Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing system, capable of alleviating a sense of anxiety caused by taking out of a good over a long time in a store, an information processing method, and an information processing system.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises a baggage storage unit for depositing a baggage, and a server. The server comprises: a deposit information / delivery request acquisition unit which acquires deposit information on baggage deposit on the baggage storage unit and delivery request information on a delivery request from a delivery client of the baggage from a delivery client; a time setting unit which sets a storage permissible time during which a baggage can be stored in the baggage storage unit and a baggage recoverable time during which the baggage can be recovered from the baggage storage unit on the basis of a desired delivery time included in the delivery request information; a delivery application acquisition unit which acquires a delivery application effecting that the baggage is taken out from the baggage storage unit and delivery of the baggage is undertaken from a delivery contractor; and a matching processing unit which determines whether the delivery request matches the delivery application.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] While online sales are progressing, there is still a strong desire to shop in stores, with people wanting to see and touch the products in person before deciding to purchase, and people wanting to visit a store and enjoy a shopping experience that is out of the ordinary.

[0003] The biggest burden for users when shopping in a store is having to carry heavy luggage after shopping. Carrying luggage is a psychological and physical burden for users, and they may hesitate to purchase heavy or large items. This can be an obstacle to increasing the number of customers and the average customer spending in a store.

[0004] When shopping at a store, a user can request the store or a delivery company affiliated with the store to deliver the purchased item to the user's home or the like. However, due to a shortage of manpower at delivery companies, it is difficult for the store or affiliated delivery companies to respond quickly to a delivery request when it occurs. In addition, the product related to the delivery request is taken out of the store by the affiliated delivery company for a long time, and the quality of the product may deteriorate or be damaged during that time, so the current situation is that the requester cannot feel safe in requesting the delivery of the purchased item. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-212286 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing system that make it possible to reduce the sense of anxiety caused by taking out merchandise for a long period of time in a store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of the present invention includes an information acquisition unit that acquires deposit information regarding the deposit of a package and delivery request information regarding a delivery request from a delivery requester of the package, a time setting unit that sets a removal time at which the package can be removed based on the desired delivery time included in the delivery request information, and a removal time notification unit that notifies the delivery contractor who delivers the package of the removal time.

[0008] In addition, the information processing method of the present invention includes a step of acquiring deposit information regarding the deposit of a package and delivery request information regarding a delivery request from a delivery requester of the package, a step of setting a removal time at which the package can be removed based on the desired delivery time included in the delivery request information, and a step of notifying a delivery contractor who delivers the package of the removal time.

[0009] The information processing system according to the present invention further comprises a luggage storage unit for depositing luggage including a product when a user who uses a store selling the product purchases the product as a purchaser, and a server that manages the luggage storage unit and transmits and receives information between the terminal. The server comprises a deposit information / delivery request acquisition unit that acquires deposit information regarding deposit of the luggage in the luggage storage unit and delivery request information regarding a delivery request for the luggage from a delivery requester, a time setting unit that sets an allowable storage time for storage in the luggage storage unit and sets a removal time when the luggage can be removed from the luggage storage unit based on a desired delivery time included in the delivery request information, a delivery offer acquisition unit that acquires a delivery offer from a delivery contractor to remove the luggage from the luggage storage unit and undertake delivery of the luggage, and a matching processing unit that determines whether or not the delivery request and the delivery offer are matched. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing system that make it possible to reduce the sense of anxiety caused by taking out merchandise for a long period of time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information processing system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration and a software configuration of a server 10 in a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating detailed configurations of a terminal 20, a terminal 30, and a locker 40 in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 shows an example of a display screen on the display of the terminals 20 and 30 in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for generating user registration data by a user registration data generating unit 111. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure when a user, as a purchaser, performs a transaction process for a product to be purchased at terminal 20 or 30. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing procedure when a deposit is made in a locker 40. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for registering delivery application data. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for data processing of deposit information and delivery request information and a matching process in server 10. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the unlocking management unit 118 after matching is established. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation when restoring an item to a locker 40. [Figure 12]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information processing system 1 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining detailed configurations of a terminal 20, a terminal 30, and a cloak 40' in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, functionally identical elements may be indicated by the same numbers. Note that the accompanying drawings show embodiments and implementation examples according to the principles of the present disclosure, but these are for understanding the present disclosure and are not to be used to interpret the present disclosure in a limiting manner. The description in this specification is merely a typical example and does not limit the scope or application of the present disclosure in any sense.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the description is given in sufficient detail for a person skilled in the art to implement the present disclosure, but it should be understood that other implementations and forms are possible, and that changes in configuration and structure and substitutions of various elements are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the technical ideas of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following description should not be interpreted as being limited thereto.

[0014] [First embodiment] An information processing system 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The information processing system 1 includes, as an example, an information processing server 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as "server 10"), terminals 20 and 30, and a locker 40 (luggage storage unit) for depositing purchased items (luggage including purchased items).

[0015] First, this information processing system 1 can be used when a user of a store in which the system 1 is installed becomes a customer (purchaser) of the store and purchases a product. The user who is the purchaser can then store (deposit) the purchased product in the locker 40. The information processing system 1 can also be used when a user of the store offers to deliver a product purchased by another user (purchaser) and deposited in the locker 40 on behalf of the other user (hereinafter referred to as a "delivery offer") and acts as a delivery contractor. The system 1 makes it possible to match a user who purchases a product and wishes to request delivery of the product (delivery requester) with a user who wishes to receive a reward for undertaking the delivery of the product (delivery contractor). The locker 40 may have only a general storage and locking function, or may have a refrigeration function. Also, a cooler bag or the like may be included in the storage section.

[0016] The server 10 is a computer that is responsible for selling products to users (purchasers, delivery requesters) at stores that sell products (department stores, supermarkets, discount stores, shopping malls, etc.), processing delivery requests for purchased products from users (delivery requesters) and processing delivery offers from users (delivery contractors), matching delivery requests with delivery offers, and managing the locking and unlocking of lockers 40, and is the central device of this system 1.

[0017] The terminals 20 and 30 are information processing terminals possessed by users (purchasers or delivery requesters) who use the system 1 to shop at stores, or by users (delivery contractors) who act as deliverers and deliver products purchased by other users, and are equipped with at least one display (display unit) for displaying various information. A user can be a purchaser or a delivery contractor depending on the situation.

[0018] In this system 1, a user who possesses the terminals 20 and 30 can use the terminals 20 and 30 as a shopper (purchaser) to purchase a product and perform checkout for the product. If the user wishes to request delivery of the purchased product from another person (delivery contractor), the user stores (deposits) the purchased product in the locker 40. At the same time, the user who possesses the terminals 20 and 30 can offer to undertake delivery of the product purchased by the other user, and when matching is achieved, the user can accept the delivery request and become a delivery contractor that delivers the product on behalf of the other user. After the delivery is completed, the user can receive a remuneration from the store as compensation. Note that, although two terminals 20 and 30 are shown as an example in FIG. 1, the actual system 1 can be accessed and used by a large number of terminals.

[0019] The terminals 20 and 30 are typically smartphones, mobile phones, tablet computers, etc., but the type of the terminals is not important as long as they are portable by users and can transmit and receive information with the server 10 via the network NW. Although not shown, the terminals 20 and 30 are provided with displays for displaying various information. Note that communication between the terminals 20 and 30 and the server 10 can be performed via a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet. Also, communication in a WAN can be performed via a wide area Ethernet (registered trademark), a dedicated line, an IP-VPN, etc.

[0020] The terminals 20 and 30 are configured to be able to execute an application for operating the present system 1. The application may be installed in the terminals 20 and 30 to be able to be executed, or may be able to be executed by accessing a website operated by a store through a browser installed in the terminals 20 and 30. The application is configured to be able to simultaneously (or alternately) display on one display (display unit) of the terminals 20 and 30 first information (or a first object for displaying the first information) that can be used when becoming a purchaser who purchases a product, and second information (or a second object for displaying the second information) that can be used when becoming a deliverer who delivers the product purchased for another user on behalf of the purchaser.

[0021] The first information includes, for example, advertisements for various products (prices of various products, information on price changes of various products (discounts, sales, etc.)), delivery request information for purchased products, etc. The combination of the above information is arbitrary, and some of the information may be omitted, or information other than the above may be included.

[0022] The second information includes at least information on the presence or absence of delivery requests from other users, delivery destinations, delivery routes, delivery fees, etc. The combination of the above information is arbitrary, and some of the information may be omitted, or information other than the above may be included.

[0023] Next, the hardware and software configurations of the server 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0024] The server 10 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, an input / output control unit 105, a communication control unit 106, and a display control unit 107.

[0025] The CPU 101 is a central control device that controls the overall operation of the system 1. The ROM 102 and the HDD 104 are storage devices that store various programs in the system and various data required to execute these programs. The RAM 103 is a storage device that temporarily stores the calculation results of the programs, etc.

[0026] The display control unit 107 is a control unit in charge of display control when the execution screen of the above-mentioned program and the like are displayed on the displays of the terminals 20 and 30. The input / output control unit 105 is a control unit that controls input of data and commands from the terminals 20 and 30, and output of various data output from the CPU 101. The communication control unit 106 is a control unit that manages data communication between the terminals 20 and 30 and other computers.

[0027] The programs stored in ROM 102 or HDD 104 are configured to enable server 10 to realize, by way of example, a user registration data generation unit 111, a deposit information acquisition unit 112, a delivery request acquisition unit 113, a delivery offer acquisition unit 114, a matching processing unit 115, an allowable time setting unit 116, an authentication information issuing unit 117, and an unlocking management unit 118.

[0028] The user registration data generating unit 111 generates user registration data indicating the attributes of users who use the store (user's name, user ID, password, address, age, sex, occupation, family structure, annual income, telephone number, email address, SNS account, credit card number, main means of transportation when visiting the store (model of car in case of car, etc.), etc.). The user registration data may be data obtained when the user is registered as a user of the system 1.

[0029] The deposit information acquisition unit 112 also has a function of acquiring deposit information indicating that purchased goods have been deposited in the locker 40. The deposit information includes, for example, information on the deposit location such as the locker number, data on the purchased goods (for example, whether the goods are refrigerated or frozen), and the like.

[0030] The delivery request acquisition unit 113 has a function of acquiring delivery request data relating to a delivery request when a user purchases an item as a purchaser and deposits the purchased item in the locker 40, and requests another user to unlock, remove, and deliver the purchased item from the locker 40 on the user's behalf. The acquired delivery request data is stored in a storage unit corresponding to the delivery request acquisition unit 113. Note that multiple sets of delivery request data input by multiple purchasers may be combined into one set of delivery request data according to the delivery address and desired delivery time zone. The combined single delivery request data may include data on multiple delivery destinations, delivery routes, and the like.

[0031] The delivery offer acquisition unit 114 also has a function of acquiring delivery offer data related to a delivery offer sent to a user from a delivery contractor who delivers on behalf of another user an item purchased by the other user and stored in the locker 40. The generated delivery offer data is stored in a storage unit corresponding to the delivery offer acquisition unit 114.

[0032] The matching processing unit 115 collates the delivery request data with the delivery offer data and executes a matching process between the delivery request data and the delivery offer data. That is, it determines whether or not there is a delivery contractor who can accept the delivery request included in the delivery request data, and executes the matching process.

[0033] The allowed time setting unit 116 has a function of setting various allowed times, which will be described later. The authentication information issuing unit 117 has a function of issuing authentication information when the delivery contractor unlocks the locker 40.

[0034] The unlocking management unit 118 has a function of managing the unlocking operation of the locker 40, and specifically includes an unlocking time setting unit 121, an unlocking information transmission unit 122, an unlocking time notification unit 123, an unlocking time acquisition unit 124, and an elapsed time acquisition unit 125.

[0035] The unlocking time setting unit 121 has a function of setting an unlocking allowable time, which is a time period during which the locker 40 can be unlocked under predetermined conditions. The unlocking information transmitting unit 122 transmits information related to unlocking the locker 40 as unlocking information to the terminals 20, 30, etc. The unlocking time notifying unit 123 transmits the set unlocking allowable time (removal allowable time) to the terminals 20, 30. The unlocking time acquiring unit 124 acquires information related to the time when the locker 40 was actually unlocked from the locker 40, etc. The elapsed time acquiring unit 125 acquires various elapsed time information from the outside.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a block diagram explaining the detailed configuration of terminal 20, terminal 30, and locker 40. Fig. 3 shows a case where terminal 20 is a terminal of a user (delivery requester) making a delivery request, and terminal 30 is a terminal of a user (delivery contractor) making a delivery offer. When a certain user acts as both a delivery requester and a delivery contractor, all of components 21-24 and 31-34 in Fig. 3 can be installed on the terminal by application software or a website.

[0037] The terminal 20 of the user who is the delivery requester includes, by way of example, a deposit information input unit 21, a delivery request input unit 22, a transmission unit 23, and an elapsed time display unit 24. The terminal 30 of the user who is the delivery contractor includes, by way of example, a delivery request acquisition unit 31, an authentication information acquisition unit 32, an unlocking time acquisition unit 33, and an elapsed time display unit 34.

[0038] The deposit information input unit 21 is a unit for inputting information related to the deposit of purchased goods (the location of the locker where the purchased goods are deposited (the identification number of the locker itself, the numbers assigned to the multiple storage compartments contained in the locker), whether or not refrigerated items are included, etc.) when depositing the purchased goods in a locker 40 after purchasing the goods and requesting their delivery. The delivery request input unit 22 is a unit for inputting information related to the delivery request (desired delivery time, type of item requested to be delivered, delivery location, etc.) when making a delivery request. The transmission unit 23 has a function to transmit the input deposit information and delivery request information. The elapsed time display unit 24 has a function to display the elapsed time since the item was deposited in the locker 40, the elapsed time since the delivery contractor unlocked the locker 40, and other elapsed times.

[0039] The delivery request acquisition unit 31 has a function of acquiring delivery request data related to delivery requests from other users. The data related to the delivery requests acquired by the delivery request acquisition unit 31 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal 30. The authentication information acquisition unit 32 has a function of acquiring authentication information sent from the server 10 when a match is made between a delivery request and a delivery offer. The unlocking time acquisition unit 33 has a function of acquiring information regarding the time when the locker 40 related to the delivery request can be unlocked and the product can be taken out. The delivery contractor can unlock the locker in which the product related to the delivery request is stored and take out the product related to the delivery request by inputting the acquired authentication information into the locker 40 after the unlocking time arrives. The elapsed time display unit 34 has a function of displaying the elapsed time from depositing the product in the locker 40, the elapsed time from unlocking the locker 40 by the delivery contractor, the elapsed time from the desired delivery time, etc.

[0040] On the other hand, the locker 40 includes a storage unit 41, an unlocking authentication unit 42, an unlocking time transmission unit 43, and a presence-at-home authentication unit 44. The storage unit 41 is a unit that stores purchased products and is configured to be lockable. The unlocking authentication unit 42 is a unit that performs authentication for unlocking the storage unit 41 according to the input of the above-mentioned authentication information. The unlocking time transmission unit 43 is a unit that transmits the time when the corresponding storage unit 41 can be unlocked. The unlocking time transmission unit 43 may be provided in the server 10 instead of in the locker 40. The presence-at-home authentication unit 44 has a function of authenticating that the user (delivery requester) who made the delivery request is already at home according to the presence-at-home confirmation notification from the user. The presence-at-home authentication unit 44 can be provided in the server 10, and can also be omitted if the presence-at-home authentication procedure itself is not performed.

[0041] 4 is an example of a display screen on the display of the terminals 20 and 30 in the first embodiment. The display screen of the display includes a first display area 200 for displaying the first information and a second display area 210 for displaying the second information.

[0042] The first display area 200 is an area for displaying the above-mentioned first information, and the second display area 210 is an area for displaying the above-mentioned second information. The first display area 200 and the second display area 210 can be displayed simultaneously (or alternately) on the displays of the terminals 20 and 30. Displaying the first information and the second information on the same display provides an opportunity for a certain user to decide to act as a purchaser as well as a delivery contractor.

[0043] A user can view the first information and the second information on one display of his / her own terminal 20 or 30, and act as a shopper (purchaser) at one time, and act as a delivery contractor by accepting a delivery request for a product purchased by another shopper (user) at another time. By simultaneously (or alternately) displaying the first information and the second information on the display of the terminal 20, 30, it becomes easy to encourage the user not only to become a purchaser (shopper) but also to act as a delivery person. For example, when a user visits a store with the intention of shopping and browses the terminal 20, 30 for shopping, seeing the second information displayed simultaneously (or alternately) with the first information gives the user an opportunity to think about acting not only as a purchaser but also as a delivery person.

[0044] In this way, by encouraging users who come to the store as purchasers to also act as deliverers, it is possible to make up for the shortage of deliverers and make it easier for the store to carry out delivery operations smoothly, quickly, and inexpensively. If such smooth and quick delivery can be ensured, it will encourage many purchasers to increase their opportunities to shop at stores that have introduced this system. In addition, this system creates a mechanism for users to help each other with product delivery, which can also contribute to improving communication between residents.

[0045] Incidentally, this system 1 is intended for users who visit a store to act not only as purchasers but also as delivery contractors, but it goes without saying that this does not deny the existence of professional delivery companies. A store can appropriately use delivery by a professional delivery company and delivery performed by the user as the delivery person. It goes without saying that a user can, at his / her own will, act only as a purchaser and not as a delivery contractor. A user can, at his / her own will, act only as a delivery contractor without becoming a purchaser.

[0046] It should be noted that the first display area 200 and the second display area 210 only need to be capable of being displayed simultaneously (or alternately) on the display of the terminal 20 or 30, and it is not necessary for the first display area 200 and the second display area 210 to always be displayed in detail on one display. For example, it is sufficient that one of the first display area 200 and the second display area 210 is displayed in a minimum or simple display and the other is displayed in a maximum display, and that the minimum display can be switched to the maximum display or detailed display by clicking an icon or a title bar.

[0047] The first display area 200 includes, as an example, a product advertisement display section 201, a checkout start icon 202, a delivery request icon 203, and a user registration icon 204.

[0048] The product advertisement display section 201 is a section that displays advertisement data. The checkout start icon 202 is an icon that is tapped when the user wishes to start checkout processing for the purchased items. When the checkout start icon 202 is tapped, the result of reading the purchased items (total amount, etc.) at a self-checkout register (not shown) is displayed on the display of the terminal 20 or 30, and the checkout processing is carried out.

[0049] The delivery request icon 203 is an icon for starting a delivery request for products that have been processed for payment and deposited in the locker 40. When the delivery request icon 203 is tapped, a list of processed products is displayed, and a screen (not shown) for making a delivery request for the processed products is displayed.

[0050] A user registration icon 204 is an icon that is tapped to start user registration. When the user registration icon 204 is pressed, a user registration screen (not shown) is displayed, and the user is prompted to input various data required for user registration.

[0051] The second display area 210 includes, for example, a delivery request information display section 211. The delivery request information display section 211 includes, for example, a delivery request, the name of the area related to the delivery request, and the consideration. A "view" icon is displayed to the right of each delivery request data, and details of each delivery request data are displayed by tapping this "view" icon.

[0052] A first object for displaying the first information and a second object for displaying the second information are displayed at the bottom of the display of the terminal 20 or 30. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the first objects are a home icon 212, a delivery request icon 213, a checkout start icon 214, and a user registration icon 216. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the second objects are a home icon 212 and a delivery offer icon 215.

[0053] The procedure for generating user registration data by the user registration data generating unit 111 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 5. When the user taps the user registration icon 204 or 216 of the terminal 20 or 30 (step S101), a user registration screen (not shown) is displayed on the display. The user inputs various data required for user registration on this user registration screen (step S102). When an operation for confirming the input is performed (for example, by tapping the decision button), user registration data is generated from the input data and registered (step S103).

[0054] With reference to the flowchart in FIG. 6, the procedure for a user, as a purchaser, to use terminal 20 or 30 to perform accounting for products to be purchased will be described. When the user taps the accounting start icon 202 or 214 on terminal 20 or 30, an accounting screen (not shown) is displayed and accounting for the purchased products begins (step S111). The total price (including tax) of the purchased products read by a self-checkout register (not shown) or the like is displayed, and if approval is given, payment processing begins (step S112). After the payment processing is completed, it is also possible to display information about a delivery agency service using locker 40 on the display of terminal 20 or 30.

[0055] With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the processing procedure when a product is deposited in the locker 40 will be described. The purchased product is deposited in the locker 40 (step S121), and the user is authenticated by inputting the user ID and password. The locker is then locked (step S122), and the deposit operation is completed. The user who performed the deposit operation then transmits the product deposit information and delivery request information from the terminal 20 or 30 to the server 10 (step S123). Examples of data input as the deposit information and / or delivery request information include the product name, price, and quantity of the product to be delivered, whether or not it is refrigerated, the delivery destination, whether or not a coupon is included, and the desired delivery time zone. However, the input of the product name and the like of the product to be delivered may be automatically performed by the system. When the input is completed, the input data is registered as the deposit data and the delivery request data.

[0056] The procedure for registering delivery offer data will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8. When the delivery offer icon 215 is tapped (step S131), a reception screen (not shown) for receiving the delivery offer is displayed on the display of the terminal 20 or 30. On this reception screen, the attributes (address, name, etc.) of the user (delivery contractor) who made the delivery offer and the means of transportation used by the delivery contractor (car, motorcycle, bicycle, walking, and in the case of a car, the model, etc.) are input (step S132). When user registration has been completed, the attributes of the delivery contractor may be input by inputting the user ID and password related to that user registration.

[0057] Next, in step S133, the contents of the delivery to be undertaken by the user who is the delivery contractor are input. Specific delivery request data that the delivery contractor wishes to undertake may be specified by the delivery contractor, or specific delivery request data may not be selected but the conditions for undertaking the delivery (receiving time, delivery time zone, product attributes, etc.) may be input. Once the input of data related to the deliverer and data related to the contents of the delivery to be undertaken is completed in this manner, delivery offer data is generated and registered in the delivery offer acquisition unit 114 (step S134).

[0058] When the delivery request data and delivery offer data are registered in the delivery request acquisition unit 113 and the delivery offer acquisition unit 114, respectively, in the manner described above, the matching processing unit 115 is ready to start matching the two.

[0059] An example of the procedure of data processing of deposit information and delivery request information in the server 10 and matching processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. When the server 10 receives deposit information and delivery request information from the terminal 20 or 30 (step S141), the server 10 sets the allowable storage time Tstk for storing the purchased goods in the locker 40 to a different value according to whether the purchased goods included in the deposit information are refrigerated goods or not (step S142). For example, if the purchased goods are refrigerated goods, the allowable storage time Tstk is set to a shorter time than if the purchased goods are not refrigerated goods. For example, if the purchased goods are refrigerated goods, the allowable storage time Tstk can be set to 2 hours, and if the purchased goods are not refrigerated goods, the allowable storage time Tstk can be set to a longer time, for example, 3 hours. The allowable storage time Tstk is not limited to this, and can be determined in various ways according to the conditions. If the locker 40 has a refrigeration function, it is also possible to set the same allowable storage time regardless of whether the purchased goods are refrigerated goods or not. Also, the allowable storage time may be set in advance during the deposit operation (FIG. 7), and the procedure in FIG. 9 may simply involve checking the setting.

[0060] Next, based on the delivery request information, information is acquired regarding the desired delivery time when the delivery requester desires to deliver the purchased item (step S143). Next, it is determined whether this desired delivery time is a time that is more than a predetermined time (e.g., one hour) later than the storage deadline defined by the storage allowable time Tstk set in step S142 (step S144). If Yes, it is determined that delivery by the delivery contractor is impossible at the desired delivery time, and a notification to that effect is sent to the terminal of the delivery requester. If No, the process proceeds to step S145. For example, if the desired delivery time is "today: 17:00-18:00," but the storage deadline defined by the storage allowable time Tstk is 15:50, which is more than one hour before 17:00, delivery is deemed impossible, and a notification to that effect is sent to the terminal of the delivery requester.

[0061] In step S145, the unlocking time at which the locker can be unlocked is set. The unlocking time is set to a time a predetermined time (for example, one hour) before the start time of the desired delivery time according to the desired delivery time. For example, if the desired delivery time is "today: 17:00 to 18:00", the unlocking time is set to 16:00 or later, one hour before 17:00. By setting the unlocking time, it is possible to prevent the purchased item from being taken out of the locker 40 at an excessively early stage. If the purchased item is taken out of the locker 40 too early, the user who makes the delivery request may worry about the quality deterioration or damage of the purchased item. For example, if the item related to the delivery request is refrigerated / frozen food or fresh food, the user may worry about the food spoiling if the delivery contractor carries the item for a long time. By setting the unlocking time as described above, it is possible to increase the purchaser's sense of security. It is also possible to set the unlocking start time at which unlocking is possible and the unlocking end time after which unlocking is not possible.

[0062] Next, a matching allowable time is set as the time allowed for determining whether or not a match has been established for the delivery request (step S146). The matching allowable time is set to a predetermined time, for example, about one hour, from the time the locker 40 is locked. Thereafter, the matching processing unit 115 starts a matching determination (step S147), and the matching determination continues until the matching allowable time has elapsed. Specifically, delivery contract information to contract for delivery of the delivery request is received, and the determination of whether or not a match has been established continues for the matching allowable time (step S148).

[0063] If it is determined that matching has not been established within the matching allowable time, a notice to that effect is sent to the terminal of the delivery requester (step S149). On the other hand, if it is determined that matching has been established within the matching allowable time, a notice to that effect is sent to the terminals 20, 30 of the delivery requester and the delivery contractor (step S150).

[0064] In the matching process in the matching processing unit 115, matching can be performed mainly based on whether or not there is a delivery contractor who can fulfill the delivery request. In addition, information regarding the delivery requester's preferences (gender, age, residential area, etc.) can be obtained in advance from the delivery requester, and matching can be performed to reflect these preferences. In addition, matching can be performed taking into consideration the personal relationship between the delivery requester (purchaser) and the delivery person. For example, if the delivery requester is a woman and there are multiple delivery person candidates, a woman can be given priority in selecting the delivery person. For deliveries that are heavy or large in size, a man can be given priority in selecting the delivery person.

[0065] Next, the operation of the unlocking management unit 118 after matching is established will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10. When matching is established, the server 10 transmits the set unlocking time to the terminals 20 and 30 of the delivery requester and the delivery contractor. The server 10 then determines whether the unlocking time has arrived, and when it is determined that the unlocking time has arrived (or that it is a predetermined time before the unlocking time (for example, 5 minutes before)) (step S151), it transmits authentication information for unlocking the locker to the terminal of the delivery contractor, and sends a reminder to unlock the locker and pick up the product at a predetermined timing (step S152). In addition to the arrival of the unlocking time, it is also possible to determine in step S151 whether a home confirmation notice has been received from the delivery requester. If the unlocking time has arrived but no home confirmation notice has been received, it is also possible to determine No in step S151. In other words, it is possible to set up the locker 40 so that items can be removed only when a notification of confirmation of presence from the delivery requester is received. By making it possible to unlock the locker 40 only when confirmation of presence is received, the delivery requester can receive the items while at home, which increases the sense of security regarding the purchased items. Also, it is possible for the delivery contractor to avoid a situation in which the delivery requester is not present at the desired destination when the delivery requester arrives, and the purchased items cannot be delivered.

[0066] Thereafter, when the delivery contractor who has received the authentication information presents the authentication information at the locker 40 and unlocks the storage unit 41 of the product related to the delivery request, this is detected by the locker 40 or the server 10 (step S153), and the delivery completion time (scheduled time) of the product is set according to the unlocking time (step S154). Information regarding the set delivery completion time is appropriately transmitted to the delivery contractor's terminal.

[0067] The delivery contractor takes action to deliver the product that has been picked up from the locker 40 and accepted for delivery to the specified delivery location by the specified delivery completion time. If delivery is completed by the set delivery completion time (Yes in step S155), delivery completion information indicating this is sent from the terminal 20 or 30 of the delivery requester or delivery contractor to the server 10. If the delivery completion information is received by the delivery completion time, the server 10 sends a "thank you" message to the terminal 20 or 30 of the delivery contractor to confirm that delivery has been completed and to express gratitude (step S156). On the other hand, if the delivery completion information is not received by the set delivery completion time, an alarm message is sent urging the delivery to be completed as soon as possible (step S157).

[0068] In the above procedure, the delivery contractor who undertakes the delivery of the goods receives the authentication information from the server 10, but the authentication information may also be sent separately to the delivery requester who requested the delivery of the goods. This allows the delivery requester to place additional purchased goods in the locker 40 and request delivery (change the request content), or to remove goods that were placed in the locker 40 by mistake. The server 10 can transmit authentication information to the delivery requester that allows the locker 40 to be unlocked even outside the unlocking hours and the goods to be removed.

[0069] However, it is not desirable for the delivery contractor to increase or decrease the number or weight of goods stored in the locker 40 without limit. From this perspective, it is also possible to use authentication information to limit the time at which the delivery requester can unlock the locker 40 again. For example, it is possible to make it possible to unlock and re-store goods in the locker 40 within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) from the first locking of the locker 40, but not possible thereafter. Alternatively, it is possible to make it possible to unlock and re-store goods in the locker 40 again only when permission is obtained by inquiring the server 10 in the case where there is a change in the number of goods or the total weight of the goods by more than a predetermined amount. Alternatively, it is also possible to make it possible for the delivery requester to unlock and re-store goods in the locker 40 only when confirmation and permission are obtained from the delivery contractor.

[0070] With reference to FIG. 11, the procedure for the delivery contractor to re-store the product related to the delivery request in the locker 40 will be described. The delivery contractor may retrieve the product related to the delivery request from the locker 40 and head to the delivery destination, but the delivery requester is absent and the product cannot be handed over. In such a case, the delivery contractor transmits a notification from the terminal 20 or 30 to the server 10 that the delivery requester is absent from the delivery destination (home, etc.). When the server 10 receives this notification (step S161), it determines whether the delivery time of the product related to the delivery request is later than the desired delivery time (start time) (step S162).

[0071] If the determination in step S162 is No, the server 10 notifies (requests) the delivery contractor through the terminal 20 or 30 of the delivery contractor to try to deliver the package again within the desired delivery time, for example by confirming that the delivery requester has returned home (step S163).

[0072] On the other hand, if the determination in step S162 is Yes, it is determined whether or not the delivery time is earlier than the desired delivery time (end time) (step S164). If the determination in step S164 is No, the process proceeds to step S167. If the determination in step S164 is Yes, in step S165 it is determined whether or not delivery by so-called "drop-off delivery (leaving the package in front of the entrance or at a specified location without meeting the recipient)" is not possible. If the determination in step S165 is No (drop-off delivery is possible), the server 10 notifies the delivery contractor accordingly (step S166). On the other hand, if the determination in step S165 is Yes (drop-off delivery is not possible), the process proceeds to step S167.

[0073] If delivery within the desired delivery time is impossible and leaving the item at the locker is also impossible, the server 10 sends a request notice to the delivery contractor requesting that the item related to the delivery request be stored again in the locker 40. The request notice includes storage information for the item (locker number, authentication information, etc.) (step S167). The delivery contractor stores and locks the item related to the delivery request (the item once removed from the locker 40) again in the locker 40 with the appropriately specified locker number. When storage is completed, the delivery contractor transmits a storage completion notice to the server 10 from the terminal 20 or 30. When the server 10 receives this notice (step S168), it transmits the storage information (locker number, authentication information, etc.) to the delivery requester (step S169). When the delivery requester receives this information, the delivery requester can use the authentication information to take out the re-stored item from the locker 40 and take it home by himself. In addition, if the delivery contractor agrees to redelivery, the authentication information is also sent to the delivery contractor, who can then use various methods to confirm that the delivery requester has returned home, and then retrieve the product from the locker 40 again using the authentication information, and carry out the delivery.

[0074] As described above, according to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, a user can request delivery of purchased items deposited in the locker 40 via the terminals 20 and 30, while also being encouraged to act as a delivery person by making a delivery offer based on the delivery request information of other users. This makes it easier to make up for a shortage of delivery personnel and execute delivery operations in stores smoothly, quickly, and inexpensively. By setting the time at which the locker 40 can be unlocked, it is possible to prevent items from being taken out for long periods of time, and to reduce the anxiety of the delivery requester.

[0075] [Second embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, a manned cloakroom 40' is provided instead of the lockers 40, and the delivery requester deposits purchased goods in this cloakroom 40', and the delivery contractor retrieves (receives) the goods from the cloakroom 40' according to authentication information.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 13, the cloakroom 40' comprises a storage section 41', an unlocking / removal authentication section 42', an unlocking / removal time transmission section 43', and a home authentication section 44', similar to the locker 40. The unlocking / removal authentication section 42' may be configured, for example, with a barcode reader that reads authentication information presented by the delivery contractor via a terminal or the like. In this way, in the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained by using a manned cloakroom 40'. Note that since a staff member is always present in the cloakroom 40', it is possible to omit unlocking the storage section 41' and only require removal authentication.

[0077] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modified examples are included. For example, the above-mentioned embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace other configurations with respect to a part of the configuration of each embodiment. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the delivery requester is at home, and the delivery contractor delivers the delivery product while the delivery requester is at home. Instead of this, it is also possible to make it unnecessary for the delivery requester to be at home, and to complete the delivery by, for example, so-called "delivery to the delivery address". [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10...information processing server, 20, 30...terminal, 40...locker, 40'...cloakroom.

Claims

1. an information acquisition unit that acquires deposit information regarding the deposit of luggage and delivery request information regarding a delivery request from a person requesting delivery of the luggage; a time setting unit that sets a time when the parcel can be removed based on the desired delivery time included in the delivery request information; a take-out time notification unit that notifies a delivery contractor that delivers the package of the take-out time; The time setting unit sets the available removal time to a time that is earlier than a start time of the desired delivery time included in the delivery request information. Information processing device.

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a matching processing unit that determines whether or not a match between the delivery request and the delivery offer of the delivery contractor is successful after the delivery of the package, and notifies the terminal of the delivery requester and the terminal of the delivery contractor of the successful match.

3. The time setting unit sets a matching allowable time for allowing matching between the delivery requester and the delivery contractor, The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the matching processing unit determines whether or not matching between the delivery requester and the delivery contractor has been successful within the matching allowable time.

4. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an elapsed time acquisition unit that acquires the elapsed time from the time when the baggage storage unit in which the baggage was deposited was unlocked.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the time setting unit sets an allowable storage time during which the luggage can be stored.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the time setting unit sets the length of the permissible storage time to a different length depending on whether the luggage includes a refrigerated item or not.

7. 7. The information processing device according to claim 5, further comprising: a notification to the delivery requester that delivery is impossible if the desired delivery time is a predetermined time or more later than the storage allowable time.

8. 8. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication information issuing unit that transmits authentication information for enabling removal of the package.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8 , wherein the authentication information issuing unit transmits, to the delivery requester, authentication information that enables the delivery requester to pick up the package even outside the available pick-up time.

10. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, which notifies the terminal of the delivery contractor of the available removal time a predetermined time before the available removal time.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: setting the package to a state in which it can be picked up on condition that a notification of confirmation of presence of the package is received from the delivery requester.

12. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that manages baggage deposit and delivery, comprising: acquiring deposit information regarding the deposit of the baggage and delivery request information regarding a delivery request from a delivery requester of the baggage; setting a time when the parcel can be picked up based on the desired delivery time included in the delivery request information; notifying a delivery contractor who delivers the package of the available time for removal; Equipped with In the step of setting the available take-out time, the available take-out time is set to a time that is earlier than the start time of the desired delivery time included in the delivery request information. Information processing methods.

13. The information processing method according to claim 12, further comprising a step of determining whether or not a match between the delivery request and the delivery offer of the delivery contractor has been made after the luggage has been deposited, and notifying the terminal of the delivery requester and the terminal of the delivery contractor of the successful match.

14. The method further comprises a step of setting a matching allowable time for allowing matching between the delivery requester and the delivery contractor; The information processing method according to claim 13 , wherein the determination of whether the matching has been successful is made within the matching allowable time.

15. The information processing method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising the step of acquiring the elapsed time from the time when the baggage storage unit in which the baggage was deposited was unlocked.

16. The information processing method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising a step of setting an allowable storage time during which the luggage can be stored.

17. The information processing method according to claim 16, wherein the length of the permissible storage time is set to a different length depending on whether the cargo contains a refrigerated item or not.

18. 18. The information processing method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of notifying the delivery requester that delivery is impossible if the desired delivery time is a predetermined time or more later than the permitted storage time.

19. The information processing method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, further comprising the step of transmitting authentication information for enabling the package to be picked up.

20. 20. The information processing method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of transmitting, to the delivery requester, authentication information enabling the package to be removed even at times other than the available removal time.

21. An information processing method as described in any one of claims 12 to 20, further comprising a step of notifying the delivery contractor's terminal of the available removal time a predetermined time before the available removal time.

22. The information processing method according to any one of claims 12 to 21, further comprising setting the package to a state in which it can be picked up on condition that a notification of confirmation of presence of the package is received from the delivery requester.

23. a luggage storage unit for storing luggage including a product when the user who uses the store that sells the product purchases the product as a purchaser; a server that manages the luggage storage unit and transmits and receives information to and from the terminal; Equipped with The server, a deposit information / delivery request acquisition unit that acquires deposit information regarding deposit of the baggage in the baggage storage unit and delivery request information regarding a delivery request for the baggage from a delivery requester; a time setting unit that sets an allowable storage time for the luggage storage unit and sets a removal time for the luggage to be removed from the luggage storage unit based on a desired delivery time included in the delivery request information; a delivery offer acquisition unit that acquires a delivery offer from a delivery contractor to take out the package from the package storage unit and to undertake delivery of the package; a matching processing unit that determines whether or not the delivery request and the delivery offer are matched; Equipped with The time setting unit sets the available removal time to a time that is earlier than a start time of the desired delivery time included in the delivery request information. An information processing system comprising:

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