Method and system for delivering deliveries

Abstract

To provide a method for delivering items while ensuring security for the items. [Solution] This delivery method includes a control device placed within a secure space where security is ensured against intrusion by unspecified persons associating a delivery item to be delivered to the secure space with an RFID tag (tag), and after the control device authenticates the user receiving the delivery item, a reader / writer connected to the control device sends an activation signal to the tag placed in the secure space together with the delivery item, the tag receiving the activation signal outputs light and / or sound, the reader / writer transmits a detection signal to detect the tag, and the tag receiving the detection signal transmits a response signal.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for delivering a delivery item and a delivery system for implementing the method. [Background technology]

[0002] When a delivery is made, the recipient may not be present. In this case, a method of delivery called "drop-off delivery" may be adopted as a method of avoiding redelivery of the delivery. This method is not to carry the delivery into a lockable locker, but rather to have the delivery delivered to a location designated by the recipient that is accessible to third parties, including the delivery person (for example, the front door, a garage, an unlocked storeroom, or a home delivery box). This not only relieves the recipient from the stress of being required to be at home, but also reduces the burden of redelivery for the delivery person. When the delivery is left at the address, there is a risk that the delivery may be stolen. For this reason, in order to prevent this problem, methods and systems have been proposed in recent years for leaving and delivering the delivery in a space where a certain level of security is ensured (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-64606 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7340308 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 method for delivering a delivery item and a system for implementing this method. Alternatively, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for delivering a delivery item that ensures security for the delivery item and is user-friendly, and a system for implementing this method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a method for delivering a delivery item, which includes a control device arranged in a secure space where security against intrusion by unspecified persons is ensured, associating a delivery item to be delivered to the secure space with an RFID tag, a first RFID reader / writer connected to the control device transmitting an activation signal to the RFID tag arranged in the secure space together with the delivery item after the control device authenticates a user who receives the delivery item, the RFID tag receiving the activation signal outputting light and / or sound, the first RFID reader / writer transmitting a detection signal for detecting the RFID tag, and the RFID tag receiving the detection signal transmitting a response signal.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is a delivery system for delivering deliveries. The system includes a control device, a delivery server communicatively connected to the control device, and a first RFID reader / writer. The control device is disposed in a security space where security against intrusion by unspecified persons is ensured. The first RFID reader / writer is connected to the control device and configured to read an RFID tag. The control device is configured to associate a delivery delivered to the security space with an RFID tag, authenticate a user who receives the delivery, and after authenticating the user, transmit an activation signal to the RFID tag via the first RFID reader / writer, transmit a detection signal for detecting the RFID tag via the first RFID reader / writer, and receive a response signal transmitted by the RFID tag in response to the detection signal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control device of the delivery system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an RFID tag used in a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an RFID tag used in a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a security space used in a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a storage unit that can be used in a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a storage unit that can be used in a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a collection box used in a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a collection box used in a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an RFID tag used in a 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 explained in the previous figures may be given the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations may be omitted. In addition, when referring to multiple elements having the same or similar functions, a reference numeral is used collectively, and when referring to these individually, a hyphen and a natural number are used after the reference numeral.

[0010] First Embodiment In this embodiment, a method for delivering a delivery item according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, also simply referred to as this delivery method) and a system for realizing this delivery method (hereinafter, also referred to as a delivery system) will be described. As described in detail below, in the delivery method according to this embodiment, the delivery item is left and delivered. However, the delivery item is not left and delivered at an arbitrary location, but is delivered to a space where a certain security level is ensured, and then the recipient who is to receive the delivery item or his / her representative (hereinafter, these will be collectively referred to as the user) receives the delivery item. In addition, when the delivery person of the delivery item places the delivery item in the security space, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification: identification information reading via radio frequency) tag (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the tag) is used to assist the user in receiving the delivery item. When the user receives the delivery item, the tag attached to the delivery item or placed near the delivery item is activated and notifies the user of the location of the delivery item by light, sound, and / or vibration. This allows the user to easily find and receive the delivery item.

[0011] 1. Delivery System A block diagram of the delivery system is shown in FIG. 1. The delivery system 100 includes, as a basic configuration, a delivery server 102 and a control device 110 that is communicatively connected to the delivery server 102 via a wide area network (hereinafter, referred to as a network) 106 such as the Internet. The control device 110 is installed in a security space that is the delivery destination of the delivery item. The delivery system 100 further includes an RFID reader / writer 130 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a reader / writer) that is connected to the control device 110 and controlled by the control device 110. As an optional configuration, the delivery system 100 may include an optical reader 132, a camera 134, a light emitting device 136, and a speaker 138 that are connected to the control device 110 and controlled by the control device 110. A user terminal 104 is connected to the network 106. These configurations will be described below. Although not shown, a portable delivery support terminal that is carried by a delivery person and supports the delivery work may be connected to the network 106.

[0012] (1) Distribution server and user terminal The delivery server 102 is a device with a computing function and a communication function, and may be a personal computer, but is preferably an application server with a higher speed computing function. Although not shown, a database is connected to the delivery server 102. As the database, various types of databases such as a hierarchical database, a network database, and a relational database can be adopted. The delivery server 102 is managed, for example, by a company that delivers the delivery items or a company that manages this delivery system 100, and manages and tracks the delivery items and tags 140 by receiving various signals from the control device 110 installed in each security space.

[0013] The user terminal 104 is a communication terminal owned, managed, and / or used by a user who uses this delivery method, and examples of the user terminal 104 include a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook type or a desktop type personal computer, etc. Preferably, a smartphone, a tablet, or a notebook type personal computer, which are portable communication terminals, is used as the user terminal 104. (2) Control device The control device 110 is a communication information terminal having a communication function, a calculation function, and an information display function. For example, the control device 110 can be configured by a communication information terminal such as a desktop computer or a tablet. As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the control device 110 includes a control unit 112, a storage unit 114, a display unit 116, an input unit 118, and a transmission / reception unit 120 controlled by the control unit 112. The control device 110 may further include an imaging unit 122 and an audio output unit 124 controlled by the control unit 112. The control unit 112 is connected to a reader / writer 130 via an interface (not shown), and an optical reader 132, a camera 134, a light emitting device 136, a speaker 138, and the like may be connected to the control unit 112 via an interface.

[0014] The control unit 112 has a central processing unit and controls the entire control device 110. The storage unit 114 is a device configured to store basic application software for operating the control device 110 and applications that define the operation of the control unit 112, as well as the results of calculations by the control unit 112, information acquired by the reader / writer 130 and optical reader 132, images acquired by the imaging unit 122, and the like. The storage unit 114 can be configured, for example, by a main storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM), and / or an external storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory.

[0015] The display unit 116 functions as an auxiliary device for inputting information into the control device 110 and / or an information providing device for providing various information to a delivery person or a user. For example, a liquid crystal display module or an organic electroluminescence display module can be used as the display unit 116.

[0016] The input unit 118 is a component for inputting information to the control device 110, and may be composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a pointer, a numeric keypad, etc. Alternatively, the input unit 118 may be composed of a touch sensor module mounted on the display unit 116. By providing the input unit 118, it is possible to accept information input by a delivery person or a user.

[0017] The transmitting / receiving unit 120 is configured to communicate at least with the delivery server 102 via the network 106, and can be configured by appropriately combining known transmitting modules and receiving modules.

[0018] The imaging unit 122 is a component for acquiring an image, and may be configured, for example, by a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) element. Alternatively, the imaging unit 122 may be configured by a photosensor provided in the pixel of a liquid crystal display module or an organic electroluminescent display module that constitutes the display unit 116. By providing the imaging unit 122, it is possible to acquire biometric information of the user (face, fingerprint, palm print, etc.) and to read various information displayed on the user terminal 104. Furthermore, since various information expressed by barcodes, matrix type two-dimensional codes, etc. can be optically read, it is possible to read an identifier (tag identifier) ​​attached to a tag, an identifier (delivery identifier) ​​attached directly or indirectly to a delivery, etc. For this reason, the control device 110 can associate the tag identifier and the delivery identifier read by the imaging unit 122 on the control unit 112, and transmit the fact that they have been associated to the delivery server 102 via the transmission / reception unit 120. By associating the tag identifier and the delivery identifier with each other, the delivery and the tag 140 corresponding to it are associated.

[0019] The audio output unit 124 is a speaker, and can be configured to output various sounds (e.g., warning sounds, warning messages, guidance messages, and other sounds) stored in the memory unit 114 in accordance with commands from the control unit 112. This can assist the delivery work of the delivery person and the receipt of the delivery by the user. For example, the audio output unit 124 can be configured to output, as audio, a method for the user to receive the delivery or a method for the delivery person to place the delivery, or to output a warning sound or a warning message when the user or the delivery person makes an incorrect operation on the delivery system 100.

[0020] (3) Reader / Writer The reader / writer 130 operates according to commands from the control device 110. Specifically, it is a device that has a function of reading information stored in the tag 140, such as a tag identifier, and transmitting it to the control device 110, as well as transmitting and receiving various signals between the tag 140. The reader / writer 130 has a built-in and / or external antenna, and communicates with the tag 140 by receiving and transmitting radio waves via this antenna. The frequency of the radio waves used may be appropriately selected depending on the size of the security space, the scale of the facility in which the security space is provided, the material of the storage shed in which the delivery is placed, etc., and may be appropriately selected from frequencies in the 300 MHz band, 430 MHz band, or 2.45 GHz band.

[0021] (4) Optical Reader The optical reader 132, which is an optional component, is a device for optically reading various codes such as barcodes and matrix type two-dimensional codes, and is configured to transmit the read information to the control device 110 according to an instruction from the control device 110. For this reason, it is possible to read tag identifiers, delivery item identifiers, delivery personnel identifiers attached to IDs owned by delivery personnel, etc. If the control device 110 does not have an imaging unit 122, or if the imaging function of the imaging unit 122 is insufficient, the optical reader 132 can be provided to quickly read these identifiers and provide them to the control device 110.

[0022] Note that a part of the functions of the optical reader 132 may be realized by the delivery support terminal. That is, a delivery support terminal equipped with an optical reader may be used to read tag identifiers, delivery item identifiers, delivery personnel identifiers, etc., and the read identifiers may be transmitted to the control device 110 and / or the delivery server 102 via the network 106.

[0023] (5) Camera The camera 134, which is an optional configuration, is configured to acquire an image (still image or video) of the security space. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the camera 134 is connected to the control device 110. In this case, the acquired image may be stored in the storage unit 114 of the control device 110, or may be constantly or periodically transmitted from the control device 110 to the delivery server. However, the camera 134 does not necessarily have to be connected to the control device 110. For example, the image acquired by the camera 134 may be transmitted to the delivery server 102 using the network 106 without going through the control device 110. By using the image acquired by the camera 134, the security in the security space can be improved. For example, when fraudulent receipt or theft of a delivery, theft of the tag 140, or the like occurs, the image acquired by the camera 134 may be used. This can improve the user's reliability of the delivery system 100.

[0024] (6) Light-emitting devices and speakers The light emitting device 136 and the speaker 138 are arranged at any position in the security space. For example, the light emitting device 136 and the speaker 138 may be attached to a storage (described later) installed in the security space. The light emitting device 136 is controlled by the control device 110, and is configured to emit light when it is necessary to alert a user or a delivery person according to a command from the control device 110. Similarly, the speaker 138 is also controlled by the control device 110, and is configured to output various sounds stored in the memory unit 114 of the control device 110 when informing a user or a delivery person of how to receive or deliver a delivery item and / or when it is necessary to alert a user or a delivery person.

[0025] 2. Tags As described above, in the delivery system 100 and the delivery method using the same, the tag 140 is used to assist the user in receiving the delivery. A schematic perspective view and a functional block diagram of the tag 140 are shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, respectively. The tag 140 is an active wireless communication device, and includes an antenna 150, a battery 152, a light-emitting element 154, a speaker 156, and the like, together with a control circuit 148, in a housing 142. Although not shown, a vibrator may be provided in the housing 142. Also, a stop button 146 for stopping the operation of the light-emitting element 154, the speaker 156, and / or the vibrator may be provided. A tag identifier 144 for identifying each tag 140 is attached to the housing 142. The tag identifier 144 may be a combination of specific symbols, numbers, alphabets, and the like, or may be a barcode or a matrix type two-dimensional code.

[0026] The antenna 150 is provided for receiving signals transmitted from the reader / writer 130 and for transmitting various signals. The signals received by the antenna 150 are processed by the control circuit 148, which then gives commands corresponding to the signals to the battery 152, the light emitting element 154, the speaker 156, etc.

[0027] Battery 152 is controlled by control circuit 148 and provides power for operation of tag 140. Battery 152 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery that can be recharged multiple times, such as a lithium battery.

[0028] The light emitting element 154 is an organic or inorganic electroluminescent element that is controlled by the control circuit 148 and emits light using power supplied from the battery 152. The light emitting element 154 may emit light continuously at a constant brightness in accordance with a command from the control circuit 148, or may be configured to blink at any interval. The light emitting element 154 may also emit light in various colors in accordance with a command from the control circuit 148.

[0029] The speaker 156 is also controlled by the control circuit 148 and is configured to output sounds (such as warning sounds and voice messages) stored in the control circuit 148 in accordance with commands from the control circuit 148 .

[0030] The stop button 146 is a switch for stopping the operation of the light-emitting element 154, the speaker 156, and / or the vibrator, and the control circuit 148 is configured so that the operation of the light-emitting element 154, the speaker 156, and / or the vibrator is stopped by operating the stop button 146. The control circuit 148 may also be configured to transmit a reception signal (described later) including its own tag identifier to the reader / writer 130 when the stop button 146 is operated.

[0031] 3. Delivery method of the item A method of delivering a delivery item to a secure space using the delivery system 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. The delivery item here is any item that the user intends to receive, such as a product or parcel delivered to the user. More specifically, the delivery item may be a product purchased at a physical store such as a general retail store such as a supermarket or department store, a liquor store, a dry cleaning store, a restaurant or coffee shop, a fast food restaurant, a bookstore, a stationery store, or a drug store that handles cosmetics and medicines, a product ordered using Ecomast, or a parcel that is transferred to the user by a third party for free or for a fee. The product may be a rental product (for example, rental shoes, rental costumes, rental bags, etc.). Alternatively, the delivery item may be a product whose ownership has not yet been transferred to the user. In this case, the user may receive the product and make payment for the product by using the collection operation of the tag 140 described later as a trigger.

[0032] (1) Delivery of items First, a delivery item is delivered by a delivery person. As described above, the delivery item is not left at a location arbitrarily selected by the delivery person, but is delivered to a secure space. A locking mechanism is provided in the secure space to ensure a certain level of security. By providing a locking mechanism, a space that is not intended to be used as a facility for leaving and delivering deliveries can be constructed as a space for leaving and delivering deliveries. This makes it possible to construct the delivery system 100 at low cost.

[0033] 6, the security space 160 is a space in which a lockable door 162 is provided as a locking mechanism, and a user unlocks the security space 160 using a specific code such as a PIN, a key, a magnetic card, an ID card such as an identification card equipped with an integrated circuit (IC) chip, or the like. Alternatively, the security space 160 may be configured to lock and unlock the locking mechanism using biometric information such as the user's face, fingerprint, palm print, or the like.

[0034] Alternatively, if an entry restriction is imposed on the site or building itself in which the security space 160 is located, the entry restriction may be used as a locking mechanism for the security space 160. For example, if entry restriction is imposed at the gate of the site or building based on information about the user stored in a magnetic card or IC chip, the gate may be used as a locking mechanism. Therefore, an open space within the site or building can be used as the security space 160.

[0035] For this reason, the security space 160 is provided in a facility where users are restricted. For example, the security space 160 is provided in the site or building of a collective housing such as an apartment building, a company, an educational facility, a medical institution, a nursing facility, or the like, or in the site or building of various facilities such as sports facilities, commercial facilities, and entertainment facilities where users are restricted. In this case, the user is a person who belongs to a group related to the various facilities in which the security space 160 is provided and has a verified identity. For example, when the security space 160 is provided in a collective housing, the user is a resident of the collective housing. When the security space 160 is provided in the site or building of a company, an educational facility, a medical institution, a nursing facility, or the like, the user is a servant or employee of the facility. When the security space 160 is provided in the site or building of various facilities such as sports facilities, commercial facilities, and entertainment facilities, the user is a servant or employee of the facility, and a user who has been permitted to use the facility in advance.

[0036] The delivery items placed in the security space 160 are placed so that multiple users can access them without any restrictions. In other words, the security space 160 is configured so that once a user enters the security space 160, the user can access the delivery items placed in the security space 160 without any restrictions. Therefore, for example, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the delivery items are placed in the security space 160 and placed in a storage 164 such as a shelf (rack), a platform, or a desk that does not have partitions or walls. Alternatively, the delivery items may be placed on the floor of the security space 160. Although not shown, the storage 164 may be provided with an unlocked door. However, preferably, the door is configured to transmit at least a part of the light from the tag 140 and / or transmit at least a part of the sound. Note that the antenna of the reader / writer 130 may be incorporated in the storage 164 itself. This allows the radio waves emitted from the reader / writer 130 to be transmitted to the entire storage 164.

[0037] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, a delivery box having one or more lockers each equipped with a door 166 may be provided in the security space 160 as a storage 164, and one or more deliveries may be placed in each locker. In this case, the lockers are not locked. That is, each locker does not have a locking mechanism or does not use a locking mechanism. When a locker equipped with a door 166 is used, a cooling device may be connected to the locker to function as a refrigerator or freezer. Alternatively, an existing refrigerator or freezer may be used as the storage 164. This allows deliveries that require low-temperature management to be stored at an appropriate temperature. Preferably, the door 166 is configured to transmit at least a portion of the light from the tag 140 or to transmit at least a portion of the sound.

[0038] Those who can access each security space 160 are limited to users and delivery personnel who are permitted to enter the security space 160. Therefore, even in an environment where all users can access deliveries placed and delivered in the security space 160 without any restrictions, unspecified third parties cannot access the security space 160, so sufficient security can be ensured. In addition, since the identities of users and delivery personnel are known, an environment can be created where malicious intent such as intentionally receiving deliveries addressed to other users is difficult to act. Furthermore, since there is no need for highly functional storage facilities such as lockable lockers, sensors for detecting deliveries, and home delivery boxes equipped with communication functions, etc., it is possible to configure the security space 160 and the storage 164 installed there at low cost by appropriately using existing spaces and simple storage 164.

[0039] Furthermore, in a conventional delivery method using a home delivery box with lockable lockers, if all the lockers are in use, the delivery cannot be delivered and redelivery is forced. However, in this delivery method, since a storage unit 164 without partitions can be used, there are no partitions that restrict the placement of the delivery. Also, moving of delivery items that have already been delivered is permitted. Therefore, delivery items can be placed efficiently, and as a result, storage efficiency is improved significantly. This significantly reduces the possibility of redelivery being forced, making it possible to reduce delivery costs and save on human resources required for delivery.

[0040] (2) Associating a delivery with a tag When the delivery item is delivered to the security space 160, the delivery item and the tag 140 are associated with each other. Specifically, the image capturing unit 122 or the optical reader 132 of the control device 110 is used to read the delivery item identifier attached to the delivery item. The delivery item identifier may be a barcode or a matrix type two-dimensional code. If the delivery item identifier is given with symbols, numbers, alphabets, or the like, the authentication code of the delivery item may be input using the input unit 118 of the control device 110. In this way, the delivery item identifier is acquired and stored temporarily or for a certain period of time in the memory unit 114 of the control device 110.

[0041] Furthermore, the tag identifier of the tag 140 to be associated with each delivery is read. Specifically, first, the tag 140 stored in the collection box 170 arranged in the security space 160 is removed (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 9, the collection box 170 has a housing 172, and an insertion port 172a for inserting the tag 140 is provided in the housing 172. The collection box 170 may or may not have a locking mechanism. In the former case, the delivery person can remove the tag 140 through the insertion port 172a or by opening a door 174 attached to the housing 172.

[0042] In the case where the delivery person has a locking mechanism, the door 174 may be unlocked using a physical key that has been distributed to the delivery person in advance or that has been temporarily provided to the delivery person. Alternatively, the control device 110 and the collection box 170 may be configured to use a collection box 170 that is communicatively connected to the control device 110, read the biometric authentication of the delivery person using the imaging unit 122 of the control device 110, compare the biometric information of the delivery person stored in advance in the storage unit 114, and open the door 174 when they match. Alternatively, the control device 110, the delivery server 102, and the collection box 170 may be configured to transmit the biometric information of the delivery person read by the control device 110 to the delivery server 102, compare the biometric information of the delivery person stored in advance in the database of the delivery server 102 on the delivery server 102, and open the door 174 according to a command transmitted from the delivery server 102 when they match. Alternatively, the delivery server 102, the control device 110, and the collection box 170 may be configured to read the delivery person identifier using the imaging unit 122 or the optical reader 132 of the control device 110, compare it with the delivery person's authentication code stored in advance in the storage unit 114 or the database of the delivery server 102, and open the door 174 when they match. If the authentication of the delivery person fails, a message to notify the fact may be displayed on the display unit 116, and / or a sound to notify the failure of the authentication may be output using the audio output unit 124 or the speaker 138. At this time, the light emitting device 136 may be turned on. By providing a locking mechanism to the collection box 170, a deterrent effect against theft of the tag 140 can be created.

[0043] After removing the tag 140, the tag identifier 144 (see FIG. 3) attached to the tag 140 is read using the imaging unit 122 or the optical reader 132. If the tag identifier 144 is attached using symbols, numbers, alphabets, or the like, the tag identifier 144 of the tag 140 may be input using the input unit 118 of the control device 110. In this way, the tag identifier that identifies each tag 140 is obtained and stored temporarily or for a certain period in the memory unit 114 of the control device 110.

[0044] The control unit 112 of the control device 110 associates these delivery item identifiers with the tag identifiers, and these identifiers and a signal indicating that these identifiers are associated are transmitted from the control device 110 to the delivery server 102.

[0045] Through the above operations, each delivery item is associated with its corresponding tag 140. At this time, the status of the tag 140 may be changed on the delivery server 102. For example, the status of the tag 140 is changed from "on standby" to "in use." The control device 110 may also transmit a status change signal including the tag identifier of the associated tag 140 to the tag 140. The control circuit 148 of the tag 140 that receives the status change signal determines whether its own tag identifier is included in the status change signal, and if so, changes the status. For example, the status is changed from "on standby" to "in use."

[0046] (3) Sending delivery completion notification and receipt request notification When the delivery item and the tag 140 are associated, the control device 110 transmits a delivery completion notification to the delivery server 102. This allows the delivery server 102 to recognize that the delivery item has been properly delivered and associated with the tag 140. On the delivery server 102, the delivery item identifier and the tag identifier are associated with the identifier of the user who will receive the delivery item. Note that a signal transmitted from the control device 110, which includes the delivery item identifier and the tag identifier and indicates that they are associated, may be used as the delivery completion notification.

[0047] Thereafter, the delivery server 102 generates a receipt request notification to notify the user that the delivery has been completed, and transmits this to the user terminal 104 via the network 106. This receipt request notification includes text and / or a figure to inform the user that the delivery of the delivery has been completed, and may further include an authentication code for authenticating the user when receiving the delivery. The authentication code at this time may be a combination of symbols, numbers, alphabets, etc., or may be a barcode or a matrix type two-dimensional code. This allows the user to recognize that the delivery has been delivered. The authentication code is also stored in a database. The delivery server 102 may also transmit this authentication code to the control device 110. In the control device 110, the authentication code is stored in the memory unit 114.

[0048] (4) Tag and package placement Thereafter, the delivery item is placed in the security space 160 by the delivery person. The delivery item may be placed in the storage 164 or on the floor of the security space 160 based on the size, weight, nature, etc. of the delivery item. At this time, the tag 140 associated with each delivery item is placed together with the delivery item. For example, the tag 140 may be placed on the delivery item, or the tag 140 may be fixed to the delivery item using a fastener such as a clip, tape, or string. Alternatively, the tag 140 may simply be placed near the delivery item. Alternatively, the delivery item and the tag 140 may be stored in a tray (not shown). With the above operations, the delivery of the delivery item is completed.

[0049] 4. How to receive your delivery Next, a method for a user to receive a delivery will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0050] (1) User authentication First, the user is authenticated. For example, the user is authenticated by reading the authentication code transmitted to the user terminal 104 with the imaging unit 122 or optical reader 132 of the control device 110, or by inputting the authentication code using the input unit 118. The control device 110 transmits the read or input authentication code to the delivery server 102. If the received authentication code matches the authentication code stored in the database, the delivery server 102 determines that the user has been correctly authenticated. Then, the tag identifier associated with the authentication code is transmitted to the control device 110. If the user cannot be correctly authenticated, the delivery server 102 transmits a rejection signal to the control device 110, and the control device 110 may display necessary information on the display unit 116 according to an instruction contained in the rejection signal, and / or may notify the user that the authentication has failed using the audio output unit 124. Furthermore, the light-emitting device 136 and / or the speaker 138 may notify the user that the authentication has failed.

[0051] The authentication of the user using the authentication code may be performed on the control device 110. For example, the control device 110 may compare the read or input authentication code with the authentication code stored in the memory unit 114, and if they match, determine that the user has been correctly authenticated. The authentication result may then be transmitted from the control device 110 to the delivery server 102.

[0052] The authentication of the user is not limited to the authentication code displayed on the user terminal 104, but may be an authentication code printed on the delivery notice that is placed in the mailbox when the delivery is delivered. Alternatively, an authentication code that can be downloaded from a site printed on the delivery notice may be used.

[0053] Alternatively, the user may be authenticated using the user's biometric information. Specifically, the user may be authenticated by acquiring the user's biometric information using the imaging unit 122 of the control device 110 and comparing it with the user's biometric information previously stored in the storage unit 114. If the user identifier is not stored in the storage unit 114, after the control device 110 correctly authenticates the user, the control device 110 may request the user identifier from the delivery server 102, and the delivery server 102 may transmit the tag identifier associated with the user identifier to the control device 110 in response to this request.

[0054] Alternatively, the biometric information may be collated on the delivery server 102, not on the control device 110. That is, the biometric information of the user acquired by the imaging unit 122 may be transmitted to the delivery server 102, and collated on the delivery server 102 with the biometric information of the user previously stored in the database of the delivery server 102. If the user is correctly authenticated on the delivery server 102, the delivery server 102 transmits a tag identifier associated with the user identifier to the control device 110. If the authentication fails, as described above, a rejection signal is transmitted to the control device 110, and the control device 110 may display necessary information on the display unit 116 according to the command contained in the rejection signal, and / or may notify the user of the failure of the authentication using the audio output unit 124, the light emitting device 136, the speaker 138, or the like.

[0055] Alternatively, the user may be authenticated by unlocking a door 162 provided as a locking mechanism for the security space 160. That is, when the user unlocks the security space 160 using a key, a magnetic card, an ID card such as an identification card equipped with an integrated circuit (IC) chip, or the like, it may be determined that the user has been correctly authenticated. In this case, information on the key, magnetic card, or ID card is stored in advance in the storage unit 114 and associated with the user identifier. Also, an unlocking device 168 for inserting a key or reading a magnetic card or ID card is provided outside the security space 160 (see FIG. 6) and connected to the control device 110. When the unlocking device 168 is operated, the door 162 opens and a signal is sent to the control device 110 to notify that user authentication has been completed. Upon receiving this signal, the control device 110 may request the delivery server 102 to send a signal requesting a tag identifier together with the user identifier associated with the information on the key, magnetic card, or ID card sent from the unlocking device 168. The delivery server 102 sends the corresponding tag identifier to the control device 110 in accordance with this request.

[0056] Through the above process, the user is authenticated. Once the user is authenticated, the status of the tag 140 may be changed on the delivery server 102. For example, the status of the tag 140 is changed from "in use" to "on call."

[0057] (2) Activating the tag and receiving the delivery When the user is properly authenticated, the control device 110 activates the tag 140 associated with the delivery of the user. Specifically, the control device 110 transmits a command to activate the tag 140 to the reader / writer 130, and the reader / writer 130 transmits an activation signal including the tag identifier of the corresponding tag 140. When the control circuit 148 of the tag 140 receives the activation signal, it determines whether or not its own tag identifier is included in the activation signal. If its own tag identifier is included, the tag 140 operates using power from the battery 152 according to the command of the control circuit 148. Specifically, the tag 140 outputs light using the light-emitting element 154, or outputs a sound stored in the control circuit 148 from the speaker 156 without emitting light from the light-emitting element 154. Alternatively, the tag 140 may output light and sound at the same time. If the tag 140 has a vibrator, the vibrator may be further activated to vibrate the tag 140 itself.

[0058] At this time, the control device 110 may transmit a status change signal including the tag identifier of the tag 140 to be activated together with the activation signal. Alternatively, the control device 110 may be configured to transmit an activation signal including a status change command. When the tag 140 receives the status change signal or receives an activation signal including a status change command, the control circuit 148 determines whether its own tag identifier is included in the signal, and if so, changes its status. For example, the status may be changed from "in use" to "calling".

[0059] As described above, the delivery is placed on the floor of the storage 164 or security space 160, which does not have partitions or walls, and therefore the placement position of the delivery is not specified within the security space 160. For this reason, depending on the size of the security space 160, the amount of delivery to be delivered, the packaging method, etc., the user may not be able to easily find his / her delivery. This causes great stress for the user. However, in this delivery method, the tag 140 is activated to perform operations such as emitting light, emitting sound, and / or vibrating, so that the user can quickly find and receive the delivery to be received by the light or sound.

[0060] As described above, in this delivery method, products whose ownership has not yet been transferred to the user can also be delivered as deliveries. In this case, after the user is authenticated, the user uses the input unit 118 to request the display unit 116 to display the products. The control device 110 displays the products on the display unit 116 according to the input from the user. When the user selects a product using the input unit 118, the control unit 112 transmits an activation signal for activating the tag 140 associated with the product via the reader / writer 130. This activates the tag 140 placed together with the product, allowing the user to easily find and receive the desired product.

[0061] (3) Sending a receipt completion notification and collecting the tag When the delivery is received, the tag 140 is no longer necessary for the user and is collected. For example, the operation of the tag 140 is stopped using the stop button 146. When the tag 140 is configured to transmit a receipt signal by operating the stop button 146, the control device 110 may be configured to transmit a receipt completion notification to the delivery server 102 when the receipt signal is received via the reader / writer 130. This makes it possible to know on the delivery server 102 that the delivery has been received by the user simply by requesting the user to perform the extremely simple operation of operating the stop button 146. Thereafter, the tag 140 is dropped into the collection box 170. This allows the tag 140 to be collected.

[0062] In the case where the stop button 146 is not provided on the tag 140, the control device 110 may be configured to stop the operation of the tag 140 by reading the identifier of the tag 140 and transmit a receipt completion notification to the delivery server 102. Specifically, the tag identifier of the tag 140 is read using the imaging unit 122 or the optical reader 132 of the control device 110. When the tag identifier of the activated tag 140 (i.e., the tag 140 whose status is "calling") is read, the control device 110 transmits a stop signal to the tag 140 via the reader / writer 130 to stop the operation of the tag 140, and transmits a receipt completion notification to the delivery server 102. At this time, the control device 110 may display a method for reading the tag 140, etc., on the display unit 116 to assist the user's operation. After that, the tag 140 is inserted into the collection box 170, and collection of the tag 140 is completed.

[0063] Through the above process, the user receives the delivery and collects the tag 140. When a receipt completion notification is received, the status of the tag 140 may be changed on the delivery server 102. For example, the status of the tag 140 is changed from "calling" back to "waiting". The tag 140 may be configured so that when the stop button 146 is operated, the status is changed according to a command from the control circuit 148. When the operation of the tag 140 is stopped by reading the identifier of the tag 140, the control device 110 may be configured to send a status change signal to the tag 140 including a command to change the status to "waiting" if the status is "calling".

[0064] In addition, when delivering a product whose ownership has not been transferred to the user, payment can be initiated by delivery server 102 after receiving notification of receipt, in accordance with the payment method previously registered in the database of delivery server 102.

[0065] As described above, in this delivery method, the tag 140 associated with the delivery is placed in the storage 164 of the security space 160 together with the delivery. Therefore, when the user authentication is completed, the tag 140 operates, and the user can easily find his / her delivery. In other words, the delivery can be received promptly without stress. In addition, after receiving the delivery, a receipt completion notice can be sent to the delivery server 102 with a simple operation, so there is no need to provide a sensor or the like in the storage 164 for determining whether or not the delivery is present. Therefore, the storage 164 does not require a complex device or mechanism that is provided in a home delivery box that is widely used in apartment buildings today. This means that the delivery system can be constructed at low cost, which can be said to contribute to reducing delivery costs.

[0066] Furthermore, when a user receives his / her own delivery, the user is motivated to stop the tag 140, which can encourage the user to perform the above-mentioned collection operation of the tag 140. This can prevent the user from intentionally or unintentionally taking away the tag 140 with the delivery, which promotes the reuse of the tag 140. It can be said that such a feature also contributes to reducing delivery costs.

[0067] 5. How to prevent tags from getting lost As described above, in this delivery method, measures are taken to prevent the user from intentionally or unintentionally taking away the tag 140 along with the delivery. However, to further strongly prevent the tag 140 from being stolen by a third party, a means for preventing loss of the tag 140 may be taken. A flowchart showing the means for preventing loss of the tag 140 is shown in FIG.

[0068] Specifically, the control device 110 is configured to transmit a signal (detection signal) for detecting the tag 140 to the tag 140. This detection signal is transmitted via the reader / writer 130. The detection signal is transmitted periodically or periodically, and the transmission interval is also set appropriately (for example, from 1 second to 10 minutes or from 1 second to 1 minute). The detection signal may include an identifier of the tag 140. For example, the detection signal may include identifiers of all tags 140 used in the security space 160, or may include identifiers of some of the tags 140. For example, since the collected tag 140 is in a lockable collection box 170, a detection signal including identifiers of other tags 140, that is, tags 140 placed in the security space 160 together with the delivery, may be used. Alternatively, a detection signal including the status of the tag 140 (for example, a status of "in use" or "on call") may be transmitted.

[0069] When tag 140 receives a detection signal, it generates a response signal in response to the detection signal in accordance with instructions from control circuit 148 and transmits it to reader / writer 130. If the detection signal includes the tag identifier of tag 140, tag 140 may be configured not to transmit a response signal when it receives a detection signal that does not include its own tag identifier, but to transmit a response signal when it receives a detection signal that includes its own tag identifier. If the detection signal includes a status, tag 140's control circuit 148 may be configured to transmit a response signal when its own status matches the status in the detection signal.

[0070] By receiving this response signal, the control device 110 can confirm that all tags 140 or tags 140 intended to be detected are present within communication distance, i.e., within the security space 160. This allows the control device 110 to confirm that the tags 140 have not been lost and are being used appropriately within the security space 160. Furthermore, by including the tag identifier and / or status of the tag 140 in the response signal, it is also possible to identify the tag 140 located within the security space 160. The control circuit 148 that has received the response signal continues to transmit a detection signal periodically or periodically.

[0071] On the other hand, if a response signal cannot be received for a certain period of time that is arbitrarily set (for example, 1 to 10 minutes, 1 to 5 minutes, etc.), it is determined that the tag 140 has been taken out of the secure space. Therefore, the control device 110 is configured to transmit a lost signal including the identifier of the tag 140 that did not transmit a response signal to the delivery server 102 if a response signal cannot be received for a certain period of time. This makes it possible for the delivery server 102 to know that the tag 140 has been lost and to identify the lost tag 140. When the delivery server 102 receives the lost signal, it may change the status of the corresponding tag 140 to "lost."

[0072] In this delivery method, a return request notice may be sent to the user terminal 104 to prompt the user who took out the tag 140 to return the tag 140. Specifically, the delivery server 102 may be configured to identify a user identifier associated with the identifier of the lost tag 140 and send a return request notice to the user terminal 104 using the address of the user terminal 104 registered in the database. The user who receives the return request notice may return to the security space 160 and insert the tag 140 into the collection box 170. Since the tag 140 inserted into the collection box 170 is located within the communication range of the reader / writer 130, the response signal transmitted by the tag 140 in response to the detection signal is received by the control device 110. The control device 110 is configured to determine that the return is complete when it receives the response signal after transmitting the loss signal, and to transmit a return completion notice to the delivery server 102. This allows the return of the tag 140 to be grasped on the delivery server 102. When the delivery server 102 receives the return completion notification, it may change the status of the corresponding tag 140 to "waiting."

[0073] Furthermore, in this delivery method, a function for preventing loss may also be provided to the tag 140. A flowchart for explaining this function is shown in FIG.

[0074] Specifically, the tag 140 is configured not only to receive a detection signal and transmit a response signal, but also to change its own status (e.g., to "lost") and operate (i.e., output light, output sound, and / or vibrate) if it cannot receive a detection signal for a certain period of time (e.g., 1 minute or more and 10 minutes or less, or 1 minute or more and 5 minutes or less) that is set arbitrarily. In this case, the tag 140 may be configured so that when the status is "lost", the operation of the tag 140 does not stop even if the stop button 146 is operated, and the operation continues until a detection signal is received again. Alternatively, the tag 140 may be configured so that the operation is temporarily stopped by the operation of the stop button 146, but that it operates again if it cannot receive a detection signal even after a certain period of time (e.g., 10 minutes or more and 1 hour, etc.) has passed. By configuring the tag 140 in this way, the user can easily find the tag 140. Furthermore, it is possible to urge not only users before receiving the return request notice or users before noticing the return request notice, but also third parties who do not receive the return request notice to return the tag 140.

[0075] Thereafter, when the tag 140 is returned to the collection box 170, the tag 140 can receive the detection signal. Therefore, by receiving the response signal, the control device 110 can know that the return of the tag 140 is complete. Furthermore, by configuring the control device 110 to transmit a return completion notification to the delivery server 102 when a response signal is received from the tag 140 whose status is "lost", and to transmit a stop signal or a status change signal to the tag 140, the delivery server 102 can know that the lost tag 140 has been collected, and the operation of the tag 140 can be stopped and its status can be changed (for example, to "on standby"). The tag 140 may be configured to stop operation when a detection signal is received while the status is "lost".

[0076] As described above, by applying the delivery system 100 and the delivery method according to one embodiment of the present invention, safe delivery is possible, and the security of the delivery item can be ensured, while the burden on the delivery person is reduced, and the delivery cost resulting therefrom can be reduced. In addition, the delivery item can be arranged using a simple storage 164 without partitions, etc., so that efficient delivery is possible. Furthermore, since the tag 140 supports the discovery of the delivery item, the user can quickly discover and receive the delivery item without feeling stressed. In addition, the collection of the tag 140 and the transmission of the receipt completion notification do not impose a large burden on the user. Therefore, it can be said that this delivery method is a user-friendly delivery method. Furthermore, since the loss or theft of the tag 140 can be effectively suppressed and prevented, an increase in delivery costs due to the loss or theft of the tag 140 can also be prevented.

[0077] <Second embodiment> In this embodiment, a modified example of the delivery system 100 and delivery method described in the first embodiment will be described. By using this modified example, it is possible to further reduce the burden on the user when collecting the tag 140. Descriptions of configurations that are the same as or similar to those described in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0078] 1. Variation 1 As shown in FIG. 13, in the delivery system 100 according to this modification, in addition to the above-mentioned reader / writer 130 (hereinafter, the first reader / writer 130-1), one more active type RFID reader / writer (hereinafter, the second reader / writer 130-2) is used. Like the first reader / writer 130-1, the second reader / writer 130-2 is also connected to the control device 110 and operates according to the command of the control device 110. The specifications (communication distance, output, frequency of radio waves used, etc.) of the second reader / writer 130-2 may be the same as or different from those of the first reader / writer 130-1. In the latter case, for example, the communication distance and radio wave transmission output of the second reader / writer 130-2 may be smaller than those of the first reader / writer 130-1.

[0079] Like the first reader / writer 130-1, the second reader / writer 130-2 is also placed in the security space 160. However, unlike the first reader / writer 130-1, the second reader / writer 130-2 is placed in a collection box 170 (FIG. 14). In addition, the collection box 170 is configured to block radio waves output by the first reader / writer 130-1, the second reader / writer 130-2, and the tag 140. Specifically, the housing 172 is configured to include a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel.

[0080] Therefore, various signals such as a detection signal and an activation signal transmitted from the first reader / writer 130-1 are not received by the tag 140 located inside the collection box 170. Conversely, various signals transmitted from the second reader / writer 130-2 are received by the tag 140 located inside the collection box 170, but are not received by the tag 140 located outside the collection box 170 (for example, the tag 140 placed in the storage 164). Furthermore, a signal transmitted by the tag 140 located inside the collection box 170 is received by the second reader / writer 130-2, but is not received by the first reader / writer 130-1. Conversely, a signal transmitted by the tag 140 located outside the collection box 170 is received by the first reader / writer 130-1, but is not received by the second reader / writer 130-2.

[0081] Since the second reader / writer 130-2 also transmits a detection signal periodically or periodically, the tag 140 located inside the collection box 170 receives the detection signal and transmits a response signal in response. This response signal is received by the second reader / writer 130-2. Therefore, the control device 110 can identify the tag 140 located inside the collection box 170. On the other hand, based on the response signal received by the first reader / writer 130-1, the tag 140 located outside the collection box 170, i.e., the tag 140 currently being used, can be identified. Therefore, it is possible to know on the control device 110 or the delivery server 102 whether the tag 140 in the security space 160 is in use or on standby.

[0082] In this modified example, after the user receives the delivery, the user can simply insert the tag 140 into the collection box 170 without performing any operation on the tag 140 or the control device 110. As described above, the tag 140 collected in the collection box 170 can receive the detection signal transmitted from the second reader / writer 130-2, and the response signal transmitted from the tag 140 in response to the detection signal is received by the second reader / writer 130-2. For this reason, by configuring the tag 140 to stop the operation of the tag 140 in operation upon receiving the detection signal transmitted from the second reader / writer 130-2, the operation of the tag 140 in operation collected in the collection box 170 can be stopped. In addition, by configuring the control device 110 to transmit a delivery completion notification to the delivery server 102 upon receiving the response signal transmitted by the tag 140 in operation, it becomes possible to transmit the delivery completion notification to the delivery server 102 by simply inserting the tag 140 into the collection box 170, and to confirm on the delivery server 102 that the receipt of the delivery has been completed. Therefore, the user only needs to receive the delivery and place the tag 140 in the collection box 170, and there is no need for the user to carry out any separate procedures or operations to confirm receipt.

[0083] The same applies when a lost tag 140 is collected; when the second reader / writer 130-2 receives a response signal from the tag 140 whose status on the distribution server 102 is "lost," the control device 110 transmits a return completion notification to the distribution server 102. This allows the collection of the lost tag 140 to be known on the distribution server 102. Also, by transmitting a stop signal or a status change signal from the second reader / writer 130-2, it is possible to stop the operation of the tag 140 and change its status (for example, from "lost" to "waiting").

[0084] 2. Variation 2 The second reader / writer 130-2 does not necessarily need to be an active RFID reader / writer, and may be a passive RFID reader / writer configured to communicate with a passive RFID tag at a relatively short communication distance (e.g., longer than 0 cm, 3 cm or less, 10 cm or less, 10 cm or less, or 20 cm or less). For example, the first reader / writer 130-1 may be configured to output radio waves with a frequency of 300 MHz band, 430 MHz band, or 2.45 GHz band, and the second reader / writer 130-2 may be configured to output radio waves with a frequency of 13.56 MHz band or 900 MHz. This allows the communication distance between the second reader / writer 130-2 and the tag 140 to be significantly reduced compared to the communication distance between the first reader / writer 130-1 and the tag 140. In this case, a passive tag (hereinafter, passive tag) 158 that does not respond to the first reader / writer 130-1 but responds only to a passive second reader / writer 130-2 is mounted on the housing 142 of the tag 140 (see FIG. 15). The passive tag 158 stores the same tag identifier as that of the tag 140, and this tag identifier is read using the second reader / writer 130-2.

[0085] Therefore, the collection box 170 does not need to completely block radio waves, and the collection box 170 may be configured so that the radio waves output from the second reader / writer 130-2 remain within the collection box 170. In other words, the collection box 170 may be configured so that the radio waves output from the second reader / writer 130-2 are not received by the passive tag 158 attached to the tag 140 located outside the collection box 170, the radio waves output from the second reader / writer 130-2 are received by the passive tag 158 attached to the tag 140 inside the collection box 170, and the radio waves output from the first reader / writer 130-1 are received by the tags 140 inside and outside the collection box 170.

[0086] When the user receives the delivery and then places the tag 140 in the collection box 170, the passive tag 158 on the tag 140 is read by the second reader / writer 130-2. Thereafter, the control device 110 transmits a receipt completion notification to the delivery server 102, and transmits a stop signal or a status change signal to the tag 140 via the first reader / writer 130-1. When these signals are received via the antenna 150, the tag 140 stops operating, and further changes its own status from "calling" to "waiting". This causes the tag 140 to stop operating. In addition, it is possible to know on the delivery server 102 that the delivery has been received and that the tag 140 has been collected.

[0087] When the lost tag 140 is dropped into the collection box 170, after the passive tag 158 is read by the second reader / writer 130-2, the control device 110 transmits a return completion notification to the delivery server 102 and transmits a stop signal or a status change signal to the tag 140 via the first reader / writer 130-1. When these signals are received via the antenna 150, the tag 140 stops operating and further changes its own status from "lost" to "standby". As a result, the tag 140 stops operating, and the delivery server 102 can grasp that the lost tag 140 has been collected.

[0088] As described above, by applying this modified example, a delivery method can be established that can further reduce the burden on the user.

[0089] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention may be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. Furthermore, products in which the business operator appropriately adds or removes components or modifies designs, or adds or omits processes or modifies conditions, based on the embodiments, are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0090] 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]

[0091] 100: delivery system, 102: delivery server, 104: user terminal, 106: network, 110: control device, 112: control unit, 114: storage unit, 116: display unit, 118: input unit, 120: transmission / reception unit, 122: imaging unit, 124: audio output unit, 130: reader / writer, 130-1: first reader / writer, 130-2: second reader / writer, 132: optical reader, 134: camera, 136: emitter Light device, 138: speaker, 140: tag, 142: housing, 144: tag identifier, 146: stop button, 148: control circuit, 150: antenna, 152: battery, 154: light emitting element, 156: speaker, 158: passive tag, 160: security space, 162: door, 164: storage, 166: door, 168: unlocking device, 170: collection box, 172: housing, 172a: deposit slot, 174: door

Claims

1. A control device disposed in a secure space where security against intrusion by unspecified persons is ensured associates deliveries delivered to the secure space with RFID tags; After the control device authenticates the user who receives the delivery item, a first RFID reader / writer connected to the control device transmits an activation signal to the RFID tag placed in the security space together with the delivery item; The RFID tag outputs light and / or sound upon receiving the activation signal; the first RFID reader / writer transmitting a detection signal for detecting the RFID tag; The RFID tag receiving the detection signal transmits a response signal; and A method for delivering a delivery item, comprising: emitting light and / or sound and / or vibrating when the RFID tag fails to receive the detection signal for a certain period of time.

2. A control device disposed within a secure space where security against intrusion by unspecified persons is ensured associates deliveries delivered to the secure space with RFID tags; After the control device authenticates the user who receives the delivery item, a first RFID reader / writer connected to the control device transmits an activation signal to the RFID tag placed in the security space together with the delivery item; The RFID tag outputs light and / or sound upon receiving the activation signal; the first RFID reader / writer transmitting a detection signal for detecting the RFID tag; The RFID tag receiving the detection signal transmits a response signal; and A method of delivering a delivery item, comprising: after associating the delivery item with the RFID tag, the control device transmitting a status change signal to the RFID tag.

3. The control device further includes reading a delivery item identifier attached to the delivery item and a tag identifier attached to the RFID tag; The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to associate the delivery with the RFID tag by associating the delivery identifier with the tag identifier.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of: transmitting an unlock signal to a collection box connected to the control device, configured to store the RFID tag, and having a locking mechanism, for unlocking the collection box after the control device inputs a delivery person identifier of the delivery person delivering the delivery item and / or a delivery item identifier attached to the delivery item.

5. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the controller transmitting a status restore signal to the RFID tag after the RFID tag outputs the light and / or the sound.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the status restore signal is transmitted after the controller reads a tag identifier affixed to the RFID tag.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the tag identifier is read by an optical reader connected to the controller.

8. reading the tag identifier by a second RFID reader / writer connected to the control device; The method of claim 6 , wherein the second RFID reader / writer is disposed within a collection box configured to house the RFID tag.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the collection box is configured to block radio waves transmitted from the first RFID reader / writer, the second RFID reader / writer, and the RFID tag.

10. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising the control device sending a lost signal to a distribution server communicatively connected to the control device if the first RFID reader / writer fails to receive the response signal for a certain period of time.

11. A control device disposed in a security space where security against intrusion by unspecified persons is ensured; A delivery server communicatively connected to the control device; and a first RFID reader / writer coupled to the controller and configured to read an RFID tag; The control device includes: Associating the RFID tag with a delivery item to be delivered to the secure space; authenticating a user receiving said delivery; After authenticating the user, transmitting an activation signal to the RFID tag via the first RFID reader / writer; Transmitting a detection signal for detecting the RFID tag via the first RFID reader / writer; receiving a response signal transmitted by the RFID tag in response to the detection signal; and A distribution system for distributing a delivery, configured to perform the following after associating the delivery with the RFID tag: transmitting a status change signal to the RFID tag.

12. A control device disposed in a security space where security against intrusion by unspecified persons is ensured; A delivery server communicatively connected to the control device; and a first RFID reader / writer coupled to the controller and configured to read an RFID tag; The control device includes: Associating the RFID tag with a delivery item to be delivered to the secure space; authenticating a user receiving said delivery; After authenticating the user, transmitting an activation signal to the RFID tag via the first RFID reader / writer; Transmitting a detection signal for detecting the RFID tag via the first RFID reader / writer; receiving a response signal transmitted by the RFID tag in response to the detection signal; and A distribution system for delivering a delivery item, configured to execute the following: sending a lost signal to the distribution server if the response signal cannot be received for a certain period of time.

13. The control device is configured to read a delivery item identifier attached to the delivery item and a tag identifier attached to the RFID tag; The delivery system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the association between the delivery item identifier and the tag identifier is performed by associating the delivery item with the RFID tag.

14. a collection box connected to the control device and configured to receive the RFID tag, the collection box having a locking mechanism; The control device is further configured to transmit an unlock signal to unlock the collection box after a delivery person identifier of a delivery person delivering the delivery item and / or a delivery item identifier attached to the delivery item is input. The delivery system according to claim 11 or 12.

15. 12. The delivery system of claim 11, wherein the control device further comprises transmitting a status restore signal after transmitting the status change signal.

16. 16. The distribution system of claim 15, wherein the control device is configured to transmit the status restore signal after reading a tag identifier affixed to the RFID tag.

17. 17. The delivery system of claim 16, further comprising an optical reader coupled to the controller for reading the tag identifier.

18. a second RFID reader / writer coupled to the controller and configured to read the tag identifier; 17. The delivery system of claim 16, wherein the second RFID reader / writer is disposed within a collection box configured to receive the RFID tag.

19. 20. The delivery system of claim 18, wherein the collection box is configured to block radio waves transmitted from the first RFID reader / writer, the second RFID reader / writer, and the RFID tag.

Images