the delivery destination dwelling unit is in use. Note that the control system of the present disclosure can also be applied to an apartment building where only the shared delivery box 70 is installed, without the delivery box 40 being installed in each dwelling unit.

[0071] Like the delivery box 40, the delivery box 70a is locked even before receiving the package. When the shared delivery box 70 is used, the control device 30 acquires door unlock information along with the dwelling unit identification information, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, outputs an unlock signal to the delivery box 70a corresponding to the identified dwelling unit. In the case of the shared delivery box 70, the delivery box corresponding to a specific dwelling unit is, for example, one or more delivery boxes 70a allocated in advance for that dwelling unit. Alternatively, when the shared delivery box 70 is used, the delivery box 70a selected by the delivery company may be unlocked as the delivery box corresponding to the specific dwelling unit.

[0072] The control device 30 may also be connected to an elevator control device 61 that controls the elevator 60. In this case, information about the elevator 60 can be used to control the unlocking of the delivery box 40. The control device 30 may output an unlock signal to the delivery box 40, for example, when the elevator 60 carrying the delivery company who operated the lobby intercom device 11 arrives at a floor where a delivery destination residence is located. Alternatively, the timing of outputting the unlock signal may be when the hall call button of the elevator 60 is operated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1,1x intercom system, 10 shared entrance, 11 lobby intercom device, 11a numeric keypad, 11b call button, 11c delivery button, 11d camera, 11e microphone, 11f speaker, 11g monitor, 11h reverse master key insertion unit, 12 non-contact key detection device, 13 entrance door, 14 lock device, 15 management office master unit, 16 switch, 21 intercom master unit, 22 entrance sub unit, 22a call button, 30 control device, 31 processor, 32 memory, 33 first processing unit, 34 second processing unit, 35 third processing unit, 40,70a delivery box, 50 cloud server, 51 gateway, 60 elevator, 61 elevator control device, 70 shared delivery box

Claims

1. A control system for a delivery box installed in a public facility with a shared entrance, an acquisition unit that acquires information for unlocking an electric lock of the common entrance door; an output unit that, when the information is acquired together with information identifying a specific facility that constitutes the collective facility, outputs a signal for unlocking the delivery locker corresponding to the specific facility under a specific condition; Equipped with A delivery box control system, wherein the specified condition is that the elapsed time since the electric lock on the shared entrance door is unlocked does not exceed a specified time.

2. A control system for a delivery box installed in a public facility with a shared entrance, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires information for unlocking an electric lock of the common entrance door; an output unit that, when the information is acquired together with information identifying a specific facility that constitutes the collective facility, outputs a signal for unlocking the delivery locker corresponding to the specific facility under a specific condition; Equipped with A delivery box control system, wherein the specified condition is that a specified operation has been performed on a front door unit installed outside the specified facility.

3. The delivery box control system according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined operation is an operation different from an operation for calling an information terminal provided in the predetermined facility.

4. 4. The delivery box control system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation performed within a predetermined time after an electric lock on the shared entrance door is unlocked.

5. The delivery box control system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a predetermined number of times is limited for the predetermined operation.

6. A delivery box control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information is authentication information set for each facility that constitutes the collective facility, or information for calling up an information terminal installed in the specified facility.

7. The delivery box control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the output unit outputs information regarding the usage status of the delivery box to a shared entrance device provided at the shared entrance.

8. An intercom system installed in a public facility with a shared entrance, an acquisition unit that acquires information for unlocking an electric lock of the common entrance door; an output unit that, when the information is acquired together with information identifying a specific facility that constitutes the collective facility, outputs a signal for unlocking a delivery locker corresponding to the specific facility under a specific condition; Equipped with In the intercom system, the predetermined condition is that the elapsed time since the electric lock of the common entrance door is unlocked does not exceed a predetermined time.

9. An intercom system to be installed in a public facility having a shared entrance, an acquisition unit that acquires information for unlocking an electric lock of the common entrance door; an output unit that, when the information is acquired together with information identifying a specific facility that constitutes the collective facility, outputs a signal for unlocking a delivery locker corresponding to the specific facility under a specific condition; Equipped with The predetermined condition is that a predetermined operation has been performed on an entrance unit provided outside the predetermined facility.

10. A method for controlling a delivery box installed in a public facility having a shared entrance, comprising: acquiring information for unlocking an electric lock on the common entrance door; outputting, under a predetermined condition, a signal for unlocking the delivery locker corresponding to a predetermined facility when the information is acquired together with information for identifying a predetermined facility constituting the collective facility; Including, A method for controlling a delivery box, wherein the specified condition is that the elapsed time since the electric lock on the shared entrance door is unlocked does not exceed a specified time.

11. A method for controlling a delivery box installed in a public facility having a shared entrance, comprising: acquiring information for unlocking an electric lock on the common entrance door; outputting, under a predetermined condition, a signal for unlocking the delivery locker corresponding to a predetermined facility when the information is acquired together with information for identifying a predetermined facility constituting the collective facility; Including, A method for controlling a delivery box, wherein the specified condition is that a specified operation has been performed on a door unit installed outside the specified facility.

12. A control program for a delivery box for implementing the control method according to claim 10 or 11 on a computer.

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