Baggage handling device, housing and baggage handling program

Abstract

To automatically carry out a baggage delivered to receiving facilities such as a home delivery box.SOLUTION: A baggage handling device of the invention includes: a data acquisition unit which acquires baggage data indicating information about a baggage to be delivered and delivered data indicating that the baggage has been received by a receiving facility for receiving the baggage; a transport device selection unit which selects a first transport device which transports the baggage based on the baggage data; and a transport device control unit which causes the first transport device to hold the baggage after the data acquisition unit acquires the delivered data, and causes the first transport device to leave the receiving facility.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a luggage handling device, a house, and a luggage handling program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the increase in the use of mail order sales and the like using the Internet, the problem of the increasing burden on the business of delivering packages has become serious. One of the means for solving such a problem is, for example, the delivery box disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] This delivery box is changeable from an assembled state to a folded state, and includes a main body, a top plate, a bottom plate, a shutter, an arm, and a locking mechanism. The main body has a box shape with an open front. The top plate covers the front of the main body in the folded state and opens upward in the assembled state. The bottom plate covers the front of the main body in the folded state and opens downward in the assembled state. The shutter covers the front of the main body while being guided by a first rail provided along the edge of the top plate and a second rail provided along the edge of the bottom plate in the assembled state, and is stored in the main body in the folded state. The arm holds the bottom plate approximately horizontally relative to the main body in the assembled state. The locking mechanism locks the shutter in the assembled state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-192116 A

[0005] However, when a parcel is already stored in the delivery box, the delivery box may not be able to store another parcel to be delivered next unless the parcel is removed. Also, when multiple parcels are delivered separately, the delivery box may not be able to prevent a situation in which a parcel that has already been delivered is seen by a delivery person delivering another parcel, or the parcel that has already been delivered may be stolen. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an objective of providing a parcel handling device, a house, and a parcel handling program that can automatically carry out parcels delivered to receiving facilities such as delivery boxes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is The above includes information indicating the date and time the package will be delivered. baggage data indicating information about the baggage and accepting the baggage The facility includes an external door for receiving and sending out the luggage, an electronic lock provided on the external door, an internal door provided in the receiving facility for removing the luggage, and an electronic lock provided on the internal door. a data acquisition unit that acquires delivery completion data indicating that the package has been received by a receiving facility; and a conveyance device selection unit that selects a first conveyance device that conveys the package based on the package data; an electronic lock control unit that unlocks an electronic lock provided on the exterior door when the package is delivered based on the date and time indicated by the package data; A luggage handling device comprising: a conveying device control unit that, after the delivery data is acquired by the data acquisition unit, has the first conveying device carry the luggage and causes the first conveying device to withdraw from the receiving facility.

[0008] In addition, in the above-mentioned luggage handling apparatus, the conveying device control unit may move the first conveying device to the receiving equipment, then have the first conveying device carry the luggage and cause the first conveying device to withdraw from the receiving equipment.

[0009] In addition, in the above-mentioned luggage handling device, the conveying device control unit may, after causing the first conveying device carrying the luggage to leave the receiving equipment, move the first conveying device carrying the luggage to a location where the luggage is stored or a location where the luggage is used, and cause the first conveying device to release the luggage.

[0010] In addition, in the above-mentioned luggage handling apparatus, the conveying device control unit may, after causing the first conveying device to release the luggage, move the first conveying device to a location where the first conveying device is stored.

[0011] In addition, in the above-mentioned luggage handling apparatus, the conveying device control unit may determine a location to move the first conveying device based on at least one of the characteristics of the luggage indicated by the luggage data and the characteristics required of the first conveying device when transporting the luggage.

[0012] In addition, in the above-mentioned luggage handling device, the conveying device selection unit may select the first conveying device based on at least one of the characteristics of the luggage indicated by the luggage data and the characteristics required of the first conveying device when transporting the luggage.

[0013] In addition, in the above-mentioned baggage handling device, the conveying device selection unit may select a second conveying device different from the first conveying device, and the conveying device control unit may move the second conveying device to the receiving equipment after the first conveying device carrying the baggage has been removed from the receiving equipment.

[0014] In addition, in the above-mentioned luggage handling device, the conveying device selection unit may select the second conveying device based on at least one of the characteristics of the luggage indicated by the luggage data and the characteristics required of the second conveying device when transporting the luggage.

[0015] In addition, in the above-mentioned luggage handling apparatus, the receiving equipment may be provided with a holding member for holding the luggage, and at least one of the first conveying device and the second conveying device may be provided with a gripping mechanism for gripping the luggage held by the holding member.

[0016] In addition, in the above-mentioned luggage handling apparatus, at least one of the first conveying device and the second conveying device may be provided with a holding member that holds the luggage received by the receiving equipment.

[0017] In addition, in the above-mentioned luggage handling apparatus, at least one of the first conveying device and the second conveying device may be provided with a display unit that displays information regarding the luggage that it conveys.

[0019] In addition, the above-mentioned luggage handling device The electronic lock control unit locks an electronic lock provided on the exterior door after the delivery completion data is acquired by the data acquisition unit. Good

[0020] In addition, in the above-mentioned baggage handling device, the electronic lock control unit may lock the electronic lock provided on the internal door before the baggage is delivered, based on the date and time indicated by the baggage data.

[0021] In addition, in the above-mentioned baggage handling device, the electronic lock control unit may unlock an electronic lock provided on the internal door after the first conveying device has moved to the receiving facility.

[0022] In addition, in the above-mentioned baggage handling apparatus, the conveying device control unit may move the first conveying device to the receiving facility after the delivery completion data is acquired by the data acquisition unit.

[0023] One aspect of the present invention is a house equipped with any one of the above-mentioned luggage handling devices.

[0024] One aspect of the present invention is The above includes information indicating the date and time the package will be delivered. baggage data indicating information about the baggage and accepting the baggage The facility includes an external door for receiving and sending out the luggage, an electronic lock provided on the external door, an internal door provided in the receiving facility for removing the luggage, and an electronic lock provided on the internal door. a data acquisition function that acquires delivery completion data indicating that the package has been received by a receiving facility; and a conveyance device selection function that selects a first conveyance device that conveys the package based on the package data; an electronic lock control function for unlocking an electronic lock provided on the exterior door when the package is delivered based on the date and time indicated by the package data; This is a parcel handling program that causes a computer to realize the following: after the delivery data has been acquired by the data acquisition function, the first conveying device carries the parcel, and a conveying device control function that causes the first conveying device to withdraw from the receiving facility. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a parcel handling device, a house, and a parcel handling program that can automatically carry out parcels delivered to receiving facilities such as a delivery box. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a house, a receiving facility, and a transport device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a house, a receiving facility, and a transport device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a luggage handling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the baggage handling apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the baggage handling apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the baggage handling apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a house, a receiving facility, and a transport device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] [First embodiment] A luggage handling device, a house, and a luggage handling program according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

[0028] First, an example of a house, a receiving facility, and a transport device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In the following description, when referring to at least one of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis will be used as appropriate. The Z-axis is an axis that faces in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity. The X-axis and the Y-axis are mutually orthogonal, and both are orthogonal to the Z-axis. In addition, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis form a right-handed system.

[0029] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of a house, a receiving facility, and a conveying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a house 1, a receiving facility 10, and a conveying device 23. FIG. 1 also shows an example of a cross section of the receiving facility 10 of the house 1 and its surroundings taken along a plane parallel to the XY plane when viewed from the +Z direction. Meanwhile, FIG. 2 shows the house 1, the receiving facility 10, and a conveying device 24. FIG. 2 also shows an example of a cross section of the receiving facility 10, the conveying device 24, and their surroundings taken along a plane parallel to the ZX plane when viewed from the -Y direction.

[0030] The house 1 is, for example, a detached house or an apartment building. The receiving facility 10 is a facility used for the purpose of receiving parcels delivered to the house 1. The receiving facility 10 is realized by at least a part of a facility that can be used for such a purpose. For example, the receiving facility 10 is at least a part of a delivery box, a pantry, a walk-in closet, a shoe closet, or a storage space. For example, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the receiving facility 10 has a space surrounded by a floor 11, a ceiling 12, a wall 13, a wall 14, an internal door 15, and an external door 16, and receives parcels delivered to the space.

[0031] The floor 11 is parallel to the XY plane and may be formed integrally with the floor of the part of the house 1 other than the receiving facility 10, or may be formed separately from the floor of the part of the house 1 other than the receiving facility 10. The ceiling 12 is parallel to the XY plane and may be formed integrally with the ceiling of the part of the house 1 other than the receiving facility 10, or may be formed separately from the ceiling of the part of the house 1 other than the receiving facility 10.

[0032] Both walls 13 and 14 are parallel to the YZ plane and may be formed integrally with the walls of the part of the house 1 other than the receiving equipment 10, or may be formed separately from the walls of the part of the house 1 other than the receiving equipment 10.

[0033] The internal door 15 is attached to the wall 14, and is a door attached to an opening for taking out luggage from a space for receiving luggage. The opening is, for example, an opening leading to the inside of the house 1. The internal door 15 is also equipped with an electronic lock and can be locked by the electronic lock. The electronic lock operates with power supplied from a battery, and may include an input means for inputting unlocking information for unlocking the internal door 15, and a display for displaying whether the inputted unlocking information is correct or not. The input means is realized by, for example, a numeric keypad, a barcode reader, or an IC (Integrated Circuit) reader.

[0034] The exterior door 16 is attached to the wall 13, and is a door attached to an opening for removing luggage from a space for receiving luggage. The opening is, for example, an opening leading to the outside of the house 1. The exterior door 16 is also equipped with an electronic lock and can be locked by the electronic lock. The electronic lock operates with power supplied from a battery, and is equipped with an input means for inputting unlocking information for unlocking the exterior door 16, and a display for displaying whether the inputted unlocking information is correct or not. The input means is realized by, for example, a numeric keypad, a barcode reader, or an IC reader.

[0035] 1 and 2, the receiving facility 10 includes a holding member 21 and a holding member 22. The holding members 21 and 22 are, for example, shelf boards each having two rectangular faces parallel to the XY plane, and the shorter sides of these two rectangles are fixed to the wall 13 or the wall 14. The holding members 21 and 22 are placed on the holding members 21 and 22 to receive packages delivered to the house 1 by the delivery person.

[0036] 1, the transport device 23 is an autonomous mobile articulated robot, and includes a moving mechanism 230 and a gripping mechanism 235. The moving mechanism 230 includes, for example, casters and a control mechanism that controls the direction and rotation of the casters using a motor, a control circuit, etc., and realizes autonomous movement by the transport device 23. The gripping mechanism 235 is, for example, attached to the end of an arm having at least one joint, and is a mechanism for gripping a load held by the holding member 21 or the holding member 22 and releasing the load.

[0037] The conveying device 23 may also be provided with a display unit that displays information about the luggage that it is conveying. Examples of such a display unit include a display or plate that displays the external dimensions of luggage that the conveying device 23 can convey, the weight of the luggage, etc. Note that the display unit does not necessarily have to be attached to the conveying device 23, and may be attached to other objects such as the receiving facility 10, or may be installed independently of other objects.

[0038] 2, the transport device 24 includes a moving mechanism 240, a holding member 241, a holding member 242, a holding member 243, a side wall 244, and a side wall 245. The moving mechanism 240 includes, for example, casters and a control mechanism for controlling the direction and rotation of the casters using a motor, a control circuit, etc., and realizes autonomous movement by the transport device 24. The holding members 241, 242, and 243 are, for example, shelves fixed to the side wall 244 or the side wall 245, which is a plate-shaped member having two rectangular faces parallel to the XY plane and the short sides of the two rectangles parallel to the YZ plane. The holding members 241, 242, and 243 are placed with luggage to be received by the receiving facility 10.

[0039] The conveying device 24 may also be provided with a display unit that displays information about the luggage that it is conveying. Examples of such a display unit include a display or plate that displays the external dimensions of luggage that it can convey, the weight of the luggage, etc. Note that the display unit does not necessarily have to be attached to the conveying device 24, and may be attached to other objects such as the receiving facility 10, or may be installed independently of other objects.

[0040] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of a luggage handling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a luggage handling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The luggage handling apparatus 30 is installed in a house 1, and as shown in Fig. 3, comprises a processor 31, a main memory device 32, a communication interface 33, an auxiliary memory device 34, an input / output device 35, and a bus 36.

[0041] The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which reads and executes a baggage handling program to realize each function of the baggage handling equipment 30. The processor 31 may also read and execute a program other than the baggage handling program to realize a function required to realize each function of the baggage handling equipment 30.

[0042] The main storage device 32 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores in advance the baggage handling program that is read and executed by the processor 31 and other baggage handling programs.

[0043] The communication interface 33 is an interface circuit for communicating with other devices via a network, which may be, for example, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), the internet, or an intranet.

[0044] The auxiliary storage device 34 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, or a read only memory (ROM).

[0045] The input / output device 35 is, for example, an input / output port. For example, an input device and an output device are connected to the input / output device 35. The input device is, for example, a touch panel display, a mouse, or a keyboard, and is used to operate the baggage handling apparatus 30 and input data to the baggage handling apparatus 30. The output device is, for example, a touch panel display, or a speaker, and is used by the baggage handling apparatus 30 to present information to the user.

[0046] Next, the software configuration of the luggage handling device will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the luggage handling device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, luggage handling device 30 comprises a data acquisition unit 301, an electronic lock control unit 302, a conveying device selection unit 303, and a conveying device control unit 304. Data acquisition unit 301, electronic lock control unit 302, conveying device selection unit 303, and conveying device control unit 304 are all realized by processor 31 reading and executing a luggage handling program stored in main memory device 32.

[0047] The data acquisition unit 301 acquires package data indicating information about packages delivered to the house 1. Examples of such information include the type of package, the date and time when the package is delivered, the external dimensions of the package, and the weight of the package. Examples of package types include food, daily necessities, books, and clothing, and may include the range of temperatures at which the package should be maintained when transported. For example, the data acquisition unit 301 receives an email sent to a mobile terminal used by a user after purchasing a product using electronic commerce, analyzes the email, and acquires package data by extracting information about the package.

[0048] The electronic lock control unit 302 transmits, for example, unlocking information for unlocking the electronic lock attached to the exterior door 16 to a mobile terminal used by the delivery person before the delivery person visits the house 1 to deliver the package to the receiving facility 10. In addition, this unlocking information may be valid only during the time period when the delivery person delivers the package to the receiving facility 10.

[0049] Alternatively, the electronic lock control unit 302 displays on a display attached to the external door 16 or the like unlocking information for unlocking the electronic lock attached to the external door 16 before the delivery person visits the house 1 to deliver the package to the receiving facility 10. In this case, it is preferable for the electronic lock control unit 302 to display information that is associated with the unlocking information under a certain rule, rather than displaying the unlocking information itself on the display. The unlocking information may be displayed on a plate, a sticker, or the like, rather than on an electronic display means such as a display.

[0050] In addition, the electronic lock control unit 302 accepts input of unlocking information when the delivery person delivers the package to the receiving facility 10. Next, the electronic lock control unit 302 judges whether the input unlocking information completely matches the unlocking information transmitted to the mobile terminal used by the delivery person. That is, the electronic lock control unit 302 judges whether the input unlocking information is genuine. Then, when the electronic lock control unit 302 judges that the input unlocking information is genuine, it unlocks the electronic lock attached to the external door 16. In addition, when the electronic lock control unit 302 judges that the input unlocking information is genuine, it may lock the electronic lock attached to the internal door 15. On the other hand, when the electronic lock control unit 302 judges that the input unlocking information is not genuine, it keeps the electronic lock attached to the external door 16 locked.

[0051] After the package is delivered to the receiving facility 10, the data acquiring unit 301 acquires delivery completion data indicating that the package has been accepted by the receiving facility 10.

[0052] Delivery data is generated, for example, when the weight measured by a weight sensor attached to holding member 21, holding member 22, conveying device 23, holding member 241, holding member 242 or holding member 243 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0053] Alternatively, the delivery completion data is generated by reading an electronic tag attached to the package by a reading device attached to the holding member 21, the holding member 22, the conveying device 23, the holding member 241, the holding member 242, or the holding member 243. The reading device is, for example, a handy terminal used by a delivery person who delivers the package. The delivery completion data may be obtained by the data obtaining unit 301 from the reading device or a server that communicates with the reading device.

[0054] In addition, delivery data may be generated when machine learning or the like is used to recognize that a package is captured in a video or still image taken by a camera attached to holding member 21, holding member 22, conveying device 23, holding member 241, holding member 242 or holding member 243.

[0055] The electronic lock control unit 302 locks the electronic lock attached to the external door 16 after the data acquisition unit 301 acquires the delivery completion data. The electronic lock control unit 302 may also unlock the electronic lock attached to the internal door 15 after the data acquisition unit 301 acquires the delivery completion data. The electronic lock control unit 302 may also lock the electronic lock attached to the internal door 15 before the package is delivered, based on the date and time indicated by the package data. The electronic lock control unit 302 may also unlock the electronic lock attached to the internal door 15 after the first conveying device has moved to the receiving facility 10.

[0056] The conveyance device selection unit 303 selects a first conveyance device for conveying the package based on the package data. The first conveyance device is a conveyance device selected by the conveyance device selection unit 303 as a conveyance device for conveying the package delivered to the receiving facility 10 from among the conveyance devices operating in the house 1.

[0057] For example, when the parcel delivered to the receiving facility 10 is held by holding member 21 or holding member 22, the conveying device selection unit 303 selects conveying device 23 as the first conveying device. Also, for example, when the parcel delivered to the receiving facility 10 is held by holding member 241, holding member 242, or holding member 243, the conveying device selection unit 303 selects conveying device 24 as the first conveying device.

[0058] Also, for example, when the type of the luggage indicated by the luggage data is a gallon bottle for a water server and a transportation device dedicated to gallon bottles exists, the transportation device selection unit 303 may select the transportation device as the first transportation device. Alternatively, when a transportation device equipped with a holding member suitable for the dimensions of the luggage indicated by the luggage data exists, the transportation device selection unit 303 may select the transportation device as the first transportation device.

[0059] The conveying device selection unit 303 may select the first conveying device according to at least one of the characteristics of the luggage indicated by the luggage data and the characteristics required of the first conveying device when conveying the luggage. Examples of the characteristics of the luggage indicated by the luggage data include the size, weight, shape, and temperature suitable for storage of the luggage. Examples of the characteristics required of the first conveying device when conveying the luggage include the dimensions, load capacity, center of gravity position, moving speed, and material required of the first conveying device to convey the luggage.

[0060] The conveying device control unit 304 moves the conveying device selected as the first conveying device by the conveying device selection unit 303 to the receiving facility 10, has the conveying device grasp the baggage, and causes the conveying device to leave the receiving facility 10.

[0061] For example, when a load is held by the holding member 21 or the holding member 22 and the transport device control unit 304 selects the transport device 23 as the first transport device, the transport device control unit 304 controls the transport device 23 to drive the moving mechanism 230, and moves the transport device 23 to the receiving facility 10. Then, the transport device control unit 304 controls the transport device 23 to cause the gripping mechanism 235 to perform an operation to grip the load, and causes the transport device 23 to grip the load and to leave the receiving facility 10.

[0062] Alternatively, when the cargo is held by the holding member 241, the holding member 242, or the holding member 243 and the conveying device control unit 304 selects the conveying device 24 as the first conveying device, the conveying device control unit 304 controls the conveying device 24 to drive the moving mechanism 240, and moves the conveying device 24 to the receiving facility 10. Then, the conveying device control unit 304 causes the conveying device 24 to leave the receiving facility 10.

[0063] Furthermore, the conveying device control unit 304 may move the conveying device holding the luggage to a location in the house 1 where the luggage is stored or used, and cause the conveying device to release the luggage.

[0064] For example, the conveying device control unit 304 controls the conveying device 23 to drive the moving mechanism 230, and moves the conveying device 23 gripping the luggage by the gripping mechanism 235 to a place in the house 1 where the luggage is stored or used. Then, the conveying device control unit 304 controls the conveying device 23 to cause the gripping mechanism 235 to execute an operation to release the luggage, and causes the conveying device 23 to release the luggage.

[0065] Alternatively, the conveying device control unit 304 controls the conveying device 24 to drive the moving mechanism 240, and moves the conveying device 24 holding the luggage by the holding member 241, the holding member 242, or the holding member 243 to a place in the house 1 where the luggage is stored or where the luggage is used. Then, the conveying device control unit 304 controls the conveying device 23 to grip the luggage held by the holding member 241, the holding member 242, or the holding member 243, and release it at the place where the luggage is stored or where the luggage is used.

[0066] In addition, after causing the first conveying device to release the cargo, the conveying device control unit 304 may move the first conveying device to a place where the first conveying device is stored.

[0067] Furthermore, the conveying device control unit 304 may change the location to which the conveying device 23 is moved, depending on the content displayed on the display unit of the conveying device 23. For example, when the display unit of the conveying device 23 displays that the luggage is an item that requires freezing, the conveying device control unit 304 may move the conveying device 23 to a refrigerator / freezer. Similarly, the conveying device control unit 304 may change the location to which the conveying device 24 is moved, depending on the content displayed on the display unit of the conveying device 24. Furthermore, the information displayed on the display unit may be stored in a server or the like installed on the site on which the house 1 is built or outside the site, and may be displayed on the display unit under the control of the server or the like.

[0068] The conveying device control unit 304 may determine the location to which the first conveying device is moved according to at least one of the characteristics of the luggage indicated by the luggage data and the characteristics required of the first conveying device when conveying the luggage. Examples of the characteristics of the luggage indicated by the luggage data include the size, weight, shape, and temperature suitable for storage of the luggage. Examples of the characteristics required of the first conveying device when conveying the luggage include the dimensions and load capacity required of the first conveying device to convey the luggage.

[0069] Furthermore, the conveying device selection unit 303 selects a second conveying device different from the conveying device selected as the first conveying device. Furthermore, the conveying device selection unit 303 may select the second conveying device according to at least one of the characteristics of the luggage indicated by the luggage data and the characteristics required of the second conveying device when conveying the luggage. Examples of the characteristics of the luggage indicated by the luggage data include the size, weight, shape, and temperature suitable for storing the luggage. Examples of the characteristics required of the second conveying device when conveying the luggage include the dimensions and load capacity required of the second conveying device to convey the luggage.

[0070] Furthermore, the conveying device control unit 304 may move a second conveying device different from the conveying device selected as the first conveying device to the receiving facility 10. In this case, the conveying device control unit 304 may move the second conveying device to the inside of the receiving facility 10, or may move the second conveying device to a range where it can hold the parcel delivered to the receiving facility 10. The second conveying device is a conveying device different from the first conveying device that holds the parcel delivered to the receiving facility 10 and leaves the receiving facility 10, and is selected by the conveying device selection unit 303.

[0071] When the parcel for which delivery completion data has been acquired has not been carried out from the receiving facility 10 using the first conveying device, the parcel handling equipment 30 uses the first conveying device to carry the parcel out of the receiving facility 10. Then, the parcel handling equipment 30 may move the second conveying device, have the second conveying device wait in the space where the receiving facility 10 receives parcels, and unlock the electronic lock provided on the exterior door.

[0072] Next, an example of the process executed by the baggage handling apparatus 30 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 are flow charts showing an example of the process executed by the baggage handling apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The process shown in Figures 5 and 6 is executed once every time one baggage is delivered to the receiving facility 10.

[0073] In step S101, the data acquisition unit 301 acquires package data indicating information related to packages delivered to the house 1.

[0074] In step S102, the electronic lock control unit 302 transmits unlocking information for unlocking the electronic lock attached to the exterior door 16 to the mobile terminal used by the delivery person.

[0075] In step S103, the electronic lock control unit 302 accepts input of unlocking information.

[0076] In step S104, the electronic lock control unit 302 determines whether the unlocking information input in step S103 is authentic. If the electronic lock control unit 302 determines that the unlocking information input in step S103 is authentic (step S104: YES), the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if the electronic lock control unit 302 determines that the unlocking information input in step S103 is not authentic (step S104: NO), the process returns to step S103.

[0077] In step S105, the electronic lock control unit 302 unlocks the electronic lock attached to the outer door 16.

[0078] In step S106, the data acquisition unit 301 acquires delivery completion data indicating that the package has been accepted by the accepting facility 10 that accepts the package.

[0079] In step S107, the electronic lock control unit 302 locks the electronic lock attached to the external door 16.

[0080] In step S108, the conveyance device selection unit 303 selects a conveyance device for conveying the luggage based on the luggage data.

[0081] In step S109, the conveyance device control unit 304 moves the conveyance device selected in step S108 to the receiving facility 10, causes the conveyance device to grasp the baggage, and causes the conveyance device to leave the receiving facility 10.

[0082] In step S110, the conveying device control unit 304 moves the conveying device holding the package to a location in the house where the package is to be stored or used, and causes the conveying device to release the package.

[0083] In step S111, the transport device control unit 304 moves, to the receiving facility 10, a transport device different from the transport device selected in step S108.

[0084] The baggage handling apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment has been described above. The baggage handling apparatus 30 includes a data acquisition unit 301, a conveying apparatus selection unit 303, and a conveying apparatus control unit 304. The data acquisition unit 301 acquires baggage data indicating information related to a baggage to be delivered to the house 1, and delivery completion data indicating that the baggage has been accepted by the receiving facility 10 that is installed in the house 1 and accepts the baggage. The conveying apparatus selection unit 303 selects a first conveying apparatus that conveys the baggage based on the baggage data. After the delivery completion data is acquired by the data acquisition unit 301, the conveying apparatus control unit 304 causes the first conveying apparatus to grasp the baggage and causes the first conveying apparatus to leave the receiving facility 10.

[0085] This allows the luggage handling device 30 to automatically carry out from the receiving facility 10 luggage delivered to the receiving facility 10. Furthermore, since the luggage handling device 30 moves the first conveying device freely within the house 1, luggage can be carried out from the receiving facility 10 even if there are obstacles such as furniture or other luggage within the house 1. Therefore, the luggage handling device 30 can prevent a situation in which a luggage delivered to the receiving facility 10 is seen or stolen by a person other than the true recipient of the luggage. Furthermore, the luggage handling device 30 allows luggage delivered in multiple installments to be efficiently received by the receiving facility 10 even if there is no one at the house 1 to receive the luggage.

[0086] In addition, after the baggage handling device 30 moves the first conveying device to the receiving facility 10, it causes the first conveying device to grip the baggage and then causes the first conveying device to retreat from the receiving facility 10.

[0087] As a result, the baggage handling apparatus 30 can achieve the above-mentioned effects even when the first conveying apparatus is not present within a range capable of grasping the baggage received by the receiving facility 10.

[0088] Furthermore, the luggage handling device 30 may move the first conveying device holding the luggage to a place in the house where the luggage is stored or used, and then have the first conveying device release the luggage, after having the first conveying device leave the receiving facility 10. This allows the luggage handling device 30 to reduce the effort required of a genuine recipient of a luggage delivered to the receiving facility 10 to store the luggage or carry the luggage to a place where the luggage is used.

[0089] After the luggage handling device 30 causes the first transport device to release the luggage, the luggage handling device 30 moves the first transport device to a place for storing the first transport device. This allows the luggage handling device 30 to save the person living in the house 1 the effort of cleaning up the first transport device after causing the first transport device to release the luggage.

[0090] The baggage handling apparatus 30 determines the location to which the first conveying apparatus should be moved according to at least one of the characteristics of the baggage indicated by the baggage data and the characteristics required of the first conveying apparatus when conveying the baggage, thereby enabling the baggage handling apparatus 30 to move the first conveying apparatus to a suitable location according to these two characteristics.

[0091] The baggage handling apparatus 30 selects the first conveying apparatus according to at least one of the characteristics of the baggage indicated by the baggage data and the characteristics required of the first conveying apparatus when conveying the baggage, thereby enabling the baggage handling apparatus 30 to select an appropriate first conveying apparatus according to these two characteristics.

[0092] Furthermore, after the baggage handling equipment 30 causes the first conveying equipment holding the baggage to leave the receiving facility 10, it moves a second conveying equipment, different from the first conveying equipment, to the receiving facility 10. In this way, the baggage handling equipment 30 can always keep the conveying equipment 23, conveying equipment 24, etc. on standby at the receiving facility 10, and maintain a state in which it is always possible to automatically carry out baggage from the receiving facility 10.

[0093] The baggage handling apparatus 30 selects the second conveying apparatus according to at least one of the characteristics of the baggage indicated by the baggage data and the characteristics required of the second conveying apparatus when conveying the baggage, thereby enabling the baggage handling apparatus 30 to select an appropriate second conveying apparatus according to these two characteristics.

[0094] Furthermore, when a package is delivered to the house 1, the package handling device 30 unlocks the electronic lock attached to the exterior door 16 and locks the electronic lock attached to the interior door 15, based on the date and time indicated by the package data. This allows the package handling device 30 to realize a situation in which a person who does not reside in the house 1 opens the interior door 15 and exterior door 16 and enters the house 1, while enabling the receiving facility 10 to receive packages delivered to the house 1.

[0095] Furthermore, the baggage handling equipment 30 includes an electronic lock control unit 302 that locks the electronic lock attached to the exterior door 16 after the delivery completion data is acquired by the data acquisition unit 301. This allows the baggage handling equipment 30 to automatically carry away the baggage delivered to the receiving equipment 10 from the receiving equipment 10 while preventing the baggage delivered to the receiving equipment 10 from being seen or stolen by anyone other than the true recipient of the baggage.

[0096] Furthermore, the luggage handling device 30 locks the electronic lock on the internal door 15 before the luggage is delivered, based on the date and time indicated by the luggage data. This allows the luggage handling device 30 to realize a situation in which a person who does not reside in the house 1 opens the internal door 15 and external door 16 and enters the house 1, while enabling the receiving facility 10 to receive luggage delivered to the house 1.

[0097] Furthermore, the baggage handling device 30 unlocks the electronic lock on the internal door 15 after the first conveying device has moved to the receiving facility 10. This allows the baggage handling device 30 to shorten the period during which the electronic lock on the internal door 15 is unlocked as much as possible, and prevents a situation in which a person not residing in the house 1 opens the internal door 15 and external door 16 and enters the house 1.

[0098] Furthermore, the luggage handling device 30 causes the conveying device 23 selected as the first conveying device to leave the receiving facility 10 in a state in which the luggage held by the holding member 21 or 22 is held by the gripping mechanism 235 included in the conveying device 23. This allows the luggage handling device 30 to move the conveying device 23, which is relatively smaller than the conveying device 24, within the house 1, thereby reducing the frequency of occurrences of situations in which the conveying device 23 interferes with the lives of the residents of the house 1.

[0099] Furthermore, the baggage handling equipment 30 is equipped with a holding member 241, a holding member 242 or a holding member 243, and causes the conveying equipment 24 selected as the first conveying equipment to withdraw the baggage from the receiving facility 10 while the baggage is being held by the conveying equipment 24. This allows the baggage handling equipment 30 to carry the baggage out of the receiving facility 10 without having the conveying equipment 23 grasp the baggage delivered to the receiving facility 10.

[0100] Furthermore, the baggage handling equipment 30 uses the conveying equipment 23 or the conveying equipment 24 equipped with a display unit that displays information related to the baggage to be conveyed to carry the baggage out of the receiving facility 10. This allows the baggage handling equipment 30 to reduce the frequency of occurrence of an incident in which the conveying equipment 23 or the conveying equipment 24 leaves the receiving facility 10 while the wrong baggage is being held by the conveying equipment 23 or the conveying equipment 24.

[0101] In the above-described first embodiment, the receiving equipment 10 is installed in the residence 1, which is a detached house, an apartment building, or the like, but the present invention is not limited to this. The receiving equipment 10 may be installed in, for example, an office building, a retail store, or a public facility.

[0102] In the above-described first embodiment, the receiving facility 10 includes the wall 13 and the wall 14, and is integrated with the house 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The receiving facility may be installed within a predetermined distance from the house 1. For example, the receiving facility may be installed in the garden of the house 1 or in a garage adjacent to the house 1.

[0103] In the above-described first embodiment, the locks on the internal door 15 and the external door 16 are electronic locks that operate with power supplied from a battery, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least one of the locks on the internal door 15 and the external door 16 may be an electronic lock that operates with power supplied from a wiring plug connector installed in the house 1.

[0104] In the above-described first embodiment, the gripping mechanism 235 included in the transport device 23 grips a load held by the holding member 21 or the holding member 22 and releases the load, but is not limited to this. For example, the gripping mechanism 235 may grip a load held by the holding member 241, the holding member 242, or the holding member 243 included in the transport device 24 and release the load.

[0105] In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the luggage handling device 30 is installed in the residence 1 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The luggage handling device 30 may be installed in a place other than the residence 1. Examples of places other than the residence 1 include a common area of ​​an apartment building to which the residence 1 belongs, a data center managed by a real estate business that manages the residence 1, and the inside of a stockroom provided by a specialized business.

[0106] In addition, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, an example was given in which the processor 31 reads and executes the baggage handling program to realize the data acquisition unit 301, electronic lock control unit 302, conveying device selection unit 303, and conveying device control unit 304 shown in Figure 4, but this is not limited to the above.

[0107] At least a part of the data acquisition unit 301, electronic lock control unit 302, transport device selection unit 303, and transport device control unit 304 shown in Fig. 4 may be realized by hardware including a circuit unit (circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Alternatively, at least a part of the data acquisition unit 301, electronic lock control unit 302, transport device selection unit 303, and transport device control unit 304 shown in Fig. 4 may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. In addition, these hardware units may be integrated into one or may be divided into multiple units.

[0108] In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the conveying device control unit 304 controls the conveying device 23 to convey the luggage placed on the holding member 21 or the holding member 22, etc., has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the conveying device control unit 304 may control the conveying device 23 to convey the luggage by pulling a shelf with casters, etc. on which the luggage is placed.

[0109] In the above-described first embodiment, the house 1, the receiving facility 10, the transport device 23, and the transport device 24 are described as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these. Therefore, other examples of the house, the receiving facility, and the transport device will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0110] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a house, a receiving facility, and a transport device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows a house 1a, a receiving facility 10a, a transport device 23a, and a transport device 24a.

[0111] The house 1a is, for example, a detached house or an apartment building. The receiving facility 10a is a facility used for the purpose of receiving parcels delivered to the house 1a. The receiving facility 10a is realized by at least a part of a facility that can be used for such a purpose. For example, the receiving facility 10a is at least a part of a delivery box, a pantry, a walk-in closet, a shoe closet, or a storage. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the receiving facility 10a has a space surrounded by a floor 11a, a ceiling 12a, a wall 13a, a wall 14a, and an internal door and an external door (not shown), and receives parcels delivered to the space.

[0112] The floor 11a is parallel to the XY plane and may be formed integrally with the floor of the part of the house 1a other than the receiving facility 10a, or may be formed separately from the floor of the part of the house 1a other than the receiving facility 10a. The ceiling 12a is parallel to the XY plane and may be formed integrally with the ceiling of the part of the house 1a other than the receiving facility 10a, or may be formed separately from the ceiling of the part of the house 1a other than the receiving facility 10a.

[0113] Wall 13a and wall 14a are both parallel to the YZ plane and may be formed integrally with the walls of the part of house 1a other than receiving facility 10a, or may be formed separately from the walls of the part of house 1a other than receiving facility 10a.

[0114] The internal door is attached to the wall 14a and is attached to an opening for taking out luggage from the luggage receiving space. The opening is, for example, an opening leading to the inside of the house 1a. The internal door is also equipped with an electronic lock and can be locked by the electronic lock. The electronic lock operates on power supplied from a battery and may include an input means for inputting unlocking information for inputting unlocking information for unlocking the internal door, and a display for displaying whether the input unlocking information is correct or not. The input means is, for example, realized by a numeric keypad, a barcode reader, or an IC reader.

[0115] The external door is attached to the wall 13a and is attached to an opening for taking out luggage from the luggage receiving space. The opening is, for example, an opening leading to the outside of the house 1a. The external door is also equipped with an electronic lock and can be locked by the electronic lock. The electronic lock operates on power supplied from a battery and may include an input means for inputting unlocking information for inputting unlocking information for unlocking the external door, and a display for displaying whether the input unlocking information is correct or not. The input means is, for example, realized by a numeric keypad, a barcode reader, or an IC reader.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 7, the transport device 23a includes, for example, a moving mechanism 230a, a holding member 231a, a holding member 232a, a side wall 234a, and a side wall 235a.

[0117] The moving mechanism 230a includes, for example, casters, legs, and a control mechanism that controls the direction and rotation of the casters using a motor, a control circuit, etc., and realizes autonomous movement by the transport device 23a. The legs are formed in a manner that allows them to expand and contract in a direction parallel to the Z axis under the control of the control circuit, and as shown in Fig. 7, the holding members 231a and 232a can be disposed on the +Z direction side of the transport device 24.

[0118] The holding members 231a and 232a are, for example, shelves fixed to the side walls 234a and 235a, which are plate-like members having two rectangular faces parallel to the XY plane and the short sides of the two rectangular faces parallel to the YZ plane. The holding members 231a and 232a are used to place luggage to be received by the receiving facility 10a.

[0119] The conveying device 23a may also include a display unit that displays information about the luggage that it conveys. Examples of such a display unit include a display or plate that displays the external dimensions of the luggage that it can convey, the weight of the luggage, etc. Note that the display unit does not necessarily need to be attached to the conveying device 23a, and may be attached to other objects such as the receiving facility 10a, or may be installed independently of other objects.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 7, the transport device 24a includes a moving mechanism 240a, a holding member 241a, a holding member 242a, a holding member 243a, a side wall 244a, and a side wall 245a. The moving mechanism 240a includes, for example, casters and a control mechanism for controlling the direction and rotation of the casters using a motor, a control circuit, etc., to realize autonomous movement by the transport device 24a. The holding members 241a, 242a, and 243a are, for example, shelves fixed to the side wall 244a or the side wall 245a, which is a plate-like member having two rectangular faces parallel to the XY plane and the short sides of the two rectangular faces parallel to the YZ plane. The holding members 241a, 242a, and 243a are placed with the luggage to be received by the receiving facility 10a.

[0121] The conveying device 24a may also be provided with a display unit that displays information about the luggage that it is conveying. Examples of such a display unit include a display or plate that displays the external dimensions of the luggage that it can convey, the weight of the luggage, etc. Note that the display unit does not necessarily have to be attached to the conveying device 24a, and may be attached to other objects such as the receiving facility 10a, or may be installed independently of other objects.

[0122] [Second embodiment] The luggage handling apparatus 30 according to the second embodiment controls only the transport apparatus 23, which is an articulated robot, among the transport apparatus 23, transport apparatus 24, transport apparatus 23a, and transport apparatus 24a described in the first embodiment. Moreover, it is preferable that the luggage handling apparatus 30 according to the second embodiment controls at least two of the transport apparatuses 23. The luggage handling apparatus 30 according to the second embodiment has the same effects as the luggage handling apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0123] [Third embodiment] The luggage handling apparatus 30 according to the third embodiment controls only the transport apparatuses equipped with holding members among the transport apparatus 23, transport apparatus 24, transport apparatus 23a, and transport apparatus 24a described in the first embodiment. In other words, the luggage handling apparatus 30 according to the third embodiment controls the transport apparatuses other than the transport apparatus 23 described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, it is preferable that the luggage handling apparatus 30 according to the third embodiment controls at least two transport apparatuses equipped with holding members. The luggage handling apparatus 30 according to the second embodiment has the same effects as the luggage handling apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0124] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the baggage handling device, the house, and the baggage handling program are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, substitutions, combinations, and / or design changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0125] The effects of the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely examples. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention may have other effects that a person skilled in the art can recognize from the description of the above-described embodiments in addition to the above-described effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1,1a...Housing, 10,10a...Receiving facility, 11,11a...Floor, 12,12a...Ceiling, 13,14,13a,14a...Wall, 15...Inner door, 16...Outer door, 21,22...Holding member, 23,23a,24,24a...Conveyor device, 230,230a,240,240a...Moving mechanism, 235...Gripping mechanism, 231a,232a,241,242,243,241a, 242a, 243a...holding members, 234a, 235a, 244, 245, 244a, 245a...side walls, 30...luggage handling device, 31...processor, 32...main memory device, 33...communication interface, 34...auxiliary memory device, 35...input / output device, 36...bus, 301...data acquisition unit, 302...electronic lock control unit, 303...transport device selection unit, 304...transport device control unit

Claims

1. A data acquisition unit that acquires parcel data indicating information about the parcel including information indicating the date and time the parcel will be delivered, and delivered data indicating that the parcel has been accepted by a receiving facility that is a facility for accepting the parcel and has an external door for accepting and sending out the parcel, an electronic lock installed on the external door, an internal door for removing the parcel, and an electronic lock installed on the internal door; a conveyance device selection unit that selects a first conveyance device that conveys the luggage based on the luggage data; an electronic lock control unit that unlocks an electronic lock provided on the exterior door when the package is delivered based on the date and time indicated by the package data; a conveyance device control unit that, after the delivery completion data is acquired by the data acquisition unit, causes the first conveyance device to carry the package and causes the first conveyance device to leave the receiving facility; A luggage handling device comprising:

2. The conveying device control unit, after moving the first conveying device to the receiving facility, makes the first conveying device carry the baggage and causes the first conveying device to leave the receiving facility.

2. A luggage handling apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

3. the conveying device control unit, after causing the first conveying device carrying the luggage to leave the receiving facility, moves the first conveying device carrying the luggage to a location where the luggage is stored or a location where the luggage is used, and causes the first conveying device to release the luggage.

3. A luggage handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the conveying device control unit causes the first conveying device to release the luggage, and then moves the first conveying device to a place where the first conveying device is stored.

4. A luggage handling apparatus as claimed in claim 3.

5. the conveyance device control unit determines a location to which the first conveyance device is to be moved in accordance with at least one of the characteristics of the luggage indicated by the luggage data and the characteristics required of the first conveyance device when conveying the luggage. A luggage handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the conveyance device selection unit selects the first conveyance device according to at least one of the characteristics of the luggage indicated by the luggage data and the characteristics required of the first conveyance device when conveying the luggage. A luggage handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the conveying device selection unit selects a second conveying device different from the first conveying device, the conveying device control unit causes the first conveying device carrying the baggage to leave the receiving facility, and then causes the second conveying device to move to the receiving facility. A luggage handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the conveyance device selection unit selects the second conveyance device according to at least one of the characteristics of the luggage indicated by the luggage data and the characteristics required of the second conveyance device when conveying the luggage.

8. A luggage handling apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The receiving facility includes a holding member for holding the luggage, At least one of the first conveying device and the second conveying device is provided with a gripping mechanism that grips the luggage held by the holding member.

9. A luggage handling apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8.

10. At least one of the first conveying device and the second conveying device is provided with a holding member for holding the luggage received by the receiving facility. A luggage handling apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 8.

11. At least one of the first conveying device and the second conveying device is provided with a display unit that displays information about the luggage being conveyed by the first conveying device. A luggage handling apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. The electronic lock control unit locks an electronic lock provided on the exterior door after the delivery completion data is acquired by the data acquisition unit. A luggage handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. the electronic lock control unit locks an electronic lock provided on the internal door before the package is delivered based on the date and time indicated by the package data. A luggage handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The electronic lock control unit unlocks the electronic lock provided on the internal door after the first conveying device moves to the receiving facility. A luggage handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The conveying device control unit moves the first conveying device to the receiving facility after the delivery completion data is acquired by the data acquisition unit. A luggage handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A dwelling house comprising a luggage handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A data acquisition function for acquiring parcel data indicating information about the parcel including information indicating the date and time the parcel will be delivered, and delivered data indicating that the parcel has been accepted by a receiving facility which is a facility for accepting the parcel and which comprises an external door for accepting and sending out the parcel, an electronic lock provided on the external door, an internal door for removing the parcel, and an electronic lock provided on the internal door; a conveyance device selection function for selecting a first conveyance device for conveying the luggage based on the luggage data; an electronic lock control function for unlocking an electronic lock provided on the exterior door when the package is delivered based on the date and time indicated by the package data; a conveying device control function for causing the first conveying device to carry the package after the delivery completion data is acquired by the data acquisition function, and causing the first conveying device to leave the receiving facility; A luggage handling program that enables a computer to carry out the above.

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