Storage box system and unlocking method

Abstract

To improve convenience when sharing a storage box.SOLUTION: Each of a plurality of storage boxes provided in a storage box system includes a housing, a door, and an electric lock for locking / unlocking the door. The storage box system includes: a control unit which selects a usable storage box from the plurality of storage boxes on the basis of room identification information inputted to an input unit, generates an identification code for unlocking the electric lock of the usable storage box on the basis of the room identification information and the identification information of the usable storage box, and displays the identification code on a display unit; and a short-distance communication unit which receives key information transmitted by a second portable terminal. The electric lock of the usable storage box is locked on the basis of the key information transmitted by a first portable terminal, and the control unit associates the identification information of the usable storage box, the key information for unlocking the electric lock of the usable storage box, and the room identification information and stores them in a storage unit, acquires the identification information of the storage box associated with the key information that matches the key information received by the short-distance communication unit from the storage unit, and unlocks the electric lock of the storage box corresponding to the acquired identification information of the storage box.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage box system and an unlocking method. [Background technology]

[0002] Delivery boxes are becoming popular, allowing homeowners to store parcels when they are unable to receive them in person, such as when they are away from home. Technology for improving security is known for parcel delivery systems that use delivery boxes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This technology includes a management server that links and manages the individual identification information of the delivery box with the user of the delivery box. The management server links and stores the individual identification information of the delivery box received from a communication terminal used by the delivery person with a password for unlocking the delivery box, and shows the corresponding password to the smartphone of the user of the delivery box. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-110420 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Consider a system in which a door is unlocked by reading an identification code such as a QR code (registered trademark) affixed to a delivery box using a mobile device of a delivery person such as a delivery company. In this case, a QR code is required for each room. If there are more rooms than delivery boxes and a delivery box is shared by multiple rooms, and a QR code corresponding to each of the multiple rooms is affixed to the delivery box, the delivery person will have to go through the trouble of searching for the QR code that corresponds to the room to which the delivery is to be delivered among the multiple QR codes when unlocking the door. Such concerns apply not only to delivery boxes, but to any storage box used to store anything. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage box system and an unlocking method that can improve convenience when a storage box is shared. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) One aspect of the present invention is a storage box system having a plurality of storage boxes capable of communicating with a mobile terminal, each of the plurality of storage boxes having a housing capable of storing an object, a door that allows the object stored in the housing to be put in and taken out, and an electric lock that locks and unlocks the door, the storage box system having an input unit, a control unit that selects a usable storage box that is a usable storage box from the plurality of storage boxes based on room identification information of a room input by a first user to the input unit, generates an identification code for unlocking the electric lock of the usable storage box based on the room identification information and identification information of the selected usable storage box, displays the identification code on a display unit to be read by a first mobile terminal owned by the first user, and a control unit that controls the storage box identification information and the storage box identification information to be read by a first mobile terminal owned by the first user. This storage box system includes a memory unit that stores key information for unlocking the electric lock of a storage box in association with room identification information, and a short-range communication unit that receives key information transmitted by a second mobile terminal carried by a second user different from the first user, wherein the electric lock of the usable storage box is unlocked based on the identification code, and then locked based on the key information transmitted by the first mobile terminal, and the control unit associates the identification information of the usable storage box, the key information for unlocking the electric lock of the usable storage box, and room identification information and stores them in the memory unit, obtains from the memory unit the identification information of the storage box associated with the key information that matches the key information received by the short-range communication unit, and unlocks the electric lock of the storage box corresponding to the obtained identification information of the storage box. (2) In one aspect of the present invention, in the storage box system described in (1) above, the first mobile terminal sends a key information issuance request to a management server managing the storage box system to request issuance of the key information, the key information including the identification information of the usable storage box, the room identification information, and contact information of the second user; the management server issues the key information based on the identification information of the usable storage box included in the key information issuance request, sends a key information issuance response to the first mobile terminal including the issued key information, and sends an absence notification to the second mobile terminal including the issued key information and the identification information of the usable storage box, associates and stores the acquired room identification information, the identification information of the usable storage box, and the issued key information, and the first mobile terminal sends the key information included in the key information issuance response sent by the management server to the storage box system. (3) In one aspect of the present invention, in the storage box system described in (2) above, the management server obtains the identification information of the usable storage box and the room identification information included in the key information issuance request, and issues the key information if the obtained room identification information is not stored. (4) In one aspect of the present invention, in the storage box system described in (2) or (3) above, the management server acquires the identification information of the usable storage box and the room identification information included in the key information issuance request, and if the acquired room identification information is stored, acquires key information associated with the room identification information, sends a key information issuance response including the acquired key information to the first mobile terminal, and sends an absence notification including the acquired identification information of the usable storage box to the second mobile terminal, and further associates and stores the acquired identification information of the usable storage box with the stored room identification information.

[0006] (5) One aspect of the present invention is an unlocking method executed by a storage box system having a plurality of storage boxes capable of communicating with a mobile terminal, each of the plurality of storage boxes having a housing capable of storing an object, a door that allows the object stored in the housing to be put in and taken out, and an electric lock that locks and unlocks the door, the unlocking method including the steps of: selecting an available storage box that is an available storage box among the plurality of storage boxes based on room identification information of a room input by a first user to an input unit; generating an identification code for unlocking the electric lock of the available storage box based on the room identification information and identification information of the selected available storage box; and reading the identification code to be read by a first mobile terminal owned by the first user. The unlocking method includes the steps of: displaying a code on a display unit; after the electric lock of the usable storage box is unlocked, locking the electric lock of the usable storage box based on the key information sent by the first mobile terminal; associating identification information of the usable storage box with key information for unlocking the electric lock of the usable storage box and room identification information and storing them in a memory unit; receiving key information sent by a second mobile terminal carried by a second user different from the first user; and obtaining from the memory unit identification information of a storage box associated with key information that matches the received key information, and unlocking the electric lock of the storage box that corresponds to the obtained identification information of the storage box. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a storage box system and an unlocking method that can improve convenience when a storage box is shared. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a storage box system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a storage box system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing details of a storage box system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing Example 1 of a storage box group according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11 is a schematic diagram showing Example 2 of the storage box group according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of the operation of the storage box system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of the operation of the storage box system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing details of a management server included in a storage box system according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a storage box system according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Next, the storage box system and the unlocking method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the embodiment to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the following embodiment. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the parts having the same functions, and the repeated description will be omitted. In addition, "based on XX" in this application means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0010] (Embodiment) (Storage Box System) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a storage box system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1, the storage box system 1 includes a plurality of storage boxes 100 and a management server 300. The storage boxes 100 are cabinets for storing luggage. An example of a storage box 100 is a delivery box. In addition to one of the plurality of storage boxes 100, Fig. 1 shows a user U1 who stores luggage in the storage box 100, a mobile terminal 200-1 held by the user U1, a user U2 who takes out the luggage stored in the storage box 100, and a mobile terminal 200-2 held by the user U2. In this embodiment, a storage box group is made up of a plurality of storage boxes 100 and a storage box control section that controls each of the plurality of storage boxes 100. The storage box control section includes an input section and a display section. Each of the multiple storage boxes 100 and the management server 300 communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a provider device, a wireless base station, and the like.

[0011] An overview of the processing performed by the storage box system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a storage box system according to this embodiment. The user U1 has the mobile terminal 200-1 read an identification code such as a DL QR (Quick Response) code that indicates a download (DL) URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The following will continue with the explanation of the case where a QR code is used as an example of an identification code. For example, the DL QR is attached to the outer door of the storage box 100. The mobile terminal 200-1 accesses the download site by reading the DL QR code and downloads an application (hereinafter referred to as a "dedicated application AP") for using the storage box 100. The mobile terminal 200-1 installs the downloaded dedicated application AP (1).

[0012] User U1 activates the dedicated application AP on mobile terminal 200-1. Mobile terminal 200-1 activates the dedicated application AP and displays the conditions of use of the dedicated application AP. The conditions of use of the dedicated application AP include that subscriber identification information such as a telephone number is automatically saved in storage box 100, and, if the user agrees, the user registers by sending a Short Message Service (SMS) based on the subscriber identification information. If user U1 agrees to the conditions of use of the dedicated application AP, he or she presses the "Agree" button.

[0013] In the mobile terminal 200-1, when the "Agree" button is pressed, the dedicated application AP generates a confirmation code and transmits the generated confirmation code by SMS to the management server 300 based on the subscriber identification information. Here, the confirmation code is a password that can be used only once. Furthermore, in the mobile terminal 200-1, the dedicated application AP transmits the generated confirmation code via a mobile phone line to the management server 300. An example of the mobile phone line is a communication standard line such as LTE (Long Term Evolution). An example of the management server 300 is a cloud server. The management server 300 searches for an SMS including a confirmation code that is the same as the confirmation code transmitted over the mobile phone line. When the management server 300 detects an SMS including a confirmation code that matches the confirmation code transmitted over the mobile phone line, the management server 300 transmits the subscriber identification information of the mobile terminal 200-1 to the mobile terminal 200-1 over the mobile phone line. The mobile terminal 200-1 receives the subscriber identification information transmitted by the management server 300. In the mobile terminal 200-1, the dedicated application AP registers the subscriber identification information received by the mobile terminal 200-1. As a result, in the mobile terminal 200-1, the dedicated application AP can use the registered subscriber identification information.

[0014] User U1 inputs room identification information, such as the room number of the recipient of the package, into the input section of the storage box control section. Below, we will continue with the explanation of the case where the room number of the recipient of the package is used as an example of the room identification information of the recipient of the package. An example of the input section is a numeric keypad. By inputting the room number into the input section, the storage box control section determines whether or not there is an empty storage box 100 among the multiple storage boxes 100. Below, we will continue with the explanation of the case where there is an empty storage box 100. If there is no empty storage box 100, the display section will display that there is no empty storage box 100. The storage box control unit generates a QR code for unlocking the door, which represents the identification information of the empty storage box (hereinafter referred to as the "usable storage box") 100, the room number of the recipient of the inputted package, and key (initial key) information used to unlock the electric lock on the door of the usable storage box 100. The storage box control unit causes the display unit to display the generated QR code for unlocking the door. The user U1 causes the mobile terminal 200-1 to read the QR code for unlocking the door displayed on the display unit. The mobile terminal 200-1 obtains the identification information of the usable storage box 100, the room number of the recipient of the package, and the key (initial key) information by reading the door unlocking QR code. The mobile terminal 200-1 transmits the obtained key (initial key) information and subscriber identification information to the storage box group. Among the multiple storage boxes 100 included in the storage box group, the usable storage box 100 receives the key (initial key) information and the subscriber identification information transmitted by the mobile terminal 200-1, and unlocks the electric lock on the door based on the received key information (2).

[0015] The usable storage box 100 stores the subscriber identification information as a log. User U1 stores an item in the usable storage box 100 and closes the door (3). The mobile terminal 200-1 creates a key information issuance request for requesting the issuance of key information, including the identification information of the usable storage box 100, the subscriber identification information of the user U2, contact information such as an email address, and the room number of the recipient of the package. The mobile terminal 200-1 transmits the created key information issuance request to the management server 300. The management server 300 receives the key information issuance request sent by the mobile terminal 200-1, and acquires the identification information of the usable storage box 100, the contact information of the user U2, and the room information of the recipient of the package, contained in the received key information issuance request. The management server 300 issues key information when it receives the key issuance request. An example of key information is a one-time password. The management server 300 stores the identification information of the usable storage box 100, the room information of the recipient of the package, and the key information in association with each other. The management server 300 creates a key information issuance response including the created key information and the identification information of the usable storage box 100, and transmits the created key information issuance response to the mobile terminal 200-1. The management server 300 creates an absence notification to notify that the package has arrived, including the created key information and the identification information of the usable storage box 100, and transmits the created absence notification to the mobile terminal 200-2 (4). The mobile terminal 200-1 receives the key information issuance response sent by the management server 300. The mobile terminal 200-1 acquires the key information and the identification information of the usable storage box 100 included in the received key information issuance response. The mobile terminal 200-1 transmits the acquired key information to the usable storage box 100 corresponding to the identification information of the usable storage box 100. The usable storage box 100 receives the key information transmitted by the mobile terminal 200-1. The usable storage box 100 locks itself using the received key information.

[0016] The user U2 causes the mobile terminal 200-2 to receive the subscriber identification information transmitted by the management server 300 using the method described above. In the mobile terminal 200-2, the dedicated application AP registers the subscriber identification information received by the mobile terminal 200-2. In the mobile terminal 200-2, the dedicated application AP can use the registered subscriber identification information. The mobile terminal 200-2 receives the absence notification transmitted by the management server 300, and acquires the key information and the identification information of the usable storage box 100 contained in the received absence notification. A short-distance wireless connection is established between the mobile terminal 200-2 and the usable storage box 100. The mobile terminal 200-2 transmits to the usable storage box 100 the acquired key information and subscriber identification information. The usable storage box 100 receives the key information and the subscriber identification information transmitted by the mobile terminal 200-2, and unlocks the electric lock of the door based on the received key information (5). The usable storage box 100 stores the subscriber identification information as a log.

[0017] The user U2 opens the door of the usable storage box 100 and removes his / her belongings (6). The user U2 closes the door of the usable storage box 100 (7). When the door is closed, the usable storage box 100 confirms that the key information has been used and sets the used key information to "used." The electric lock of the usable storage box 100 automatically locks (8). For example, the electric lock automatically locks with the initial key.

[0018] Any one of the portable terminals 200-1 and 200-2 will be referred to as portable terminal 200. The storage box group 100a, the mobile terminal 200, and the management server 300 included in the storage box system 1 will be described below in turn. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the storage box system according to this embodiment.

[0019] (storage box group 100a) The storage box group 100a includes a plurality of storage boxes 100 and a storage box control unit 150. Each of the plurality of storage boxes 100 has the same configuration, so one storage box 100 is shown in FIG. The storage box 100 includes, for example, a first communication unit 102-1, a second communication unit 102-2, a control unit 104, an electric lock 108, a battery unit 109, and a memory unit 110. The storage box control unit 150 includes a communication unit 152 , a control unit 154 , an input unit 156 , and a display unit 157 . Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing example 1 of a storage box group according to this embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the storage box group 100a includes a storage box 100-1, a storage box 100-2, a storage box 100-3, a storage box 100-4, and a storage box control unit 150. Any of the storage boxes 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, and 100-4 will be referred to as a storage box 100. The number of storage boxes is not limited to four, and may be one to three, or may be five or more. 3, the storage box 100 includes a housing HO capable of storing an object, and a door DO that allows the object stored in the housing HO to be taken in and out. Fig. 4 also shows an electric lock 108 that locks and unlocks the door DO.

[0020] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing example 2 of a storage box group according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 shows an example of the input unit 156 and display unit 157 of the storage box control unit 150 of the storage box group 100a. As described above, an example of the input unit 156 is a numeric keypad, and an example of the display unit 157 is a liquid crystal display. The display unit 157 includes a section 157a that displays instructions to the user U, a section 157b that displays the contents input by the input unit 156, and a section 157c that displays a QR code. Returning to Fig. 3, the explanation will be continued. The first communication unit 102-1 is realized by a communication module. The first communication unit 102-1 communicates with an external communication device such as the management server 300 via the network NW. The first communication unit 102-1 may communicate using a communication method such as a wired LAN. The first communication unit 102-1 may also communicate using a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN or LTE (registered trademark). The first communication unit 102-1 receives a key information notification transmitted by the mobile terminal 200-1. The second communication unit 102-2 is realized by a communication module. The second communication unit 102-2 communicates by a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The second communication unit 102-2 receives the key information and subscriber identification information of the storage box 100 transmitted by the mobile terminal 200-1. The second communication unit 102-2 receives the key information and subscriber identification information of the storage box 100 transmitted by the mobile terminal 200-2. The second communication unit 102-2 transmits the storage box identification information and the door unlocking result output by the control unit 104 to the mobile terminal 200-2.

[0021] The storage unit 110 is realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), etc. The storage unit 110 stores a luggage storage flag F and a log R. The luggage storage flag F is information indicating whether luggage is stored in the storage box 100. For example, if luggage is stored in the storage box 100, the luggage storage flag F is turned on, and if no luggage is stored in the storage box 100, the luggage storage flag F is turned off. The log R sequentially stores the subscriber identification information of the mobile terminal 200-1 held by the user U1 who unlocked the storage box 100 and the subscriber identification information of the mobile terminal 200-2 held by the user U2. Here, the log R may store the subscriber identification information of the mobile terminal 200-1 held by the user U1 who unlocked the storage box 100, the subscriber identification information of the mobile terminal 200-1 held by the user U2, and time information of the unlocking in association with each other.

[0022] The communication unit 152 is realized by a communication module. The communication unit 152 communicates by a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 152 transmits an available storage box request output by the control unit 154 to each of the multiple storage boxes 100. The communication unit 152 receives an available storage box response transmitted by each of one or more available storage boxes 100. The control unit 154 acquires the room number input to the input unit 156. When the control unit 154 acquires the room number, it creates an available storage box request for inquiring about each of the multiple storage boxes 100 as to whether it is available for use, and outputs the created available storage box request to the communication unit 152.

[0023] The control unit 154 acquires one or more usable storage box responses from the communication unit 152. The control unit 154 selects one usable storage box response from the acquired one or more usable storage box responses. The control unit 154 may randomly select one usable storage box response from the one or more usable storage box responses. If the control unit 154 cannot acquire a usable storage box response from the communication unit 152 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, it causes the display unit 157 to display that there is no usable storage box. Below, the explanation will continue for the case where the control unit 154 selects one usable storage box response from the one or more usable storage box responses. The control unit 154 acquires identification information of the storage box included in the selected usable storage box response and information on the key (hereinafter referred to as "initial key") used to unlock the electric lock on the door of that storage box. The control unit 154 generates a QR code for unlocking the door representing the acquired identification information of the storage box and the initial key information. The control unit 154 causes the display unit 157 to display the generated QR code for unlocking the door. By displaying the generated QR code for unlocking the door on the display unit 157, when a storage box is shared by multiple rooms, the user U1 can unlock the box by having the mobile terminal 200-1 read the QR code for unlocking the door displayed on the display unit 157, thereby improving convenience.

[0024] The electric lock 108 is a lock that can unlock the door using key information without using a key. The control unit 104 acquires the key information and the subscriber identification information received by the second communication unit 102-2, and unlocks the electric lock 108 based on the acquired key information. The control unit 104 stores the acquired subscriber identification information in the log R of the storage unit 110. Here, the control unit 104 may acquire time information and store the subscriber identification information in the log R of the storage unit 110 in association with the acquired time information. By storing the subscriber identification information of the mobile terminal 200-1 held by the user U1 in the log R of the storage unit 110, it is possible to acquire the subscriber identification information of the user U1 who unlocked the electric lock 108 of the storage box 100 by referring to the log R. The user U1 stores his / her belongings in the storage box 100 and closes the door. Control unit 104 stores the key information included in the key information notification received by second communication unit 102-2 in storage unit 110, and locks electric lock 108 with the key information.

[0025] The user U2 approaches the storage box group 100a. Pairing is performed between the mobile terminal 200-2 held by the user U2 and the storage box 100 in which the user U1 has stored his / her luggage. A short-distance wireless connection is established between the second communication unit 102-2 and the mobile terminal 200-2. The second communication unit 102-2 receives the key information and the subscriber identification information transmitted by the mobile terminal 200-2. Control unit 104 acquires the key information and the subscriber identification information received by second communication unit 102-2. The control unit 104 unlocks the electric lock 108 of the door based on the acquired key information. The control unit 104 stores the subscriber identification information in the log R of the storage unit 110. Here, the control unit 104 may acquire time information and store the subscriber identification information in the log R of the storage unit 110 in association with the acquired time information. By storing the subscriber identification information of the mobile terminal 200-2 held by the user U2 in the log R of the storage unit 110, it is possible to acquire the subscriber identification information of the user U2 who unlocked the electric lock 108 of the storage box 100 by referring to the log R. User U2 removes the belongings stored in storage box 100 and closes the door. When the door of storage box 100 is closed, control unit 104 confirms that the key information has been used, sets the key information stored in memory unit 110 to "used," and automatically locks electric lock 108. For example, the electric lock automatically locks with the initial key. The battery unit 109 supplies electricity to each part of the storage box 100 .

[0026] The control unit 104 and the control unit 154 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 110. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0027] (Mobile terminal 200) The mobile terminal 200 is realized as a smartphone, a mobile terminal, a personal computer, a tablet terminal device, or other information processing devices. The mobile terminal 200 includes, for example, a first communication unit 202-1, a second communication unit 202-2, a control unit 204, a code reader 205, a display unit 207, and a storage unit 210. The first communication unit 202-1 is realized by a communication module. The first communication unit 202-1 communicates with an external communication device such as the management server 300 via a network NW. The first communication unit 202-1 may communicate using a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN or LTE (registered trademark). The first communication unit 202-1 transmits the confirmation code output by the control unit 204 to the management server 300 by SMS based on the subscriber identification information. The first communication unit 202-1 also transmits the confirmation code output by the control unit 204 to the management server 300 via a mobile phone line. The first communication unit 202-1 receives the subscriber identification information transmitted by the management server 300. The first communication unit 202-1 transmits the storage box identification information output by the control unit 204 to the management server 300.

[0028] The second communication unit 202-2 is realized by a communication module. The second communication unit 202-2 communicates by a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The second communication unit 202-2 transmits the key information and subscriber identification information output by the control unit 204 to the storage box 100. The second communication unit 202-2 transmits the key information and subscriber identification information output by the control unit 204 to the storage box 100. The second communication unit 202-2 receives the storage box identification information and the door unlocking result transmitted by the storage box 100. The storage unit 210 is realized by a HDD, a flash memory, a RAM, a ROM, etc. The storage unit 210 stores a dedicated application. The code reader 205 reads an identification code such as a QR code to obtain information represented in the identification code. In this embodiment, as an example, a case where the identification code is a QR code will be described.

[0029] User U1 operates mobile terminal 200 to read the DL QR code attached to the exterior door. Control unit 204 causes code reader 205 to read the DL QR code. Code reader 205 reads the DL QR code to obtain the DL URL shown in the DL QR code. The control unit 204 accesses the download site based on the DL URL acquired by the code reader 205, and downloads the dedicated application AP. The control unit 204 installs the downloaded dedicated application AP. The control unit 204 starts up the dedicated application AP. The control unit 204 causes the display unit 207 to display the usage conditions of the dedicated application.

[0030] When user U1 presses the "Agree" button displayed on display unit 207, control unit 204 generates a confirmation code. Based on the subscriber identification information, control unit 204 causes first communication unit 202-1 to transmit the generated confirmation code to management server 300 by SMS. Furthermore, the control unit 204 transmits the generated confirmation code from the first communication unit 202-1 via a mobile phone line to the management server 300. An example of the mobile phone line is a line conforming to a communication standard line such as LTE (Long Term Evolution). The control unit 204 acquires the subscriber identification information received by the first communication unit 202-1, and registers the acquired subscriber identification information in the dedicated application AP.

[0031] The user U1 operates the mobile terminal 200 to read the QR code for unlocking the key displayed on the display unit 157 of the storage box group 100a. The control unit 204 causes the code reader 205 to read the QR code for unlocking the key. By reading the QR code for unlocking the key, the code reader 205 acquires the key information, the identification information of the storage box, and the room information of the recipient of the package, which are displayed in the QR code for unlocking the key. The control unit 204 acquires the key information, the identification information of the storage box, and the room information of the recipient of the package acquired by the code reader 205. The control unit 204 outputs the acquired key information and subscriber identification information to the second communication unit 202-2. The control unit 204 creates a key information issuance request addressed to the management server 300, including the identification information of the storage box in which the user U1 stored the package, the contact information of the user U2, and the room number of the recipient of the package. The control unit 204 outputs the created key information issuance request to the first communication unit 202-1. The control unit 204 acquires the key information issuance response received by the first communication unit 202-1. The control unit 204 acquires the key information included in the acquired key information issuance response, and creates a key information notification including the acquired key information. The control unit 204 outputs the created key information notification to the second communication unit 202-2.

[0032] The user U2 approaches the storage box 100 that corresponds to the storage box identification information included in the absence notice. Pairing is performed between the mobile terminal 200-2 held by the user U2 and the storage box 100. A connection is established between the second communication unit 202-2 and the second communication unit 202-2 of the storage box 100 by short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The control unit 204 outputs the key information and the subscriber identification information to the second communication unit 202-2. The storage box 100 receives the key information and the subscriber identification information transmitted by the mobile terminal 200-2, and unlocks the electric lock 108 on the door with the received key information. The user U2 removes his / her belongings from the storage box 100 and closes the door of the storage box 100. When the door of the storage box 100 is closed, the electric lock 108 automatically locks. For example, the electric lock automatically locks with the initial key. The control unit 204 acquires the storage box identification information and the door unlocking result received by the second communication unit 202-2. The control unit 204 causes the display unit 207 to display the key unlocking result based on the acquired key unlocking result. If the key unlocking is successful, the control unit 204 outputs the storage box identification information to the first communication unit 202-1. The control unit 204 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 110. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0033] (Management Server 300) The management server 300 is realized as a smartphone, a mobile terminal, a personal computer, a tablet terminal device, or other information processing devices. The management server 300 includes, for example, a communication unit 302, a control unit 304, and a storage unit 310. The communication unit 302 is realized by a communication module. The communication unit 302 communicates with external communication devices such as the mobile terminal 200-1 and the mobile terminal 200-2 via the network NW. The communication unit 302 may communicate using a communication method such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 302 may also communicate using a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN or LTE (registered trademark). The communication unit 302 receives a confirmation code transmitted by the mobile terminal 200 via SMS based on the subscriber identification code. The communication unit 302 receives a confirmation code transmitted by the mobile terminal 200 via a mobile phone line such as LTE. The communication unit 302 transmits the subscriber identification information output by the control unit 304 to the mobile terminal 200. The communication unit 302 receives the storage box identification information and the subscriber identification information transmitted by the mobile terminal 200. The communication unit 302 receives a key information issuance request transmitted by the mobile terminal 200-1. The communication unit 302 transmits a key information issuance response output by the control unit 304 to the mobile terminal 200-1. The communication unit 302 transmits an absence notification output by the control unit 304 to the mobile terminal 200-2.

[0034] Control unit 304 acquires the confirmation code transmitted in the SMS received by communication unit 302 and the confirmation code transmitted via the mobile phone line. Control unit 304 searches for an SMS including a confirmation code matching the confirmation code transmitted via the mobile phone line. When control unit 304 acquires an SMS including a confirmation code matching the confirmation code transmitted via the mobile phone line through the search, control unit 304 transmits the subscriber identification information of the SMS from communication unit 302 to mobile terminal 200-1 via the mobile phone line. The control unit 304 acquires the key information issuance request received by the communication unit 302. The control unit 304 acquires the identification information of the usable storage box 100, the contact information of the user U2, and the room number of the recipient of the package, contained in the acquired key information issuance request. The control unit 304 issues key information. An example of key information is a one-time password. The control unit 304 creates a key information issuance response addressed to the mobile terminal 200-1 and including the created key information and identification information of the usable storage box 100, and outputs the created key information issuance response to the communication unit 302. The control unit 304 creates an absence notification addressed to the mobile terminal 200-2 and including the created key information and identification information of the usable storage box 100, and outputs the created absence notification to the communication unit 302. The control unit 304 stores in the memory unit 310, as storage box usage information, information associating the key information, storage box identification information, and the room number of the recipient of the package. The control unit 304 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 310. In addition, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0035] (Operation of storage box system 1) Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a first example of the operation of the storage box system according to this embodiment. With reference to Fig. 6, the operation when the user U1 uses the mobile terminal 200-1 to store an item in the storage box 100 will be described. (Step S1-1) User U1 inputs the room number of the recipient of the package into input unit 156 of storage box control unit 150. In storage box group 100a, when the room number of the recipient of the package is input into input unit 156, control unit 154 acquires the room number of the recipient of the package input into input unit 156. (Step S2-1) In the storage box group 100a, the control unit 154 determines whether or not there is a usable storage box 100. The control unit 154 creates an available storage box request inquiring of each of the multiple storage boxes 100 as to whether it is usable or not, and outputs the created available storage box request to the communication unit 152. The communication unit 152 transmits the available storage box request output by the control unit 154 to each of the multiple storage boxes 100. In each of the multiple storage boxes 100, the control unit 104 obtains an available storage box request, refers to the luggage storage flag F, and if the luggage storage flag F is off, creates an available storage box response that includes the storage box identification information and initial key information used to unlock the electric lock on the door of the storage box, and sends it to the storage box control unit 150. The control unit 154 determines that there is an empty storage box when one or more usable storage box responses are obtained from the communication unit 152, and determines that there is no usable storage box 100 when no usable storage box response is obtained from the communication unit 152 even after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0036] (Step S3-1) In the storage box group 100a, when the control unit 154 determines that there is no usable storage box 100, it causes the display unit 157 to display that there is no usable storage box 100. (Step S4-1) When the control unit 154 determines that there is a usable storage box 100 in the storage box group 100a, it selects one usable storage box response from one or more usable storage box responses. The control unit 154 acquires the identification information of the storage box contained in the selected usable storage box response and the initial key information used to unlock the electric lock of the door of that storage box. The control unit 154 generates a QR code for unlocking the door representing the acquired identification information of the storage box, the initial key information, and the room number. (Step S5-1) In the storage box group 100a, the control unit 154 causes the display unit 157 to display the generated QR code for unlocking the door. (Step S6-1) In the mobile terminal 200-1, the control unit 204 causes the code reader 205 to read the key unlocking QR code displayed on the display unit 157. By reading the key unlocking QR code, the code reader 205 acquires the storage box identification information, initial key information, and the room number of the recipient of the package, which are shown in the key unlocking QR code. The control unit 204 acquires the storage box identification information, initial key information, and the room number of the recipient of the package acquired by the code reader 205. The control unit 204 outputs the acquired initial key information and subscriber identification information to the second communication unit 202-2. (Step S7-1) In the mobile terminal 200-1, the second communication unit 202-2 transmits the initial key information and the subscriber identification information output by the control unit 204 to the storage box group 100a. In the storage box 100 included in the storage box group 100a, the second communication unit 102-2 receives the initial key information and the subscriber identification information transmitted by the mobile terminal 200-1.

[0037] (Step S8-1) In the storage box 100, the control unit 104 acquires the initial key information and the subscriber identification information received by the second communication unit 102-2. The control unit 104 unlocks the door by unlocking the electric lock 108 using the acquired key information.

[0038] (Step S9-1) In the storage box 100, the control unit 104 associates the room number of the recipient of the package, the storage box identification information, and the subscriber identification information, and stores them in the log R of the storage unit 110. (Step S10-1) In the storage box 100, the control unit 104 turns on the luggage storage flag F in the memory unit 110.

[0039] (Step S11-1) In the mobile terminal 200-1, the control unit 204 creates a key information issuance request addressed to the management server 300, which includes identification information of the storage box in which the user U1 stored the package, the contact information of the user U2, and the room number of the recipient of the package. (Step S12-1) In mobile terminal 200-1, control unit 204 outputs the created key information issuance request to first communication unit 202-1. First communication unit 202-1 transmits the key information issuance request output by control unit 204 to management server 300. (Step S13-1) In the management server 300, the communication unit 302 receives the key information issuance request sent by the mobile terminal 200-1. The control unit 304 acquires the key information issuance request received by the communication unit 302. The control unit 304 acquires the identification information of the usable storage box 100, the contact information of the user U2, and the room information of the recipient of the package, contained in the acquired key information issuance request. The control unit 304 issues the key information.

[0040] (Step S14-1) In the management server 300, the control unit 304 creates a key information issue response that includes the created key information and the identification information of the usable storage box 100 and is addressed to the mobile terminal 200-1. (Step S15-1) In management server 300, control unit 304 outputs the created key information issuance response to communication unit 302. Communication unit 302 transmits the key information issuance response output by control unit 304 to mobile terminal 200-1. (Step S16-1) In the management server 300, the control unit 304 creates an absence notification that includes the created key information and the identification information of the usable storage box 100 and is addressed to the mobile terminal 200-2. (Step S17-1) In management server 300, control unit 304 outputs the created absence notification to communication unit 302. Communication unit 302 transmits the absence notification output by control unit 304 to mobile terminal 200-2.

[0041] (Step S18-1) In the management server 300, the control unit 304 stores in the memory unit 310 as storage box usage information, information that associates the identification information of the usable storage box 100, the key information, and the room information of the recipient of the package. (Step S19-1) In mobile terminal 200-1, first communication unit 202-1 receives the key information issuance response transmitted by management server 300. Control unit 204 acquires the key information issuance response received by first communication unit 202-1. Control unit 204 acquires the key information included in the acquired key information issuance response, and creates a key information notification including the acquired key information. (Step S20-1) In the mobile terminal 200-1, the control unit 204 outputs the created key information notification to the second communication unit 202-2. The second communication unit 202-2 transmits the key information notification output by the control unit 204 to the storage box 100. (Step S21-1) In the storage box 100, the second communication unit 102-2 receives the key information notification transmitted by the mobile terminal 200-1. The control unit 104 stores the key information included in the key information notification received by the second communication unit 102-2 in the storage unit 110, and locks the electric lock 108 based on the key information.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a second example of the operation of the storage box system according to this embodiment. With reference to Fig. 7, the operation when the user U2 uses the mobile terminal 200-2 to acquire the package stored in the storage box 100 will be described. (Step S1-2) The user U2 approaches the storage box 100. In the mobile terminal 200-2, the second communication unit 202-2 performs a process of establishing short-range wireless communication with the second communication unit 102-2 of the storage box 100. The control unit 204 determines whether a short-range wireless connection with the storage box 100 has been established. If short-range wireless communication has not been established, the process returns to step S1-2. (Step S2-2) When short-distance wireless communication is established in the mobile terminal 200-2, the control unit 204 outputs the key information and the subscriber identification information to the first communication unit 202-1. The first communication unit 202-1 transmits the key information and the subscriber identification information output by the control unit 204 to the storage box 100. In the storage box 100, the first communication unit 102-1 receives the key information and the subscriber identification information transmitted by the mobile terminal 200.

[0043] (Step S3-2) In the storage box 100, the control unit 104 acquires the key information and the subscriber identification information received by the first communication unit 102-1. The control unit 104 refers to the baggage storage flag F and determines whether the baggage storage flag F is on or not. (Step S4-2) In the storage box 100, when the luggage storage flag F is on, the control unit 104 unlocks the door by unlocking the electric lock 108 using the acquired key information.

[0044] (Step S5-2) In the storage box 100, the control unit 104 determines whether or not the unlocking has been successful. (Step S6-2) In the storage box 100, the control unit 104 stores the acquired subscriber identification information in a log R of the storage unit 110 when the unlocking is successful. (Step S7-2) In the storage box 100, the control unit 104 turns off the luggage storage flag F in the memory unit 110.

[0045] (Step S8-2) In the storage box 100, if the baggage flag F is off in step S3-2, if the unlocking has failed in step S5-2, or after the baggage flag F is turned off in step S7-2, the control unit 104 outputs the storage box identification information and the door unlocking result of the storage box 100 to the second communication unit 102-2. The second communication unit 102-2 transmits the storage box identification information and the door unlocking result output by the control unit 104 to the mobile terminal 200-2. In the mobile terminal 200-2, the second communication unit 202-2 receives the storage box identification information and the door unlocking result transmitted by the storage box 100. (Step S9-2) In the mobile terminal 200-2, the control unit 204 acquires the storage box identification information and the door unlocking result received by the second communication unit 202-2. The control unit 204 causes the door unlocking result to be displayed on the application screen displayed on the display unit 207. (Step S10-2) In the mobile terminal 200-2, the control unit 204 judges whether the door unlocking result is successful or not, and ends the process if the unlocking is unsuccessful. (Step S11-2) In the mobile terminal 200-2, the control unit 204 outputs the storage box identification information to the first communication unit 202-1 if the unlocking is successful. The first communication unit 202-1 transmits the storage box identification information output by the control unit 204 to the management server 300. (Step S12-2) In management server 300, communication unit 302 receives the storage box identification information transmitted by mobile terminal 200-1. Control unit 304 acquires the storage box identification information received by communication unit 302. Control unit 304 deletes from storage unit 310 the storage box usage information including the acquired storage box identification information.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the storage box 100 and the storage box control unit 150 each have a control unit, but this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 154 of the storage box control unit 150 may execute the processing of the control unit 104 of the storage box 100 in addition to the processing of the control unit 154 described above.

[0047] According to the storage box system 1 of this embodiment, the storage box system 1 includes a plurality of storage boxes 100 capable of communicating with a mobile terminal 200. Each of the plurality of storage boxes 100 includes a housing HO capable of storing an object, a door DO that allows the object stored in the housing HO to be put in and taken out, and an electric lock 108 that locks and unlocks the door DO. The storage box system 1 includes an input unit 156, a control unit 154 that selects a usable storage box 100 that is a usable storage box from among a plurality of storage boxes based on room identification information of a room input by a first user (user U1 in the embodiment) to the input unit 156, generates an identification code for unlocking an electric lock 108 of the usable storage box 100 based on the room identification information and the identification information of the selected usable storage box 100, and displays the identification code on a display unit 157 to be read by a first mobile terminal (mobile terminal 200-1 in the embodiment) owned by the first user, a memory unit 110 that associates and stores the identification information of the storage box 100, key information for unlocking the electric lock of the storage box 100, and the room identification information, and a second communication unit 102-2 as a short-range communication unit that receives key information transmitted by a second mobile terminal (mobile terminal 200-2 in the embodiment) owned by a second user (user U2 in the embodiment) different from the first user. The electric lock 108 of the usable storage box 100 is unlocked based on the identification code, and then locked based on the key information sent by the first mobile terminal. The control unit 154 associates the identification information of the usable storage box 100 with the key information for unlocking the electric lock of the usable storage box 100 and the room identification information and stores them in the memory unit 110, obtains from the memory unit 110 the identification information of the storage box associated with the key information that matches the key information received by the short-range communication unit, and unlocks the electric lock of the storage box corresponding to the obtained identification information of the storage box.

[0048] By configuring in this manner, the storage box system 1 selects a usable storage box 100 that is a usable storage box from among multiple storage boxes based on the room identification information of the room input by the first user to the input unit 156, generates an identification code for unlocking the electric lock 108 of the usable storage box 100 based on the room identification information and the identification information of the selected usable storage box 100, and displays the generated identification code on the display unit 157. The first user can unlock the electric lock 108 of the usable storage box 100 by reading the identification code displayed on the display unit 157 with the first mobile terminal. Since there is no need to attach multiple QR codes to the delivery box, the delivery person can save time by searching for the QR code to unlock the door, which improves convenience when a storage box is shared among multiple rooms.

[0049] Also, in the storage box system 1, the first mobile terminal transmits a key information issuance request to a management server 300 that manages the storage box system, the key information requesting the issuance of key information including the identification information of the usable storage box 100, the room identification information, and the contact information of the second user. The management server 300 issues key information based on the identification information of the usable storage box 100 included in the key information issuance request, transmits a key information issuance response including the issued key information to the first mobile terminal, transmits an absence notification including the issued key information and the identification information of the usable storage box 100 to the second mobile terminal, associates and stores the acquired room identification information, the identification information of the usable storage box 100, and the issued key information, and the first mobile terminal transmits the key information included in the key information issuance response transmitted by the management server to the storage box system. With this configuration, the key information can be changed every time the electric lock 108 of the storage box 100 is unlocked, thereby improving security.

[0050] (Modification of the embodiment) 1 can be applied to a configuration example of a storage box system 1a according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. However, instead of the management server 300, a management server 300a is provided. The management server 300a acquires the identification information of the usable storage box 100 and the room number of the recipient of the package included in the key information issuance request. The management server 300a issues key information if the management server 300a does not store storage box usage information including the acquired room number of the recipient of the package. When the management server 300a stores storage box usage information including the room number of the recipient of the package, the management server 300a acquires key information included in the storage box usage information including the room number of the recipient of the package. The management server 300a transmits a key information issuance response including the acquired key information to the first mobile terminal, transmits an absence notification including the acquired key information and identification information of the usable storage box 100 to the second mobile terminal, and stores the storage box usage information including the room number of the recipient of the package, further including the identification information of the usable storage box 100. Hereinafter, of the storage box group 100a, the mobile terminal 200, and the management server 300a included in the storage box system 1a, the management server 300a that is different from that in the embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of a management server included in a storage box system according to a modified embodiment.

[0051] (Management server 300a) The management server 300a is realized as a smartphone, a mobile terminal, a personal computer, a tablet terminal device, or other information processing devices. The management server 300a includes a communication unit 302, a control unit 304a, and a storage unit 310, for example.

[0052] The control unit 304a acquires the confirmation code transmitted in the SMS received by the communication unit 302 and the confirmation code transmitted via the mobile phone line. The control unit 304a searches for an SMS including a confirmation code that matches the confirmation code transmitted via the mobile phone line. When the control unit 304a acquires an SMS including a confirmation code that matches the confirmation code transmitted via the mobile phone line through the search, the control unit 304a transmits the subscriber identification information of the SMS from the communication unit 302 to the mobile terminal 200-1 via the mobile phone line. The control unit 304a acquires the key information issuance request received by the communication unit 302. The control unit 304a acquires the identification information of the usable storage box 100, the contact information of the user U2, and the room number of the recipient of the package, which are included in the acquired key information issuance request. The control unit 304a determines whether or not the acquired room number of the recipient of the package is stored. Specifically, the control unit 304a determines whether or not the storage box usage information including the acquired room number of the recipient of the package is stored.

[0053] (If you don't remember the recipient's room number) If the control unit 304a does not store the room number of the recipient of the acquired package, it issues key information. An example of key information is a one-time password. The control unit 304a creates a key information issuance response addressed to the mobile terminal 200-1, including the issued key information and the identification information of the usable storage box 100, and outputs the created key information issuance response to the communication unit 302. The control unit 304a creates an absence notification addressed to the mobile terminal 200-2, including the created key information and identification information of the usable storage box 100, and outputs the created absence notification to the communication unit 302. The control unit 304a stores information associating the key information, the storage box identification information, and the room number of the recipient of the package in the memory unit 310 as storage box usage information.

[0054] (If you have memorized the room number) If the control unit 304a stores the room number of the recipient of the acquired package, the control unit 304a does not issue key information. The control unit 304a acquires key information stored in association with the room information of the recipient of the acquired package. Specifically, the control unit 304a acquires storage box usage information including the room information of the recipient of the acquired package from the storage unit 310, and acquires the key information included in the acquired storage box usage information. The control unit 304a creates a key information issuance response addressed to the mobile terminal 200-1 and including the acquired key information and the identification information of the usable storage box 100, and outputs the created key information issuance response to the communication unit 302. The control unit 304a creates an absence notification addressed to the mobile terminal 200-2 and including the identification information of the usable storage box 100, and outputs the created absence notification to the communication unit 302. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user U2 that the package stored in the usable storage box 100 can be unlocked with the key information notified in the previous absence notification. Here, the control unit 304a may create an absence notification addressed to the mobile terminal 200-2, including the acquired key information and the identification information of the usable storage box 100, and output the created absence notification to the communication unit 302. With this configuration, the user U2 can unlock the package stored in the usable storage box 100 with the key information notified in the previous absence notification, but the key information can be notified just in case. The control unit 304a associates the stored key information, storage box identification information, and the room number of the recipient of the package with the acquired room number of the recipient of the package, and stores the information in the memory unit 310. That is, the control unit 304a stores the acquired room number of the recipient of the package in addition to the storage box usage information including the acquired room information of the recipient of the package. The control unit 304a is realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 310. In addition, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0055] (Operation of storage box system 1a) 6 can be applied to the operation when the user U1 uses the mobile terminal 200-1 to store an item in the storage box 100. However, since the process from step S11-1 onwards is different, the process from step S11-1 onwards will be explained. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the storage box system according to the modified example of the embodiment.

[0056] (Step S1-3) In the mobile terminal 200-1, the control unit 204 creates a key information issuance request addressed to the management server 300, which includes the identification information of the storage box in which the user U1 has stored his / her luggage, the contact information of the user U2, and the room number. (Step S2-3) In mobile terminal 200-1, control unit 204 outputs the created key information issuance request to first communication unit 202-1. First communication unit 202-1 transmits the key information issuance request output by control unit 204 to management server 300. (Step S3-3) In the management server 300a, the communication unit 302 receives the key information issuance request sent by the mobile terminal 200-1. The control unit 304a acquires the key information issuance request received by the communication unit 302. The control unit 304a acquires the identification information of the usable storage box 100, the contact information of the user U2, and the room information of the recipient of the package, contained in the acquired key information issuance request. The control unit 304a determines whether the acquired room number of the recipient of the package is stored in the memory unit 310.

[0057] (Step S4-3) In the management server 300a, when the control unit 304a determines that the room number of the recipient of the acquired package is not stored in the storage unit 310, it issues key information. (Step S5-3) In the management server 300a, when the control unit 304a determines that the room number of the recipient of the acquired package is stored in the memory unit 310, it acquires key information contained in the storage box usage information, which includes the room number of the recipient of the package. (Step S6-3) In the management server 300a, when the room number of the recipient of the acquired package is not stored in the memory unit 310, the control unit 304a creates a key information issuance response addressed to the mobile terminal 200-1, which includes the issued key information and the identification information of the usable storage box 100. Alternatively, when the room number of the recipient of the acquired package is stored in the memory unit 310, the control unit 304a creates a key information issuance response addressed to the mobile terminal 200-1, which includes the key information acquired from the memory unit 310 and the identification information of the usable storage box 100.

[0058] (Step S7-3) In management server 300a, control unit 304a outputs the created key information issuance response to communication unit 302. Communication unit 302 transmits the key information issuance response output by control unit 304a to mobile terminal 200-1. (Step S8-3) In the management server 300a, the control unit 304a creates an absence notification addressed to the mobile terminal 200-2, including the issued key information and the identification information of the usable storage box 100, when the room number of the recipient of the acquired package is not stored in the storage unit 310. Alternatively, the control unit 304a creates an absence notification addressed to the mobile terminal 200-2, including the identification information of the usable storage box 100, when the room number of the recipient of the acquired package is stored in the storage unit 310. Here, the control unit 304a may create an absence notification addressed to the mobile terminal 200-2, including the key information acquired from the storage unit 310 and the identification information of the usable storage box 100. (Step S9-3) In management server 300a, control unit 304a outputs the created absence notification to communication unit 302. Communication unit 302 transmits the absence notification output by control unit 304 to mobile terminal 200-2.

[0059] (Step S10-3) In the management server 300a, when the control unit 304a issues key information, it stores information associating the identification information of the usable storage box 100, the key information, and the room information as storage box usage information in the storage unit 310. When the control unit 304a acquires key information, it associates the storage box usage information including the acquired key information with the room information of the recipient of the acquired package and stores the information in the storage unit 310. (Step S11-3) In mobile terminal 200-1, first communication unit 202-1 receives the key information issuance response sent by management server 300a. Control unit 204 acquires the key information issuance response received by first communication unit 202-1. Control unit 204 acquires the key information included in the acquired key information issuance response, and creates a key information notification including the acquired key information.

[0060] (Step S12-3) In the mobile terminal 200-1, the control unit 204 outputs the created key information notification to the second communication unit 202-2. The second communication unit 202-2 transmits the key information notification output by the control unit 204 to the storage box 100. (Step S13-3) In the storage box 100, the second communication unit 102-2 receives the key information notification transmitted by the mobile terminal 200-1. The control unit 104 stores the key information included in the key information notification received by the second communication unit 102-2 in the storage unit 110, and locks the electric lock 108 based on the key information.

[0061] According to a storage box system 1a relating to a modified embodiment, in the storage box system 1, the management server 300a acquires the identification information and room identification information of the usable storage box 100 included in the key information issuance request, and issues key information if the acquired room identification information is not stored. By configuring in this manner, the management server 300a can prevent key information from being issued if a package addressed to a room corresponding to the room identification information included in the key information issuance request is stored, thereby preventing multiple key information from being issued to the same room.

[0062] In the storage box system 1, the management server 300a acquires the identification information and room identification information of the usable storage box 100 included in the key information issuance request, and if the acquired room identification information is stored, acquires the key information associated with the room identification information, sends a key information issuance response including the acquired key information to the first mobile terminal, and sends an absence notification including the identification information of the usable storage box 100 to the second mobile terminal, and further associates and stores the identification information of the usable storage box 100 with the stored room identification information. With this configuration, when a package addressed to a room corresponding to the room identification information included in the key information issuance request is stored, the management server 300a can transmit a key information issuance response including the key information stored in association with the room information to the first mobile terminal. The storage box is locked with the key information transmitted from the first mobile terminal. Therefore, multiple storage boxes storing packages addressed to the same room can be locked with the same key information. In addition, the management server 300a transmits an absence notification including the identification information of the available storage box 100 to the second mobile terminal. Therefore, the second user who has received the absence notification can unlock multiple storage boxes with one key information.

[0063] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope of the present invention are also included. For example, a computer program for realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the computer program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed. Note that the "computer system" referred to here may include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, "computer-readable recording media" refers to writable non-volatile memories such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and flash memories, portable media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) inside computer systems that act as servers or clients when a computer program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may be transmitted from a computer system in which the program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for realizing part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1, 1a...storage box system, 100...storage box, 100a...storage box group, 102-1...first communication unit, 102-2...second communication unit, 104...control unit, 108...electric lock, 109...battery unit, 110...storage unit, 150...storage box control unit, 152...communication unit, 154...control unit, 156...input unit, 157...display unit, 200-1, 200-2, 200...mobile terminal, 202-1...first communication unit, 202-2...second communication unit, 204...control unit, 205...code reader, 207...display unit, 210...storage unit, 300, 300a...management server, 302...communication unit, 304, 304a...control unit, 310...storage unit

Claims

1. A storage box system including a plurality of storage boxes capable of communicating with a mobile terminal, Each of the plurality of storage boxes includes: A housing capable of storing an object; a door that allows the object stored in the housing to be inserted and removed; An electric lock for locking and unlocking the door; Equipped with The storage box system comprises: An input unit; a control unit that selects a usable storage box that is a usable storage box from among the multiple storage boxes based on room identification information of a room input by a first user to the input unit, generates an identification code for unlocking an electric lock of the usable storage box based on the room identification information and the identification information of the selected usable storage box, and displays the identification code on a display unit to be read by a first mobile terminal owned by the first user; a storage unit that stores identification information of a storage box, key information for unlocking an electric lock of the storage box, and room identification information in association with each other; a short-range communication unit that receives key information transmitted by a second mobile terminal owned by a second user different from the first user; Equipped with The electric lock of the usable storage box is unlocked based on the identification code, and then locked based on key information transmitted by the first mobile terminal; The control unit stores the identification information of the available storage box, key information for unlocking the electric lock of the available storage box, and room identification information in the storage unit in association with each other, A storage box system that obtains from the memory unit identification information of a storage box associated with key information that matches the key information received by the short-range communication unit, and unlocks the electric lock of the storage box that corresponds to the obtained identification information of the storage box.

2. The first mobile terminal transmits a key information issuance request to a management server that manages the storage box system, the key information request including the identification information of the available storage box, the room identification information, and contact information of the second user, to request issuance of the key information; the management server issues the key information based on the identification information of the available storage box included in the key information issuance request, transmits a key information issuance response including the issued key information to the first mobile terminal, transmits an absence notification including the issued key information and the identification information of the available storage box to the second mobile terminal, and stores the acquired room identification information, the identification information of the available storage box, and the issued key information in association with each other; The storage box system according to claim 1 , wherein the first portable terminal transmits to the storage box system the key information included in the key information issue response transmitted by the management server.

3. The storage box system of claim 2, wherein the management server acquires the identification information and the room identification information of the usable storage box included in the key information issuance request, and issues the key information if the acquired room identification information is not stored.

4. The storage box system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the management server acquires the identification information of the usable storage box and the room identification information included in the key information issuance request, and if the management server has stored the acquired room identification information, acquires key information associated with the room identification information, sends a key information issuance response including the acquired key information to the first mobile terminal, and sends an absence notification including the acquired identification information of the usable storage box to the second mobile terminal, and further associates and stores the acquired identification information of the usable storage box with the stored room identification information.

5. An unlocking method executed by a storage box system having a plurality of storage boxes capable of communicating with a mobile terminal, comprising: Each of the plurality of storage boxes includes a housing capable of storing an object, a door that allows the object stored in the housing to be taken in and out, and an electric lock that locks and unlocks the door; The unlocking method includes: A step of selecting a usable storage box that is a usable storage box from among the plurality of storage boxes based on room identification information of the room input by the first user to an input unit; generating an identification code for unlocking the electric lock of the available storage box based on the room identification information and the identification information of the selected available storage box; displaying the identification code on a display unit so that the identification code can be read by a first mobile terminal owned by the first user; After the electric lock of the available storage box is unlocked, a step of locking the electric lock of the available storage box based on the key information transmitted by the first mobile terminal; and a step of storing in a storage unit in association with identification information of the available storage box, key information for unlocking the electric lock of the available storage box, and room identification information. receiving key information transmitted by a second mobile terminal owned by a second user different from the first user; acquiring, from the storage unit, identification information of a storage box associated with key information that matches the received key information, and unlocking an electric lock of the storage box that corresponds to the acquired identification information of the storage box; The unlocking method includes the steps of:

Images