Home delivery system and product delivery method

Abstract

To provide a program for a home delivery system. [Solution] Provided is a program for use in a delivery system including a plurality of delivery boxes and a delivery server connected to the plurality of delivery boxes so as to be able to communicate with each other. Each of the plurality of delivery boxes includes a plurality of lockers each having the same shape and size, and each locker selectively stores one of a plurality of containers for storing goods. The program is configured to cause the delivery server to send a signal to a user's terminal to display on a display unit of the user's terminal a screen for allowing the user to select one of the plurality of delivery boxes, receive a signal from the terminal selecting one of the plurality of delivery boxes, and determine, from the plurality of lockers included in the delivery box selected by the user, a locker that does not store a container or a locker that stores an empty container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a program for a system that delivers goods to a user, and a delivery server that operates according to this program. For example, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a program for a delivery system that uses a delivery box that houses a dedicated container for packing goods, and a delivery server that operates according to this program.

Background Art

[0002] When delivering goods to a user, the user may be absent. In this case, for example, by carrying the goods into a delivery box and notifying the user of the delivery, the user can take out the goods from the delivery box at any time. As a result, the burden and cost for redelivery are reduced, and the user no longer needs to wait for the delivery, thus being liberated from time constraints. Also, theft of goods and leakage of personal information can be prevented (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One of the embodiments of the present invention aims to provide a program for a new delivery system. Alternatively, one of the embodiments of the present invention aims to provide a program for a system that can reduce the burden on delivery companies, delivery staff, and users and enable the delivery of goods at low cost. Alternatively, one of the embodiments of the present invention aims to provide a program for a delivery system that reduces the environmental load by reducing the waste generated in delivery. Alternatively, one of the embodiments of the present invention aims to provide a delivery server that operates according to the above program.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One of the embodiments of the present invention is a program used in a delivery system including a plurality of delivery boxes and a delivery server connected to be communicable with the plurality of delivery boxes. Each of the plurality of delivery boxes includes a plurality of lockers that selectively accommodate one arbitrarily selected from a plurality of containers for storing goods, and the lockers have the same shape and size as each other. The program is configured to cause the delivery server to transmit a signal to the terminal for displaying on the display unit of the user's terminal a screen for the user to select one of the plurality of delivery boxes, receive a signal for selecting one of the plurality of delivery boxes from the terminal, and determine, among the plurality of lockers included in the delivery box selected by the user, a locker in which no container is accommodated or a locker in which an empty container is accommodated.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is a delivery server used in a delivery system including a plurality of delivery boxes and a delivery server connected to be communicable with the plurality of delivery boxes. Each of the plurality of delivery boxes includes a plurality of lockers that selectively accommodate one arbitrarily selected from a plurality of containers for storing goods, and the lockers have the same shape and size as each other. The delivery server operates according to a delivery program. The delivery program causes the delivery server to transmit a signal to the terminal for displaying, on the display unit of the user's terminal, a screen for the user to select one of the plurality of delivery boxes, receive a signal for selecting one of the plurality of delivery boxes from the terminal, and cause the user to select, among the plurality of lockers included in the selected delivery box, a locker in which no container is accommodated or a locker in which an empty container is accommodated.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium storing the above delivery program.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings and the like. However, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments illustrated below.

[0010] For the sake of clearer explanation, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part as compared with the actual aspect, but this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In this specification and each figure, elements having the same functions as those described with respect to the previously shown figures may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. This reference numeral is used when collectively representing the same or similar structures, and a hyphen and a natural number are added after the reference numeral when individually representing them. In addition, when indicating a part of one structure, a lowercase alphabet may be appended after the reference numeral.

[0011] 1. Overview of the Delivery System FIG. 1 shows a conceptual diagram of a delivery system 100 in which a program (hereinafter referred to as a delivery program), which is one of the embodiments of the present invention, is used. The delivery system 100 is a system for delivering goods and services (hereinafter, goods and services are collectively referred to as goods) ordered by a user from a provider of goods and services (hereinafter simply referred to as a seller) 104 in an e-commerce transaction to a delivery box 120 to the user. The order of goods may be directly placed with the seller 104 via the network 110, or may be placed on an e-commerce platform (hereinafter simply referred to as a platform) provided by a third party (platform provider) for the user or the seller 104. The former is called a self-site type e-commerce transaction, and the latter is called a mall type e-commerce transaction. Hereinafter, the self-site type e-commerce transaction will be mainly described as an example, but the present delivery system 100 and the delivery program can also be applied to the mall type e-commerce transaction. Here, the network 110 is a communication network such as the Internet or a wide area network, and mediates communication between various communication terminals and servers.

[0012] There are no restrictions on the types of goods, and any goods can be handled as long as they can be stored in the containers described later. For example, a wide variety of goods such as clothing, shoes, books, stationery, toys, food, and cosmetics can be handled by the delivery system 100. Also, the goods may be rental items (rental shoes, rental clothing, rental bags, etc.) or sample products (sample cosmetics, sample food, etc.).

[0013] More specifically, in the delivery system 100, the user operates the terminal 102 and accesses the server of the seller 104 via the network 110. As a result, the user can select and order desired goods on the site constructed by the server of the seller 104. When the order is confirmed, the seller 104 accesses the server of the logistics warehouse 106 where the goods are stored via its server and notifies the content of the ordered goods and information regarding delivery. The information regarding delivery may include the user's attributes (name, address, identifier (user ID) for identifying the user, etc.), the delivery destination of the goods (such as the delivery box 120 selected by the user), the delivery date and time desired by the user, and the like.

[0014] After that, the inventory status of the products is checked on the server of the logistics warehouse 106, and the availability of the lockers in the delivery box 120 is also checked. The delivery box 120 may be the one selected by the user. If it is not selected by the user, the server of the logistics warehouse 106 selects the most convenient delivery box 120 for the user from multiple delivery boxes 120 based on the user's address and the like. Further, the server of the logistics warehouse 106 arranges a vehicle for delivery and checks the loading status of the vehicle. Considering the above information, that is, the inventory status of the products, the availability of the lockers, and the arrangement and loading status of the vehicle, etc., the delivery information is sent from the server of the logistics warehouse 106 to the user's terminal 102 or the server of the seller 104. The delivery information includes the delivery date and time of the products, as well as an authentication key for the user to operate the delivery box 120. The delivery information may further include an identifier (box ID) for identifying the delivery box 120 into which the products are loaded and an identifier (locker ID) for identifying the locker. The authentication key may be configured to be displayed on the display screen of the terminal 102 as a two-dimensional code or a barcode, or may be a password or a PIN number.

[0015] After that, the products are delivered from the logistics warehouse 106 directly or via the sorting center (hub) 108 to the delivery box 120. The user can operate the delivery box 120 using the authentication key and receive the products. Note that the products are managed in the warehouses managed by each seller 104, and transportation from the warehouse to the hub 108 or delivery to the delivery box 120 may be performed.

[0016] Here, the management of the delivery box 120, including operations such as the selection of the delivery box 120 and the confirmation of the availability of the lockers, and the delivery management, including operations such as the arrangement of vehicles and the confirmation of the loading status of the vehicles, may all be performed by the server that manages the logistics warehouse 106, or may be performed by a different server (for example, the server of the operator responsible for the transportation and delivery of goods). In the former case, the delivery program is stored in the memory unit provided in the server that manages the logistics warehouse 106, and the server operates according to the instructions of the delivery program. In the latter case, the delivery program is stored in the memory unit provided in the server of the operator responsible for the transportation and delivery of goods, and the server of the operator operates according to the instructions of the delivery program. Alternatively, the management of the delivery box 120 and the delivery management may be performed by different servers. In this case, the delivery program is stored in the memory unit provided in the server that manages the delivery box 120, and the server that manages the delivery box 120 operates according to the instructions of the delivery program. Hereinafter, the server that operates according to the instructions of the delivery program is also referred to as a delivery server. The delivery server is one of the embodiments of the present invention and is connected via the network 110 so as to be communicable with the terminal 102, the delivery box 120, and the like.

[0017] In the home delivery system 100, as shown in FIG. 2, regardless of the seller 104 or the type of product, the product is stored in a dedicated container (hereinafter simply referred to as a container) 170 within the logistics warehouse 106 (or a warehouse managed by each seller 104; the same applies hereinafter). Although details will be described later, all containers 170 have the same shape and size, and the product is transported and delivered from the logistics warehouse 106 to the home delivery box 120 directly or via the hub 108 in a state where it is stored in the container 170. On the other hand, each home delivery box 120 is provided with a plurality of lockers, and each of the plurality of lockers is configured to accommodate one or more containers 170. In the former case, each locker is configured to selectively accommodate one container 170, that is, to accommodate only one container 170, and a plurality of containers 170 are not accommodated in one locker. Each of the plurality of lockers may have the same shape and size, or one home delivery box 120 may be provided with a plurality of lockers of different sizes and shapes such that the number of containers 170 that can be accommodated in one locker varies.

[0018] The container (for example, container 170-1 in FIG. 2) in which the product is stored is fitted into the locker of the home delivery box 120, whereby the delivery of the product is completed. The user opens the locker in which the container 170-1 storing the product is accommodated using an authentication key and takes out the product inside the container 170-1. At this time, the emptied container 170-1 is returned to the locker without the user temporarily or permanently taking it away. Another empty container (for example, container 170-2 in FIG. 2) that is accommodated in the locker during the delivery of container 170-1 is picked up by the delivery person during the delivery of container 170-1 and recovered to the logistics warehouse 106. Also, the emptied container 170-1 after the product has been taken out is picked up by the delivery person when other containers 170 are delivered. The recovered containers 170 are reused for the transportation and delivery of other products.

[0019] Thus, the home delivery system 100 includes a home delivery box 120 and a plurality of containers 170. The home delivery system 100 may further include a server of the seller 104 and a server that manages the logistics warehouse 106. Also, the home delivery system 100 may include a server managed by an operator who transports and delivers the containers 170. Furthermore, the home delivery system 100 may include a server that manages the home delivery box, together with the server managed by the operator who transports and delivers the containers 170.

[0020] Note that in the home delivery system 100, the delivery area of the goods may be limited. For example, only large cities or only major cities may be designated as the delivery area, and the home delivery system 100 may not be applied in other areas. Considering the fact that most users hope for the delivery of goods to large cities and their suburbs, even if the applicable area of the home delivery system 100 is limited in this way, sufficient customer satisfaction can be obtained.

[0021] As will be described in detail below, in the home delivery system 100, the goods are stored directly in the container 170 or in a flexible bag, and the user can take out only the goods stored in the container 170 or only the goods stored in the bag. Therefore, there is no need to use packaging materials such as cardboard that are frequently used for home delivery of goods (packaging-free). Also, the need to use cushioning materials that occupy a large volume among the packaging materials is eliminated or greatly reduced. Therefore, not only is the burden of folding or disposing of the packaging materials and cushioning materials eliminated or reduced, but also the amount of garbage derived from the packaging materials and cushioning materials can be significantly reduced. This can be said to contribute to the prevention of environmental pollution and the establishment of a decarbonized society.

[0022] In the home delivery system 100, the container 170 is not directly delivered to the user but is delivered to the locker of the home delivery box 120. Also, each container 170 is assigned an identifier (container ID), and since the container ID is associated with the box ID and the locker ID, the user can access the container 170 storing the ordered goods only by using the authentication key. For this reason, the human resources and costs required for redelivery are reduced, and the user is not subject to time constraints. Also, since there is no need to attach a label with personal information (address, name, etc.) of the delivery destination to the container 170, the home delivery system 100 contributes not only to reducing the delivery cost by reducing the burden on the home delivery operator but also to preventing the leakage of personal information.

[0023] 2. Home Delivery Box A schematic perspective view of the home delivery box 120 is shown in FIG. 3. There are no restrictions on the overall shape of the home delivery box 120, and it may be arbitrarily determined according to the environment of the installation location, the expected number of users, etc. The home delivery box 120 includes, as a basic configuration, a housing 122 that provides a locker 124 corresponding to a space for accommodating the container 170, a door 126 of the locker 124, a monitor 128, and a first reader 130. The home delivery box 120 may further include, as an optional configuration, an audio output unit 140. As described above, each locker 124 can accommodate one container 170 having the same shape and size. In this case, since the size and shape of each locker 124 can also be the same, the number of lockers 124 and doors 126 may be determined according to the size and shape of the housing 122 and the container 170. In the following description, the case where one container 170 is selectively accommodated in each locker 124 will be described, but the home delivery box 120 may be configured so that a plurality of containers 170 can be accommodated in one locker 124.

[0024] The installation location of the delivery box 120 is also arbitrary. For example, it may be installed inside or near an apartment building such as a condominium, inside or near commercial facilities such as convenience stores, supermarkets, large shopping centers, department stores, etc., inside or near public transportation-related facilities such as railway stations and bus stops, parking lots, inside or near entertainment facilities such as sports arenas, movie theaters, zoos, theme parks, etc.

[0025] The monitor 128 is incorporated into the housing 122 and functions as an output device for the user or the delivery person. The monitor 128 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an electroluminescent display device. The monitor 128 may be provided with an input unit, and examples of the input unit include a touch panel (not shown) provided on the monitor 128. Although not shown, a keyboard, a numeric keypad, etc. may be incorporated into the housing 122 as the input unit.

[0026] The first reader 130 may be an optical scanner capable of reading two-dimensional codes or barcodes, or a reader (RF reader) that utilizes short-range wireless communication.

[0027] FIG. 4(A) and FIG. 4(B) show a schematic front view and a top view of one locker 124. In these figures, the state where the door 126 is open is shown. Each locker 124 has a shape in which one container 170 is accommodated. Therefore, when the container 170 is accommodated, almost all of the space inside each locker 124 (for example, 75% or more and 100% or less, 80% or more and 100% or less, 90% or more and 100% or less, or 95% or more and 100% or less of this space) is occupied by the container 170, and there is not enough space to accommodate goods except for the container 170 and its internal space. The locker 124 may be provided with, as an optional configuration, a lock 136, a guide 138, a second reader 132, a sensor switch 142, a discharge control mechanism 134, etc.

[0028] The door 126 is a member for opening and closing the front of each locker 124, and is attached to the housing 122 by a hinge. The door 126 may be entirely opaque or partially transparent. By making at least a part of the door 126 transparent, the inside of the locker 124 can be visually confirmed. The lock 136 is a mechanism for mechanically locking and unlocking the door 126, and may have an auto-lock function that is automatically locked when the door 126 is closed. By using the lock 136, theft of goods or the container 170 in which the goods are stored can be prevented. In this specification, "transparent" refers to the property or state of transmitting at least a part of visible light, and "opaque" refers to the property or state of not passing visible light.

[0029] The guide 138 is provided to protect the bottom surface of the container 170 and the upper surface of the locker 124, and to fix the position of the container 170 within the locker 124. The guide 138 is a convex portion extending in the depth direction (y direction in the figure) of the locker 124, and one or more guides 138 may be provided. By engaging a trench 186 overlapping the guide 138 with the container 170 described later, the position of the container 170 within the locker 124 is fixed. Although not shown, instead of the guide 138, another mechanism for fixing the position of the container 170 may be provided. For example, a pair of rails may be provided on the side surface of the locker 124, and a mechanism (such as a bearing or a wheel) for sliding within the rails may be provided on the side surface of the container 170.

[0030] The sensor switch 142 is a switch for determining whether or not the container 170 is inserted into a predetermined position of the locker 124. For example, as shown in the schematic side view of FIG. 5, when the container 170 is fitted into the locker 124 and pushed in the y direction, the sensor switch 142 falls down and is pushed into the housing 122. By sensing this movement, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of the container 170 and whether or not the container 170 is normally accommodated. Note that the configuration of the sensor switch 142 is not limited to this. A mechanical switch having a structure different from the above-described structure may be used, or an optical sensor may be used. The sensor switch 142 may be provided on the bottom surface of the locker 124, or may be provided on the side surface or the upper surface.

[0031] The second reader 132 is provided for reading the container ID stored and / or described in a tag (described later) provided on the container 170. For example, an RF reader, a barcode scanner, or a two-dimensional code scanner can be used as the second reader 132. The position of the second reader 132 may be appropriately set according to the position of the tag on the container 170.

[0032] The discharge control mechanism 134 is an interlock that allows the container 170 to be partially withdrawn by preventing the container 170 from being completely withdrawn (discharged) from the locker 124 under certain conditions, and allows the container 170 to be withdrawn from the locker 124 and inserted into the locker 124 under other conditions. That is, the discharge control mechanism 134 can operate in two modes. In one mode (the first mode), it prohibits the container 170 from being completely withdrawn from the locker 124, and in the other mode (the second mode), it allows the container 170 to be reversibly discharged and inserted with respect to the locker 124.

[0033] The configuration of the discharge control mechanism 134 is arbitrary, and any configuration may be adopted as long as the above-described functions can be realized. For example, as shown in the schematic top view and side view of FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), respectively, in the first mode, a stopper 180 (described later) provided as a discharge prevention function in the container 170 overlaps in the y direction, and in the second mode, it may have a structure that can rotate (see the arrow in FIG. 6(B)) or move so as not to overlap with the stopper 180 in the y direction.

[0034] The voice output unit 140 is a speaker, and is provided to output voices, warning sounds, voices and music in harmony with the images projected on the monitor 128, etc. for providing information to the user and the delivery person.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a functional block diagram of the delivery box 120. The delivery box 120 includes a control unit 144 disposed in the housing 122, and further includes a monitor 128, a first reader 130, a second reader 132, a discharge control mechanism 134, a lock 136, a voice output unit 140, a transmission / reception unit 150, a memory unit 146, and a sensor switch 142, etc. The delivery box 120 is controlled by controlling each of the above components by the control unit 144. A battery 148 may be connected to the control unit 144.

[0036] The control unit 144 includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), operates software stored in the memory unit 146, and controls the overall functions of the delivery box 120. The control unit 144 controls the monitor 128, the first reader 130, the second reader 132, the discharge control mechanism 134, the lock 136, the voice output unit 140, the sensor switch 142, the transmission / reception unit 150, etc. according to the instructions of the software.

[0037] The memory unit 146 may be a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a solid state drive, or a magnetic memory such as a hard disk drive. The memory unit 146 may appropriately store not only the above software but also the usage status of the locker 124, and may store at any time the container ID of the container 170 to be delivered, the box ID and locker ID associated therewith. Further, the memory unit 146 may store at any time the container ID of the container being accommodated, the container ID of the container planned to be accommodated, the user ID and locker ID associated with these container IDs, the authentication key, and the like.

[0038] The transmission / reception unit 150 is a unit having a function of communicating with the server of the seller 104, the server for managing the logistics warehouse 106, the terminal 102 of the user, etc. via the network 110. For example, the control unit 144 of the home delivery box 120 may be configured to periodically acquire the vacancy information of the locker 124 based on the signal from the sensor switch 142, and transmit the locker ID of the empty locker 124 and the locker 124 in which the empty container 170 is accommodated as the obtained information to the logistics management server 107 via the transmission / reception unit 150. The battery 148 is a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, and is configured to be connectable to an external commercial power supply. The battery 148 has a function of supplying power to the control unit 144 even in an environment where the external commercial power supply is not available and maintaining the function of the home delivery box 120.

[0039] 3. Container FIG. 8(A) and FIG. 8(B) are respectively a schematic top view and a perspective view of the container 170, and FIG. 9(A) and FIG. 9(B) are a schematic front view and a top view of the state in which the container 170 is accommodated in the locker 124. As shown in these figures, the container 170 has a main body 172 as a basic configuration, and may further have a lid 174, a handle 176, a trench 186, a stopper 180, a mirror 168, a lock 178, a convex portion 184, and the like.

[0040] The main body 172 provides a space for storing goods and is composed of a bottom plate 172a, a front plate 172b connected to the bottom plate 172a, a pair of side plates 172c, and a front end plate 172d. It is preferable that the bottom plate 172a, the front plate 172b, the side plates 172c, and the front end plate 172d are configured and arranged such that the space formed by them is a rectangular parallelepiped. At least two selected from the bottom plate 172a, the front plate 172b, the side plates 172c, and the front end plate 172d may be integrated with each other. The main body 172 may be entirely or partially transparent. For example, the front plate 172b may be transparent and configured to be able to observe the interior. By configuring the delivery box 120 and the container 170 such that the whole or a part of the door 126 is transparent and the whole or a part of the front plate 172b is also transparent, it is possible to visually confirm whether there is a product in the container 170 even when the door 126 is closed.

[0041] There is no restriction on the size of the container 170. For example, the length in the y direction of the inner dimensions is 150 mm or more and 600 mm or less, 200 mm or more and 500 mm or less, or 200 mm or more and 400 mm or less, and typically corresponds to the length (297 mm) of the A4 size. The length of the inner dimensions in the width direction (x direction) of the frontage is 100 mm or more and 500 mm or less, 150 mm or more and 400 mm or less, or 200 mm or more and 300 mm or less, and typically corresponds to the width (210 mm) of the A4 size. The height of the inner dimensions is 50 mm or more and 20 mm or less, 75 mm or more and 150 mm or less, or 90 mm or more and 125 mm or less, and typically is 100 mm. Since the size of the products ordered by most users is below the above-described range, by configuring the container 170 to satisfy the above parameters, most of the products to be delivered can be transported and delivered using the container 170.

[0042] Although not shown, a buffer material for protecting the product from impact may be provided on the inner surfaces of the bottom plate 172a, the front plate 172b, the side plates 172c, and the front end plate 172d. Examples of the buffer material include a sheet containing animal fibers such as felt, sponges such as urethane foam and polystyrene foam, (air) cushions, and sheets containing artificial polymers such as polysiloxane and polyethylene.

[0043] The lid 174, which is an optional component, has a function of closing the space formed by the main body 172, thereby preventing the product from falling out of the container 170 during transportation and delivery of the container 170. The lid 174 may be configured to be removable from the main body 172 without being fixed to the main body 172, or may be connected to the main body 172 via a hinge 190 or the like. The axis of the hinge 190 may be parallel to the direction parallel to the normal of the pair of side plates 172c as shown in FIG. 8(B). Although not shown, the hinge 190 and the lid 174 may be arranged such that the axis is perpendicular to the normal of the pair of side plates 172c. When the lid 174 is connected to the front end plate 172d via the hinge 190, as shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), the lid 174 may be composed of a fixing portion 174b fixed to the front end plate 172d and / or the pair of side plates 172c, and a movable portion 174a connected to the fixing portion 174b via the hinge 190. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the hinge 190 closer to the front end plate 172d than the front plate 172b. By providing the movable portion 174a and the fixing portion 174b, even when the container 170 is partially discharged from the locker 124, the movable portion 174a can be completely exposed from the locker 124 (see FIG. 6(A)). Therefore, even in this state, the lid 174 can be opened to take out the product.

[0044] Note that the structure of the lid 174 is not limited to the above-described structure. For example, the main body 172 may be configured such that the front plate 172b, the side plates 172c, or the front end plate 172d can be opened and closed, and the openable and closable front plate 172b, side plates 172c, or front end plate 172d may function as a lid. In this case, a top plate facing the bottom plate 172a may be provided on the main body 172.

[0045] The handle 176 is provided on the front plate 172b. By providing the handle 176, the container 170 can be easily carried, and the container 170 can be easily pulled out, removed, and inserted. The lock 178 is a mechanism for preventing the lid 174 from accidentally opening, and its configuration is also determined as appropriate. Note that the lock 178 preferably has a structure that can be locked and unlocked without using a key. For example, a rotary pin or plate that meshes with the main body 172 may be used. By configuring the lock 178 so that it can be locked and unlocked without using a key, it is not necessary to require the user to carry a key, and the product can be easily taken out.

[0046] The trench 186 overlaps with the guide 138 provided on the locker 124 in the vertical direction (the z direction in the figure) when the container 170 is placed in the locker 124, and is provided so as to accommodate at least a part of the guide 138 (see Fig. 9(A)). By providing the trench 186, since the trench 186 and the guide 138 mesh with each other, not only can the position of the container 170 in the locker 124 be fixed, but also the friction between the locker 124 and the container 170 is reduced, and the container 170 can be more easily pulled out, inserted, and removed.

[0047] The convex portion 184 is provided on the upper surface of the lid 174 and extends in the y direction. Preferably, the trench 186 is provided, and the convex portion 184 is configured so that the convex portion 184 overlaps with the trench 186 and is parallel to the trench 186. By providing the trench 186 and the convex portion 184 at the same time in this way, when a plurality of containers 170 are stacked, the displacement in the x direction between the containers 170 is prevented, and the collapse of the load is prevented. This contributes to ensuring the safety of the delivery personnel.

[0048] The stopper 180 is a discharge prevention mechanism for preventing the container 170 from being completely removed from the locker 124 in the first mode. For this reason, when the discharge control mechanism 134 operates in the first mode with the container 170 accommodated in the locker 124, the stopper 180 may be provided so as to overlap with the discharge control mechanism 134 in the y direction (see FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B)). Note that, similar to the discharge control mechanism 134, there are no restrictions on the structure and mechanism of the discharge prevention mechanism. Therefore, instead of the stopper 180, another mechanism that prohibits the container 170 from being removed from the locker 124 in cooperation with the discharge control mechanism 134 in the first mode and allows the container 170 to be reversibly discharged and inserted in the second mode can also be used. Alternatively, if the above function can be exhibited by the discharge control mechanism 134 alone, a discharge prevention mechanism such as the stopper 180 may not be provided.

[0049] The mirror 168 is disposed inside the lid 174. By providing the mirror 168, even when the inside of the main body 172 cannot be directly visually observed, the inside of the main body 172 reflected by the mirror 168 can be confirmed, so that the presence or absence of the left-behind goods can be confirmed.

[0050] Although not shown, a sensor or a camera for determining the presence or absence of goods may be provided inside the main body 172 or inside the lid 174. Examples of the sensor include a reflection type sensor using laser light. Examples of the camera include a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. The presence or absence of goods is determined based on the signal from the sensor or by analyzing the image acquired by the camera, and forgetting to take the goods can be prevented.

[0051] Note that the above-described configuration of the container is merely an example, and any configuration can be adopted as long as it has a configuration capable of storing goods and being accommodated in the locker 124.

[0052] 4. Delivery Program Hereinafter, a delivery program according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in accordance with the delivery method by this delivery system. The delivery program is configured to cause at least a delivery server that manages the delivery box 120 to execute all or part of the processes in which the delivery server is involved. In other words, the delivery server executes all or at least part of the processes in which the delivery server is involved according to the instructions of the delivery program. 4-1. BtoC Model First, taking the example of a BtoC model of a company where the seller 104 provides goods and the user places an order for the goods with the seller 104 without going through the platform. However, even in the case of placing an order for goods through the platform, this delivery program can be directly applied or appropriately modified and applied. Also, in the following description, an example where goods are directly delivered from the logistics warehouse 106 to the delivery box 120 is handled, but for the case of transporting goods via the hub 108, this delivery program can be appropriately modified and applied.

[0053] Fig. 10(A) shows a simplified schematic diagram of the delivery system 100. The delivery system 100 includes a seller server 105 managed by the seller 104, and a server that manages the logistics warehouse 106 and also manages the transportation of the container 170 and the delivery box 120. Also, the information terminal 118 operated by each delivery person may be directly included in the delivery system 100 or as one of the configurations of the logistics management server 107. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the delivery program operates on the logistics management server 107. Note that the seller server 105 and the logistics management server 107 may be independent servers from each other, or both may be integrated into one server. Although not shown, when placing an order for goods through the platform, the server of the platform provider (hereinafter referred to as the platform server) is included in the delivery system 100.

[0054] In addition, the above-described logistics management server 107 does not perform the transportation management of the container 170 or the management of the delivery box 120. An independent server that performs the transportation management of the container 170 and the management of the delivery box 120 may be included in the delivery system 100 as an independent server separate from the logistics management server 107. In this case, the independent server that manages the delivery box 120 becomes the delivery server. Alternatively, the transportation management of the container 170 and the management of the delivery box 120 may also be performed by different servers independent of each other. Such a mode may appear in a business form in which the operator outsources the transportation of the container 170 and the management of the delivery box 120 to one or more operators. The logistics management server 107 functions as a server managed by the operator who manages the logistics warehouse 106, while the server managed by the operator entrusted with the management of the delivery box 120 functions as the delivery server.

[0055] (1) Ordering An example of the flow in the stage from when the user places an order for a product until the product is shipped is shown in FIG. 10(B). First, the user uses the terminal 102 to access the seller server 105, selects the desired product on the site of the seller server 105, and places an order (S100). The terminal 102 is a terminal equipped with a communication function operable by the user, and examples include a stationary (desktop) computer, a notebook computer, or a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone, a tablet, or a smartphone. At this time, the user can select the delivery method of the product on the site of the seller server 105.

[0056] When an order for a product is placed, the seller server 105 accesses the logistics management server 107 and notifies information including the product and its quantity (order information) (S102). The order information may include the delivery method selected by the user. The logistics management server 107 checks the inventory status of the product, the expected arrival status, etc., and determines whether the order for the product can be accepted. When it is determined that the order for the product can be accepted, a signal (order confirmation notification signal) for notifying the user that the order has been confirmed is transmitted to the terminal 102 (S104). Note that this order confirmation notification signal may be transmitted not to the terminal 102 but to the seller server 105. In this case, the seller server 105 may transmit a signal for notifying the same content to the terminal 102.

[0057] (2) User registration Here, when the delivery method uses the delivery system 100, the logistics management server 107 may transmit a signal for causing the display unit of the terminal 102 to display a screen for user registration according to the instructions of the delivery program (S106). The display format, design, and information included in the display at this time can be arbitrarily set, and an example is shown in FIG. 11(A). As shown in this figure, the display for registration may be provided with an input area for inputting the user's attributes (name, address, phone number, email address, password, etc.), an icon for expanding a pull-down menu for selecting one or more delivery boxes 120 that are the delivery destinations of the products, a command key for transmitting the input content to the logistics management server 107, and the like. When multiple delivery boxes 120 are selected, the screen may be configured so that the priority can be registered in advance.

[0058] Furthermore, a command key may be arranged to move to a screen for searching and displaying a delivery box 120 located in the vicinity of the current location (i.e., the location of the terminal 102) and / or a delivery box 120 located in the vicinity of the address entered by the user. When the former command key is operated, the logistics management server 107 transmits a signal requesting the position coordinates of the terminal 102 to the terminal 102, and receives a signal including the position coordinates acquired by the GPS function mounted on the terminal 102 from the terminal 102. Thereafter, the logistics management server 107 transmits a signal for requesting a map in the vicinity of the position coordinates together with the position coordinates acquired from the terminal 102 to an external information distribution server, and acquires data for map display. Further, the logistics management server 107 refers to the memory provided in the logistics management server 107, and based on the position coordinates of the delivery box 120 stored in the memory unit and the position coordinates acquired from the terminal 102, selects one or more delivery boxes 120 close to the terminal 102. Thereafter, the logistics management server 107 transmits a signal for displaying the acquired map and the selected delivery box on the display unit of the terminal 102 to the terminal 102. Through such a process, as shown in FIG. 11(B), on the display unit of the terminal 102, a map centered on the current position of the user, a mark 200 indicating the current position of the user, and a mark 202 indicating the selected delivery box 120 can be displayed. The same applies when searching for and displaying a delivery box 120 located in the vicinity of the address entered by the user.

[0059] When the user inputs and selects necessary items on the registration screen (Fig. 11(A)) and sends the registration details (Fig. 10(B), S108), the logistics management server 107 sends a signal to the terminal 102 to display on the display unit of the terminal 102 a screen for confirming the registration details (S110). There are no restrictions on the display content and method at this time. In one example of the display shown in Fig. 11(C), in addition to the user's attributes, one or more delivery boxes 120 previously registered by the user and their priority levels are displayed. Also, the signal may be configured to arrange command keys for modifying or finalizing the registration details on the screen. By operating the command key for finalizing the registration details, a signal including an instruction to finalize the user registration is sent to the logistics management server 107 (S112), and the logistics management server 107 stores these details in the memory unit. Although not shown, the logistics management server 107 may send a signal to the terminal 102 to display the finalized registration details. Note that when the user has already performed user registration, the above-described processes S106 to S112 do not have to be performed.

[0060] (3) Setting of delivery conditions After the order of goods is confirmed, the logistics management server 107 transmits a signal to the terminal 102 of the registered user to display a screen for setting delivery conditions (S114). There are no restrictions on the display content and method at this time. As can be understood from one display example shown in FIG. 12(A), in addition to the user's name, the name, code, quantity, etc. of the ordered goods can be displayed. The screen may further be provided with an icon for expanding a pull-down menu for inputting the desired delivery date and time of the goods. Also, a command key for the user to select the delivery box 120 may be arranged. For example, a command key for selecting the already registered delivery box 120 and a command key for designating a new delivery box 120 can be arranged. Although not shown, a command key for changing the registered delivery box 120 may be arranged. When the user operates the command key for selecting the registered delivery box 120, the logistics management server 107 may transmit a signal to the terminal 102 to display a screen for changing the priority order of the plurality of registered delivery boxes 120. In this case, similar to the selection of the delivery box 120 at the time of user registration, the logistics management server 107 may transmit a signal to the terminal 102 to display a screen for searching and selecting a delivery box 120 at a distance close to the current location of the terminal 102 or the address input by the user.

[0061] The user appropriately sets the delivery conditions and transmits the content (S116). Although not shown, the logistics management server 107 may transmit a signal to the terminal 102 to display a final confirmation screen, and the logistics management server 107 may receive a signal transmitted from the terminal 102 for the user to confirm the delivery conditions.

[0062] (4) Generation and Transmission of Authentication Key After the delivery conditions are determined, based on the number of containers 170 to be delivered, the delivery destination delivery box 120, and the desired delivery date and time, the logistics management server 107 selects the vehicle and delivery route to be used for delivery, taking into account the road conditions and the loading status of the vehicle. At this time, the estimated delivery date and time may be estimated. Further, the delivery box 120 is selected. For example, when the user has specified the priority order of the delivery boxes 120, the logistics management server 107 refers to the vacancy information of the lockers 124 periodically transmitted from each delivery box 120, and based on this information, selects the delivery box 120 in which an empty locker 124 or a locker 124 containing an empty container 170 exists according to the priority order. When the user has not selected the delivery box 120, among the delivery boxes 120 installed near the user's address, the delivery box 120 in which an empty locker 124 or a locker 124 containing an empty container 170 exists may be selected. As a result, the box ID of the delivery box 120 to which the product is delivered and the locker ID of the locker 124 that houses the container 170 in which the product is stored (that is, an empty locker 124 or a locker 124 containing an empty container 170) are determined on the logistics management server 107, and the user ID, box ID, and locker ID are associated with each other. Further, the logistics management server 107 generates an authentication key including at least the user ID, box ID, and locker ID as information.

[0063] In addition, when the delivery box 120 does not periodically acquire the vacancy information of the locker 124 or does not periodically transmit the information, the logistics management server 107 may send a command to request the vacancy information of the locker 124 of the delivery box 120 selected by the user or selected based on the user's address to the delivery box 120 (FIG. 10, S118). The control unit 144 of the delivery box 120 that has received this command may acquire the locker ID of an empty locker 124 or a locker 124 containing an empty container 170 and transmit it to the logistics management server 107 (S120).

[0064] However, when selecting the delivery box 120, the logistics management server 107 does not necessarily have to select the locker 124 for accommodating the container 170 to be delivered. In this case, only the box ID is determined on the logistics management server 107, the user ID and the box ID are associated with each other, and an authentication key including the user ID and the box ID as information is generated. As will be described later, when the order of the product is confirmed, the number of containers 170 required for shipping the product can be immediately determined. Therefore, when the locker 124 is not selected, the number of required containers 170 (i.e., the number of lockers 124 for accommodating the containers 170 in which the products are stored) may be associated with the user ID and the box ID.

[0065] The authentication key may include its expiration date as information. For example, a period selected from not less than 1 day and not more than 2 weeks, not less than 1 day and not more than 1 week, or not less than 1 day and not more than 3 days from the generation of the authentication key is determined on the logistics management server 107. This period may be set using, for example, parameters such as the type of product, the usage frequency and congestion status of the selected delivery box 120, and the user score described later. The expiration date may be the date and time obtained by adding the above period to the generation date and time of the authentication key.

[0066] Thereafter, the logistics management server 107 transmits a signal for causing the terminal 102 to display a screen showing delivery information in accordance with the instructions of the delivery program (S122). The delivery information may include an authentication key for the user to operate the delivery box 120 to unlock the locker 124. If the authentication key is not included in the delivery information, the authentication key may be separately transmitted to the terminal 102. There are no restrictions on the display content and method at this time. As can be understood from one of the display examples shown in FIG. 12(B), various information such as the user's name, the name and code of the ordered product, the quantity, and the delivery box 120 can be displayed. This display may include the scheduled delivery date and time, and may further be provided with a link for shifting to a screen showing details of the delivery box 120 (for example, a map, name, etc.) and a command key for shifting to a screen for displaying the authentication key. If an expiration date is attached to the authentication key, the expiration date may be displayed. There are no restrictions on the display content and method of the screen for displaying the authentication key. For example, as shown in FIG. 12(C), the name of the delivery box 120 and the expiration date of the authentication key may be displayed together with the authentication key represented by a two-dimensional code. Although not shown, the authentication key may be a barcode, or may be composed of numbers, letters, or a combination thereof. Note that the delivery information may be separately transmitted to the email address entered by the user together with or instead of the terminal 102. Thereby, even when the terminal 102 from which the product is ordered is not a mobile terminal, the user can receive the delivery information on a mobile terminal different from the terminal 102 and display the authentication key on the mobile terminal.

[0067] (5) Shipment of Products On one hand, when the order of goods is confirmed, in the logistics warehouse 106, the goods 166 are picked according to the order content and stored in the container 170 (Fig. 13). Each of the goods 166 is weighed in advance or at the time of storage, and its shape is measured by a 3D scanner. Therefore, the number of required containers 170 can be determined immediately after the order is confirmed. The goods 166 may be directly stored in the container 170, or may be stored in a flexible bag (for example, a bag made of synthetic polymer such as polyethylene, nylon, cellophane, etc., or a paper envelope) 162 as shown in Fig. 13. The bag 162 may be transparent or non-transparent. When there are multiple goods 166 stored in one container 170, by using the bag 162, the user can take out the goods 166 more conveniently. Furthermore, by using the bag 162, the movement of the goods 166 in the container 170 is restricted, so the necessity of packing cushioning materials such as air cushions, blotting paper, and styrofoam together with the goods 166 is greatly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to significantly suppress the consumption of garbage associated with goods delivery, which means that this delivery method can reduce the burden on the global environment.

[0068] When the goods 166 are stored, the information attached to each good 166 for identifying the good 166 is read by the scanner 116 (see Fig. 13). Furthermore, the container ID included in the tag 182 of the container 170 used for storage is also read by the scanner 116 (or another scanner). Thereby, the management of the goods 166 in the logistics warehouse 106 is thorough, and the stored goods 166 are associated with the container ID of the container 170. Also, since the information read by the scanner 116 is transmitted to the logistics management server 107, the goods 166, the container ID, the user ID, and the box ID and its locker ID of the delivery box 120 as the delivery destination are associated. Therefore, there is no need to attach a label with the user's personal information to each container 170. This not only enables the saving of human resources and cost reduction for label attachment, but also enables the prevention of garbage generation and personal information leakage.

[0069] The stored containers 170 are sorted by shipping time, by each delivery box 120, or by shipping direction. As described above, all the containers 170 used in this delivery method have the same shape and size. Therefore, even if a plurality of containers 170 are stacked three-dimensionally, there is no empty space, and the occupied area and volume are reduced. In particular, by providing the above-described trench 186 and convex portion 184 in the container 170, no horizontal (or x-direction) displacement occurs between the containers 170 stacked vertically, so that the containers 170 can be stacked high and safely. This not only improves the safety of the work but also contributes to space saving when sorting the containers 170.

[0070] After the storage of the container 170 is completed, considering elements such as shipping time, each delivery box 120, shipping direction, delivery route, loading and unloading order, etc., it is loaded onto a transport cart 164 called a cargo vehicle (Fig. 14), and then the container 170 is transported and delivered together with the transport cart 164. Similar to the sorting of the containers 170, since all the containers 170 have the same size and shape, a large number of containers 170 can be neatly loaded onto the transport cart 164 without creating wasted space (see Fig. 14). Therefore, a large number of containers 170 can be efficiently and safely transported and delivered using a small number of transport carts 164. This also contributes to the reduction of vehicles for delivery, and together with the improvement of work safety, the transportation and delivery costs are reduced.

[0071] When mounting the container 170 on the transport cart 164, the information included in the tag 182 is read using the information terminal 118, and this information is transmitted to the logistics management server 107 (FIG. 10, S124) and received by the logistics management server 107. As a result, it can be grasped on the logistics management server 107 that the container 170 is managed by a predetermined delivery person and that the shipment of the product 166 has been completed and transportation / delivery has started. At the same time, the logistics management server 107 may transmit the box ID and locker ID corresponding to each container 170 to the information terminal 118 in accordance with the instructions of the home delivery program (S126). Thereby, the delivery person can grasp the home delivery box 120 and the locker 124 in which each container 170 should be stored via the information terminal 118.

[0072] (6) Storage in Home Delivery Box FIG. 15 shows an example of the flow at the stage of storing the container 170 in which the shipped product 166 is stored in the home delivery box 120.

[0073] When the container 170 is delivered to the home delivery box 120, the delivery person unloads the container 170 to be stored in the home delivery box 120 from the transport cart 164 based on the information received by the information terminal 118, reads the container ID included in the tag 182 attached to the container 170 using the information terminal 118, and transfers it to the home delivery box 120 (S130). For example, the container ID is read using the information terminal 118, and the container ID displayed on the display surface is read by the first reader 130 of the home delivery box 120. When the first reader 130 is an RF reader, the container ID may be transferred by wireless communication via the information terminal 118.

[0074] The control unit 144 of the delivery box 120 transmits the container ID read from or transferred by the information terminal 118 to the logistics management server 107, and transmits a signal including an instruction to request the box ID and the locker ID corresponding to this container ID to the logistics management server 107 via the transceiver unit 150 (S132). The logistics management server 107 that receives this signal transmits the corresponding box ID and locker ID to the delivery box 120 (S134). Note that after the container ID is read by the information terminal 118, this container ID may be transmitted to the logistics management server 107 without passing through the delivery box 120.

[0075] Thereafter, the control unit 144 determines whether the box ID and the locker ID received from the logistics management server 107 are the box ID and the locker ID of its own delivery box 120. If at least one of these does not match, the control unit 144 controls the voice output unit 140 and the monitor 128, and outputs a voice or a display for notifying the delivery person that there is an error in the delivery destination. On the other hand, when the box ID and the locker ID received from the logistics management server 107 match the box ID and the locker ID of its own delivery box 120 respectively, the control unit 144 unlocks the lock 136 of the corresponding locker 124 while operating the discharge control mechanism 134 in the second mode.

[0076] When the logistics management server 107 does not select the locker 124 when selecting the home delivery box 120, when the control unit 144 of the home delivery box 120 transmits the container ID read from or transferred by the information terminal 118 to the logistics management server 107 (S132), it may transmit a signal including an instruction to request the box ID corresponding to this container ID to the logistics management server 107. The logistics management server 107 that receives this signal does not transmit the locker ID, but transmits the corresponding box ID and the number of containers 170 associated with the box ID (that is, the number of lockers 124 required) to the home delivery box 120 (S134). If the box ID received from the logistics management server 107 matches the box ID of its own home delivery box 120, the control unit 144 selects the same number of empty lockers 124 or lockers 124 containing empty containers 170 as the number of containers 170 associated with the box ID, and unlocks the lock 136 while operating the discharge control mechanism 134 of the selected locker 124 in the second mode. At this time, by preferentially selecting the locker 124 containing the empty container 170, the empty container 170 can be efficiently recovered. If there are multiple empty lockers 124 or lockers 124 containing empty containers 170, the lockers 124 may be selected in ascending order of usage frequency. By selecting the locker 124 based on the usage frequency, the usage frequency of the locker 124 can be leveled, and the deterioration of a specific locker 124 can be prevented.

[0077] Alternatively, after receiving the container ID read from or transferred by the information terminal 118 (S132), the logistics management server 107 may select the same number of lockers 124 as the number of containers 170 associated with the box ID, and transmit the box ID and the locker ID to the home delivery box 120 (S134).

[0078] The delivery person inserts the container 170 storing the product 166 into the locker 124 (Fig. 16). When an empty container 170 is stored in the locker 124, the empty container 170 is pulled out and collected, and then the container 170 storing the product 166 is inserted into the locker 124, and then the door 126 is closed. After confirming that the door 126 is closed and the lock 136 is locked, the control unit 144 controls the second reader 132 to determine whether the container ID of the stored container 170 matches the container ID transferred from the information terminal 118. If these container IDs do not match, the lock 136 is unlocked again, and the voice output unit 140 and the monitor 128 are controlled to output a voice or display to notify the delivery person that these container IDs do not match.

[0079] Alternatively, when the lock 136 of the locker 124 is unlocked, the second reader 132 may be operated so that the container ID of the inserted container 170 can be quickly read. Thereby, it is possible to quickly determine whether the container ID of the stored container 170 matches the container ID transferred from the information terminal 118, and it is possible to notify the delivery person before the door 126 is closed whether the container 170 to be delivered has been inserted.

[0080] On the other hand, when these container IDs match, voice and video for notifying that the container 170 is properly accommodated may be output using the voice output unit 140 and the monitor 128, respectively. Thereafter, the control unit 144 controls the discharge control mechanism 134 to operate in the first mode, and via the transceiver unit 150, transmits a signal notifying that the container 170 in which the product 166 is stored is accommodated in the corresponding locker 124 to the logistics management server 107 (S136). The logistics management server 107 that has received this signal transmits a signal (delivery completion notification signal) for notifying that the shipment of the product 166 has been completed to the terminal 102 (S138). The delivery completion notification signal may include an instruction to display a screen for notifying the user that the shipment of the product 166 has been completed on the terminal 102. An example of the display at this time is shown in FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 17, the display may include the user's name, the ordered product and its quantity, in addition to the name of the delivery box 120 to which the product is delivered, the number of the locker 124, the delivery time (for example, the time when the container 170 is accommodated in the locker 124), and the like. Further, a display indicating the expiration date of the authentication key, a command key for shifting to a screen showing details (such as a map) of the delivery box 120, and a command key for displaying the authentication key may be included in the display.

[0081] Note that the logistics management server 107 may also transmit the delivery completion notification signal to the seller server 105 (FIG. 15, S140). Although not shown, the seller server 105 may further transmit the signal or a signal including similar content to the terminal 102. Alternatively, the delivery completion notification signal may be directly transmitted from the delivery box 120 to the terminal 102 or the seller server 105.

[0082] When the user does not take out the product even when the expiration date of the authentication key is approaching, a signal for notifying that the expiration date is approaching may be transmitted from the logistics management server 107 to the user's terminal 102 (S142). For example, this signal may be transmitted one day or two days before the expiration date.

[0083] On the other hand, when the container 170 storing the product 166 still exists in the delivery box 20 even after a certain period (hereinafter referred to as the excess period) has elapsed from the expiration date, the logistics management server 107 may send a signal including the locker ID in which the container 170 is stored to the delivery box 120 (S144). The excess period may be determined using parameters such as the type of the product 166, the usage status of the delivery box 120, and the user score described later. The delivery box 120 that has received this signal unlocks the lock 136 while operating the discharge control mechanism 134 of the corresponding locker 124 in the second mode, controls the voice output unit 140 and the monitor 128, and outputs an instruction to collect this container 170. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the container 170 storing the product 166 that has not been picked up for a long time from staying in the delivery box 120. The container ID of the collected container 170 is read by the information terminal 118 and sent to the logistics management server 107 (S146), and then a signal for notifying that the product 166 has been collected is sent to the user's terminal 102 (S148).

[0084] (7) Retrieval of product When the user receives the product 166, the user displays the authentication key sent to the terminal 102 on the terminal 102. The authentication key is expressed, for example, as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, a password, and / or a PIN number. When the terminal 102 is not a mobile communication terminal, the authentication key may be displayed on the mobile terminal that has received the delivery information including the authentication key. Thereafter, the authentication key is obtained by the delivery box 120 via the first reader 130 (S150). When the authentication key is expressed as a password or a PIN number, an input operation may be performed using the touch panel on the monitor 128, or a separate numeric keypad or keyboard.

[0085] When the authentication key is obtained by the delivery box 120, the control unit 144 transmits the authentication key to the logistics management server 107 (S152). The logistics management server 107 determines whether the transmitted authentication key matches the authentication key sent from the logistics management server 107 to the user. If they do not match, it means that the delivery box 120 to which the product 166 is delivered is not the delivery box 120 operated by the user. In this case, information for guiding the delivery box 120 to which the product is actually delivered (for example, the box ID of the delivery box 120 to which the product is delivered) may be transmitted to the delivery box 120 operated by the user. Further, the control unit 144 of the delivery box 120 may control the voice output unit 140 and the monitor 128 to output and display information indicating that the authentication key is not approved or information for guiding the delivery box 120 to which the product is actually delivered.

[0086] On the other hand, the fact that the authentication key transmitted from the delivery box 120 to the logistics management server 107 matches the authentication key sent by the logistics management server 107 to the user means that the container 170 corresponding to the authentication key is stored in one of the lockers 124. In this case, the logistics management server 107 transmits the corresponding locker ID to the delivery box 120 (S154). After receiving the locker ID, the control unit 144 operates the discharge control mechanism 134 in the first mode to release the lock 136 of the locker 124 corresponding to the locker ID. Thereby, the user can pull out the container 170 from the locker 124 (FIG. 18). At this time, the voice output unit 140 and the monitor 128 may be used to notify the user that the container 170 can be pulled out.

[0087] The user can take out the product 166 by pulling out the container 170 and opening the lid 174 or the movable part 174a of the lid 174. If the locker 124 in which the container 170 is accommodated is at a relatively high position and the inside of the main body 172 cannot be directly visually recognized, the mirror 168 (see Fig. 8(B)) can be used to indirectly visually recognize the main body 172, so that the omission of the product 166 can also be prevented. Since the discharge control mechanism 134 operates in the first mode, the container 170 is not completely pulled out from the locker 124. Therefore, theft of the container 170 can be prevented.

[0088] After taking out the product, the locker 124 pushes the container 170 inward. At this time, the control unit 144 can determine whether the container 170 is completely accommodated in the locker 124 based on the signal from the sensor switch 142. If it is determined that the container 170 is not completely accommodated in the locker 124, the user may be prompted to push the container 170 further in using the voice output unit 140 or the monitor 128. Then, by closing the door 126, the lock 136 is locked.

[0089] After the lock 136 is locked, the control unit 144 transmits a signal (receiving notification signal) for notifying that the product 166 has been taken out by the user to the logistics management server 107 via the transceiver unit 150 (Fig. 15, S156). The logistics management server 107 that has received this receiving notification signal may further transmit the signal or a signal including the same content to the seller server 105 (S158). Thereby, the seller 104 can confirm that the product has been received by the user. In addition, a sensor or a camera for determining the presence or absence of the product may be provided inside the main body 172 or inside the lid 174, and it may be confirmed that the product 166 has been taken out by the user based on the information obtained from these sensors or cameras.

[0090] The above-mentioned flows are all examples and can be modified as appropriate. For example, before the container 170 storing the product 166 is delivered, the logistics management server 107 may transmit the container ID, as well as the box ID and locker ID associated therewith, to the home delivery box 120 in advance. Similarly, the authentication key generated by the logistics management server 107 may be transmitted to the home delivery box 120 in advance, and the authentication of the authentication key may be performed within the home delivery box 120.

[0091] Alternatively, when the container 170 storing the product 166 is stored in the locker 124, the information terminal 118 may read the information including the box ID displayed on the housing 122 or the monitor 128 of the home delivery box 120, and transmit a signal (authentication request signal) including this information from the information terminal 118 to the logistics management server 107. In this case, the logistics management server 107 that has received the authentication request signal performs an authentication operation using the box ID of the home delivery box 120 associated with the container ID and the box ID included in the authentication request signal. If the authentication is successful, the locker ID is transmitted from the logistics management server 107 to the home delivery box 120, and the lock 136 of the locker 124 corresponding to the locker ID is sequentially unlocked by the control unit 144. At the same time, the container ID of the container 170 corresponding to the locker 124 may be displayed on the monitor 128 to notify the delivery person of the container 170 to be inserted.

[0092] (8) Agency receipt For some users, it may be difficult to pick up the goods up to the delivery box 120, and they may entrust a third party to pick up the goods. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to order goods for a third party and directly deliver the goods to the delivery box 120 that is highly convenient for the third party. For such users, a third party (agent) to whom the agency receipt is entrusted can also be set in advance. The agent may be selected from the agents pre-selected by the operator who manages the logistics warehouse 106 or the operator who manages the delivery box 120, or may be arbitrarily designated by the user. When the user arbitrarily designates, the delivery program may be configured so that only the users who have completed the user registration in advance can be selected as agents. FIG. 11(D) is an example of a screen that transitions after operating the command key for setting the agent shown in FIG. 11(A), and check boxes for selecting one or more from the agents selected by the operator who manages the logistics warehouse 106 or the operator who manages the delivery box 120 are shown. The user can select an agent on this screen. Although not shown, when the user arbitrarily designates an agent, an icon or a command key for transitioning to a screen for inputting and selecting the attributes, contact information (e-mail address, telephone number), relationship with the user, etc. of the agent may be arranged.

[0093] When a user who wishes to receive on behalf of others places an order for goods, the logistics management server 107 may send the authentication key not to the terminal 102 or together with the terminal 102 but to the terminal of the agent. Alternatively, the logistics management server 107 may include an instruction for displaying a command key for transferring the authentication key in the signal for displaying the authentication key (see FIG. 12(C)). FIG. 12(D) is an example of a screen that transitions when the command key is operated. Here, an example is shown in which an icon for expanding a pull-down menu for selecting one from a plurality of agents as the transfer destination and a command key for executing the transfer of the authentication key are displayed.

[0094] 4-2. CtoC Model The delivery program according to one embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to customer-customer transactions (personal transactions, CtoC model) different from the above-described BtoC model. Hereinafter, the delivery program will be described in accordance with the delivery method of the CtoC model using the delivery system 100. Note that the description of points similar or the same as the delivery method of the BtoC model may be omitted. Similar to the delivery method of the BtoC model, the delivery program is configured to cause at least the delivery server that manages the delivery box 120 to execute all or part of the processes in which the server is involved. In other words, the delivery server executes all or at least part of the processes in which the delivery server is involved in accordance with the instructions of the delivery program.

[0095] FIG. 19(A) shows a schematic diagram of the delivery system 100 when applied to the CtoC model. Here, a transaction is performed between a first user and a second user who respectively use the first terminal 102-1 and the second terminal 102-2, and it is assumed that the first user is the seller and the second user is the buyer. This delivery system 100 includes a platform server 113 of the platform provider 112 and a logistics management server 107, together with a first delivery box 120-1 and a second delivery box 120-2 respectively used by the first user and the second user. Also, the information terminal 118 operated by each delivery person may be directly included in the delivery system 100 or as a part of the configuration of the logistics management server 107.

[0096] (1) Setting of Ordering and Shipping Conditions An example of the flow of this delivery method in the CtoC model is shown in FIG. 19(B). Here, to avoid redundant description, the flow for the first user and the second user to perform user registration is omitted. Although the flow in which the first user offers a product is also omitted, the first user may select in advance the delivery box 120 for shipping the product at the time of offering, or may select a plurality of delivery boxes 120 and assign priorities thereto at the same time.

[0097] The second user accesses the platform server 113 using the second terminal 102-2 and places an order for goods on the platform (S160). At this time, in addition to the desired delivery date, the second user may specify the second delivery box 120-2 to which the goods will be delivered. Further, a plurality of delivery boxes 120 may be selected and priorities may be assigned simultaneously. When the order is confirmed, signals for notifying that the order has been confirmed are transmitted from the platform server 113 to the first terminal 102-1 and the second terminal 102-2, respectively (S162, S164).

[0098] When the order is confirmed, the platform server 113 transmits a notification including the details of the transaction to the logistics management server 107 (S166). The details of the transaction may include the user IDs and addresses of the first user and the second user, the details and quantities of the goods, the desired delivery date of the first user, or the desired delivery date of the second user. Thereafter, a signal for displaying a screen for the first user to input and select the information necessary for shipping the goods is transmitted to the first terminal 102-1 (S168). There are no restrictions on the display content and method at this time, and an example is shown in FIG. 20(A). As shown in this figure, the signal may be configured so that attributes such as the name of the first user, the name and quantity of the goods scheduled for shipment, and the name and attributes of the recipient are displayed. Similar to the setting of delivery conditions in the BtoC model, the screen may be configured so that a plurality of delivery boxes 120 used when sending the goods can be selected, priorities can be assigned to the delivery boxes 120, and / or a delivery box installed at a location close to the address of the first user or the first terminal 102-1 can be searched for and selected.

[0099] The first user appropriately sets the shipping conditions and transmits the content (FIG. 19(B), S170). Although not shown, a signal for displaying a final confirmation screen may be transmitted from the logistics management server 107 to the first terminal 102-1, and a signal transmitted from the terminal 102 for the first user to confirm the shipping conditions may be received by the logistics management server 107.

[0100] (2) Generation and Transmission of Authentication Key When the logistics management server 107 receives a signal including shipping conditions from the first terminal 102-1, it selects a vehicle and a delivery route to be used for delivery in consideration of road conditions and vehicle loading conditions based on the number of other containers 170 to be delivered, delivery destinations, delivery dates and times, and the desired shipping date and time of the first user. At this time, the scheduled date and time for receiving the goods may also be estimated. At the same time, the delivery box 120 is selected. For example, when the first user designates the priority order of the delivery boxes 120, the logistics management server 107 selects, according to the priority order, a delivery box 120 in which there is a locker 124 containing an empty container 170 based on the vacancy information of the lockers 124 periodically transmitted from each delivery box 120. When the first user does not select a delivery box 120, a delivery box 120 in which there is a locker 124 containing an empty container 170 may be selected from among the delivery boxes 120 installed near the address of the first user. As a result, the box ID of the first delivery box 120-1 for the first user to store the goods, the locker ID of the locker 124 that houses the container 170 in which the goods to be shipped by the first user are stored (that is, the locker 124 containing the empty container 170), and the container ID of the empty container 170 are determined on the logistics management server 107 and associated with each other together with the user ID of the first user. Further, the logistics management server 107 generates an authentication key including at least the user ID, the box ID, and the locker ID as information. Similar to the BtoC model, an expiration date may be set for the authentication key.

[0101] In addition, when the delivery box 120 does not periodically acquire the vacancy information of the locker 124 or does not periodically transmit the information, the logistics management server 107 may transmit an instruction to request the vacancy information of the locker 124 to the first delivery box 120-1 selected by the user or selected based on the user's address (FIG. 19, S172). The control unit 144 of the first delivery box 120-1 that has received this instruction may acquire the locker ID of the locker 124 containing the empty container 170 and transmit it to the logistics management server 107 (S174).

[0102] Thereafter, the logistics management server 107 transmits a signal for causing the first terminal 102-1 to display a screen indicating information (product shipping information) necessary for storing the product (S176). The product shipping information may include an authentication key for the first user to operate the first delivery box 120-1 to unlock the locker 124. When the authentication key is not included in the product shipping information, the authentication key may be separately transmitted to the terminal 102. There are no restrictions on the display content and method at this time. In one display example shown in FIG. 20(B), in addition to the user's name, the product receipt date and time, the name of the delivery box 120, and the authentication key are displayed. Although not shown, an expiration date of the authentication key, a display of the name and quantity of the ordered product, a link for shifting to a screen showing details of the delivery box 120 (for example, a map, a name, etc.), and the like may be further provided.

[0103] (3) Storage of Products and Collection of Containers When the first user stores a product in the empty container 170, the first user displays the received authentication key on the first terminal 102-1 and causes the first delivery box 120-1 to acquire it via the first reader 130 (FIG. 19(B), S178). When the authentication key is expressed as a password or a PIN number, an input operation may be performed using the touch panel on the monitor 128, or a separately provided numeric keypad or keyboard.

[0104] Since the storage of the product after the authentication of the authentication key is the same as the retrieval of the product in the BtoC model, a detailed description is omitted. Briefly stated, when the authentication of the authentication key is successful, the corresponding locker ID is transmitted from the logistics management server 107 to the delivery box 120, and the lock 136 of the locker 124 is unlocked in a state where the discharge control mechanism 134 operates in the first mode. The first user pulls out the container 170 from the locker 124 (see FIG. 18.) and stores the product in the container 170. The product may be directly stored without using a packing material, or may be stored in a state of being accommodated in a simple packing material such as cardboard or a flexible bag. Thereafter, the container 170 is returned to the locker 124, and the door 126 is closed.

[0105] The control unit 144 checks whether the container is in a predetermined position based on the signal from the sensor switch 142, and further checks whether the lock 136 is locked. When these checks are completed, the control unit 144 controls the discharge control mechanism 134 to operate in the first mode, and transmits, via the transceiver 150, a signal notifying that the goods have been stored to the logistics management server 107 (FIG. 19, S180). The logistics management server 107 that has received this signal may transmit a signal (receipt notification signal) for notifying that the goods have been received to the first terminal 102-1 (S182). This signal includes an instruction for displaying, on the display unit of the first terminal 102-1, a screen for the first user to recognize that the goods are stored in the container 170 and that the shipping preparation is complete. There are no restrictions on the display content and method at this time, and an example is shown in FIG. 20(C). As shown in FIG. 20(C), the receipt notification signal may be configured so that the name of the first user, the name of the delivery box 120 in which the goods are stored, the receipt date and time of the goods (i.e., the date and time when the goods are stored), etc. are displayed. A command key for transitioning to a screen for grasping the shipping status of the goods at any time may be further arranged.

[0106] In the collection of containers, it is the same as the accommodation of container 170 in delivery box 120 in the BtoC model. For example, the delivery person reads, with information terminal 118, information including the box ID displayed on the housing 122 or monitor 128 of the first delivery box 120-1, and transmits a signal including this information from information terminal 118 to logistics management server 107 (Fig. 19(B), S184). Logistics management server 107 that has received this signal determines whether the goods of the first user are stored in container 170, and if they are stored, transmits the locker ID of the locker 124 in which that container 170 is accommodated to delivery box 120 (S186). Thereafter, control unit 144 unlocks lock 136 while operating locker 124 corresponding to this locker ID in the second mode. At the same time, the container ID of container 170 corresponding to that locker 124, a diagram showing the position of container 170 in delivery box 120, etc. may be displayed on monitor 128 to notify the delivery person of container 170 to be collected.

[0107] Alternatively, if there is another container 170 to be accommodated in the first delivery box 120-1, the container ID of the other container 170 is read with information terminal 118 and transmitted directly or via the first delivery box 120-1 to logistics management server 107. Logistics management server 107 that has received this container ID determines whether the container 170 in which the goods of the first user are stored is accommodated, and if it is accommodated, may transmit the locker ID of the locker in which the container 170 in which the goods of the first user are stored is accommodated to the first delivery box 120-1.

[0108] The delivery person picks up the container 170 in which the product of the first user is stored and closes the door 126. At this time, the container 170 in which other products are stored or the empty container 170 may be inserted into the locker 124. When the control unit 144 detects based on a signal from the sensor switch 142 or the like that the container 170 in which the product of the first user is stored has been picked up, it may send a signal to the logistics management server 107 to notify that the container 170 has been picked up and shipping has started (S188). Also, the container ID of the container 170 in which the product of the first user is stored is read by the information terminal 118 by the delivery person. Even at this time, a signal for notifying that shipping has started may be sent from the information terminal 118 to the logistics management server 107 (S190). Thereby, it is possible to grasp on the logistics management server 107 that shipping of the container 170 in which the product of the first user is stored has started.

[0109] Thereafter, the container 170 in which the product of the first user is stored is transported to the logistics warehouse 106 directly or via the hub 108. Note that this container 170 may be directly delivered to the second delivery box 120-2.

[0110] (4) Shipping of products, storage in the second delivery box, and retrieval of products The container 170 transported to the logistics warehouse 106 is then shipped to the second delivery box 120-2, and the product is taken out from the second delivery box 120-2 by the second user. Since these processes are the same as the shipping of products, storage in the delivery box, and retrieval of products in the BtoC model, the description is omitted.

[0111] As described above, in the delivery system and the delivery method controlled by the delivery program according to one embodiment of the present invention, the merchandise 166 is delivered using a dedicated container 170, and the container 170 is reused for delivery. Also, the size of the container 170 is adapted to the merchandise. Therefore, compared with the conventional delivery system and delivery method that use packaging materials such as cardboard and cushioning materials included in the package as consumables, the amount of garbage can be significantly reduced. Also, since all of the containers 170 have the same shape and size, they are easy to handle and can be stacked compactly. Therefore, even when using a small transport cart 164 or a vehicle, a large number of containers 170 can be handled, and a significant reduction in delivery costs can be achieved.

[0112] 5. Applications As described below, by applying the delivery program, which is one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide various user services, and as a result, users can enjoy various user experiences.

[0113] For example, the number of times a user requests the shipment of merchandise using the delivery system 100 may be counted on the logistics management server 107 and stored in the memory unit provided in the logistics management server 107 as a user score at any time. For users with a high user score, the delivery program may be configured to provide services such as a discount on the shipping fee, preferential reservation of the locker 124, and setting of a dedicated locker.

[0114] Alternatively, according to the user score, a delivery program may be configured so that among the lockers 124 of each delivery box 120, a more user-friendly locker 124, that is, a locker 124 that can easily store and retrieve goods, can be preferentially selected. More specifically, when a user with a low user score uses the delivery system 100, the available lockers 124 of the selected delivery box 120 are randomly selected, or selected in order from the lockers 124 with low usage frequency. Thereby, the usage frequency of the lockers 124 can be made uniform, deterioration of some or specific lockers 124 can be suppressed, and failures can be prevented. On the other hand, when a user with a high user score uses the delivery system 100, the delivery program may be configured to preferentially select from specific lockers 124 among the available lockers 124 of the selected delivery box 120. The specific locker 124 may be appropriately determined in consideration of convenience such as the ease of storing and retrieving goods. For example, a locker 124 in which the position of the door, the position of the lid 174 when the container 170 is pulled out, or the position of the handle 176 is lower than the average eye level of the user and higher than the knee level may be set as the specific locker 124.

[0115] Alternatively, the user score may be weighted using the occupancy time of the locker 124. For example, the occupancy time of the locker 124 may be the time from the time when a signal (delivery completion notification signal) for notifying the user that the shipment of the goods 166 ordered by the user has been completed is transmitted to the terminal 102 to the time when a signal (receipt notification signal) for notifying that the goods 166 have been taken out by the user is transmitted to the logistics management server 107. In the C-to-C model, the occupancy time may be the time from the time when a signal for displaying a screen showing information (goods shipment information) necessary for goods shipment is transmitted to the first terminal 102-1 to the time when a signal for notifying that the goods have been stored is transmitted to the logistics management server 107. The average occupancy time obtained by dividing the occupancy time of each user by the number of times the delivery system 100 is used may be used to weight the user score. Alternatively, the user score may be weighted when there is a use with an occupancy time shorter than a predetermined time.

[0116] Alternatively, the user may be given an opportunity to obtain a user score based on the number of empty containers 170 in the delivery locker 120. As described above, in the delivery system 100, an empty container 170 is withdrawn from the locker 124, and the container 170 storing the product 166 is inserted into the locker 124 to deliver the product. Therefore, if the collection of the product 166 by the user is delayed, the number of empty containers 170 decreases, which affects the delivery of other products. To prevent such adverse effects, when the ratio of the lockers 124 containing the empty containers 170 decreases (for example, when the ratio to the total number of lockers 124 becomes 30% or less, 20% or less, or 10% or less), a promotion notice prompting the user to receive the product may be sent to the terminal 102 of the user who has not taken out the product 166. At this time, the promotion notice may include a display indicating that the user score can be obtained when the product 166 is taken out. Further, the notice may include a display indicating that more user scores can be obtained the shorter the time until the product 166 is taken out. When the product 166 is taken out by the user, the logistics management server 107 may add a certain user score, or add the user score according to the time from the notice time of the promotion notice to the time when the user takes out the product 166.

[0117] As described above, when the expiration date of the authentication key has passed, the container 170 storing the product 166 to be delivered can be recovered. In this case, it is also possible to provide a service for redelivering this product 166. For example, the signal (FIG. 15, S148) notifying that the product 166 has been recovered from the logistics management server 107 may include an instruction to display a screen for setting redelivery as shown in FIG. 20(D). By operating according to the guidance of this screen, the user can enjoy the redelivery service. At this time, the screen may be configured so that the delivery box 120 to which the product 166 is delivered can be changed.

[0118] Furthermore, a home delivery program may be configured so that a faster delivery service (hereinafter referred to as the express delivery) than normal delivery can be enjoyed. In this case, for example, when setting home delivery conditions (see Fig. 12(A)), the home delivery program may be configured to display an icon or a command key for using the express delivery on the user's terminal 102. When the express delivery is selected by the user, the logistics management server 107 uses an algorithm for optimizing the delivery route (for example, local search method, clustering / route optimization algorithm, cost-minimized route delivery optimization algorithm, etc.) to search for the optimal route for delivering the product 166 to the selected home delivery box 120. By the delivery person delivering the product 166 according to this route, the product 166 can be delivered to the user faster. Note that the search for the optimal route may be performed on a server different from the logistics management server 107.

[0119] 6. Computer-readable recording medium The above-described home delivery program may be provided in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium, distributed via the network 110, and in a state where it can be downloaded to the home delivery server. The computer-readable recording medium storing the home delivery program is also one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0120] Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, flexible disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices configured to store and execute instructions of the home delivery program such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. The instructions of the home delivery program include not only machine language codes such as those generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes executed by a server using an interpreter or the like. The home delivery program is installed from the computer-readable medium into the memory unit provided in the home delivery server.

[0121] As long as the embodiments described above as embodiments of the present invention do not conflict with each other, they can be implemented in appropriate combinations. Also, based on the display device of each embodiment, those in which those skilled in the art have appropriately added, deleted, or changed the design of components, or those in which they have added, omitted, or changed the conditions of the process, as long as they have the gist of the present invention, they are included in the scope of the present invention.

[0122] Even if there are other effects different from the effects brought about by the aspects of each of the above-described embodiments, those that are obvious from the description of this specification or those that can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0123] 100: Delivery system, 102: Terminal, 102-1: First terminal, 102-2: Second terminal, 104: Seller, 105: Seller server, 106: Logistics warehouse, 107: Logistics management server, 108: Hub, 110: Network, 112: Platform provider, 113: Platform server, 116: Scanner, 118: Information terminal, 120: Delivery box, 120-1: First delivery box, 120-2: Second delivery box, 122: Housing, 124: Locker, 126: Door, 128: Monitor, 130: First reader, 132: Second reader, 134: Discharge control mechanism, 136: Lock, 138: Guide, 140: Voice output unit, 142: Sensor switch, 144: Control unit, 146: Memory unit, 148: Battery, 150: Transceiver unit, 152: Pedestal, 154: Wheels, 156: Towing fixture, 158: Ventilator, 160: Solar cell, 162: Bag, 164: Handcart, 166: Commodity, 168: Mirror, 170: Container, 170-1: Container, 170-2: Container, 172: Main body, 172a: Bottom plate, 172b: Front plate, 172c: Side plate, 172d: Front end plate, 174: Lid, 174a: Movable part, 174b: Fixed part, 176: Handle, 178: Lock, 180: Stopper, 182: Tag, 184: Protrusion, 186: Trench, 190: Hinge, 200: Mark, 202: Mark

Claims

1. A delivery system including a plurality of delivery boxes and a delivery server connected to be communicable with the plurality of delivery boxes, each of the plurality of delivery boxes includes a plurality of lockers each accommodating one container for storing goods, the delivery server is configured to receive, from a user terminal, a signal for the user to select one of the plurality of delivery boxes, count, as a user score, the number of times the user has requested delivery of the goods using the delivery system, and select, from among the plurality of lockers included in the delivery box selected by the user, a locker in which an empty container is accommodated. A delivery system.

2. A delivery system including a plurality of delivery boxes and a delivery server connected to be communicable with the plurality of delivery boxes, each of the plurality of delivery boxes includes a plurality of lockers each accommodating one container for storing goods, the delivery server is configured to receive, from a user terminal, a signal for the user to select one of the plurality of delivery boxes, count, as a user score, the number of times the user has requested delivery of the goods using the delivery system, and select a locker for accommodating the container according to the user score. A delivery system.

3. A delivery system including a plurality of delivery boxes and a delivery server connected to be communicable with the plurality of delivery boxes, each of the plurality of delivery boxes includes a plurality of lockers each accommodating one container for storing goods, the delivery server is configured to receive, from a user terminal, a signal for the user to select one of the plurality of delivery boxes, count, as a user score, the number of times the user has requested delivery of the goods using the delivery system, and select the locker for accommodating the container randomly according to the user score, or select the lockers in order from the lockers with low usage frequency. A delivery system.

4. A delivery system including a plurality of delivery boxes and a delivery server connected to be communicable with the plurality of delivery boxes, Each of the plurality of delivery boxes includes a plurality of lockers, each containing one container for storing goods. The delivery server receives, from the user's terminal, a signal for the user to select one of the plurality of delivery boxes; counts, as a user score, the number of times the user has requested delivery of the goods using the delivery system; and is configured to preferentially select, according to the user score, the locker for containing the container from among the lockers whose door positions are lower than the user's eye level and higher than the user's knee level. A delivery system. **Claim 5**: A delivery system including a plurality of delivery boxes and a delivery server connected to be communicable with the plurality of delivery boxes, each of the plurality of delivery boxes includes a plurality of lockers, each containing one container for storing goods; The delivery server receives, from the user's terminal, a signal for the user to select one of the plurality of delivery boxes; counts, as a user score, the number of times the user has requested delivery of the goods using the delivery system; sends a delivery completion notification signal to the user's terminal to notify that the delivery of the goods has been completed; receives a receipt notification signal to notify that the goods have been taken out by the user; and is configured to use the time from the transmission of the delivery completion notification signal to the receipt of the receipt notification signal as the occupancy time and perform weighting on the user score. A delivery system. **Claim 6** The container is configured to occupy 75% or more of the space of the locker. The delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. **Claim 7** The delivery server is configured to discount the delivery fee of the goods according to the user score. The delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. **Claim 8** A method of delivering goods ordered by a user to a delivery box having a plurality of lockers configured to each contain one container for storing the goods, wherein a delivery server connected to be communicable with the delivery box receives, from the user's terminal, a signal for selecting the delivery box used by the user to receive the goods. Counting the number of times the user has requested delivery of the product as a user score, and selecting, from among the plurality of lockers included in the delivery box selected by the user, the locker in which the empty container is housed, including A product delivery method. **Claim 9**: A method of delivering a product ordered by a user to a delivery box provided with a plurality of lockers each configured to accommodate one container for storing the product, wherein a delivery server connected to be communicable with the delivery box receives, from the user's terminal, a signal for selecting the delivery box used by the user to receive the product, counts the number of times the user has requested delivery of the product as a user score, and selecting the locker for accommodating the container according to the user score, including a product delivery method. **Claim 10**: A method of delivering a product ordered by a user to a delivery box provided with a plurality of lockers each configured to accommodate one container for storing the product, wherein a delivery server connected to be communicable with the delivery box receives, from the user's terminal, a signal for selecting the delivery box used by the user to receive the product, counts the number of times the user has requested delivery of the product as a user score, and selecting the locker for accommodating the container randomly according to the user score, or sequentially selecting from the lockers with low usage frequency, including a product delivery method. **Claim 11**: A method of delivering a product ordered by a user to a delivery box provided with a plurality of lockers each configured to accommodate one container for storing the product, wherein a delivery server connected to be communicable with the delivery box receives, from the user's terminal, a signal for selecting the delivery box used by the user to receive the product, counts the number of times the user has requested delivery of the product as a user score, and selecting preferentially from lockers in which the position of the door of the locker for accommodating the container is lower than the user's eye level and higher than the user's knee level according to the user score, including a product delivery method. A method of delivering a product ordered by a user to a delivery box including a plurality of lockers configured to each accommodate one container for storing the product, the delivery server connected to be communicable with the delivery box, receiving, from the user's terminal, a signal for selecting the delivery box used by the user to receive the product, counting, as a user score, the number of times the user has requested delivery of the product, transmitting, to the user's terminal, a delivery completion notification signal for notifying that the delivery of the product has been completed, receiving a receipt notification signal for notifying that the product has been taken out by the user, and using, as an occupancy time, the time from the transmission of the delivery completion notification signal to the receipt of the receipt notification signal, and weighting the user score, the product delivery method comprising.

13. The product delivery method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the container is configured to occupy 75% or more of the space of the locker.

14. The product delivery method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising the delivery server discounting the delivery fee of the product according to the user score.

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