Information processing device

Abstract

To assist in calculating usage fees for luggage delivery services using lockers. [Solution] A first determination unit 104 determines whether a first condition is met, based on whether an entrance to a locker box 31 capable of storing an item C is locked, or whether an electronic key for unlocking the entrance to a locked locker box 31 has been generated. A second determination unit 106 determines whether a second condition different from the first condition is met. A timing unit 107 starts timing the usage time of the locker box 31 when both the first condition and the second condition are met. This solves the above problem.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the number of users of mail-order shopping services via the Internet has been increasing, and this has led to an expansion in the use of home delivery services to deliver products purchased by users through mail-order shopping services. In this situation, in order to solve such problems, the applicant has already filed an invention application relating to the use of lockers that reduces waste in the transportation of goods (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent application No. 2017-056857 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When using a service that applies the locker system described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "primary storage service"), at least one of the seller and the buyer is charged a usage fee for the locker box. To unlock the locker box, an electronic key is required before its expiration date, but by paying an additional fee according to the amount of time that has passed, it is possible to unlock the locker box even with an electronic key that has expired.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to assist in the calculation of usage fees for luggage delivery services using lockers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first condition determination means for determining whether or not a first condition is satisfied, the first condition being determined based on detection of locking of an entrance to a closed space capable of storing an article, or generation of an electronic key for unlocking the locked entrance to the closed space; a second condition determination means for determining whether a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied; a timing means for starting to measure a usage time of the closed space when the first condition is satisfied and the second condition is satisfied; Equipped with.

[0007] The second condition may be that an explicit instruction has been given by a person using the closed space.

[0008] In addition, the said goods are used for the provision of goods or services provided by a specified store, The second condition may be a condition that a time determined by the predetermined store (for example, opening time) has arrived.

[0009] a calculation means for calculating a usage fee for the closed space based on the time measured by the timing means; The sensor may further include: Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to assist in the calculation of usage fees for a luggage delivery service using lockers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system including a server according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server in the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing an overview of a temporary storage service using the information processing system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration for implementing a temporary storage process and a usage fee calculation process among the functional configurations of the server, the user terminal, and the locker device in FIG. 2. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing an overview of an example of a service that uses an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the present service shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. [Figure 6] 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration for implementing a temporary storage process and an invalidation process among the functional configurations of the server, the user terminal, and the locker device in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing an overview of an example of a service that utilizes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the services shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the services shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. [Figure 8] 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration for realizing a temporary storage process and an agent determination process among the functional configurations of the server, the user terminal, and the locker device in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of an agent determination process when multiple users U carry out one mission. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a list generation process which is a sub-process of the agent determination process shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system including a server 1 according to an embodiment of an information processing device of the present invention.

[0014] The information processing system shown in FIG. 1 is configured to include a server 1 managed by a service provider M, user terminals 2-1 to 2-n operated by users U1 to Un (n is any integer value equal to or greater than 1), respectively, and locker devices 3-1 to 3-m (m is any integer value equal to or greater than 1) that lock and unlock one or more locker boxes 31 for storing items. The server 1, the user terminals 2-1 to 2-n, and the locker devices 3-1 to 3-m are connected to one another via a network N such as the Internet. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the users U1 to Un, they will be collectively referred to as "user U." Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the user terminals 2-1 to 2-n, they will be collectively referred to as "user terminal 2." Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the locker devices 3-1 to 3-m, they will be collectively referred to as "locker device 3."

[0015] The server 1 manages each operation of the user terminal 2 and the locker device 3. The server 1 executes various processes to provide a service of temporarily storing luggage and the like of a user U in a locker box 31 (hereinafter referred to as a "temporary storage service"). Hereinafter, the process executed by the server 1 in relation to the provision of the temporary storage service will be referred to as a "primary storage process." Furthermore, as part of the temporary storage process, the server 1 executes various processes related to the calculation of the usage fee for the locker box 31 (hereinafter referred to as the "usage fee calculation process"). The specific contents of the functions that the server 1 has for executing the usage fee calculation process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0016] The user terminal 2 is configured, for example, with a smartphone, tablet, or the like, and is operated by the user U. A dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as a “dedicated app”) that the user U uses when putting items in and taking items out of the locker box 31 is installed in the user terminal 2. In the following, unless otherwise specified, when we say that “user U operates user terminal 2,” it means that user U launches a dedicated app installed on user terminal 2 and performs various operations.

[0017] The locker device 3 has one or more locker boxes 31 that can be locked with articles stored therein. The locker device 3 locks and unlocks each of the one or more locker boxes 31 based on the authentication result of an electronic key, which will be described later.

[0018] [Hardware configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the server 1 in the information processing system shown in FIG.

[0019] The server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0020] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13 . The RAM 13 also stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

[0021] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to one another via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0022] The output unit 16 is configured with a display such as a liquid crystal display, and displays various images. The input unit 17 is composed of various hardware buttons and the like, and inputs various information in response to instructions given by an operator.

[0023] The storage unit 18 is configured with a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or the like, and stores various data. The communication unit 19 controls communications with other devices (user terminal 2, locker device 3) via a network N including the Internet.

[0024] The drive 20 is provided as necessary. Removable media 30, which may be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, is appropriately mounted in the drive 20. The program read from the removable media 30 by the drive 20 is installed in the storage unit 18 as necessary. The removable media 30 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18.

[0025] Although not shown, in the information processing system of FIG. 1, the user terminal 2 and the locker device 3 can have the same hardware configuration as the server 1 of FIG. 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. However, when the user terminal 2 is configured as a smartphone or a tablet, the output unit 16 and the input unit 17 have a touch panel.

[0026] 1, various processes described below can be executed by the server 1. As a result, the service provider M can provide the user U with various services described below.

[0027] [First embodiment] Usage fee calculation technology (Service details) FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an overview of a new temporary storage service (hereinafter, referred to as "this service") that utilizes the information processing system of FIG.

[0028] FIG. 3(A) is an image diagram showing a mechanism for temporarily storing an article C in the locker device 3. As shown in FIG. A user U1 shown in FIG. 3(A) is a person who places an article C in a locker box 31 in order to temporarily store the article C in the locker device 3. After storing item C in locker box 31, user U1 operates user terminal 2-1 or locker device 3 to issue an instruction to locker device 3 to lock the locker box 31 storing item C (hereinafter referred to as a "lock instruction"). Then, when the locker device 3 accepts the locking instruction, the locker box 31 is locked. Furthermore, when the locker box 31 is locked, an electronic key for unlocking the locked locker box 31 is generated in the user terminal 2-1.

[0029] Here, the electronic key may have a preset expiration date. Specifically, for example, the user U1 or the user U2 described later may in principle be able to unlock the locker box 31 before the expiration date, and if the expiration date has passed, the user may be able to unlock the locker box 31 on condition that a specified additional fee is paid.

[0030] There is no particular limitation on the purpose for which the user U1 temporarily stores the item C in the locker device 3. For example, if the user U1 is a seller of the item C, the user U1 may temporarily store the item C in the locker device 3 for the purpose of delivering the item C to another user U who has purchased the item C.

[0031] FIG. 3(B) is an image diagram showing a mechanism for picking up an article C stored in the locker device 3. A user U2 shown in FIG. 3(B) is a person who collects an item C stored in the locker device 3. A user U1 who has stored an item C in the locker box 31 operates the user terminal 2-1 to transmit information for unlocking the locker box 31 (hereinafter referred to as "unlock information") to a user U2. Here, the unlocking information includes, for example, a URL for accessing the electronic key stored in the server 1, location information of the locker device 3 where the item C is temporarily stored (including the locker number of the locker box 31), etc.

[0032] The user U2 obtains the unlocking information transmitted from the user terminal 2-1 to the user terminal 2-2. Here, the user U2 may ask the user terminal 2-2 to navigate to the location of the locker box 31 using the location information included in the unlocking information.

[0033] As a result, when user U2 brings his / her user terminal 2-2 close to the locker device 3, the locker device 3 detects the presence of the user terminal 2-2 and initiates user authentication of user U2 and authentication of the electronic key stored in the user terminal 2-2. In this case, communication based on a short-range wireless communication standard such as NFC (Near Field Communication) (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used, or communication via a network N may be used. Specifically, the locker device 3 authenticates the electronic key by comparing the electronic key downloaded from the server 1 to the user terminal 2-2 with the electronic key stored in the locker device 3. When the locker device 3 successfully authenticates the electronic key, the locker box 31 storing the item C is unlocked. This allows the user U2 to retrieve the item C stored in the locker device 3.

[0034] Here, the server 1 can perform user authentication of the user U2. Specifically, for example, the server 1 acquires various information (such as name, terminal type, ID, and biometric information) about the user U2 who has previously registered as a user. Then, the server 1 performs user authentication of the user U2 based on this information. In this way, the server 1 performs user authentication for the user U2, so the provider of this service can identify who unlocked the locker box 31 by checking the log after the fact. Therefore, even if, for example, an item C is stolen, the provider of this service can easily check the situation and take action after the fact. It should be noted that this user authentication does not necessarily have to be performed by the server 1, but may be performed by the locker device 3, for example.

[0035] On the other hand, the server 1 may be configured not to perform user authentication of the user U2. In this case, basically anyone who possesses an electronic key can unlock the locker box 31, which allows for efficient operation of the service. Measures against theft or the like in this case will be described later with reference to, for example, FIGS.

[0036] There is no particular limitation on the purpose for which the user U2 collects the item C from the locker device 3. For example, if the user U2 is a person who has purchased the item C from the user U1 who sells the item C, the purpose may be for the user U2 to collect the purchased item C via the locker device 3.

[0037] Users U who receive this service are classified into two types: a person (user U1) who stores an item C in the locker box 31, and a person (user U2) who collects the item C from the locker box 31. If the location of user U1 and the location of user U2 are close to each other, the item C can be easily handed over from user U1 to user U2 via the locker device 3 without using a home delivery service.

[0038] (Functional configuration) FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration for implementing a temporary storage process and a usage fee calculation process among the functional configurations of the server 1, the user terminal 2, and the locker device 3 in FIG.

[0039] 4, in the CPU 11 of the server 1, when the temporary storage process is executed, a main control unit 101 functions. When the usage fee calculation process is executed, a lock detection unit 102, a key detection unit 103, a first determination unit 104, an instruction detection unit 105, a second determination unit 106, a timer unit 107, and a calculation unit 108 function. In one area of ​​the storage unit 18 of the server 1, a user DB 401, a locker DB 402, a transaction DB 403, an electronic key DB 404, and a store DB 405 are stored.

[0040] The main control unit 101 has a user authentication unit 111, a user management unit 112, a locker management unit 113, and a transaction management unit 114. The user authentication unit 111 performs user authentication for the user U based on various information of registered users (hereinafter referred to as "registered user information") stored in the user DB 401 described later and various information of the users to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as "authenticated user information") transmitted from each of the user terminals 2. Here, a registered user specifically means a user who wishes to use this service and has transmitted predetermined information to the server 1. The user management unit 112 executes processes related to management and deletion of registered users. The locker management unit 113 manages the registration of the locker device 3 and the usage status of the locker device 3. When the locker device 3 is registered, information about the locker device 3 (hereinafter referred to as "locker information") is stored in the locker DB 402. In addition, the usage status of the locker device 3 is also stored in the locker DB 402 as needed. The transaction management unit 114 manages the usage history of the locker device 3 and the billing status of the usage fee calculated by the calculation unit 108 described later. The usage history of the locker device 3 and the billing status of the usage fee are stored in the transaction DB 403.

[0041] The lock detection unit 102 detects the locking of an entrance to a closed space in which an article can be stored. That is, specifically, when a locker box 31 capable of storing an article C is locked, the lock detection unit 102 detects this. There is no particular limitation on the specific method by which the lock detection unit 102 detects the locking of the locker box 31. For example, the lock detection unit 102 may detect the locking of the locker box 31 using various sensors such as a vibration sensor or an infrared sensor.

[0042] When an electronic key for unlocking the entrance of a locked closed space is generated, the key detection unit 103 detects this. Specifically, when an electronic key for unlocking a locked locker box 31 is generated, the key detection unit 103 detects this.

[0043] The first determination unit 104 determines whether or not a first condition is satisfied by an action or the like of the user U1. Here, the first condition is, for example, that the user U1 "opens and closes the locker box 31." In this case, specifically, when the lock detection unit 102 detects that the locker box 31 is locked, the first determination unit 104 determines that the first condition is satisfied.

[0044] The instruction detection unit 105 detects an explicit instruction from a user who uses the closed space. Here, after storing item C in the locker, user U1 operates user terminal 2-1 to press a button indicating an explicit instruction from the user (for example, an input button for starting a countdown, hereinafter referred to as the “input button”). That is, the instruction detection unit 105 detects an explicit instruction from a user using the closed space by acquiring information that "the input button has been pressed" (hereinafter referred to as "input information") sent from the user terminal 2-1.

[0045] The second determination unit 106 determines whether or not a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied. Here, the second condition is, for example, "the input button has been pressed by the user U2." In this case, specifically, when the instruction detection unit 105 acquires input information, the second determination unit 106 determines that the second condition is satisfied.

[0046] Here, the above-mentioned first and second conditions will be briefly explained. As described above, the first condition is a condition set in relation to an action of the user U1 who deposits the item C, for example, "opening and closing the locker box 31." In other words, this means that the deposit of the item C by the user U1 is used as a trigger to start measuring the usage time of the locker device 3. However, if only this first condition is adopted, it is conceivable that the user U2 receiving the item C may use the locker device 3 at a time that he or she does not intend, which may result in the user U2 using the locker device 3 for a longer period of time and having to pay a large fee. The second condition described above is adopted to avoid such a situation. In other words, in addition to the first condition described above, an explicit action by the user U2 when he / she starts using the locker device 3 is adopted as the second condition, which is a trigger for measuring the usage time of the locker device 3, thereby making it possible to prevent the user U2 from using the locker device 3 during an unintended time period. In other words, in this embodiment, the measurement of usage time is triggered when both the first and second conditions are satisfied, which has the advantage that in calculating the fee described below, "the fee is calculated only after it becomes possible to actually unlock the locker" and "the fee is not calculated if there is an error in transmitting the electronic key." However, the server 1 may adopt the second condition as an optional condition rather than as a required condition. In this case, even if the user U2 forgets to press the input button, the service can be provided and the fee can be calculated without delay.

[0047] The timing unit 107 measures the usage time of the locker device 3 . Specifically, for example, the timing unit 107 starts timing the usage time of the locker device 3 when the first condition is satisfied and the second condition is satisfied.

[0048] The calculation unit 108 calculates the usage fee for the locker device 3 of the user U2 based on the time measured by the timing means. Here, the usage fee calculated by the calculation unit 108 does not necessarily have to be paid, and the use may ultimately be permitted free of charge. Specifically, for example, the calculation unit 108 may adopt a usage time calculation method in which the usage fee is calculated as 0 yen for the first two hours of use of the locker device 3, and the fee is added according to the usage time only for the second hour and thereafter. In this case, the user U2 can use the locker device 3 as long as he or she receives the item C within two hours, so that the user U2 can use the locker device 3 with ease. However, the method of calculating the fee adopted here is merely an example and is not limited thereto. That is, the calculation unit 108 may calculate the fee by any calculation method while referring to the time measured by the timing means.

[0049] The user DB 401 stores and manages various information (hereinafter referred to as "user information") related to the user U. Specifically, the information includes information that uniquely identifies the user U (hereinafter referred to as "user ID"), the name, address, contact information (telephone number, email address), account information, etc. of the user U. In addition, information that uniquely identifies the user terminal 2-2 used by the user U2, etc. is also stored and managed in the user DB 401.

[0050] Locker information is stored in the locker DB 402. Specifically, information that uniquely identifies the locker device 3 (hereinafter referred to as "locker ID"), location information indicating the installation location of the locker device 3, information such as the usage status of the locker device 3, etc. is stored in the locker DB 402. Also, information on one or more locker boxes 31 is linked and managed for each locker ID. Specifically, information that uniquely identifies the locker box 31 (hereinafter referred to as "box ID"), the locking state, the user ID of the user U who issued the locking command, the electronic key for unlocking, etc. are managed.

[0051] The transaction DB 403 stores and manages the usage history of the locker device 3, the billing status of the usage fee, and the like for each locker box 31.

[0052] Information about electronic keys is stored in the electronic key DB 404. Specifically, information such as a locker ID and a box ID is associated with each electronic key and managed. The server 1 having the above functional configuration executes the above-mentioned usage fee calculation process, so that the usage fee for each locker box 31 can be appropriately calculated in this service.

[0053] Furthermore, the information processing device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the first embodiment described above, but may take various forms having the following configurations. That is, an information processing device to which the present invention is applied (for example, the server 1 in FIG. 4) a first condition determination means (e.g., a first determination unit 104 in FIG. 4) for determining whether or not a first condition is satisfied, the first condition being detection of locking of an entrance to a closed space (e.g., the locker box 31 in FIG. 4) capable of storing an item (e.g., item C) or the presence or absence of generation of an electronic key for unlocking the entrance to the locked closed space; A second condition determination means (for example, a second determination unit 106 in FIG. 4) that determines whether a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied; a timing unit (e.g., the timing unit 107 in FIG. 4) that starts timing the usage time of the closed space when the first condition is satisfied and the second condition is satisfied; Equipped with. This makes it possible to obtain basis information for appropriately calculating the usage fee for the locker device 3 in this service.

[0054] The second condition may be that an explicit instruction has been given by a person using the closed space (eg, user U2 in FIG. 3). This makes it possible to obtain basis information for appropriately calculating the usage fee for the locker device 3 based on an explicit instruction from the user U.

[0055] In addition, the said goods are used for the provision of goods or services provided by a specified store, The second condition may be a condition that a time determined by the predetermined store (for example, opening time) has arrived. This makes it possible to obtain basis information for appropriately calculating the usage fee for each locker box from an objective time, such as the store's opening time.

[0056] Also, the system may further comprise a calculation means (for example, the calculation unit 108 in FIG. 4) for calculating a usage fee for the closed space based on the time measured by the time measuring means. This allows the usage fee for the locker device 3 to be calculated appropriately.

[0057] [Second embodiment] One-time unlocking technology (Service details) FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing an overview of an example of a service that uses an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the present service shown in FIGS.

[0058] Here, the premise of the second embodiment will be briefly explained. In the above description of the first embodiment, the electronic key for unlocking the locker box 31 is copied and handed over from the user U1 who deposits the item C to the user U2 who receives the item C. Therefore, when the item C is stored in the locker box 31, both the user U1 and the user U2 have the electronic key, and the locker box 31 can be unlocked. In this way, by ensuring that both the sender and receiver of the electronic key can unlock the locker box 31, even if user U2 has difficulty receiving item C by himself, he can easily ask a family member or other person to receive it.

[0059] On the other hand, in a situation where multiple users are able to unlock the locker box 31, a problem may arise in which it becomes unclear which user has unlocked the locker box 31. Specifically, for example, if item C is stolen, user U1 is likely to claim that "I definitely stored item C in the locker box 31, so user U2 has already received item C," while user U2 is likely to claim that "I think user U1 took item C out." These circumstances are not necessarily limited to user U1, but rather apply to any user who has an electronic key (for example, a third party who receives the electronic key from user U2).

[0060] Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, a one-time unlocking function is adopted that, once the locker box 31 has been opened using an electronic key, thereafter restricts unlocking of the same locker box 31. This makes it easy to identify the user who unlocked the locker box 31, and as a result, even when user authentication is not performed and only electronic key authentication is performed and there are multiple people who have the same electronic key, the risk of theft of the item C can be reduced.

[0061] FIG. 5(A) is an image diagram showing a mechanism for picking up an article C stored in the locker device 3. A user U2 shown in FIG. 5(A) is the first person to collect an item C temporarily stored in the locker device 3. As described above, in this service, when the locker box 31 of the locker device 3 is locked, an electronic key for unlocking the locked locker box 31 is generated in the user terminal 2-1 of the user U1 who issued the locking command, although this is not shown in the figure. The generated electronic key is transmitted to the server 1 and the locker device 3. That is, users U1 and U2 can unlock the locker box 31 with the electronic key at any time before the expiration date.

[0062] However, multiple people can hold the electronic key at the same time. Therefore, if the locker device 3 is configured to perform authentication for unlocking without performing user authentication and only authenticate the electronic key, the following problem occurs. That is, before a person who should receive the item C (e.g., user U2 in Figs. 3 and 5) unlocks the locker box 31, another person who holds the same electronic key (e.g., user U1 in Figs. 3 and 5) can unlock the locker box 31 and receive the item C stored therein without permission. In this case, the person who received the item C is not recorded in the log. Therefore, the person who received the item C cannot be identified after the fact.

[0063] Therefore, the number of times that the locker box 31 can be unlocked using the same electronic key is limited to one time. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5(A), when user U1 unlocks the locker box 31 using an electronic key at 3:00 PM, a process is immediately performed to invalidate this electronic key. If the electronic key is invalidated, for example, as shown in Fig. 5(B), even if user U2 tries to unlock the locker box 31 using the same electronic key at 3:30 PM, he or she cannot do so. In other words, even if a person who should receive the item C tries to unlock the locker box 31, he or she cannot unlock it again after another person who has the same electronic key has already unlocked it by impersonating the person. As a result, if the locker box 31 is unlocked by impersonation and the item C is stolen, the person who is supposed to pick up the item C will not be able to unlock it afterwards. Therefore, user U2 can objectively show that "the locker box 31 was unlocked at least before he / she picked up the item C."

[0064] (Functional configuration) Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration for realizing a temporary storage process and an invalidation process among the functional configurations of the server 1, the user terminal 2, and the locker device 3 in Fig. 2. The invalidation process refers to a series of processes for implementing a one-time unlocking function.

[0065] 6, in the CPU 11 of the server 1, when the above-mentioned temporary storage process is executed, the main control unit 101 functions. When the invalidation process is executed, the unlocking detection unit 301 and the invalidation unit 302 function. Other functional configurations of the server 1 in the second embodiment can be the same as those in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 4, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. In other words, the server 1 in the second embodiment has the various functional configurations already described in the first embodiment.

[0066] The unlocking detection unit 301 detects the unlocking of an entrance to a closed space in which an item can be stored. Specifically, the unlocking detection unit 301 detects when a locker box 31 capable of storing an item C is unlocked. There is no particular limitation on the specific method by which the unlock detection unit 301 detects the unlocking of the locker box 31. For example, it may be detected directly from the operation of a mechanism for unlocking the locker box 31. It may also be detected by acquiring information indicating that the locker box 31 is unlocked, which is transmitted from the locker device 3.

[0067] When the unlocking detection unit 301 detects that the entrance to the closed space has been unlocked, the invalidation unit 302 invalidates the electronic key used to unlock the entrance. Specifically, when the unlocking detection unit 301 detects that the locker box 31 has been unlocked, the invalidation unit 302 invalidates the electronic key used to unlock the locker box 31.

[0068] Furthermore, the information processing device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the second embodiment described above, but may take various forms having the following configurations. That is, an information processing device to which the present invention is applied (for example, the server 1 in FIG. 1) An unlocking detection means (e.g., the unlocking detection unit 301 in FIG. 6) that detects the unlocking of an entrance to a closed space in which an article can be stored, an invalidation unit (e.g., the invalidation unit 302 in FIG. 6 ) that invalidates an electronic key used for unlocking when the unlocking detection unit detects that the entrance of the closed space has been unlocked; Equipped with. As a result, in this service, if the locker box 31 is unlocked without permission and the item C is stolen, the person who is supposed to pick up the item C cannot use the electronic key to unlock the locker box 31. This prevents false suspicions that "the item was not put away when in fact it was."

[0069] [Third embodiment] Relay technology (Service details) FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing an overview of an example of a service that utilizes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the services according to FIGS. 1 to 4 and the services according to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0070] Here, the premise of the third embodiment will be briefly explained. In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the explanation was given on the premise that the item C is transported from a user U1 (e.g., a person in charge of a transport company or the like requested by an EC site that handles the item C) who deposits the item C to a user U2 (e.g., a person who has purchased the item C) who collects the item C. However, in recent years, it is expected that the transportation of goods is not necessarily performed by a transport company, but rather by general users who exchange information on social media, etc. In such cases, by passing the goods C through multiple locker devices 3, the goods C can be transported efficiently without using a transport company, etc. (Hereinafter, such a method will be referred to as a "relay function or relay transportation"). In the third embodiment of the present invention, an example of the case where such a relay function is adopted will be shown.

[0071] FIG. 7(A) is an image diagram showing a mechanism for temporarily storing an item C in a locker device 3-1 installed at Tokyo Station. At 3:00 PM, a user U11 who has stored an item C in a locker device 3-1 installed in Tokyo Station operates a user terminal 2-11 to recruit users T1 to Tn, for example, those who are willing to take on the following missions. Specifically, the user terminal 2-11 transmits mission information to the server 1 to recruit those who are willing to take on the missions. That is, it includes performing a first step of collecting items from a first locker device 3-1 installed at Tokyo Station, a second step of transporting the collected items to a second locker device 3-2 installed at Nagano Station, and a third step of storing the transported items in the second locker device 3-2.

[0072] When a mission is recruited, the recruitment information including the details of the mission is displayed on the user terminals 2-2 to 2-n. For example, assume that user T1 is planning to leave Tokyo for Nagano on a business trip and wants to accept the mission. In this case, user T1 applies by operating the user terminal 2-12.

[0073] In response to a call from user U11, when user T1 among users T1 to Tn applies, information about one or more users T1 who are applicants is displayed as a candidate list on user terminal 2-11. User U11 selects user Tn to whom he / she wishes to request a mission from the candidate list displayed on user terminal 2-11. Then, the user terminal 2-11 transmits to the selected candidate user Tn the unlocking information of the locker device 3-1 and information on the recipient of the item C. The unlocking information of the locker device 3-1 includes a URL for accessing the electronic key stored in the server 1 and location information of the locker device 3-1 where the item C is stored.

[0074] FIG. 7(B) is an image diagram showing the mechanism for picking up an item C stored in the locker device 3-1 at Tokyo Station. As shown in Fig. 7(B), user T1 collects item C stored in locker device 3-1 at 4:00 PM. Specifically, user T1 downloads an electronic key using the acquired unlocking information by operating user terminal 2-12. User T1 then travels to locker device 3-1 installed at Tokyo Station based on the location information included in the unlocking information.

[0075] When the user T1 brings the user terminal 2-12 close to the locker device 3-1, the locker device 3-1 detects the presence of the user terminal 2-12 and starts user authentication of the user U12 and authentication of the electronic key stored in the user terminal 2-12. When the user authentication and electronic key authentication by the locker device 3-1 are successful, the locker box 31 of the locker device 3-1 is unlocked. This allows the user U2 to collect the item C stored in the locker device 3-1. After collecting the item C, the user U2 boards the Shinkansen with the item C and travels from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station. Thus, in the third embodiment of the present invention, item C stored in locker box 31 by user U11 can be transported by a third party, user T1.

[0076] FIG. 7(C) is an image diagram showing a mechanism for storing an item C in a locker device 3-2 installed at Nagano Station. User T1, who has arrived at Nagano Station, stores item C in locker box 31 of locker device 3-2 installed at Nagano Station at 5:30 PM. User T1 then issues a locking instruction to locker device 3-2 by operating user terminal 2-12. When locker device 3-2 accepts the locking instruction, the locker box 31 storing item C is locked. Furthermore, when locker box 31 is locked, user terminal 2-12 generates an electronic key for unlocking the locked locker box 31. The generated electronic key is transmitted from user terminal 2-12 to user terminal 2-11, server 1, and locker device 3-2.

[0077] FIG. 7(D) is an image diagram showing the mechanism for picking up an item C stored in the locker device 3-2 at Nagano Station. As described above, the user terminal 2-11 or the server 1 that has received the generated electronic key transmits unlocking information for the acquired electronic key to the user 12 who is the recipient of the item C. As described above, the unlocking information includes a URL for accessing the electronic key stored in the server 1 and location information of the locker device 3-2 in which the item C is stored. The user U12, who is the recipient of the item C, obtains the unlocking information sent from the user terminal 2-12 to the user terminal 2-13, and downloads the electronic key using the obtained unlocking information. Then, the user U12 moves to the locker device 3-2 installed at Nagano Station based on the location information included in the unlocking information.

[0078] At 6:00 PM, when the user U12 brings the user terminal 2-13 close to the locker device 3-1, the locker device 3-1 detects the presence of the user terminal 2-13 and initiates user authentication of the user U13 and authentication of the electronic key stored in the user terminal 2-13. If the server 1 successfully authenticates the user and the electronic key, the locker box 31 storing the item C is unlocked, allowing the user U12 to collect the item C stored in the locker device 3-2. In this way, the relay function allows the item C to be routed through multiple locker devices 3 (for example, locker devices 3-1 and 3-2). In other words, the item C can be transported by relaying it through multiple locker devices 3, so that even if the destination of the item C is a long distance away, the item C can be delivered without using a home delivery service. In other words, since the user T1 who transports the item C can also undertake the transportation for a fee, the motivation of the user T1 to undertake the transportation is increased. On the other hand, the user U11 or the user U12 who requests the transportation of the item C can expect to be able to request the job more cheaply and flexibly than if they used a normal transportation company or the like.

[0079] (Functional configuration) FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration for realizing the temporary storage process and the agent determination process among the functional configurations of the server 1, the user terminal 2, and the locker device 3 in FIG. The agent determination process refers to a series of processes for exerting a relay function, and specifically refers to a series of processes for determining one or more users T1 to Tn who can receive a mission.

[0080] 8, in the CPU 11 of the server 1, when the above-mentioned temporary storage process is executed, the main control unit 101 functions. Also, when the agent selection process is executed, the mission reception unit 501, the recruitment unit 502, the application reception unit 503, the list generation unit 504, the selection reception unit 505, and the selection unit 506 function.

[0081] The mission receiving unit 501 receives mission information transmitted from the user terminal 2-11. Based on the received mission information, the recruiting unit 502 recruits users T1 to Tn other than the user U11 who transmitted the mission information, as to whether they can accept the mission. Specifically, the recruiting unit 502 recruits users by displaying recruitment requirements including the mission information on the user terminal 2 operated by the users T1 to Tn other than the user U11 who transmitted the mission information.

[0082] The application receiving unit 503 receives an application from user T1 who wishes to accept the execution of the mission among users T1 to Tn who have viewed the recruitment requirements. Specifically, the application information transmitted from the user terminal 2 of user T1 who wishes to accept the execution of the mission is received. The application information includes information that can be disclosed to user U11 who requested the mission among the user information of the applied user T1 (hereinafter referred to as "disclosed information"), conditions for accepting the mission (hereinafter referred to as "acceptance conditions"), track record of missions that have been executed in the past (hereinafter referred to as "mission execution track record"), etc.

[0083] Of the application information, the disclosed information may include, for example, gender and age. The conditions for accepting the assignment may include conditions such as the current location, the time period during which the mission can be performed, the area in which the item C can be transported, and the nature (e.g., type, size, weight) of the item C that can be transported. This makes it possible to remove applicants, children, women, elderly people, and the like who do not meet the conditions for accepting the assignment from the candidate list when the item C to be transported is heavy or relatively large. Furthermore, when the list generating unit 504 described later arranges the candidate list in order of suitability, these people can be displayed lower in the candidate list even if they are not removed from the candidate list. In addition, the mission execution record in the application information may include the number of missions executed in the past, the success rate of the mission, details of problems that occurred during the execution of the mission, evaluation from the user U11 who requested the mission, etc. This allows the user U who requests the mission to refer to the past performance of the candidates when selecting an agent from the list of candidates.

[0084] The list generating unit 504 generates a candidate list based on the application information of the user U11 whose application has been accepted. Hereinafter, such processing is referred to as a "list generating processing." The generated candidate list is displayed on the user terminal 2-11 of the user U11 who requested the mission. When generating the candidate list, the list generating unit 504 can display candidates who are suitable for performing the mission at the top based on the application information of the user U11 whose application has been accepted. For example, when the candidate list is generated based on the mission execution track record, the user U11 who requested the mission can reduce the risk of mission failure.

[0085] The selection receiving unit 505 accepts the selection of one or more candidates selected by the user U11 who requested the mission from the candidate list displayed on the user terminal 2-11. Here, "one or more candidates" means that one mission can be accomplished by multiple agents. That is, depending on the conditions of the candidate's assignment, multiple agents may be required to accomplish the mission. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, since the user T1 travels from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station on a business trip, the agent may be only the user T1. However, if the destination of the user T1's business trip is Omiya, not Nagano, a user who plans to travel from Omiya Station to Nagano Station is required in addition to the user U2. For this reason, the candidate list displays that the mission can be accomplished by two people: the user T1 who can be assigned from Tokyo Station to Omiya Station, and another user T2 who can be assigned from Omiya Station to Nagano Station. In this case, the user U11 who requested the mission can select a set of two people, the user T1 and the other user T2, from the candidate list. Furthermore, the user U11 who requested the mission can select three or more candidates. Specifically, for example, in the example shown in Fig. 7, if it is assumed that the locker device 3 is installed at each station, the next relay transportation using the Shinkansen is also possible. That is, the user T1 can be assigned to transport from Tokyo Station to Omiya Station, and the two users T2 and T3 other than the user T1 can be assigned to transport from Omiya Station to Karuizawa Station and from Karuizawa Station to Nagano Station, respectively. The flow of processing when multiple users T1 to Tn carry out one mission will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0086] The determination unit 506 asks one or more users T1 to Tn selected from the candidate list whether they will formally accept the mission, and determines the recipient based on the content of the answer. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 506 displays on the user terminals 2-12 to 2-n of one or more users T1 to Tn selected from the candidate list that they have been selected by the requester of the mission, and a button (not shown) for replying whether they can formally accept the mission. When user T1 formally accepts the mission, this is indicated by operating the user terminal 2-12. Specifically, for example, when a button (not shown) displayed on the user terminal 2-12 for responding whether or not the user can formally accept the mission is pressed, information indicating that the mission will be formally accepted (hereinafter, "acceptance information") is transmitted from the user terminal 2-12 to the server 1. When the acceptance information is transmitted, the determination unit 506 accepts it and determines that the user T1 who transmitted the acceptance information will be the agent. When the agent is determined, this is displayed on the user terminal 2-12 of the user T1 who transmitted the acceptance information (i.e., the agent). The other configuration of the server 1 is similar to that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the agent determination process when a plurality of users U carry out one mission. The example shown in Figure 9 assumes that user U11 has posted a recruitment for the mission of "collecting item C stored in locker device 3-1 at Tokyo Station and transporting it to locker device 3-2 at Nagano Station for storage."

[0088] In step S1, the mission receiving unit 501 receives mission information transmitted from the user terminal 2-11 of the user U11. In step S2, the recruiting unit 502 recruits users T1 to Tn other than the user U11 who transmitted the mission information, based on the received mission information, as to whether they are willing to accept the mission. In step S3, the application receiving unit 503 receives applications from users T1 to Tn who wish to be entrusted with carrying out the mission. In step S4, the list generation unit 504 executes a list generation process, which is a sub-process of the agent determination process, based on the application information of the user U11 whose application has been accepted. As a result of the list generation process, the generated candidate list is displayed on the user terminal 2-11 of the user U11 who requested the mission. If there are no candidate users U, a message to that effect (for example, a display indicating "0 people") is displayed in the candidate list. Details of the list generation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 10. In step S5, when one or more candidates are selected by the user U11 who requested the mission from the candidate list displayed on the user terminal 2-11, the selection receiving unit 505 receives the selection. In step S6, the determination unit 506 asks one or more users T1 to Tn selected from the candidate list whether they will officially accept the mission, and determines the recipient based on the content of the answer. This ends the recipient determination process.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the list generation process, which is a sub-process of the agent determination process shown in FIG.

[0090] In step S41, the list generating unit 504 judges whether or not there is any applicant who can transport the item C to the locker device 3 in Nagano Station, which is the final destination, by himself / herself, based on the application information. If there is any applicant who can transport the item C to the locker device 3-2 in Nagano Station by himself / herself, the judgment in step S41 is "YES" and the process proceeds to step S44. The details of step S44 will be described later. On the other hand, if there is no applicant who can carry the item to the locker device 3-2 at Nagano Station by himself, the result of step S41 is determined to be "NO" and the process proceeds to step S42.

[0091] In step S42, the list generating unit 504 judges whether or not there is any applicant who can transport at least a part of the section from the locker device 3-1 in Tokyo Station to the locker device 3-2 in Nagano Station (hereinafter referred to as "partial section") based on the application information. If there is no applicant who can transport the partial section, the result in step S42 is judged as "NO" and the process proceeds to step S44. Details of step S44 will be described later. On the other hand, if any of the applicants are able to transport part of the section, the answer is determined as "YES" in step S42, and the process proceeds to step S43.

[0092] In step S43, the list generation unit 504 extracts, from the applicants, those who can transport a portion of the route, and simulates a combination of applicants that can cooperate to accomplish the mission. For example, assuming that a locker device 3 is installed at each station, the following combinations of applicants can be simulated. That is, for example, if there is an applicant who can take on the section from Tokyo Station to Omiya Station, an applicant who can take on the section from Omiya Station to Karuizawa Station, and an applicant who can take on the section from Karuizawa Station to Nagano Station, a route for transporting item C from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station can be adopted as a candidate for the transport route depending on the combination.

[0093] In step S44, the list generation unit 504 generates a candidate list based on the results of steps S41 to S43. Here, if it is determined in step S41 that there is a person capable of transporting the item alone, then that person may be selected as a candidate for the candidate list. Alternatively, if a transport route is simulated in step S43 by combining multiple applicants, then the multiple applicants related to that transport route may be selected as candidates. In addition, if the result of step S41 is "NO" and the result of step S42 is "NO", that is, if it is not determined that candidates and candidate routes exist, a candidate list indicating, for example, that there are no candidates can be generated. However, these steps are merely examples, and even if it is determined in step S41 that there is a person capable of transporting the goods alone, multiple candidates who can transport some sections in combination may be selected as candidates to be included in the candidate list.

[0094] Furthermore, the information processing device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the above-mentioned third embodiment, but may take various embodiments having the following configurations. That is, an information processing device to which the present invention is applied (for example, the server 1 in FIG. 1) An information processing device that manages transportation of an item (e.g., item C in FIG. 7) between a first closed space (e.g., locker device 3-1 in FIG. 7) capable of storing the item and a plurality of second closed spaces (e.g., locker device 3-2 in FIG. 7) spaced a predetermined distance from the first closed space, A request receiving unit (e.g., a mission receiving unit 501 in FIG. 8) that receives information about a request (e.g., mission information) from a person (e.g., a user U11 in FIG. 7) who requests a task of transporting an item stored in the first closed space to the second closed space; A recruiting means (e.g., the recruiting unit 502 in FIG. 8 ) for recruiting people other than the person who transmitted the information about the request based on the information about the received request as to whether or not they can accept the request; When an application is made for the recruitment, an application acceptance means (for example, the application acceptance unit 503 in FIG. 8) for accepting the application; A list generating means (e.g., the list generating unit 504 in FIG. 8) for generating a list of candidates who can accept the request based on the application information of the person whose application has been accepted; a selection receiving unit (e.g., the selection receiving unit 505 in FIG. 8) for receiving, when one or more of the candidates are selected from the list; A decision means (e.g., the decision unit 506 in FIG. 8 ) for asking the one or more candidates selected from the list whether or not they will formally accept the request, and determining who will accept the request based on the content of the answer; Equipped with. This allows one or more assignees capable of carrying out the mission to be selected from among users U, making it possible to carry out relay transport smoothly.

[0095] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the scope of the present invention that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. Furthermore, the effects described in the above-mentioned embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0096] For example, in the above embodiment, the locker box 31 is used as the closed space capable of storing each of the items C, but this is merely an example, and the closed space is not limited to the locker box 31. For example, it may be a room, a car, or the like, as long as it can form a closed space with items stored therein and the entrance and exit can be locked.

[0097] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, the item C is stored in the locker device 3 installed in each station, but this is merely an example. The installation location of the locker device 3 is not limited to a station, and it can be installed anywhere. For example, it can be installed in commercial facilities such as hotels, airports, exhibition centers, downtown areas, and department stores.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the electronic key is downloaded by accessing the server 1 from the URL included in the unlocking information, but this is merely an example. The unlocking information can include any information that can be used to obtain the electronic key. Moreover, in the above embodiment, the electronic key stored in the server 1 is described in terms of a so-called copy concept, which is different from the actual key being handed over. That is, the electronic key stored in the server 1 can be used by both the user U1 who deposits the item and the user U2 who collects the item. However, for example, the service provider may restrict the use of the electronic key to user U2 at the stage when user U1 stores an item in the locker device 3. In this case, the risk of the electronic key being misused can be reduced.

[0099] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the examples of the first condition and the second condition are merely illustrative. Specifically, for example, the server 1 may adopt, as the first condition, that "the generated electronic key is transmitted to the user U2." Furthermore, the first condition may be "when user U1 stores item C in the locker" or "when user U2 is able to receive item C." Also, for example, the server 1 may adopt "a predetermined time (for example, 10:00 AM)" or "the user U1 has pressed an input button" as the second condition.

[0100] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, the explicit instruction by the user U1 is described as storing the item C in the locker, and then operating the user terminal 2-1 to press the user input button, but this is not limited to this. In other words, the explicit instruction by user U1 may be the pressing of a send button when user U1 puts item C inside and sends an instruction to user U2 to receive item C by email or the like, or it may be sufficient for the instruction detection unit 105 to recognize the explicit instruction. The explicit instruction may be given by pressing an input button on a device other than the user terminal 2-1 (for example, the user terminal 2-2 or the locker device 3). The explicit instruction may be given by the user U2 operating the user terminal 2-2 or the locker device 3.

[0101] For example, in the above embodiment, the usage fee for the locker device 3 is free within a specified period of time (from when the first condition begins until the second condition is met) and a fee is charged thereafter, but this is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the provider of the service may set various fees depending on the time from when the first condition begins to when the second condition is met, such that the usage fee increases with each hour.

[0102] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the calculation unit 108 is capable of calculating the fee using any calculation method while referring to the time measured by the timing unit 107. For example, the calculation unit 108 can calculate the fee using the following calculation method. In other words, from the time when timing unit 107 starts timing until a predetermined time has elapsed, the fee per unit time is fixed, and for the time exceeding the predetermined time, the fee per unit time can be set arbitrarily according to the excess time. In other words, the charge per unit time for the overtime can be set as follows: (1) free, (2) the same as before the specified time has elapsed, or (3) an increase every hour. Specifically, for example, the above (1) can be used when it is necessary to temporarily make the fee free for an event or the like. In addition, in the above (2), if the specified time is 6 hours and the fee is 240 yen, the fee will be 40 yen per hour until the 6 hours have passed, and the fee will be 40 yen per hour after the 6 hours have passed. Therefore, if you use it for 8 hours (i.e., you use it for 2 hours more), the total fee will be 240 yen + 40 yen + 40 yen = 320 yen. In contrast, in the case of (3) above, if the specified time is six hours and the fee is 240 yen, after the six hours have passed, the excess fee per hour can be increased by, for example, 60 yen. In other words, if you use it for eight hours (i.e., two hours more than the specified time), the total fee will be 240 yen + (40 + 60) yen + (40 + 60 yen + 60 yen) = 500 yen. In this way, for the time exceeding the specified time, the fee per unit time can be set arbitrarily according to the excess time. This makes it possible to realize dynamic pricing according to the environment of the place where the locker device 3 is installed. For example, if the locker device 3 is installed in a place where a high occupancy rate is expected, such as a station, the excess fee per hour can be increased, for example, by 150 yen in the above case (3). In other words, if used for 8 hours (i.e., used for 2 hours excess), the total fee will be 240 yen + (40 + 150) yen + (40 + 150 yen + 150 yen) = 770 yen.

[0103] In addition, the usage fee in the above embodiment is not necessarily limited to money, and may be a substitute for money. For example, it may be electronic money, various points, paid tickets, or other things that are already commonly used. For this reason, from the perspective of the user U, for example, prepaid electronic money (e.g., Suica (registered trademark), nanaco (registered trademark)) or the balance of points of various point services accumulated at gas stations, etc., can be used to pay the fee. This allows the user U to use the locker device 3 more easily and without feeling any burden than if he or she were to pay with visible money. Also, from the perspective of the service provider M, the service provided by the service provider M can be added to one of the places where electronic money, various points, etc., that are already commonly used, can be used, and the number of users can be increased.

[0104] That is, an information processing device to which the present invention is applied (for example, the server 1 in FIG. 1) is provided with The calculation means (for example, the calculation unit 108 in FIG. 4) further The fee per unit time from when timing is started by a timing means (e.g., timing unit 107 in FIG. 4) until a predetermined time has elapsed is set as a fixed fee, and if the predetermined time is exceeded, the fee per unit time can be set according to the exceeded time. This allows the service provider M to realize dynamic pricing adapted to the location where the locker device 3 is installed.

[0105] The usage fee may also include a substitute for money. This allows the user U to use, for example, prepaid electronic money or the balance of points from various point services for payment. As a result, the user U can use the locker device 3 without feeling any burden compared to paying with visible money. In addition, the service provider M can add the service it provides to the already commonly used electronic money and various points, thereby increasing the number of users.

[0106] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, it has been described that the calculated usage fee is borne by the user U2, but this is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the service provider may bill the calculated usage fee not to user U2 but to user U1, or to both user U1 and user U2. This allows, for example, when user U1 is paying a fee, user U1 to give an explicit instruction taking into consideration the timing in order to reduce the usage fee. Furthermore, when user U2 pays the fee, user U1 may consider managing the time, such as sending reminders to user U2, in order to reduce the usage fee.

[0107] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the second condition includes an explicit instruction by a person using the closed space and a time determined by the store, but these are merely examples, and the content of the second condition is not particularly limited. Any event that can be a trigger for starting timing can be adopted as the second condition.

[0108] The series of processes in the above-described embodiment can be executed by hardware or software.

[0109] When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed into a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware, or may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a general-purpose personal computer.

[0110] The recording medium including such a program is not only constituted by a removable medium distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to the user, but also constituted by a recording medium provided to the user in a state in which it is pre-installed in the device main body. The removable medium is, for example, a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk), an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk. The optical disk is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory Y), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. The magneto-optical disk is, for example, an MD (MINI DISK), etc. Also, the recording medium provided to the user in a state in which it is pre-installed in the device main body is, for example, a ROM in which the program is recorded, or a hard disk included in the storage unit, etc.

[0111] In this specification, the steps of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium include not only processes that are performed chronologically according to the order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically but are executed in parallel or individually. In addition, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall device that is composed of a plurality of devices, a plurality of means, etc.

[0112] The system configuration shown in Fig. 1 is merely an example for achieving the object of the present invention, and is not particularly limited. In other words, it is sufficient that the information processing system is provided with a function capable of executing the role of each device, and further, each device may be directly connected without going through a network.

[0113] 2 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention, and are not particularly limited. For example, one piece of hardware may have the function of another piece of hardware, or multiple pieces of hardware having the same function may be included.

[0114] 4, 6, and 8 are merely examples and are not particularly limited. In other words, it is sufficient for the server 1 to have a function capable of executing the above-mentioned series of processes as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the examples in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, may be configured as a single piece of software, or may be configured as a combination of both. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1···Server, 2, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-n···User terminal, 3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-m···Locker device, 11···CPU, 12···ROM, 13···RAM, 14···Bus, 15···I / O interface, 16···Output section, 17···Input section, 18···Memory section, 19···Communication section, 20···Drive, 30···Removable media, 31···Locker box, 101···Main control section, 102···Lock detection section, 103···Key detection section, 104··· First determination unit, 105...instruction detection unit, 106...second determination unit, 107...timekeeping unit, 108...calculation unit, 111...user authentication unit, 112...user management unit, 113...locker management unit, 114...transaction management unit, 401...user DB, 402...locker DB, 403...transaction DB, 404...electronic key DB, 405...store DB, C...goods, M...service provider, N...network, U, T...user, S1 to S6, S41 to S43...various steps

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: an electronic key management means for acquiring and managing an electronic key issued at a first terminal when an instruction to lock an entrance of a predetermined closed space in which a predetermined item is stored by a first user is sent from a first terminal of the first user to a management device of the predetermined closed space and the entrance is locked, and the electronic key is transmitted from the first terminal to the management device and to the information processing device, and for executing control to transmit the electronic key to the second terminal when the information processing device is accessed from a second terminal of a second user to which unlocking information for unlocking the entrance to retrieve the predetermined item from the predetermined closed space is transmitted from the first terminal; An unlocking detection means for detecting the unlocking of the entrance of the specified closed space by acquiring information based on the operation of a mechanism for unlocking the entrance of the specified closed space or information indicating the unlocking of the entrance of the specified closed space; a disabling means for disabling the electronic key so that the authentication cannot be performed with the same electronic key when the management device for the specified closed space authenticates the electronic key by matching the electronic key stored in the management device with the electronic key provided to the management device from the second terminal of the second user while an entrance to the specified closed space is locked and the management device permits unlocking of the entrance when the unlocking detection means detects unlocking of the entrance to the closed space; An information processing device comprising:

2. An information processing method in which an information processing device executes a process, an electronic key management step of acquiring and managing an electronic key issued by a first terminal when an instruction to lock an entrance of a specified closed space in which a specified item is stored by a first user is sent from the first terminal of the first user to a management device of the specified closed space and the entrance is locked, and the electronic key is transmitted from the first terminal to the management device and to the information processing device, and executing control to transmit the electronic key to the second terminal when the information processing device is accessed from a second terminal of a second user to which unlocking information for unlocking the entrance to retrieve the specified item from the specified closed space is transmitted from the first terminal; An unlocking detection step of detecting unlocking of an entrance to the specified closed space by acquiring information based on an operation of a mechanism for unlocking the entrance to the specified closed space or information indicating unlocking of the entrance to the specified closed space; a disabling step of disabling the electronic key so that the authentication cannot be performed with the same electronic key when the management device for the specified closed space authenticates the electronic key by matching the electronic key stored in the management device with the electronic key provided to the management device from the second terminal of the second user while the entrance to the specified closed space is locked and when unlocking of the entrance to the closed space is detected by the processing of the unlocking detection step in a case where the management device permits unlocking of the entrance to the closed space, An information processing method comprising:

3. On the computer, an electronic key management step of acquiring and managing an electronic key issued by a first terminal when an instruction to lock an entrance of a specified closed space in which a specified item is stored by a first user is sent from the first terminal of the first user to a management device for the specified closed space and the entrance is locked, and the electronic key is transmitted from the first terminal to the management device and to the computer, and executing control to transmit the electronic key to the second terminal when the computer is accessed from a second terminal of a second user to which unlocking information for unlocking the entrance to retrieve the specified item from the specified closed space is transmitted from the first terminal; An unlocking detection step of detecting unlocking of an entrance to the specified closed space by acquiring information based on an operation of a mechanism for unlocking the entrance to the specified closed space or information indicating unlocking of the entrance to the specified closed space; a disabling step of disabling the electronic key so that the authentication cannot be performed with the same electronic key when the management device for the specified closed space authenticates the electronic key by matching the electronic key stored in the management device with the electronic key provided to the management device from the second terminal of the second user while the entrance to the specified closed space is locked and when unlocking of the entrance to the closed space is detected by the processing of the unlocking detection step in a case where the management device permits unlocking of the entrance to the closed space, A program that executes control processing including:

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