Container for home delivery

Abstract

To provide a system and method for delivering goods to home at low cost by reducing the burden on delivery businesses, delivery personnel, and users. The delivery system includes a delivery box and a plurality of containers for storing products. The containers have the same shape and size, and the delivery box includes a plurality of lockers that have the same shape and size. Each of the lockers is configured to selectively store one of the containers.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system and method for delivering products. For example, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a delivery system and a delivery method including a delivery box and a container dedicated to the delivery box. [Background technology]

[0002] When a product is delivered to a user, the user may not be at home. In this case, for example, the product may be brought into a delivery box and the user may be notified that the product has been delivered, allowing the user to remove the product from the delivery box at any time. This reduces the burden and cost of having to deliver the product again, and also relieves the user from time constraints, as they no longer need to wait for the delivery. It is also possible to prevent theft of products and leakage of personal information (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-64072 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a novel system and method for home delivery of products to users. Alternatively, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a system and method that can home delivery of products at low cost while reducing the burden on delivery companies, delivery personnel, and users. Alternatively, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a delivery system and a delivery method that reduce the burden on the environment by reducing waste generated during delivery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a delivery system for delivering goods to a user. The delivery system includes a delivery box and a plurality of containers for storing the goods. The plurality of containers have the same shape and size, and the delivery box includes a plurality of lockers having the same shape and size. Each of the plurality of lockers is configured to selectively store one of the plurality of containers that is arbitrarily selected from the plurality of containers.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is a delivery method that uses a delivery box and multiple containers for storing products. This delivery method includes storing a product to be delivered to a user in a first container selected from the multiple containers, fitting the first container in which the product is stored into a first locker selected from the multiple lockers of the delivery box, removing from the first locker the first container in which the product has been removed and stored in the first locker, and storing a product different from the product in the removed first container. The multiple containers have the same shape and size as one another, and the multiple lockers have the same shape and size as one another. Each of the multiple lockers is configured to selectively store one of the multiple containers selected at random from the multiple containers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a home delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a home delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a delivery box of a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Schematic front and top views of a locker in a delivery box of a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] Schematic side view of a locker in a delivery box of a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Schematic top and side views of a delivery box of a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]1 is a block diagram of a delivery box of a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a delivery box of a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Schematic top view and perspective view of a container of a home delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Schematic front and top views of a container of a home delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a home delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 is a conceptual diagram and a flowchart for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, etc. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below.

[0009] In the drawings, the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part may be shown diagrammatically compared to the actual embodiment in order to make the explanation clearer, but it is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In this specification and each figure, elements having the same function as those described with respect to the previous figures may be given the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations may be omitted. This reference numeral is used to collectively represent multiple identical or similar structures, and a hyphen and a natural number are added after the reference numeral when representing each of them individually. In addition, a lowercase alphabet may be added after the reference numeral when indicating a part of a structure.

[0010] 1. Overview of the delivery system FIG. 1 shows a conceptual diagram of a home delivery system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The home delivery system 100 is a system for delivering to a user a product or service (hereinafter, products and services are collectively referred to as products) that a user has ordered from a product or service provider (hereinafter, simply referred to as a seller) 104 in electronic commerce via a network 110 using a terminal 102, by delivering the product or service to a home delivery box 120. The order for the product may be made directly to the seller 104 via the network 110, or may be made through an electronic commerce platform (hereinafter, simply referred to as a platform) provided by a third party (platform provider) for the user or seller 104. The former is called a company-owned site-type electronic commerce, and the latter is called a mall-type electronic commerce. In the following, the company-owned site-type electronic commerce will be mainly used as an example for explanation, but the home delivery system 100 can also be applied to a mall-type electronic commerce. Here, the network 110 is a communication network such as the Internet or a wide area network, and mediates communication between various communication terminals and servers.

[0011] There are no restrictions on the type of product, and any product can be handled as long as it is large enough to be stored in a container, which will be described later. For example, a wide variety of products, such as clothing, shoes, books, stationery, toys, food, and cosmetics, can be handled by the delivery system 100. In addition, the products may be rental items (rental shoes, rental costumes, rental bags, etc.) or samples (sample cosmetics, sample food, etc.).

[0012] More specifically, in the delivery system 100, a user operates a terminal 102 to access a server of a seller 104 via a network 110. This allows the user to select a desired product on a site constructed by the server of the seller 104 and place an order. Once the order is confirmed, the seller 104 accesses, via its server, a server of a logistics warehouse 106 where the product is stored, and notifies the user of the contents of the ordered product and information regarding delivery. The information regarding delivery may include an identifier (user ID) that identifies the user, the product delivery destination (address, delivery box 120 specified by the user, etc.), the delivery date and time desired by the user, etc.

[0013] After that, the inventory status of the product is confirmed on the server of the logistics warehouse 106, and the availability of the locker of the delivery box 120 is confirmed. The delivery box 120 may be one designated by the user, or if the user does not designate one, the server of the logistics warehouse 106 selects the delivery box 120 that is most convenient for the user from among the multiple delivery boxes 120 based on the user's address, etc. Furthermore, the server of the logistics warehouse 106 checks the arrangement of a vehicle for delivery and the loading status of the vehicle. Taking into consideration the above information, i.e., the inventory status of the product, the availability of the locker, and the arrangement and loading status of the vehicle, delivery information is transmitted from the server of the logistics warehouse 106 to the user's terminal 102 and / or the server of the seller 104. The delivery information includes an authentication key for the user to operate the delivery box 120, along with the delivery date and time of the product. The delivery information may further include an identifier (box ID) for identifying the delivery box 120 into which the product is to be delivered and an identifier (locker ID) for identifying the locker. The authentication key may be configured so as to be able to be displayed on the display screen of the terminal 102 as a two-dimensional code or a barcode, or may be a password or a personal identification number.

[0014] The product is then delivered to the delivery box 120 from the logistics warehouse 106 directly or via a sorting base (hub) 108. The user can use the authentication key to operate the delivery box 120 and receive the product.

[0015] Management of the delivery box 120, such as selecting the delivery box 120 and checking the availability of lockers, and delivery management, including arranging vehicles and checking the loading status of vehicles, may be performed by a server that manages the logistics warehouse 106, or may be performed by a different server (for example, a server of a business in charge of transporting and delivering products). Alternatively, management of the delivery box 120 and delivery management may be performed by different servers. Furthermore, products may be managed in a warehouse managed by each seller 104, and transported from that warehouse to the hub 108 or delivered to the delivery box 120.

[0016] Here, as shown in FIG. 2, regardless of the seller 104 or the type of product, the product is stored in a dedicated container (hereinafter simply referred to as a container) 170 in a logistics warehouse 106 (or a warehouse managed by each seller 104; the same applies below). Although details will be described later, all of the containers 170 have the same shape and size, and the product is transported and delivered from the logistics warehouse 106 to the delivery box 120 directly or via the hub 108 while stored in the container 170. Meanwhile, each delivery box 120 has a plurality of lockers, and each of the plurality of lockers is configured to accommodate one or more containers 170. In the former case, each locker is configured to selectively accommodate one container 170, that is, to accommodate only one container 170, and multiple containers 170 are not accommodated in one locker. Each of the plurality of lockers may have the same shape and size, or one delivery box 120 may have a plurality of lockers of different sizes and shapes so that the number of containers 170 that can be accommodated in one locker is different.

[0017] A container in which the product is stored (for example, container 170-1 in FIG. 2) is fitted into the locker of the delivery box 120, thereby completing the delivery of the product. The user uses the authentication key to open the locker in which the container 170-1 in which the product is stored is housed, and removes the product from the container 170-1. At this time, the empty container 170-1 is returned to the locker without the user taking it back, either temporarily or permanently. Another empty container (for example, container 170-2 in FIG. 2) housed in the locker when the container 170-1 is delivered is picked up by a delivery person when the container 170-1 is delivered, and is collected in the logistics warehouse 106. In addition, the container 170-1, which has been emptied after the product has been removed, is collected by a delivery person when another container 170 is delivered. The collected container 170 is reused for transporting or delivering other products.

[0018] Thus, delivery system 100 includes delivery box 120 and multiple containers 170. Delivery system 100 may further include a server of seller 104 and a server that manages logistics warehouse 106. Delivery system 100 may also include a server managed by a business that transports and delivers containers 170. Delivery system 100 may further include a server that manages delivery boxes in addition to the server managed by the business that transports and delivers containers 170.

[0019] Note that delivery areas for products may be limited in delivery system 100. For example, only large cities or major cities may be specified as delivery areas, and delivery system 100 may not be applied to other areas. Considering the reality that most users wish to have products delivered to large cities and their suburbs, sufficient customer satisfaction can be obtained even if the application area of ​​delivery system 100 is limited in this way.

[0020] As described in detail below, in the home delivery system 100, the products are stored in the container 170 directly or in a flexible bag, and the user takes out only the products stored in the container 170 or in a bag. This makes it unnecessary to use packaging materials such as cardboard that are frequently used for home delivery of products. In addition, the need to use cushioning materials that occupy a large volume of the packaging materials is eliminated or greatly reduced. Therefore, not only is the burden of folding and disposing of packaging materials and cushioning materials eliminated or reduced, but the amount of waste derived from packaging materials and cushioning materials can be significantly reduced. This can be said to contribute to the prevention of environmental pollution and the establishment of a carbon-free society.

[0021] In the delivery system 100, the container 170 is not delivered directly to the user, but to the locker of the delivery box 120. In addition, an identifier (container ID) is attached to each container 170, and the container ID is associated with a box ID or a locker ID, so that the user can access the container 170 in which the ordered product is stored simply by using an authentication key. This reduces the human resources and costs required for redelivery, and the user is not restricted in time by delivery. In addition, since there is no need to attach a label containing the personal information (address, name, etc.) of the delivery recipient to the container 170, the delivery system 100 not only reduces delivery costs by reducing the burden on the delivery company, but also contributes to preventing the leakage of personal information.

[0022] The delivery box 120 and container 170 constituting the delivery system 100 will be described in detail below.

[0023] 2. Delivery Box 2-1.Configuration FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the delivery box 120. There is no restriction on the overall shape of the delivery box 120, and it may be arbitrarily determined depending on the environment of the installation location, the expected number of users, and the like. The delivery box 120 basically includes a housing 122 that provides a locker 124 corresponding to a space for accommodating a container 170, a door 126 of the locker 124, a monitor 128, and a first reader 130. The delivery box 120 may further include an audio output unit 140 as an optional configuration. As described above, each locker 124 can accommodate one container 170 having the same shape and size. In this case, the size and shape of each locker 124 can be the same, so the number of lockers 124 and doors 126 may be determined depending on the size and shape of the housing 122 and the container 170. In the following description, a case where one container 170 is selectively accommodated in each locker 124 will be described, but the delivery box 120 may be configured so that multiple containers 170 can be accommodated in one locker 124.

[0024] The location of installation of delivery box 120 is also arbitrary. For example, delivery box 120 may be installed in or near a collective housing complex such as an apartment building, in or near a commercial facility such as a convenience store, supermarket, large shopping center, or department store, in or near a public transportation facility such as a train station or bus stop, in or near a parking lot, or in or near an entertainment facility such as a sports stadium, movie theater, zoo, or theme park.

[0025] Monitor 128 is incorporated in housing 122 and functions as an output device for the user and delivery personnel. Monitor 128 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an electroluminescence display device. Monitor 128 may include an input unit, and an example of the input unit is a touch panel (not shown) provided on monitor 128. Although not shown, a keyboard, numeric keypad, etc. may be incorporated in housing 122 as the input unit.

[0026] The first reader 130 may be an optical scanner capable of reading two-dimensional codes and barcodes, or may be a reader that uses short-range wireless communication (RF reader).

[0027] 4(A) and 4(B) are schematic front and top views of one locker 124. In these figures, the door 126 is shown in an open state. Each locker 124 has a shape that allows one container 170 to be stored therein. Therefore, when the container 170 is stored therein, almost all of the space in each locker 124 (e.g., 75% to 100%, 80% to 100%, 90% to 100%, or 95% to 100% of the space) is occupied by the container 170, and there is not enough space to store goods except for the container 170 and its internal space. The locker 124 may be provided with any of the following components: a lock 136, a guide 138, a second reader 132, a sensor switch 142, a discharge control mechanism 134, and the like.

[0028] The door 126 is a member for opening and closing the frontage of each locker 124, and is attached to the housing 122 by a hinge. The door 126 may be entirely opaque or partially transparent. By making at least a part of the door 126 transparent, the inside of the locker 124 can be visually confirmed. The lock 136 is a mechanism for mechanically locking and unlocking the door 126, and may have an auto-lock function that automatically locks the door when the door 126 is closed. The use of the lock 136 can prevent the theft of goods or containers 170 in which goods are stored. In this specification, transparent refers to the property or state of transmitting at least a part of visible light, and non-transparent refers to the property or state of not transmitting visible light.

[0029] The guide 138 is provided to protect the bottom surface of the container 170 and the top surface of the locker 124, and to fix the position of the container 170 in the locker 124. The guide 138 is a protrusion extending in the depth direction of the locker 124 (the y direction in the figure), and one or more guides 138 may be provided. The position of the container 170 in the locker 124 is fixed by engaging a trench 186 that overlaps with the guide 138 with the container 170 described below. Although not shown, another mechanism for fixing the position of the container 170 may be provided instead of the guide 138. For example, a pair of rails may be provided on the side surface of the locker 124, and a mechanism (bearings, wheels, etc.) for sliding inside the rails may be provided on the side surface of the container 170.

[0030] The sensor switch 142 is a switch for determining whether the container 170 has been inserted to a predetermined position in the locker 124. By using the sensor switch 142, it is possible to determine whether the container 170 is present or not and whether it has been stored in a normal position. For example, as shown in the schematic side view of FIG. 5, when the container 170 is inserted into the locker 124 and pushed in the y direction, the sensor switch 142 falls down and is pushed into the housing 122. By detecting this movement, it is possible to determine whether the container 170 is present or not and whether the container 170 has been stored normally. Note that the configuration of the sensor switch 142 is not limited to this. A mechanical switch having a structure different from that described above may be used, or an optical sensor may be used.

[0031] The second reader 132 is provided to read a container ID stored and / or written on a tag (described later) provided on the container 170, and for example, an RF reader, a barcode scanner, or a two-dimensional code scanner can be used as the second reader 132. The position of the second reader 132 may be set appropriately depending on the position of the tag on the container 170.

[0032] The discharge control mechanism 134 is an interlock that prevents the container 170 from being completely removed (discharged) from the locker 124 under certain conditions, thereby allowing the container 170 to be partially pulled out, and allows the container 170 to be removed from and inserted into the locker 124 under other conditions. That is, the discharge control mechanism 134 can operate in two modes, and in one mode (first mode), it prohibits the container 170 from being completely removed from the locker 124, and in the other mode (second mode), it allows the container 170 to be reversibly discharged and inserted into the locker 124.

[0033] The discharge control mechanism 134 may have any configuration, and may have any configuration as long as the above-mentioned functions can be realized. For example, as shown in the schematic top view and side view of Fig. 6(A) and Fig. 6(B), respectively, the discharge control mechanism 134 may have a structure that overlaps with a stopper 180 (described later) provided on the container 170 as a discharge prevention function in the y direction in the first mode, and that is rotatable (see the arrow in Fig. 6(B)) or movable so as not to overlap with the stopper 180 in the y direction in the second mode.

[0034] The audio output unit 140 is a speaker, and is provided to output voice and warning sounds for providing information to the user and delivery personnel, as well as voice and music that harmonize with the image displayed on the monitor 128.

[0035] 7 shows a functional block diagram of delivery box 120. Delivery box 120 includes a control unit 144 disposed within housing 122, and further includes a monitor 128, a first reader 130, a second reader 132, a discharge control mechanism 134, a lock 136, an audio output unit 140, a transmission / reception unit 150, a memory unit 146, and a sensor switch 142. The control unit 144 controls each of the above components, thereby controlling delivery box 120. A battery 148 may be connected to control unit 144.

[0036] The control unit 144 includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), runs software stored in the memory unit 146, and controls the overall functions of the delivery box 120. The control unit 144 controls the monitor 128, the first reader 130, the second reader 132, the discharge control mechanism 134, the lock 136, the audio output unit 140, the sensor switch 142, the transceiver unit 150, and the like in accordance with instructions from the software.

[0037] The memory unit 146 may be a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a solid state drive, or a magnetic memory such as a hard disk drive. The memory unit 146 may store not only the above software, but also the usage status of the locker 124 as appropriate, and may store the container ID of the container 170 to be delivered and the box ID and locker ID associated therewith as needed. The transmission / reception unit 150 is a unit having a function of communicating with the server of the seller 104, the server managing the logistics warehouse 106, the user's terminal 102, and the like via the network 110. For example, the control unit 144 of the delivery box 120 may be configured to periodically obtain vacancy information of the locker 124 based on a signal from the sensor switch 142, and transmit the obtained information to the logistics management server 107 via the transmission / reception unit 150. The battery 148 is a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, and is configured to be able to be connected to an external commercial power source. The battery 148 has a function of supplying power to the control unit 144 even in an environment where an external commercial power source is not available, and maintaining the function of the delivery box 120.

[0038] 2-2.Modifications The configuration of the delivery box 120 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. For example, as shown in the schematic perspective view of FIG. 8, the delivery box 120 may be configured to be movable. Specifically, the delivery box 120 may be configured to be arranged on a base 152 having wheels 154 and to be towed by a transportation means such as a truck or a passenger car via a towing tool 156. Alternatively, although not shown, a prime mover for driving the wheels 154 may be arranged in the housing 122 or on the base 152, and the delivery box 120 may be self-propelled using the power supplied from the prime mover. By providing a mobility function, the delivery box 120 can be transported in a timely manner to or near a large commercial facility or entertainment facility (e.g., a stadium, concert venue, theme park, etc.) where many users temporarily gather. This allows for flexible and timely response to user needs, such as the delivery of souvenirs purchased at entertainment facilities, etc.

[0039] Alternatively, a ventilation fan 158 may be provided to keep the environment (temperature and humidity) inside the container 170 or locker 124 constant. In this case, a thermometer and a hygrometer (not shown) may be placed inside the housing 122, and the delivery box 120 may be configured to operate the ventilation fan 158 as appropriate in response to changes in temperature and humidity. Although not shown, a cooling device may also be provided inside the housing 122 to cool the container 170. By providing a cooling device, it becomes possible to handle, for example, fresh foods, frozen foods, and other products that need to be stored at low temperatures.

[0040] Alternatively, delivery box 120 may include solar cell 160 for generating all or part of the power for operating delivery box 120. Although not shown, a stage for controlling the direction and angle of solar cell 160 may be provided, and solar cell 160 may be mounted on the stage.

[0041] 3. Containers 9(A) and 9(B) are respectively a schematic top view and a perspective view of container 170, and Fig. 10(A) and Fig. 10(B) are a schematic front view and a top view of container 170 stored in locker 124. As shown in these figures, container 170 basically comprises body 172, and may further include lid 174, handle 176, trench 186, stopper 180, mirror 168, lock 178, protrusion 184, etc.

[0042] The main body 172 provides a space for storing goods, and is composed of a bottom plate 172a, a front plate 172b connected to the bottom plate 172a, a pair of side plates 172c, and a front plate 172d. The bottom plate 172a, the front plate 172b, the side plates 172c, and the front plate 172d are preferably configured and arranged so that the space formed by them is a rectangular parallelepiped. At least two selected from the bottom plate 172a, the front plate 172b, the side plates 172c, and the front plate 172d may be integrated with each other. The main body 172 may be entirely or partially transparent. For example, the front plate 172b may be configured to be transparent so that the inside can be observed. By configuring the delivery box 120 and the container 170 so that the door 126 is entirely or partially transparent and the front plate 172b is also entirely or partially transparent, it is possible to visually check whether or not goods are present in the container 170 even when the door 126 is closed.

[0043] There is no restriction on the size of the container 170, but for example, the length of the inner dimension in the y direction is 150 mm to 600 mm, 200 mm to 500 mm, or 200 mm to 400 mm, and is typically a length (297 mm) corresponding to A4 size. The length of the inner dimension in the width direction (x direction) of the frontage is 100 mm to 500 mm, 150 mm to 400 mm, or 200 mm to 300 mm, and is typically a width (210 mm) corresponding to A4 size. The height of the inner dimension is 50 mm to 20 mm, 75 mm to 150 mm, or 90 mm to 125 mm, and is typically 100 mm. Since the size of the goods ordered by most users from the seller 104 is within the above-mentioned range, by configuring the container 170 to satisfy the above parameters, most of the goods to be delivered can be transported and delivered using the container 170.

[0044] Although not shown, the inner surfaces of bottom plate 172a, front plate 172b, side plate 172c, and end plate 172d may be provided with a cushioning material to protect the product from impact. Examples of the cushioning material include a sheet containing animal fibers such as felt, a sponge such as urethane foam or polystyrene foam, an (air) cushion, and a sheet containing an artificial polymer such as polysiloxane or polyethylene.

[0045] The optional lid 174 has a function of closing the space formed by the main body 172, thereby preventing the goods from falling out of the container 170 during transportation or delivery of the container 170. The lid 174 may be configured to be removable from the main body 172 without being fixed thereto, or may be connected to the main body 172 via a hinge 190 or the like. The axis of the hinge 190 may be parallel to a direction parallel to a normal line of the pair of side plates 172c as shown in FIG. 9(B), or, although not shown, the hinge 190 and the lid 174 may be arranged so that the axis is perpendicular to the normal line of the pair of side plates 172c. When the lid 174 is connected to the front plate 172d via the hinge 190, as shown in Fig. 9(A) and Fig. 9(B), the lid 174 may be composed of a fixed part 174b fixed to the front plate 172d and / or the pair of side plates 172c, and a movable part 174a connected to the fixed part 174b via the hinge 190. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the hinge 190 closer to the front plate 172d than to the front plate 172b. By providing the movable part 174a and the fixed part 174b, even when the container 170 is partially ejected from the locker 124, the movable part 174a can be completely exposed from the locker 124 (see Fig. 6(A)). Therefore, even in this state, the lid 174 can be opened and the product can be taken out.

[0046] The structure of the lid 174 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. For example, the main body 172 may be configured so that the front plate 172b, the side plate 172c, or the end plate 172d can be opened and closed, and the openable and closable front plate 172b, the side plate 172c, or the end plate 172d may function as a lid. In this case, the main body 172 may be provided with a top plate facing the bottom plate 172a.

[0047] Handle 176 is provided on front plate 172b. Providing handle 176 allows container 170 to be easily transported, and also makes container 170 easy to pull out, remove, and fit. Lock 178 is a mechanism for preventing lid 174 from opening unintentionally, and its configuration is determined appropriately. Note that lock 178 preferably has a structure that allows locking and unlocking without the use of a key. For example, it may be a rotating pin or plate that engages with main body 172. Configuring lock 178 so that it can be locked and unlocked without the use of a key eliminates the need to require the user to have a key, and makes it possible to easily remove products.

[0048] The trench 186 is provided so as to overlap with the guide 138 provided in the locker 124 in the vertical direction (z direction in the drawing) when the container 170 is placed in the locker 124, and to accommodate at least a part of the guide 138 (see FIG. 10(A)). By providing the trench 186, the trench 186 and the guide 138 mesh with each other, so not only can the position of the container 170 in the locker 124 be fixed, but also friction between the locker 124 and the container 170 is reduced, making it easier to pull out, insert, and remove the container 170.

[0049] The protrusion 184 is provided on the upper surface of the lid 174 and extends in the y direction. Preferably, a trench 186 is provided, and the protrusion 184 is configured so that the protrusion 184 overlaps the trench 186 and is parallel to the trench 186. By providing the trench 186 and the protrusion 184 at the same time in this manner, when multiple containers 170 are stacked, misalignment in the x direction between the containers 170 is prevented, and the load is prevented from collapsing. This contributes to ensuring the safety of the delivery person.

[0050] The stopper 180 is a discharge prevention mechanism for preventing the container 170 from being completely removed from the locker 124 in the first mode. For this reason, when the discharge control mechanism 134 operates in the first mode with the container 170 accommodated in the locker 124, the stopper 180 may be provided so that the stopper 180 overlaps with the discharge control mechanism 134 in the y direction (see Fig. 10(A) and Fig. 10(B)). Note that, like the discharge control mechanism 134, there are no restrictions on the structure or mechanism of the discharge prevention mechanism. Therefore, instead of the stopper 180, another mechanism that cooperates with the discharge control mechanism 134 to prohibit the container 170 from being removed from the locker 124 in the first mode and can reversibly discharge / insert the container 170 in the second mode may also be used. Alternatively, if the discharge control mechanism 134 alone can exhibit the above function, a discharge prevention mechanism such as the stopper 180 may not be provided.

[0051] Mirror 168 is disposed on the inside of lid 174. By providing mirror 168, even if the inside of main body 172 cannot be directly seen, the inside of main body 172 can be confirmed by being reflected on mirror 168, making it possible to check whether there are any products left behind.

[0052] Although not shown, a sensor or camera for determining the presence or absence of a product may be provided inside main body 172 or inside lid 174. An example of the sensor is a reflective sensor that uses laser light. An example of the camera is a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. The presence or absence of a product is determined by a signal from the sensor or by analyzing an image captured by the camera, which makes it possible to prevent a product from being left behind.

[0053] It should be noted that the above-mentioned container configuration is merely an example, and any configuration may be adopted as long as it is capable of storing products and can be accommodated in locker 124.

[0054] 4.Delivery method 4-1. BtoC model Below, a home delivery method using the above-mentioned home delivery system 100 will be described. Here, the seller 104 is a company that provides products, and the description will be given using an example of a BtoC model in which a user orders products from the seller 104 without going through a platform. However, this home delivery method can be modified as appropriate and applied even in cases where products are ordered through a platform. Also, the following description will deal with an example in which products are delivered directly from the logistics warehouse 106 to the home delivery box 120, but this home delivery method can also be modified as appropriate and applied to cases in which products are transported through the hub 108.

[0055] FIG. 11 shows a simplified schematic diagram of delivery system 100. In this delivery system 100, a seller 104 has a server (hereinafter referred to as seller server) 105, and delivery system 100 includes a logistics management server 107 as a server that manages a logistics warehouse 106, as well as managing the transportation of containers 170 and delivery boxes 120. In addition, information terminals 118 operated by each delivery person may be included directly in delivery system 100 or as one of the components of logistics management server 107. Note that seller server 105 and logistics management server 107 may be independent servers, or both may be integrated into one server. Although not shown, when ordering a product via a platform, a server of a platform provider (hereinafter referred to as platform server) is included in delivery system 100.

[0056] Furthermore, the above-mentioned logistics management server 107 may not perform transportation management of the containers 170 or management of the delivery boxes 120, and an independent server that performs transportation management of the containers 170 and management of the delivery boxes 120 may be included in the delivery system 100 as a system independent of the logistics management server 107. Furthermore, the transportation management of the containers 170 and the management of the delivery boxes 120 may also be performed by different servers that are independent of each other. Such an embodiment may appear in a business form in which the logistics management server 107 serves as a server managed by a business operator that manages the logistics warehouse 106, and the business operator outsources the transportation of the containers 170 and the management of the delivery boxes 120 to one or more businesses.

[0057] (1) From ordering to shipping FIG. 12(A) shows an example of a flow of steps from when a user places an order for a product to when the product is shipped. First, the user uses the terminal 102 to access the seller server 105, selects the desired product on the site on the seller server 105, and places an order (S100). The terminal 102 is a terminal equipped with a communication function that can be operated by the user, and examples of the terminal 102 include a stationary (desktop) computer, a notebook computer, or a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone, tablet, or smartphone. At this time, the user may specify a delivery box 120 to which the product will be delivered and a locker 124 of the delivery box 120. When specifying a delivery box 120, multiple delivery boxes 120 may be selected and priorities may be assigned at the same time.

[0058] When an order for a product is received, the seller server 105 accesses the logistics management server 107 and transmits the product, the number of products, and information about the user (hereinafter, user information) (S102). The user information may include, for example, a user ID, the user's address, the box ID of the delivery box 120 specified by the user, the locker ID, the priority of the locker 124, and the user's desired delivery date and time. The logistics management server 107 that receives this information checks the inventory status and selects the most suitable delivery box 120 based on the user's address, etc., and selects an empty locker 124 or a locker 124 in which an empty container 170 is stored by referring to the vacancy information of the locker 124 periodically transmitted from the selected delivery box 120. When the user specifies a delivery box 120, the logistics management server 107 selects the locker 124 of the specified delivery box 120. If a priority is assigned to the selection of the delivery box 120, the delivery box 120 may be selected according to the priority.

[0059] Here, a situation may occur in which there are few empty lockers 124 or lockers 124 housing empty containers 170 in the selected delivery box 120 (for example, when the number of empty lockers 124 or lockers 124 housing empty containers 170 is 10% or less, 20% or less, or 30% or less of the total number of lockers 124). Such a situation may occur when another user has not yet acquired an item, and therefore the container 170 in which the item is stored has been stored in the delivery box 120 for a long period of time. When such a situation occurs, the logistics management server 107 may transmit a signal to the terminal 102 or seller server 105 of the user who has not yet acquired the item, to urge the user to pick up the item.

[0060] The logistics management server 107 then selects the vehicle to be used for delivery and the delivery route based on the number of containers 170 to be delivered, the box ID of the delivery box 120 to which the containers 170 are to be delivered, and the desired delivery date and time, taking into consideration road conditions and the loading status of the vehicle.

[0061] In addition, if the delivery box 120 does not periodically obtain vacancy information of the locker 124 or does not periodically transmit the information, the logistics management server 107 that has received the user information may transmit a command to the delivery box 120 requesting vacancy information of the locker 124 of the selected delivery box 120 (S104). The control unit 144 of the delivery box 120 that has received this command may select an empty locker 124 or a locker 124 in which an empty container 170 is stored, and transmit the locker ID of the selected locker 124 to the logistics management server 107 (S106).

[0062] Thereafter, the logistics management server 107 transmits delivery information to the terminal 102 directly or via the seller server 105 (S108). As described above, the delivery information includes the delivery date and time of the product, as well as the box ID, locker ID, and further includes an authentication key issued by the logistics management server 107. A part of the delivery information may be transmitted as text information for the user, and another part (e.g., the authentication key) may be transmitted in a format that can be read by the first reader 130 of the delivery box 120.

[0063] Meanwhile, in the logistics warehouse 106, the products 166 are picked according to the order contents and stored in the container 170 (FIG. 13). The weight of each of the products 166 is measured in advance or when it is stored, and the shape is measured by a 3D scanner. This makes it possible to instantly determine the number of containers 170 required. The products 166 may be directly stored in the container 170, or may be stored in a flexible bag (e.g., a bag made of synthetic polymers such as polyethylene, nylon, or cellophane, or a paper envelope) 162 as shown in FIG. 13. The bag 162 may be transparent or non-transparent. When a plurality of products 166 are stored in one container 170, the user can more easily take out the products 166 by using the bag 162. Furthermore, the use of the bag 162 restricts the movement of the products 166 in the container 170, so that the need to pack the products 166 with cushioning materials such as air cushions, recycled paper, and polystyrene foam is greatly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of waste generated during product delivery, which means that this delivery method is able to reduce the burden on the global environment.

[0064] When storing the products 166, the scanner 116 reads information attached to each product 166 to identify the product 166 (see FIG. 13). Furthermore, the container ID included in the tag 182 of the container 170 used for storage is also read by the scanner 116 (or another scanner). This ensures thorough management of the products 166 in the logistics warehouse 106, and associates the stored products 166 with the container ID of the container 170. Furthermore, the information read by the scanner 116 is transmitted to the logistics management server 107, so that the product 166, the container ID, the user ID, the box ID of the delivery box 120 as the delivery destination, and the locker ID thereof are associated with each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach a label or the like bearing the user's personal information to each container 170. This not only enables saving of human resources and cost reduction for label attachment, but also enables prevention of waste generation and leakage of personal information.

[0065] The stored containers 170 are sorted by delivery time, by delivery box 120, or by delivery destination. As described above, all of the containers 170 used in this delivery method have the same shape and size. Therefore, even if multiple containers 170 are stacked three-dimensionally, there is no empty space, and the occupied area and volume are small. In particular, by providing the above-mentioned trench 186 and protrusion 184 in the containers 170, no horizontal (or x-direction) misalignment occurs between the containers 170 stacked one on top of the other, so that the containers 170 can be stacked high and safely. This not only improves the safety of the work, but also contributes to space saving when sorting the containers 170.

[0066] The containers 170 that have been stored are loaded onto a transport vehicle 164 called a basket cart (FIG. 14) taking into consideration factors such as the dispatch time, the delivery box 120, the dispatch destination, the delivery route, and the loading and unloading order, and then the containers 170 are transported and delivered together with the transport vehicle 164. As with the sorting of the containers 170, all the containers 170 have the same size and shape, so many containers 170 can be loaded onto the transport vehicle 164 in an orderly manner without creating any wasted space (see FIG. 14). Therefore, a large number of containers 170 can be transported and delivered efficiently and safely using a small number of transport vehicles 164. This contributes to a reduction in the number of vehicles used for delivery, improving work safety and reducing transportation and delivery costs.

[0067] When the container 170 is loaded onto the transport vehicle 164, the information contained in the tag 182 is read using the information terminal 118, and this information is transmitted to the logistics management server 107 (S110). This allows the delivery person to know that the container 170 is being managed by a specific delivery person, that the shipment of the product 166 has been completed, and that transportation and delivery has begun. At the same time, the logistics management server 107, which has received the above information from the information terminal 118, may transmit to the information terminal 118 a box ID and a locker ID corresponding to each container 170 (S112). This allows the delivery person to know, via the information terminal 118, the delivery box 120 and the locker 124 in which each container 170 should be stored.

[0068] (2) Storage in a delivery box An example of a flow of the stage in which container 170 containing shipped product 166 is placed in delivery box 120 is shown in FIG. 12(B).

[0069] When the container 170 is delivered to the delivery box 120, the delivery person removes the container 170 stored in the delivery box 120 from the transport vehicle 164 based on the information received by the information terminal 118, and transfers the container ID included in the tag 182 attached to the container 170 to the delivery box 120 (S120). For example, the container ID is read using the information terminal 118, and the container ID displayed on the display surface is read by the first reader 130 of the delivery box 120. If the first reader 130 is an RF reader, the container ID may be transferred by wireless communication via the information terminal 118.

[0070] The control unit 144 of the delivery box 120 transmits a command to the logistics management server 107 via the transmission / reception unit 150 requesting the box ID and locker ID corresponding to the container ID read from or transferred from the information terminal 118 (S122). The logistics management server 107 that receives this command transmits the corresponding box ID and locker ID to the delivery box 120 (S124).

[0071] Thereafter, the control unit 144 judges whether or not the box ID and locker ID received from the logistics management server 107 are the box ID and locker ID of the delivery box 120. If at least one of these does not match, the control unit 144 controls the audio output unit 140 and monitor 128 to output a sound or display to inform the delivery person that there is an error in the delivery destination. On the other hand, if the box ID and locker ID received from the logistics management server 107 match the box ID and locker ID of the delivery box 120, respectively, the control unit 144 operates the discharge control mechanism 134 in the second mode and unlocks the lock 136 of the corresponding locker 124.

[0072] The delivery person inserts the container 170 in which the product 166 is stored into the locker 124 (FIG. 15). If an empty container 170 is stored in the locker 124, the empty container 170 is pulled out and collected, and then the container 170 in which the product 166 is stored is inserted into the locker 124, and the door 126 is then closed. After confirming that the door 126 is closed and the lock 136 is locked, the control unit 144 controls the second reader 132 to determine whether the container ID of the stored container 170 matches the container ID transferred from the information terminal 118. If these container IDs do not match, the lock 136 is unlocked again, and the audio output unit 140 and the monitor 128 are controlled to output audio and display to inform the delivery person that these container IDs do not match.

[0073] On the other hand, if these container IDs match, audio and video for notifying that the container 170 has been properly stored may be output using the audio output unit 140 and the monitor 128, respectively. Thereafter, the control unit 144 controls the discharge control mechanism 134 to operate in the first mode, and transmits a signal (delivery completion notification signal) to the logistics management server 107 via the transmission / reception unit 150 notifying that the container 170 in which the product 166 is stored has been stored in the corresponding locker 124 (S126). The logistics management server 107, which has received this notification, transmits a signal to the seller server 105 to notify that the delivery of the product 166 has been completed (S128). When the seller server 105 receives the notification, it transmits a signal to the user's terminal 102 to notify the user that the delivery of the product 166 has been completed (S130). This allows the user to know that the delivery of the product 166 has been completed. The delivery completion notification signal may be sent directly from the delivery box 120 to the terminal 102 or the seller server 105.

[0074] (3) Removal of products An example of the flow at the stage where the user takes out the product 166 is shown in FIG.

[0075] When the user receives the product 166, the user displays the authentication key included in the delivery information transmitted to the terminal 102 on the terminal 102. The authentication key is expressed, for example, as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. If the terminal 102 is not a mobile communication terminal, the delivery information may be transferred to a mobile communication terminal owned by the user, and the authentication key may be displayed on the display unit of the mobile communication terminal. The authentication key is then acquired by the delivery box 120 via the first reader 130 (S140). If the authentication key is expressed as a password or a PIN, the input operation may be performed using a touch panel on the monitor 128, or a separately provided numeric keypad or keyboard.

[0076] When the authentication key is acquired by the delivery box 120, the control unit 144 transmits the authentication key to the logistics management server 107 (S142). The logistics management server 107 judges whether the transmitted authentication key is the authentication key transmitted by the logistics management server 107 to the user. If the two do not match, it means that the delivery box 120 to which the product 166 is delivered is not the delivery box 120 operated by the user. In this case, information for informing the delivery box 120 to which the product is actually delivered may be transmitted to the delivery box 120 operated by the user. Furthermore, the control unit 144 of the delivery box 120 may control the audio output unit 140 and the monitor 128 to output and display information that the authentication key is not approved and information for informing the delivery box 120 to which the product is actually delivered.

[0077] On the other hand, if the authentication key transmitted from the delivery box 120 to the logistics management server 107 matches the authentication key transmitted by the logistics management server 107 to the user, it means that the container 170 corresponding to the authentication key is stored in one of the lockers 124. In this case, the logistics management server 107 transmits the corresponding locker ID to the delivery box 120 (S144). After receiving the locker ID, the control unit 144 operates the discharge control mechanism 134 in the first mode and releases the lock 136 of the locker 124 corresponding to the locker ID. This allows the user to remove the container 170 from the locker 124 (FIG. 17). At this time, the audio output unit 140 or the monitor 128 may be used to notify the user that the container 170 can be removed.

[0078] The user can remove the product 166 by pulling out the container 170 and opening the lid 174 or the movable part 174a of the lid 174. If the locker 124 in which the container 170 is stored is located at a relatively high position and the inside of the main body 172 cannot be directly seen, the main body 172 can be indirectly seen by using a mirror 168 (see FIG. 9(B)), thereby preventing the product 166 from being left behind. Note that because the discharge control mechanism 134 operates in the first mode, the container 170 is not completely pulled out of the locker 124. This makes it possible to prevent theft of the container 170.

[0079] After the product is removed, the container 170 is pushed into the locker 124. At this time, the control unit 144 can determine whether the container 170 is completely accommodated in the locker 124 based on a signal from the sensor switch 142. If it is determined that the container 170 is not completely accommodated in the locker 124, the audio output unit 140 or the monitor 128 may be used to prompt the user to push the container 170 further in. Thereafter, the door 126 is closed, and the lock 136 is locked.

[0080] After the lock 136 is locked, the control unit 144 transmits a signal (receipt notification signal) to the logistics management server 107 via the transmission / reception unit 150 to notify that the product 166 has been removed by the user (S146). The logistics management server 107, which has received this receipt notification signal, further transmits the signal, or a signal containing similar content, to the seller server 105 (S148). This allows the seller 104 to confirm that the product has been received by the user. Note that a sensor or camera for determining the presence or absence of a product may be provided inside the main body 172 or inside the lid 174, and it may be confirmed that the product 166 has been removed by the user based on information obtained from the sensor or camera.

[0081] The above-mentioned flows are just examples and may be modified as appropriate. For example, before the container 170 storing the product 166 is delivered, the container ID and the box ID and locker ID associated therewith may be transmitted to the delivery box 120 in advance. Similarly, an authentication key generated by the logistics management server 107 may be transmitted to the delivery box 120 in advance, and authentication of the authentication key may be performed within the delivery box 120.

[0082] Alternatively, when the container 170 storing the product 166 is placed in the locker 124, the process may include reading information including the box ID displayed on the housing 122 or monitor 128 of the delivery box 120 with the information terminal 118, and transmitting a signal including this information (authentication request signal) from the information terminal 118 to the logistics management server 107. In this case, the logistics management server 107 that receives the authentication request signal performs authentication using the box ID of the delivery box 120 associated with the container ID and the box ID included in the authentication request signal. If the authentication is successful, the locker ID is transmitted to the delivery box 120, and the locks 136 of the lockers 124 corresponding to the locker IDs are sequentially unlocked by the control unit 144. At the same time, the container ID of the container 170 corresponding to the locker 124 may be displayed on the monitor 128 to notify the delivery person of the container 170 to be inserted.

[0083] 4-2. CtoC model The home delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to customer-to-customer transactions (personal transactions, CtoC model) that are different from the BtoC model described above. A home delivery method for the CtoC model using the home delivery system 100 will be described below. Note that a description of points that are the same or similar to the home delivery method for the BtoC model may be omitted.

[0084] FIG. 18(A) shows a schematic diagram of delivery system 100 when applied to a CtoC model. Here, a transaction is carried out between a first user and a second user using a first terminal 102-1 and a second terminal 102-2, respectively, with the first user being the seller and the second user being the buyer. This delivery system 100 includes a first delivery box 120-1 and a second delivery box 120-2 used by the first user and the second user, respectively, as well as a platform server 113 of a platform provider 112 and a logistics management server 107. In addition, an information terminal 118 operated by each delivery person may be included directly in delivery system 100 or as one of the components of logistics management server 107.

[0085] (1) From ordering to shipping An example of the flow of this home delivery method in the CtoC model is shown in Fig. 18(B). Although the flow in which the first user puts up the product 166 is omitted, the first user may specify in advance the home delivery box 120 or locker 124 for shipping the product 166 when putting up the product. At this time, multiple lockers 124 may be selected and priorities may be assigned at the same time.

[0086] The second user accesses the platform server 113 using the second terminal 102-2 and places an order for the product 166 on the platform (S150). At this time, the second user may specify the desired shipping date, as well as the second delivery box 120-2 to which the product 166 is to be delivered and its locker 124. Furthermore, the second user may select multiple lockers 124 and assign priorities to them at the same time. When the order is confirmed, a signal notifying that the order has been confirmed is transmitted from the platform server 113 to the first terminal 102-1 and the second terminal 102-2, respectively (S152, S154).

[0087] When the order is confirmed, the platform server 113 transmits a notification including the contents of the transaction to the logistics management server 107 (S156). The contents of the transaction may include the user IDs and addresses of the first and second users, the contents and quantity of the product, and the desired shipping date of the first or second user. The logistics management server 107 that receives this notification refers to the vacancy information of the locker 124 and the desired shipping date that are periodically transmitted from one or more delivery boxes 120, and provides the first terminal 102-1 with information on the delivery box 120 that has the locker 124 in which the empty container 170 is stored (S158). The first user may transmit a signal to the logistics management server 107 for selecting the delivery box 120 and the locker 124 based on this information (S160). If the first user specifies the priority order of the lockers 124, the logistics management server 107 may select the lockers 124 according to the priority order.

[0088] When the delivery box 120 (i.e., the first delivery box 120-1) and its locker 124 to be used for shipping the product 166 are determined, a notification including an authentication key for operating the first delivery box 120-1 is sent to the first terminal 102-1 directly or via the platform server 113 (S162). This notification may include the box ID of the first delivery box 120-1 and the locker ID of its locker 124. In addition to these operations, the logistics management server 107 checks the status of the logistics warehouse 106 required for temporary storage of the container 170 in which the product 166 is stored, and selects a vehicle for collecting the product 166 in consideration of the vehicle allocation status and the vehicle loading status. In addition, the logistics management server 107 sends delivery information to the second terminal 102-2 of the second user directly or via the platform server 113 (S164). The delivery information may include an authentication key used when the second user collects the product.

[0089] Each container 170 is assigned a container ID, which is read by the second reader 132. As a result, the ID of the empty container contained in the specified locker 124, the locker ID of the locker 124, the delivery ID of the first delivery box 120-1, the user ID, and the product 166 are associated with each other on the platform server 113.

[0090] When the first user stores the product 166 in the container 170, the received authentication key is displayed on the first terminal 102-1, and the authentication key is acquired by the first delivery box 120-1 via the first reader 130 (S166). If the authentication key is expressed as a password or a PIN, the input operation may be performed using a touch panel on the monitor 128, or a separately provided numeric keypad or keyboard.

[0091] When the authentication key is acquired by the delivery box 120, an authentication process is performed. This process is the same as that of the BtoC model, so a description thereof will be omitted. If the authentication is successful, the control unit 144 of the delivery box 120 operates the discharge control mechanism 134 in the first mode and releases the lock 136 of the locker 124 corresponding to the locker ID. This allows the first user to pull out the container 170 from the locker 124 and store the product 166 in the container 170 directly or after being packed in a flexible bag or the like (see FIG. 17). After storing the product 166, the locker 124 pushes the container 170 inward and closes the door 126 to lock the lock 136. As in the BtoC model, the control unit 144 determines whether the container 170 is completely stored in the locker 124 based on a signal from the sensor switch 142. Whether the product 166 has actually been stored may be confirmed based on information obtained from a sensor or camera provided inside the main body 172 or inside the lid 174.

[0092] Thereafter, the control unit 144 transmits a signal (storage completion notification signal) notifying the logistics management server 107 that the product 166 has been stored via the transmission / reception unit 150 (S168). Upon receiving this notification, the logistics management server 107 may notify the platform server 113 of the signal notifying that the user has shipped the product 166 (S170). Furthermore, the logistics management server 107 may transmit a signal to the first terminal 102-1 notifying that the product has been stored in a specified container 170 (S172).

[0093] (2) From container collection to product removal The container can be collected in various ways. For example, as described in the BtoC model delivery method, when the container 170 is stored in the first delivery box 120-1, information including the box ID displayed on the housing 122 or monitor 128 of the first delivery box 120-1 is read by the information terminal 118, and a signal including this information (authentication request signal) is transmitted from the information terminal 118 to the logistics management server 107 (S174). The logistics management server 107 that receives the authentication request signal performs an authentication operation. If the authentication is successful, the locker ID of the locker 124 that contains the container 170 containing the product 166 is transmitted to the first delivery box 120-1 (S176). Thereafter, the first delivery box 120-1 operates the locker 124 corresponding to the locker ID in the second mode and unlocks the lock 136 thereof in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 144.

[0094] Alternatively, as described in the BtoC model delivery method, if there is another container 170 to be stored in the first delivery box 120-1, the container ID of this container 170 is transferred to the first delivery box 120-1 (see FIG. 12(B), S120). At this time, as described above, a command requesting a box ID and locker ID corresponding to the container ID is sent to the logistics management server 107 (S122), and then the box ID and locker ID are sent to the first delivery box 120-1 (S124). In addition to these steps, it is sufficient to check on the logistics management server 107 whether the container 170 to be collected is stored in the first delivery box 120-1, and if it is stored, to send the locker ID in which the container 170 to be collected is stored to the first delivery box 120-1.

[0095] The delivery person collects the container 170. At this time, a new container 170 may be inserted into the locker 124. The newly stored container 170 may be an empty container or a container 170 in which other products are stored. The container ID of the newly stored container 170 is read by the second reader 132 and transmitted to the logistics management server 107 (S178). As a result, the container ID of the newly stored empty container 170, the box ID of the first delivery box 120-1, and the locker ID are associated on the logistics management server 107.

[0096] The container ID of the collected container 170 is read by the information terminal 118 and transmitted to the logistics management server 107 (S180). This allows the logistics management server 107 to confirm that the collected container 170 has been collected by a delivery person and that transportation has begun.

[0097] The collected containers 170 are transported to the logistics warehouse 106 and sorted and stored by delivery time, delivery box 120, or delivery destination. As explained for the BtoC model, the containers 170 used in this delivery method all have the same shape and size, so sorting and storage work can be performed safely in a small space. The collected containers 170 may be transported to the second delivery box 120-2 directly or via the hub 108 without being transported to the logistics warehouse 106.

[0098] The flow in which the collected container 170 is shipped from the logistics warehouse 106 and delivered to the second delivery box 120-2, and the flow in which the second user picks up the product 166 from the second delivery box 120-2 are similar to those in the BtoC model, so explanations will be omitted.

[0099] As described above, in the home delivery system and method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the product 166 is delivered using a dedicated container 170, and the container 170 is reused for home delivery. The size of the container 170 is also suitable for the product. Therefore, compared to conventional home delivery systems and methods that use packing materials such as cardboard and cushioning materials as consumables, the amount of waste can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, since all the containers 170 have the same shape and size, they are easy to handle and can be stacked compactly. Therefore, even if a small transport cart 164 or vehicle is used, a large number of containers 170 can be handled, and home delivery costs can be significantly reduced.

[0100] The above-described embodiments of the present invention may be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. In addition, a display device according to any of the embodiments may be combined as appropriate by a person skilled in the art to add or remove components or modify the design, or to add or omit steps or modify conditions, and the combination is included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the gist of the present invention.

[0101] Even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the aspects of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 100: Delivery system, 102: Terminal, 102-1: First terminal, 102-2: Second terminal, 104: Seller, 105: Seller server, 106: Logistics warehouse, 107: Logistics management server, 108: Hub, 110: Network, 112: Platform provider, 113: Platform server, 116: Scanner, 118: Information terminal, 120: Delivery box, 120-1: First delivery box, 120-2: Second delivery box, 122: Housing, 124: Locker, 126: Door, 128: Monitor, 130: First reader, 132: Second reader, 134: Discharge control mechanism, 136: Lock, 138: Guide, 14 0: audio output unit, 142: sensor switch, 144: control unit, 146: memory unit, 148: battery, 150: transmission / reception unit, 152: base, 154: wheels, 156: towing jig, 158: ventilation fan, 160: solar cell, 162: bag, 164: transport cart, 166: product, 168: mirror, 170: container, 170-1: container, 170-2: container, 172: main body, 172a: bottom plate, 172b: front plate, 172c: side plate, 172d: front plate, 174: lid, 174a: movable part, 174b: fixed part, 176: handle, 178: lock, 180: stopper, 182: tag, 184: protrusion, 186: trench, 190: hinge

Claims

1. A container stored in each of a plurality of lockers provided in a home delivery box into which parcels to be shipped are brought, the container comprising: a main body forming a space for storing the luggage; A lid connected to the body; A handle fixed to the body; and A container comprising a stopper for preventing the container from being completely removed from the locker.

2. A container as described in claim 1, wherein the stopper is configured to overlap with a discharge control mechanism provided in the locker when stored in the locker.

3. A container as described in claim 1 having a size that occupies more than 75% but less than 100% of the space of each of the plurality of lockers.

4. A container as described in claim 1, wherein the lid is configured to be removable from the main body.

5. The lid is A fixing portion fixed to the main body and overlapping the space; and a movable part connected to the fixed part via a hinge and overlapping with the space; The container according to claim 1 , wherein the movable portion is located closer to the handle than the fixed portion.

6. A container as described in claim 5, further having a mirror on the main body side of the movable part.

7. A container as described in claim 1, wherein the body has one or more trenches on a bottom surface.

8. A container as described in claim 7, wherein the lid is arranged parallel to the trench and has one or more convex portions that overlap the trench.

9. A container as described in claim 1, wherein the inner dimensions of the body are a length of 150 mm or more and 600 mm or less, a width of 100 mm or more and 500 mm or less, and a height of 50 mm or more and 150 mm or less.

10. A container as described in claim 1, wherein the handle side of the main body is at least partially transparent.

11. A container as described in claim 1, having a cushioning material on the inner surface of the body.

Images