LOCKER DEVICE, LOCKER SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING LOCKER DEVICE

Abstract

To provide a locker device and a locker system capable of improving convenience for a user and a control method of the locker device.SOLUTION: A locker device 1 includes a plurality of locker units (lockers 10) each having a locking part 25 for locking a door 12, and a central control unit 30 for performing control of each locking part 25 such that the door 12 of each locker unit is locked or unlocked by operation performed by a user. Each locker unit has an information read part 28 reading information from a medium carried by the user. When information is read from the medium by the information reading part 28, collation of the locker unit is performed based on the read information. If a collation result matches, the locking of the door 12 done by the locking part 25 is released.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a locker device, a locker system, and a control method for a locker device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various types of locker devices having a plurality of lockers for storing items to be deposited have been known. For example, a locker device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of lockers for storing items to be deposited, and a door that can be opened and closed independently is provided on the front of each locker. Each locker is provided with a locking unit that locks and unlocks the door. In addition, the locker device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a central control unit in the center, for example, that centrally manages the opening and closing process of the doors of each locker, the settlement process, and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-238646 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the locker device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a user retrieves an item deposited in a locker, a central control unit installed in the center performs an operation to open the door of the target locker in which the item is deposited. By such an operation, the door of the target locker is opened by the central control unit. At this time, since the central control unit can only be operated by one user, if multiple users retrieve their luggage from the locker at the same time, a queue occurs, which is inconvenient for users who want to retrieve their luggage from the locker in a hurry.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a locker device, a locker system, and a control method for a locker device that can improve convenience for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The locker device of the present invention comprises a plurality of locker units, each having a locking section for locking the door, and a central control unit which controls each of the locking sections to lock and unlock the door of each locker unit through operations performed by a user, and each of the locker units has an information reading section which reads information from a medium carried by the user, and when information is read from the medium by the information reading section, the locker unit is matched based on the read information, and if the match results, the door is unlocked by the locking section.

[0007] In the locker device of the present invention, the door may be unlocked by the locking unit in the locker unit through either a first unlocking control based on a user's operation in the central control unit or a second unlocking control based on reading information from the medium by the information reading unit in the locker unit.

[0008] In this case, while a user is performing an operation to lock or unlock the door of any of the locker units, the central control unit may limit the second unlocking control for that locker unit.

[0009] In addition, when the locking of the door by the locking unit is released by having the information reading unit read information from the medium, the locking of the door by the locking unit may be released on the condition that no additional fee is incurred for locking the door.

[0010] In addition, each of the locker units may have a display unit, and when information is read from the medium by the information reading unit, content specified based on the read information may be displayed on the display unit.

[0011] In this case, when the information reading unit reads information from the medium, if the comparison result is not a match, the display unit may display information about the locker unit identified based on the read information.

[0012] In addition, each locker unit may further have an input section for inputting information regarding the medium, and when information regarding the medium is input by the input section, a comparison is made with the locker unit based on the input information, and if the comparison results match, the door may be unlocked by the locking section.

[0013] In addition, the information reading unit may include an IC reader that reads information from an IC medium as the medium, and when locking the door of the locker unit, the locker unit may be matched based on the information read from the IC medium by the central control unit and the information read from the IC medium by the IC reader.

[0014] In addition, when a user operates the central control unit to lock the door of the locker unit, a receipt printed with a code indicating the information necessary to unlock the door is issued as the medium, and the information reading unit includes a code reader that reads the code printed on the receipt to obtain the information necessary to unlock the door, and when locking the door of the locker unit, the locker unit may be matched based on the information necessary to unlock the door in the code printed on the receipt and the information obtained by reading the code by the code reader.

[0015] In addition, the information reading unit may include an IC reader that reads information of the mobile communication terminal from an IC component mounted on the mobile communication terminal as the medium, and when locking the door of the locker unit, the locker unit may be matched based on the information read from the IC component by the central control unit and the information read from the IC part by the IC reader.

[0016] In addition, when a user operates the central control unit to lock the door of the locker unit, a code indicating the information necessary to unlock the door is stored in the user's mobile communication terminal as the medium, and the information reading unit includes a code reader that reads the code displayed on the user's mobile communication terminal to obtain the information necessary to unlock the door, and when locking the door of the locker unit, the locker unit may be matched based on the information necessary to unlock the door in the code stored in the user's mobile communication terminal and the information obtained by reading the code by the code reader.

[0017] The locker system of the present invention comprises a locker device having a plurality of locker units, each having a locking section for locking the door, and a central operating device by which each of the locker units is operated by a user, and a control device that is communicatively connected to the locker device and controls each of the locking sections to lock and unlock the doors of each of the locker units, each of the locker units having an information reading section that reads information from a medium carried by a user, and when information is read from the medium by the information reading section, the control device compares the locker unit based on the read information, and controls the locking section to unlock the door if the comparison results match.

[0018] The control method for a locker device of the present invention is a control method for a locker device having a plurality of locker units, each having a locking section for locking the door, and a central operating device in which a user operates to lock each of the locker units, and each of the locker units has an information reading section that reads information from a medium carried by the user, and is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a step of locking the door of the target locker unit by the locking section when the central operating device accepts an operation by the user; a step of reading information from the medium by the information reading section; and a step of matching the locker unit based on the read information, and if the matching results match, unlocking the locked door by the locking section. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the locker device, the locker system, and the control method for the locker device of the present invention, convenience for the user can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a rocker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of one row of lockers in the locker device shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a front view of a central control unit in the locker device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the central control unit shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations for depositing baggage into a locker using a central control unit in the locker device shown in FIG. 1 etc. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for depositing baggage into a locker using the locker operating unit of each locker in the locker device shown in FIG. 1 etc. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations for removing luggage from a locker using a central control unit in the locker device shown in FIG. 1 etc. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations for removing luggage from a locker using the locker operating unit of each locker in the locker device shown in FIG. 1 etc. [Figure 9] 4 is a diagram showing a standby screen displayed on an operation display unit of the central control unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an IC card read by an IC card reader of the central control unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] 4 is a diagram showing a locker usage certificate printed by the printer of the central control unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 12] 4 is a diagram showing an operation screen displayed on an operation display unit of the central control unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 13] 4 is a table showing the state of each locker stored in a memory unit of the central control unit shown in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figs. 1 to 3 are front and perspective views showing the configuration of a locker device according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of a central control unit of the locker device shown in Fig. 1 and the like. Figs. 5 to 8 are flow charts showing the operation of depositing luggage into a locker and the operation of removing luggage from a locker in the locker device shown in Fig. 1 and the like. Figs. 9 and 12 are diagrams showing a standby screen and an operation screen displayed on the operation display unit of the central control unit shown in Fig. 3, respectively. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an IC card read by the IC card reader of the central control unit shown in Fig. 3, and Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a locker use certificate printed by the printer of the central control unit shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 13 is a table showing the state of each locker stored in the memory unit of the central control unit shown in Fig. 3.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the locker device 1 according to this embodiment has a plurality of lockers 10 (locker units) for storing baggage to be checked in. Specifically, in the locker device 1, for example, two locker assemblies each consisting of a total of 50 lockers 10 in 5 rows and 10 columns are arranged as a pair on the left and right sides of the central control unit 30. Note that part of the locker assemblies is not shown in Fig. 1.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a door 12 that can be opened and closed independently is provided on the front of each locker 10. A locker operating unit 20 is provided on the right side of the door 12 of each locker 10. The configuration of the locker operating unit 20 will be described in detail later. In the locker device 1, a central control unit 30 is provided between the two pairs of locker combinations on the left and right, and this central control unit 30 centrally manages the baggage deposit operation, baggage removal operation, settlement processing, etc. in each locker 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the central control unit 30 is provided with an operation display unit 32, for example, made of a touch panel, a printer 38 that prints various receipts such as a locker usage certificate, etc. The configuration of the central control unit 30 will be described in detail later. Lockers 10 are also provided above and below the central control unit 30, but the locker 10 located above the central control unit 30 may be used as a multi-purpose box for storing maintenance tools, equipment, etc. for the manager.

[0024] Each locker 10 is provided with a locking unit 25 (see FIG. 4) that locks the door 12. The locker operating unit 20 provided corresponding to each locker 10 has a casing 21 with a rectangular front surface, and a substantially rectangular opening 22 is formed in the center of the casing 21 in the vertical direction. A locking lever 24 is provided inside the casing 21 near the opening 22, allowing a user to temporarily lock the door 12 of the locker 10. The locking lever 24 penetrates the opening 22 and protrudes from the inside of the casing 21 to the outside, and is movable in the vertical direction along the opening 22. When the locking lever 24 is in the upper position, the locker operating unit 20 is in the unlocked position, and when the locking lever 24 is in the lower position, the locker operating unit 20 is in the locked position. The locker operating unit 20 is provided with an LED lamp 26 that indicates the usage state of the locker 10 corresponding to the locker operating unit 20.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, the locker operation unit 20 of each locker 10 is provided with a display unit 27 such as a liquid crystal panel and an information reading unit 28 such as an IC card reader. Various messages are displayed on the display unit 27 for the operator who operates the locker operation unit 20. Details of the messages displayed on the display unit 27 will be described later. The information reading unit 28 such as an IC card reader is adapted to read and write information from an IC tag 82 of an IC card 80 (see Fig. 10) used as an electronic money medium or the like. That is, the information reading unit 28 is adapted to read information stored in the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80 and write information to the IC tag 82.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the central control unit 30 is provided with an operation display unit 32, a speaker 34, and a code reader 36 at the upper front part. A pair of left and right printers 38 are provided below the operation display unit 32 at the front part of the central control unit 30, and an IC card reader 40 is provided at the right part of the printers 38. A coin slot 42 and a bill slot 44 are provided at the center part of the front part of the central control unit 30, so that a user can insert coins and bills into the coin slot 42 and the bill slot 44. A coin return slot 46 is provided at the lower front part of the central control unit 30, so that coins as change are returned to the user through the coin return slot 46. A maintenance lock 48 is provided at the lower front part of the central control unit 30, so that when a manager of the locker device 1 inserts a maintenance key into the maintenance lock 48 and turns it, the manager can execute the management mode on the central control unit 30.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, a control unit 60 such as a CPU is provided in the housing of the central control unit 30, and the operation display unit 32, speaker 34, code reader 36, printer 38, IC card reader 40, etc. are each connected to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 controls each component of the central control unit 30 and the locking unit 25 provided corresponding to each locker 10. The code reader 36 has a camera that captures the code 92 of the locker use certificate 90 (see FIG. 11) printed by the printer 38, and the code reader 36 reads information contained in the code 92 by scanning the code 92 with the camera. The IC card reader 40 has a reader / writer unit that reads and writes information to the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80 used as an electronic money medium, etc. When payment is made with electronic money, the IC card reader 40 reads information stored in the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80 and writes information to the IC tag 82. Furthermore, on the IC card 80, there is written, as a visual confirmation code 84, the identification number of the IC card 80 itself or the identification number converted into a multi-digit number.

[0028] In addition, a coin processing unit 50 for processing coins and a bill processing unit 52 for processing bills are provided in the housing of the central control unit 30. Coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 42 are identified by the coin processing unit 50 as to denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc., and then stored in a coin storage area of ​​the coin processing unit 50. Coins are dispensed as change from the coin storage area of ​​the coin processing unit 50 to the coin return port 46. Bills inserted into the bill insertion / receiving port 44 are identified by the bill processing unit 52 as to denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc., and then stored in a bill storage area of ​​the bill processing unit 52. When a user inserts a bill into the bill insertion / receiving port 44 and then refunds the bill, the bill is refunded to the user through the bill insertion / receiving port 44. Bills are dispensed as change from the bill storage area of ​​the bill processing unit 52 to the bill insertion / receiving port 44. As shown in FIG. 4, the coin processing unit 50 and the banknote processing unit 52 are connected to a control unit 60, and the operations of the coin processing unit 50 and the banknote processing unit 52 are controlled by the control unit 60.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, a communication unit 62 is connected to the control unit 60, and the communication unit 62 enables the control unit 60 to transmit and receive various information to and from a control device 64 serving as an external device. Here, for example, a management computer provided in a management office is used as the control device 64. A storage unit 66 is connected to the control unit 60. The storage unit 66 stores the luggage storage status (whether luggage is stored in each locker 10), the history of luggage deposit processing and settlement processing, and the like. Specifically, the storage unit 66 stores a table as shown in FIG. 13 as the contents of luggage deposit processing. That is, the installation location of the locker device 1, the status of each locker 10 by number, the payment method, IC data (the identification number of the IC card 80), excess fee, key number, and the like are stored in the storage unit 66. Details of the information stored in the storage unit 66 will be described later.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 60 is communicatively connected to the LED lamp 26, the display unit 27, and the information reading unit 28 of the locker operation unit 20 of each locker 10. Information read from the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80 by the information reading unit 28 is sent to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 also sends command signals to the LED lamp 26 and the display unit 27 to turn on the LED lamp 26 and to display various messages on the display unit 27. The control unit 60 also sends command signals to the information reading unit 28 to write various information into the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80.

[0031] Next, the operation of locker device 1 according to the present embodiment when a user deposits baggage in locker 10 will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in Figs.

[0032] First, the operation when a user deposits luggage in a locker 10 using the central control unit 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. When the central control unit 30 is in a standby state, the standby screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the operation display unit 32. Specifically, a selection screen for depositing / removing luggage is displayed on the operation display unit 32 (STEP 101). When a user deposits luggage in a locker 10 of the locker device 1, the user first stores the luggage to be deposited in one of the lockers 10 that is unlocked, and temporarily locks the door 12 of the locker 10 by the locking lever 24 of the locker operation unit 20. Specifically, the user opens the door 12 of the locker 10 for which the LED lamp 26 of the locker operation unit 20 is lit, among the lockers 10 in the locker device 1, and stores the luggage to be deposited. After storing the luggage to be deposited in the locker 10, the user pushes the locking lever 24 downward to move it to the locked position. As a result, the door 12 of the locker 10 is temporarily locked by the locking unit 25. When the door 12 of the locker 10 is temporarily locked, the LED lamp 26 of the locker operating unit 20 starts to flash.

[0033] After the door 12 of the locker 10 is temporarily locked, the user moves to the central control unit 30. Then, when the user selects the baggage deposit operation by pressing the "Put In" button on the standby screen displayed on the operation display unit 32 as shown in FIG. 9 ("YES" in STEP 102), a screen showing a plurality of lockers 10 is displayed on the operation display unit 32 of the central control unit 30, along with a message "Please select the temporarily locked door." In addition, on the display screen of the operation display unit 32, the locker 10 that has been temporarily locked is displayed in distinction from the other lockers 10 (STEP 103). When the selection screen of the locker 10 that has been temporarily locked is displayed on the operation display unit 32 of the central control unit 30, if the user presses the location of the locker 10 that has been temporarily locked on this selection screen ("YES" in STEP 104), a selection screen is displayed on the operation display unit 32 requesting the selection of the method of payment of the deposit usage fee. Specifically, two buttons, "IC card" and "cash," are displayed on the operation display unit 32 (STEP 105).

[0034] When the payment method selection screen is displayed on the operation display section 32 of the central control unit 30, if the user selects to pay the deposit usage fee with the IC card 80 by pressing the "IC card" button on the operation display section 32, a message is displayed on the operation display section 32 requesting the IC card 80 to be read by the IC card reader 40 of the central control unit 30 (STEP 106). The IC card reader 40 also becomes readable. Then, when the user brings the IC card 80 close to the IC card reader 40 and the IC card 80 is read by the IC card reader 40 ("YES" in STEP 107), the door 12 of the locker 10, which is in a provisionally locked state, becomes locked (fully locked) by the locking section 25 (STEP 108). The control section 60 of the central control unit 30 also issues a key number related to the current transaction (specifically, the use of the locker 10), and the identification number of the IC card 80 read by the IC card reader 40 is associated with the key number. The control unit 60 also associates the number of the locker 10 to be used with the key number. The associated number of the locker 10, the key number, and the identification number of the IC card 80 are stored in the memory unit 66. After that, the printer 38 of the central control unit 30 prints out a locker usage certificate 90 (STEP 109). The locker usage certificate 90 issued by the central control unit 30 includes the start date and time of use, the type of IC card 80 used as the key, the number of the locked locker 10, the amount of the deposit fee, the amount paid with the IC card 80, the remaining balance on the IC card 80, the identification number of the IC card 80, and the like. If the user selects to pay the deposit fee with the IC card 80, the code 92 such as a two-dimensional code is not printed on the locker usage certificate 90.

[0035] In addition, when the payment method selection screen is displayed on the operation display unit 32 of the central control unit 30, if the user selects to pay the deposit usage fee in cash by pressing the "Cash" button on the operation display unit 32, the operation display unit 32 displays the number of the locker 10 that has been temporarily locked and the amount of the deposit usage fee (initial fee), as well as a message requesting payment of the deposit usage fee (STEP 110). Then, when the user pays the deposit usage fee in cash by inserting coins or bills into the coin insertion slot 42 or bill insertion / receiving slot 44 of the central control unit 30 ("YES" in STEP 111), the door 12 of the locker 10 in the temporarily locked state is locked (fully locked) by the locking unit 25 (STEP 112). In addition, the control unit 60 of the central control unit 30 issues a key number for the current transaction (specifically, the use of the locker 10), and the number of the locker 10 to be used is linked to the key number. The numbers of the lockers 10 and the key numbers that are linked to each other are stored in the memory unit 66.

[0036] Thereafter, the locker use certificate 90 is printed by the printer 38 of the central control unit 30 (STEP 113). If the deposit fee is selected to be paid in cash, the locker use certificate 90 issued by the central control unit 30 has the number of the locked locker 10 and the amount of the deposit fee printed thereon, as well as a code 92, such as a two-dimensional code, that holds information about the key number in a machine-readable manner. The information about the key number held in such a code 92 can be read by the code reader 36 of the central control unit 30, so that the control unit 60 can obtain the key number related to the locker use certificate 90. The code 92, such as a two-dimensional code, printed on the locker use certificate 90 also holds information about the number of the locker 10 and information about the installation location of the locker device 1. The locker use certificate 90 also has the key number itself or a key number converted into a multi-digit (for example, 10 digit) number printed thereon as a visual confirmation code 94.

[0037] 9, when the user presses the "IC card balance inquiry" button on the standby screen of the operation display unit 32, a message is displayed on the operation display unit 32 requesting that the IC card 80 be read by the IC card reader 40 of the central control unit 30. The IC card reader 40 also becomes readable. When the user brings the IC card 80 close to the IC card reader 40, the IC card 80 is read by the IC card reader 40, and the balance amount stored in the IC tag 82 is displayed on the operation display unit 32.

[0038] Furthermore, when a locker 10 in which baggage has been deposited is locked, the information in the table (see FIG. 13) showing the details of the baggage deposit process stored in the memory unit 66 is updated. Specifically, the status of the number of the locked locker 10 becomes in use. Furthermore, the payment method, the identification number (IC data) of the IC card 80, excess fee, key number, etc. are linked to the locker 10 number and stored in the memory unit 66.

[0039] Furthermore, in the locker device 1 of this embodiment, a user can deposit baggage in each locker 10 simply by operating the locker operating section 20 of each locker 10 without using the central control unit 30. Such an operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0040] When a user operates the locker operation unit 20 to deposit baggage in a locker 10 of the locker device 1, the user first stores the baggage to be deposited in one of the lockers 10 that is unlocked, and temporarily locks the door 12 of the locker 10 using the locking lever 24 of the locker operation unit 20 (STEP 121). Specifically, the user opens the door 12 of the locker 10 for which the LED lamp 26 of the locker operation unit 20 is lit among the multiple lockers 10 in the locker device 1, and stores the baggage to be deposited. After storing the baggage to be deposited in the locker 10, the user pushes the locking lever 24 downward to move it to the locked position. As a result, the door 12 of the locker 10 is temporarily locked by the locking unit 25. After the door 12 of the locker 10 is temporarily locked, the user brings the IC card 80 close to the information reading unit 28 of the locker operation unit 20 of the locker 10. As a result, the IC card 80 is read by the IC card reader of the information reading unit 28 ("YES" in STEP 122). When the IC card 80 is read by the IC card reader of the information reading unit 28, the door 12 of the locker 10, which is in a temporarily locked state, is locked by the locking unit 25 (fully locked state) (STEP 123).

[0041] In addition, the control unit 60 of the central control unit 30 issues a key number for this transaction (specifically, the use of the locker 10), and the identification number of the IC card 80 read by the IC card reader 40 is linked to the key number. In addition, the control unit 60 links the number of the locked locker 10 to the key number. The number of the locker 10, the key number, and the identification number of the IC card 80 that are linked to each other are stored in the memory unit 66. In this case, the locker use certificate 90 is not issued. In this way, even if the user deposits luggage in the locker 10 of the locker device 1 by having the information reading unit 28 read the IC card 80, the door 12 of the locker 10 can be unlocked by having the IC card reader 40 of the central control unit 30 or the information reading unit 28 of the locker operation unit 20 of the locker 10 read the IC card 80 again when the user removes the luggage from the locker 10, as described below.

[0042] Next, the operation of locker device 1 according to the present embodiment when a user removes luggage from locker 10 will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in Figs.

[0043] First, the operation of the central control unit 30 when a user removes an item from a locker 10 will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

[0044] As described above, when the central control unit 30 is in a standby state, the operation display unit 32 displays a selection screen (see FIG. 9) for depositing / removing baggage as a standby screen (STEP 201). When the user removes baggage from the locker 10 of the locker device 1, the user presses the "remove" button to select the baggage removal operation ("YES" in STEP 202), and the code reader 36 and the IC card reader 40 each enter a readable state (STEP 203). As shown in FIG. 12, the operation display unit 32 displays a message requesting the user to have the code reader 36 or the IC card reader 40 read the code 92 printed on the locker use certificate 90 or the IC card 80 (STEP 204). This allows the user to recognize that the next operation is to have the code reader 36 read the code 92 on the locker use certificate 90 or to have the IC card reader 40 read the IC tag 82 on the IC card 80.

[0045] If the user used the IC card 80 to pay the baggage deposit fee when depositing the baggage, the user has the IC card 80 read by the IC card reader 40 ("YES" in STEP 205). This causes the control unit 60 to obtain the key number associated with the identification number stored in the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80. In addition, when the IC card 80 is read by the IC card reader 40, the code reader 36 and the IC card reader 40 each become unreadable (STEP 207).

[0046] If the user paid the deposit fee in cash when depositing the baggage, the user brings the code 92 printed on the locker usage certificate 90 close to the code reader 36 to cause the code reader 36 to read the code 92 ("YES" in STEP 206). This causes the control unit 60 to obtain the key number contained in the code 92. Furthermore, when the code reader 36 reads the code 92 printed on the locker usage certificate 90, the code reader 36 and the IC card reader 40 each become unreadable (STEP 207).

[0047] Thereafter, the control unit 60 identifies the number of the locker 10 in which the user has deposited the luggage, which corresponds to the acquired key number, based on the information stored in the memory unit 66 of the central control unit 30 (STEP 208). If an excess fee has been incurred because luggage has been stored in the locker 10 beyond the specified number of days of use ("YES" in STEP 209), a message to the effect that an excess fee has been incurred and a message requesting payment of the excess fee are displayed on the operation display unit 32 of the central control unit 30 (STEP 210).

[0048] More specifically, if the user has paid the deposit fee with IC card 80 when depositing the baggage, IC card reader 40 becomes readable. Meanwhile, code reader 36 remains in an unreadable state. This allows the user to pay the excess fee by having IC card reader 40 read the IC card 80. In this case, in the sales management by control unit 60, the total of the deposit fee paid with IC card 80 when depositing the baggage and the excess fee paid with IC card 80 when removing the baggage becomes the sales amount.

[0049] Also, if the user has paid the deposit fee in cash when depositing the baggage, the IC card reader 40 and the code reader 36 are maintained in an unreadable state. In this case, the user can pay the excess fee by inserting coins or bills into the coin slot 42 or bill slot 44 of the central control unit 30. At this time, in the sales management by the control unit 60, the total of the deposit fee paid in cash when depositing the baggage and the excess fee paid in cash when removing the baggage is the sales amount. Note that in the central control unit according to the modified example, even if the user has paid the deposit fee in cash when depositing the baggage, the IC card reader 40 may be in a readable state, and the user may be able to pay the excess fee by having the IC card 80 read by the IC card reader 40. In this case, in the sales management by the control unit 60, the total of the deposit fee paid in cash when depositing the baggage and the excess fee paid by the IC card 80 when removing the baggage is the sales amount.

[0050] In this way, when the excess fee is paid ("YES" in STEP 211), the door 12 of the locker 10 in which the luggage is stored is unlocked, and the luggage can be taken out (STEP 212). If no excess fee has been incurred ("NO" in STEP 209), the door 12 of the locker 10 in which the luggage is stored is unlocked, and the luggage can be taken out (STEP 212). In addition, the operation display unit 32 of the central control unit 30 displays a message that the luggage can now be taken out of the locker 10. After that, the user moves from the central control unit 30 to the locker 10, and opens the door 12 of the locker 10 to take out the luggage from the locker 10. In this way, a series of operations when a user takes out luggage from the locker 10 is completed in the locker device 1 according to this embodiment. When the luggage is taken out, the information in the table (see FIG. 13) is updated.

[0051] Furthermore, in the locker device 1 of this embodiment, a user can remove luggage from each locker 10 simply by operating the locker operation unit 20 of each locker 10 without using the central control unit 30. Note that the ability to remove luggage from each locker 10 simply by operating the locker operation unit 20 of each locker 10 is limited to cases where the deposit fee is paid using an IC card 80 when depositing luggage in the locker 10. This operation will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0052] When a user standing in front of a locker 10 where luggage has been deposited retrieves the luggage from the locker 10, the user first brings the IC card 80 used when depositing the luggage into the locker 10 close to the IC card reader of the information reading unit 28 of the locker operation unit 20 to read information from the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80 ("YES" in STEP 221). If the payment method corresponding to the number of the locker 10 about which the information reading unit 28 has read information from the IC card 80 is IC card 80 based on the table shown in Fig. 13 ("YES" in STEP 222), the control unit 60 collates the locker 10 based on the information read from the IC card 80 (STEP 223). The collation of the locker 10 performed by the control unit 60 will be described later. On the other hand, if the payment method for the locker 10 about which the information reading unit 28 has read information from the IC card 80 is cash, or the status of the locker 10 is not in use, or baggage is being deposited in the locker 10 (specifically, until the door 12 of the locker 10, which is in a temporary locked state, is locked (fully locked) by the locking unit 25) ("YES" in STEP 222), an error message is displayed on the display unit 27 to notify the user of the error (STEP 229). For example, if the payment method for the locker 10 about which the information reading unit 28 has read information from the IC card 80 is cash, a message is displayed on the display unit 27 urging the user to use the central control unit 30 to retrieve the baggage.

[0053] Next, the verification operation of the locker 10 will be specifically described. The control unit 60 judges whether the identification number of the IC card 80 read from the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80 by the information reading unit 28 when the luggage is taken out of the locker 10 matches with the identification number (IC data) of the IC card 80 corresponding to the number of the locker 10 stored in the storage unit 66. The identification number of the IC card 80 stored in the storage unit 66 is the identification number of the IC card 80 read from the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80 when the luggage is deposited in the locker 10. If the two match, it is judged that the verification results match ("YES" in STEP 224). In this case, if the number of days of use has not exceeded the predetermined number and no excess fee has been incurred ("NO" in STEP 226), the door 12 of the locker 10 in which the luggage is stored is unlocked, and the luggage can be taken out (STEP 227). Then, when the luggage is taken out, the information in the table (see FIG. 13) is updated. On the other hand, if an excess charge is incurred because luggage has been stored in the locker 10 beyond the specified number of days of use ("YES" in STEP 226), and the excess charge is settled by payment with electronic money using the IC card 80 ("YES" in STEP 228), the door 12 of the locker 10 in which the luggage is stored is unlocked and the luggage can be removed (STEP 227). If an excess charge is incurred and the IC card 80 does not have a payment function or the IC card 80 does not have enough electronic money to make a payment ("NO" in STEP 228), an error message is displayed on the display unit 27 to notify the user of the error (STEP 229). Specifically, a message is displayed on the display unit 27 to prompt the user to use the central control unit 30 to remove the luggage.

[0054] Furthermore, when the identification number of the IC card 80 read from the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80 by the information reading unit 28 does not match the identification number (IC data) of the IC card 80 corresponding to the number of the locker 10 in which the information reading unit 28 is provided and stored in the memory unit 66 ("NO" in STEP 224), the information of the locker 10 specified based on the information read from the IC card 80 is displayed on the display unit 27 (STEP 225). Specifically, when the identification number of the IC card 80 read from the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80 by the information reading unit 28 does not match the identification number (IC data) of the IC card 80 corresponding to the number of the locker 10 in which the information reading unit 28 is provided and stored in the memory unit 66, but matches the identification number of the IC card 80 corresponding to the number of another locker 10, the number of the locker 10 with the matching identification number of the IC card 80 is displayed on the display unit 27. Specifically, the display unit 27 displays a message saying "The number of the locker you used is No. ◎◎". As a result, even if the user loses the locker usage certificate 90 and forgets the number of the locker 10 where the user deposited the luggage, the user can know the number of the locker 10 where the user deposited the luggage by having the information reading unit 28 of the locker 10 read the IC card 80 used to deposit the luggage. In addition, at this time, the relative position of the locker 10 where the user's luggage is stored with respect to the locker 10 where the user caused the information reading unit 28 to read the IC card 80 (for example, a message indicating that the luggage is stored in the locker 10 that is the third locker 10 to the right and the second locker 10 above the locker 10 where the user caused the information reading unit 28 to read the IC card 80) may be displayed on the display unit 27. In addition, a message saying "Unlocking operation will be performed. Please hold your IC card over the locker 10 if you wish" may be displayed on the display unit 27 of the locker operation unit 20 of the locker 10 corresponding to the identification number of the IC card 80 used to deposit the luggage. This allows the user to more reliably know in which locker 10 his / her luggage is stored.In addition, the LED lamp 26 of the locker operation unit 20 of the locker 10 corresponding to the identification number of the IC card 80 used when checking in the luggage may be turned on and off repeatedly, or the position of the locker 10 corresponding to the identification number of the IC card 80 used when checking in the luggage may be displayed on the operation display unit 32 of the central control unit 30.

[0055] Furthermore, if the identification number of the IC card 80 read by the information reading unit 28 from the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80 does not match any of the identification numbers of the IC card 80 corresponding to the numbers of each locker 10 stored in the memory unit 66, a message is displayed to the effect that the IC card 80 read by the information reading unit 28 is incorrect. Specifically, the display unit 27 displays a message saying "Luggage has not been deposited with this IC card. Please use a different IC card." This allows the user to have the information reading unit 28 read a different IC card to unlock the door 12 of the locker 10.

[0056] Furthermore, when the number of times that an error notification is given by displaying an error message on the display unit 27 reaches a preset number of times, the control unit 60 transmits the error information to a computer of the management company, which serves as an external device. This allows staff from the management company to patrol the locker device 1, and can prevent problems such as a user becoming irritated by repeated error notifications and destroying the locker device 1.

[0057] Furthermore, in the locker device 1 of this embodiment, a user can reserve the locker 10 to be used for depositing luggage in advance using a communication information terminal (e.g., a smartphone, etc.) carried by the user before depositing the luggage in the locker 10. When reserving the locker 10, the identification number of the IC card 80 is also registered. When a locker 10 is reserved, the control unit 60 notifies the user's communication information terminal of the number of the reserved locker 10. When a locker 10 is reserved, the display unit 27 of the locker operation unit 20 of the locker 10 displays the message "Reserved", and the door 12 of the locker 10 is locked by the control unit 60, preventing other users from depositing luggage in the locker 10. Then, when the user who made the reservation brings the registered IC card 80 close to the information reading section 28 of the locker operation section 20 of the reserved locker 10 or the IC card reader 40 of the central control unit 30, information such as the identification number of the IC card 80 is read from the IC card 80, and a match is made with the locker 10, unlocking the door 12 and allowing the user to deposit their luggage in the locker 10.

[0058] In addition, while a user is locking or unlocking the door 12 of any of the lockers 10 in the central control unit 30, the information reading unit 28 of the locker operation unit 20 will not read the IC card 80 for that locker 10. This makes it possible to prevent the central control unit 30 from locking or unlocking the door 12 of the same locker 10 and the information reading unit 28 of the locker operation unit 20 from simultaneously locking or unlocking the door 12 based on the reading of the IC card 80.

[0059] Furthermore, when a user operates the central control unit 30 to remove a package from the locker 10, if the IC card reader 40 of the central control unit 30 is out of order, the operation display unit 32 displays a message indicating that the IC card reader 40 is being adjusted and requesting that the IC card 80 number be manually input or that the IC card 80 be read by the information reading unit 28 of the locker operation unit 20 of the locker 10. At this time, when the user inputs the number of the visual confirmation code 84 written on the IC card 80 (specifically, the identification number of the IC card 80 itself or the identification number converted into a multi-digit number) into the operation display unit 32, the key number linked to the identification number of the IC card 80 is obtained. This unlocks the door 12, and the user can remove the package from the locker 10. Also, instead of the user inputting the number of the visual confirmation code 84 into the operation display unit 32, the door 12 can be unlocked by going to the locker 10 where the baggage has been deposited and having the IC card 80 read by the information reading unit 28 of the locker operation unit 20 of the locker 10.

[0060] In addition, if the IC card 80 used by the user does not have a payment function, or if payment cannot be made even if the information reading unit 28 of the locker operation unit 20 reads information from the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80, when the user brings the IC card 80 close to the information reading unit 28 to read information from the IC card 80, the control unit 60 may unlock the door 12 on the condition that the collation result of the locker 10 matches and no excess fee has been incurred. In this case, if the collation result of the locker 10 matches but an excess fee has been incurred, a message is displayed on the display unit 27 urging the user to use the central control unit 30 to remove the luggage.

[0061] In addition, in the locker device 1 of this embodiment, if the administrator finds that luggage has been stored in the locker 10 for more than a predetermined number of days (e.g., 3 days), the administrator operates the central control unit 30 to open the door 12 of the locker 10 in the separate storage mode, removes the luggage from the locker 10, takes it back to the management office, and stores the luggage separately in the management office. In addition, the storage unit 66 stores the contents of the deposit process related to the luggage stored separately (specifically, the number of the locker 10, the collection date and time, the payment information, the identification number of the IC card 80, the excess fee, etc.). In this case, the locker 10 with the door 12 opened by the administrator in the separate storage mode becomes available, but when a third party deposits luggage in the locker 10 and locks the door 12, the original user cannot unlock the door 12 even with the IC card 80 or the locker use certificate 90. At this time, when the original user has the IC card 80 read by the information reading unit 28 of the locker operation unit 20, if the identification number of the read IC card 80 matches the identification number of the IC card 80 for the separately stored luggage stored in the memory unit 66, a message is displayed on the display unit 27 of the locker operation unit 20 to the effect that the luggage is being stored separately in the management office.

[0062] According to the locker device 1 and the control method of the locker device 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, each locker 10 has an information reading unit 28 that reads information from a medium (specifically, an IC card 80) held by a user. When the information reading unit 28 reads information from the medium, the locker 10 is verified based on the read information, and if the verification results match, the locking unit 25 unlocks the door 12. This allows the user to quickly remove luggage from the locker 10 by unlocking the door 12 not only by the central control unit 30 but also by each locker 10, thereby improving user convenience. Specifically, while a user is performing a luggage removal operation using the central control unit 30, another user can perform the luggage removal operation by operating the locker operation unit 20 of the locker 10 without waiting for the user to finish the operation using the central control unit 30. Therefore, even when multiple users remove luggage from the locker 10 at the same time, there is no waiting in line, and the needs of users who want to remove luggage from the locker 10 in a hurry can be met.

[0063] In addition, in the locker device 1 of this embodiment, the door 12 locked by the locking unit 25 in the locker 10 is unlocked by either a first unlocking control based on a user's operation in the central control unit 30 (see the flowchart in FIG. 7) or a second unlocking control based on reading of information from a medium by the information reading unit 28 in the locker 10 (see the flowchart in FIG. 8). In this case, the user can unlock the door 12 from either the central control unit 30 or the locker 10, so that a user who returns to the locker device 1 to retrieve a baggage from the locker 10 can unlock the door 12 from the nearest device, either the central control unit 30 or the locker 10 where the baggage was deposited.

[0064] Furthermore, in the locker device 1 of this embodiment, while a user is locking or unlocking the door 12 of any of the lockers 10, the central control unit 30 restricts the second unlocking control (see the flowchart in FIG. 8) for that locker. As a result, as described above, it is possible to prevent the locking or unlocking operation of the door 12 by the central control unit 30 and the locking or unlocking operation of the door 12 based on the reading of the IC card 80 by the information reading unit 28 of the locker operating unit 20 from being performed simultaneously for the same locker 10.

[0065] Furthermore, in the locker device 1 of this embodiment, when the locking of the door 12 by the locking unit 25 is released by having the information reading unit 28 read information from the medium, the locking of the door 12 by the locking unit 25 is released on the condition that no additional fee has been incurred for the locking of the door 12. As a result, if an excess fee has been incurred, the locking of the door 12 by the locking unit 25 is not released even if the information reading unit 28 reads information from the medium, so that the central control unit 30 can have the user pay the additional fee.

[0066] In the locker device 1 of this embodiment, each locker 10 has a display unit 27, and when information is read from the medium by the information reading unit 28, the display unit 27 displays the content specified based on the read information. As a result, for example, when the identification number of the IC card 80 read from the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80 by the information reading unit 28 does not match any of the identification numbers of the IC card 80 corresponding to the numbers of each locker 10 stored in the storage unit 66, a message indicating that the IC card 80 read by the information reading unit 28 is incorrect is displayed on the display unit 27, so that the user can use the correct IC card 80. Also, when the information is read from the medium by the information reading unit 28, if the collation results do not match, the display unit 27 displays the information of the locker 10 specified based on the read information. As a result, even if a user loses the locker usage certificate 90 and forgets the number of the locker 10 in which the user deposited the baggage, the number of the locker 10 in which the user deposited the baggage can be known by having the information reading unit 28 of a certain locker 10 read the IC card 80 used to deposit the baggage.

[0067] The locker device 1 and the control method thereof according to this embodiment are not limited to the above-described aspects, and various modifications can be made.

[0068] For example, the control of the locker device 1 described above may not be performed by the control unit 60, but may be performed remotely by a control device 64 provided separately from the locker device 1. In this case, the control device 64 is communicably connected to the locker device 1 and controls the locking unit 25 to lock and unlock the door 12 of each locker 10. When the information reading unit 28 reads information from the medium, the control device 64 checks the locker 10 based on the read information, and controls the locking unit 25 to unlock the door 12 if the check result is a match. In this case, the locker device 1 and the control device 64 constitute the locker system according to the present invention. In such a locker system, the user can quickly take out luggage from the locker 10 by allowing the user to unlock the door 12 not only in the central control unit 30 but also in each locker 10, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0069] Further, in the above-described locker device 1, the operation display section 32 and the control section 60 are provided in the same central control unit 30, but the operation display section 32 and the control section 60 may be provided in separate units.

[0070] Also, instead of storing the luggage storage status (whether luggage is stored or not) in each locker 10, the history of luggage deposit processing and settlement processing, etc. in the memory unit 66 of the locker device 1, this information may be stored in an external device (for example, an external cloud) provided separately from the locker device 1, and the control unit 60 may perform various controls by receiving this information from the external device. In this case, the table shown in Fig. 13 may also be stored in the external device.

[0071] In addition, in a locker device according to another modified example, when a user selects to pay the deposit fee with an IC card 80 when depositing luggage, the identification number of the IC card 80 itself read from the IC tag 82 of the IC card 80 may be used as the key number in the control unit 60.

[0072] Moreover, the information reading unit 28 provided in each locker 10 is not limited to an IC card reader that reads the IC card 80. The information reading unit 28 provided in each locker 10 may include a code reader that reads the code 92 printed on a receipt (specifically, the locker use certificate 90) to obtain information (specifically, for example, a key number) required to unlock the door 12. In this case, even if the user pays the deposit fee in cash when depositing luggage, the code 92 on the locker use certificate 90 issued when depositing the luggage is read by the information reading unit 28 to verify the locker 10. Specifically, if the key number read from the code 92 on the locker use certificate 90 by the code reader of the information reading unit 28 matches the key number corresponding to the locker 10 stored in the memory unit 66, the locker 10 is verified and the door 12 of the locker 10 is unlocked.

[0073] Also, the information reading unit 28 provided in each locker 10 may include a code reader that reads a code displayed on a user's mobile communication terminal to obtain information required to unlock the door 12. Specifically, when a user operates the central control unit 30 to lock the door 12 of the locker 10, a code indicating information required to unlock the door 12 (specifically, for example, a key number) is transmitted to the user's mobile communication terminal by the communication unit 62 and stored in the mobile communication terminal. Then, when the user takes out luggage from the locker 10, the user causes the monitor of the mobile communication terminal to display a code indicating information required to unlock the door 12, and causes the information reading unit 28 to read the code. In this way, the locker 10 is matched based on the information required to unlock the door 12 in the code stored in the user's mobile communication terminal when locking the door 12 of the locker 10 and the information obtained by reading the code by the code reader of the information reading unit 28. Specifically, if the key number read from the code displayed on the monitor of the mobile communication terminal by the code reader of the information reading unit 28 matches the key number corresponding to the locker 10 stored in the memory unit 66, the locker 10 is verified and the door 12 of this locker 10 is unlocked.

[0074] Also, when a user operates the central control unit 30 to lock the door 12 of the locker 10, an IC reader (not shown) provided in the central control unit 30 may read information about the mobile communication terminal (for example, a telephone number or an identification number of the mobile communication terminal) from an IC component such as an IC chip mounted on the user's mobile communication terminal. Also, the information reading unit 28 provided in each locker 10 may include an IC reader that reads information about the mobile communication terminal from an IC component mounted on the user's mobile communication terminal. In this case, when a user takes out an item from the locker 10, if the user brings his / her mobile communication terminal close to the IC reader of the information reading unit 28, the information about the mobile communication terminal is read by the IC reader from the IC component mounted on the user's mobile communication terminal. Then, when the door 12 of the locker 10 is locked, the locker 10 is verified based on the information read from the IC component of the mobile communication terminal by the central control unit 30 and the information read from the IC component by the IC reader of the information reading unit 28. Specifically, if the information of the mobile communication terminal read from the IC component by the IC reader of the information reading unit 28 matches the information of the mobile communication terminal corresponding to the locker 10 stored in the memory unit 66, the locker 10 is verified and the door 12 of this locker 10 is unlocked.

[0075] In the above description, an example in which one information reading unit 28 is provided for one locker 10 has been described, but the present embodiment is not limited to this form. A set of display unit 27 and information reading unit 28 may be provided between two adjacent lockers 10. Even in this case, when information is read from a medium possessed by a user by information reading unit 28, door 12 of the locker 10 that has been matched among the two lockers 10 on both sides of information reading unit 28 (i.e., the locker 10 in which information such as the identification number of IC card 80 read by information reading unit 28 matches the information stored in memory unit 66) is unlocked.

[0076] Furthermore, the locker operation unit 20 of each locker 10 may further include an input unit (not shown) such as a keyboard for inputting information related to a medium such as an IC card 80. When information related to the medium is input by the input unit, the locker 10 is verified based on the input information, and if the verification results match, the door 12 is unlocked by the locking unit 25. In this case, even if the information reading unit 28 of the locker operation unit 20 of the locker 10 is broken and cannot be used when the user unlocks the door 12 of the locker 10 by the locker operation unit 20 to take out the luggage, the user can verify the locker 10 based on the input information by inputting, for example, the visual confirmation code 84 written on the IC card 80 by the input unit.

[0077] Also, when a user reserves a locker 10 using a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone, the user may measure the size of the luggage by photographing the luggage with the camera of the mobile communication terminal, and information regarding the size of the luggage may be transmitted from the communication mobile terminal to the control unit 60 of the locker device 1. In this case, the control unit 60 selects a locker 10 that can accommodate the luggage from among the lockers 10 of the locker device 1 based on the size of the luggage transmitted from the mobile communication terminal, and reserves the selected locker 10. Specifically, the user photographs the luggage he or she wants to deposit with the camera of the mobile communication terminal, and the length, width, and height of the luggage are measured by a reservation locker app or the like installed on the mobile communication terminal, and the measured information is transmitted to the control unit 60 of the locker device 1 by the reservation locker app. Also, information regarding the length, width, and height of the storage space of each locker 10 is stored in the memory unit 66 of the locker device 1. Then, when the size of the luggage is transmitted from the mobile communication terminal, the control unit 60 selects a locker 10 whose storage space has a size larger than all of the length, width, and height of the luggage. At this time, information on the baggage deposit fee corresponding to this locker 10 may be transmitted from the control unit 60 of the locker device 1 to the user's mobile communication terminal by the communication unit 62 and displayed on the monitor of this mobile communication terminal. When selecting a locker 10 to reserve, the control unit 60 may select a locker 10 close to the user's current location based on the GPS mounted on the mobile communication terminal, or may select a locker 10 close to the user's destination inputted into a locker reservation app or the like of the mobile communication terminal.

[0078] Furthermore, the code 92 of the locker use certificate 90 issued when the user deposits luggage in the locker 10 may include URL information of a map showing the location of the locker device 1 or the location of the locker 10 where the luggage was deposited. In this case, even if the user loses track of the location of the locker device 1 or the location of the locker 10 where the luggage was deposited when taking out luggage from the locker 10, a map showing the location of the locker device 1 or the location of the locker 10 where the luggage was deposited is displayed on the monitor of the mobile communication terminal by capturing an image of the code 92 of the locker use certificate 90 with a camera of the mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone. This allows the user to reach the locker device 1 or the locker 10 where the luggage was deposited by relying on the map displayed on the mobile communication terminal. Furthermore, when the user deposits luggage in the locker 10, a code such as a two-dimensional code showing URL information of a map showing the location of the locker device 1 or the location of the locker 10 where the luggage was deposited may be transmitted from the control unit 60 of the locker device 1 to the mobile communication terminal of the user via the communication unit 62. In this case, even if the user forgets the location of the locker device 1 or the location of the locker 10 where they left their luggage when retrieving their luggage from the locker 10, a map showing the location of the locker device 1 and the location of the locker 10 where they left their luggage can be displayed on the monitor of a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone based on the URL information contained in the code stored in the mobile communication terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Locker device 10. Lockers 12 Doors 20 Locker operation unit 21 Casing 22 Aperture 24 Locking lever 26 LED lamps 27 Display section 28 Information reading unit 30 Central Control Unit 32 Operation display section 34 Speaker 36 Code Reader 38 Printers 40 IC card reader 42 Coin slot 44 Banknote entrance / exit 46 Coin return slot 48 Maintenance Lock 50 Coin Processing Unit 52 Banknote processing unit 60 Control section 62 Communications Department 64 Control device 66 Memory section 80 IC Cards 82 IC tag 84 Visual Inspection Code 90 Certificate of Use 92 Code 94 Visual Inspection Code

Claims

1. A plurality of locker units each having a locking unit for locking a door; A central control unit that controls each of the locking units to lock and unlock the doors of each of the locker units in response to an operation performed by a user; Equipped with Each of the locker units has an information reading unit that reads information from a medium held by a user, When information is read from the medium by the information reading unit, the locker unit is verified based on the information read by the central control unit, and if the verification results match, the door is unlocked by the locking unit.

2. 2. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the locking of the door by the locking unit in the locker unit is released by either a first unlocking control based on a user's operation in the central control unit or a second unlocking control based on reading information from the medium by the information reading unit in the locker unit.

3. 3. The locker device according to claim 2, wherein the central control unit limits the second unlocking control for any one of the locker units while a user is performing an operation to lock or unlock the door of that locker unit.

4. 4. A locker device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the locking of the door by the locking unit is released by having the information reading unit read information from the medium, the locking of the door by the locking unit is released on the condition that no additional charge is incurred for locking the door.

5. Each of the locker units has a display unit, The locker device according to claim 1 , wherein when the information reading unit reads information from the medium, the display unit displays content specified based on the read information.

6. The locker device of claim 5, wherein when the information reading unit reads information from the medium and the comparison result is not a match, the display unit displays information about the locker unit identified based on the read information.

7. Each of the locker units further includes an input unit for inputting information regarding the medium, 7. A locker device according to claim 1, wherein when information regarding the medium is input by the input unit, a locker comparison is performed based on the input information by the central control unit, and if the comparison results match, the locking unit unlocks the door.

8. 8. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the information reading unit includes an IC reader that reads information from an IC medium as the medium, and when locking the door of the locker, the central control unit verifies the locker based on the information read from the IC medium by the information reading unit and the information read from the IC medium by the IC reader.

9. When a user performs an operation to lock the door of the locker in the central control unit, a receipt on which a code indicating information required to unlock the door is printed is issued as the medium; The information reading unit includes a code reader that reads a code printed on a receipt to obtain information required to unlock the door, 8. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein when the central control unit locks the door of the locker unit, the locker is verified based on information required to unlock the door in a code printed on a receipt and information obtained by reading the code with the code reader.

10. the information reading unit includes an IC reader that reads information of the mobile communication terminal from an IC component mounted in the mobile communication terminal as the medium, 8. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the central control unit verifies the locker unit based on information read from the IC component by the information reading unit and information read from the IC component by the IC reader when locking the door of the locker.

11. When a user operates the locker door to lock, a code indicating information required to unlock the door is stored in the user's mobile communication terminal as the medium. The information reading unit includes a code reader that reads a code displayed on the mobile communication terminal of the user to obtain information required to unlock the door, 8. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the central control unit, when locking the door of the locker unit, verifies the locker unit based on information required to unlock the door in the code stored in the user's mobile communication terminal and information obtained by reading the code by the code reader.

12. A locker device including a plurality of locker units each having a locking unit for locking a door, and a central control unit for controlling each of the locking units so as to lock and unlock the door of each of the locker units by an operation performed by a user; A control device as an external device that is communicatively connected to the locker device and controls each of the locking units to lock and unlock the doors of each locker; Equipped with Each of the locker units has an information reading unit that reads information from a medium held by a user, A locker system in which, when information is read from the medium by the information reading unit, the control device compares the locker unit based on the read information, and if the comparison results are a match, controls the locking unit to unlock the door.

13. A control method for a locker device having a plurality of locker units each having a locking unit for locking a door, and a central control unit for controlling each of the locking units so as to lock and unlock the door of each of the locker units by an operation performed by a user, and each of the locker units having an information reading unit for reading information from a medium possessed by a user, comprising: a step of locking the door of the target locker unit by the locking unit in response to an operation by the user by the central control unit; reading information from the medium by the information reading unit; When the information is read from the medium by the information reading unit, the central control unit performs verification of the locker unit based on the read information, and if the verification results match, the locking unit unlocks the locked door; A control method for a locker device comprising:

Images