Storage boxes and storage box systems

Abstract

To provide a storage box capable of efficiently performing continuous unlocking.SOLUTION: A storage box includes an openable / closable door provided in a storage space that stores an object, an electric lock for restricting the opening / closing of the door, and a control device. The control device accepts first information including common partial information to enable continuous unlocking of the electric lock without being connected to an external network including at least the Internet, stores the accepted first information, and performs unlocking of the electric lock when it is determined that second information is information having authority for continuous unlocking of the electric lock including the same information as the common partial information on the basis of a predetermined rule and the first information in the case where the second information is accepted after accepting the first information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to storage bins and storage bin systems. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Research and development is being conducted on technology for managing the taking in and out of a storage box for storing objects such as parcels. For example, a delivery locker allows a delivery person to deposit parcels (baggage) delivered by a delivery company, and allows a user to retrieve and receive the parcel. For safety reasons, such delivery boxes may have an electronic lock that restricts the opening and closing of the door.

[0003] In the delivery locker described in Patent Document 1, an imaging unit takes images of the inside of the delivery locker before unlocking and after locking, and wirelessly transmits an electronic receipt containing the images taken before unlocking and after locking to a mobile terminal device of the delivery company (deliverer), making it possible for the mobile terminal device of the delivery company to receive an electronic receipt containing evidence that the package has been dropped off. With this technology, the delivery locker does not need to be directly connected to the Internet; the mobile terminal device can be directly connected to the Internet (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-208589 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventional delivery lockers have not considered the possibility of consecutively depositing parcels. Furthermore, similar problems exist not only with successive mail placement in delivery boxes, but also with successive unlocking of storage boxes.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a storage box and a storage box system that can efficiently perform continuous unlocking. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure includes an openable / closable door provided in a storage space in which an object is stored, an electric lock that restricts the opening and closing of the door, and a control device, wherein the control device receives first information including common portion information for enabling successive unlocking of the electric lock without connecting to an external network including at least the Internet, stores the received first information, and when it receives second information after receiving the first information, based on a predetermined rule and the first information, determines that the second information includes the same information as the common portion information and is information that has authority to successively unlock the electric lock, unlocks the electric lock. the control device prohibits successive unlocking of the electric lock when the second information is fourth information after unlocking due to the first information or the second information being third information, and permits successive unlocking of the electric lock when the second information is third information after unlocking due to the first information or the second information being fourth information. It is a storage box.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is a storage box system including a storage box and a mobile terminal device, wherein the storage box includes an openable / closable door provided in a storage space in which objects are stored, an electric lock that restricts the opening and closing of the door, a wireless communication unit that communicates wirelessly with the mobile terminal device, and a control device, wherein the control device accepts first information including common portion information for enabling continuous unlocking of the electric lock without connecting to an external network including at least the Internet by receiving the first information wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal device via the wireless communication unit, stores the accepted first information, and after accepting the first information, receives second information wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal device via the wireless communication unit and accepts second information, and when it determines, based on a predetermined rule and the first information, that the second information contains the same information as the common portion information and is information that has authority to continuously unlock the electric lock, unlocks the electric lock. the control device prohibits successive unlocking of the electric lock when the second information is fourth information after unlocking due to the first information or the second information being third information, and permits successive unlocking of the electric lock when the second information is third information after unlocking due to the first information or the second information being fourth information. It is a storage box system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, sequential unlocking can be efficiently performed in storage boxes and storage box systems. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a delivery box system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of master account registration according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an overview of registration of a general account according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the first deposit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an overview of continuous posting according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the process of picking up luggage according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a password for repeated posting according to the embodiment; [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of unlocking authority when continuously posting mail according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of unlocking authority when continuously posting mail according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of unlocking authority when continuously posting mail according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of unlocking authority when continuously posting mail according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for registering a user account according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a procedure for depositing luggage and consecutively posting luggage according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for picking up luggage according to the embodiment.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a home delivery box is used as an example of the storage box, and a home delivery box system is used as an example of the storage box system. The case will be described. In addition, in the following embodiments, a home delivery box that is not directly connected to an external network such as the Internet (an external network including at least the Internet) will be described as an example.

[0012] [Home Delivery Box System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a home delivery box system 1 according to an embodiment. The home delivery box system 1 includes a home delivery box 11 and a portable terminal device 12. The home delivery box 11 is owned by a user and is installed at an arbitrary location. The portable terminal device 12 is a device owned by a user or a home delivery carrier. Since the portable terminal device used by the user and the portable terminal device used by the home delivery carrier have the same schematic functions, they will be described together in the example of FIG. 1. In the present embodiment, the portable terminal device 12 is a smartphone (hereinafter also referred to as a mobile phone), but the portable terminal device 12 may be any other device.

[0013] [Home Delivery Box] The home delivery box 11 includes an outer door 31, a power supply unit 41, an electric lock 42, a 10-key (numeric keypad) 43, a BLE unit 44, and a control device 45. The home delivery box 11 has a space (storage space) in which an object (in this embodiment, a package as a home delivery item) is stored.

[0014] The outer door 31 is provided in the storage space. In addition, the outer door 31 is an openable and closable door. The outer door 31 has, for example, a handle, and can be opened and closed by a person operating it while holding the handle. When the outer door 31 is opened, it is possible to put luggage into the storage space and take out the luggage placed in the storage space.

[0015] The outer door 31 is provided with an open / close contact 32. The open / close contact 32 has a sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the outer door 31. The open / close contact 32 notifies the control device 45 of the detection result of the open / closed state of the outer door 31.

[0016] The power supply unit 41 supplies power to the control device 45 and the like where power is used in the delivery box 11. As an example, the power supply unit 41 includes a battery housing unit for housing a battery, and supplies the power stored in the battery housed in the battery housing unit. As the battery, a primary battery may be used, or a rechargeable secondary battery may be used. As another example, the power supply unit 41 may have a power supply mechanism (for example, an outlet to be plugged into a plug) that supplies power using a commercial power supply.

[0017] The electric lock 42 has a function of electrically restricting the opening and closing of the outer door 31. Specifically, when the electric lock 42 is in an unlocked state (a state where it does not restrict), it enables the opening and closing of the outer door 31. On the other hand, when the electric lock 42 is in a locked state (a state where it restricts), it disables the opening and closing of the outer door 31. In this embodiment, the electric lock 42 is controlled by the control device 45 to be unlocked or locked.

[0018] The 10-key 43 is an example of an operation unit. The 10-key 43 has keys such as the numbers 0 to 9, for example. In this embodiment, the 10-key 43 receives an operation of inputting information such as an account or a password. The 10-key 43 outputs the input information to the control device 45. In this embodiment, information consisting of numbers is used as information such as an account or password, but the present invention is not limited to this and other information such as characters may also be used. In addition, in a mode in which manual operation by a person is not performed, an operation unit such as the numeric keypad 43 does not need to be provided in the delivery box 11.

[0019] The BLE unit 44 is an example of a wireless communication unit. The BLE unit 44 has a function of performing wireless communication using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). In this embodiment, the BLE unit 44 communicates wirelessly with the mobile terminal device 12 using BLE.

[0020] The control device 45 performs various processes and controls. In this embodiment, the control device 45 includes a storage unit that stores various types of information. As a specific example, the control device 45 determines whether the outer door 31 is open or closed based on a notification from the open / close contact 32 of the outer door 31 . The control device 45 may control the power supply unit 41 . The control device 45 controls the electric lock 42 to lock or unlock it. The control device 45 accepts information input via the numeric keypad 43 . The control device 45 stores information in the storage unit and erases information stored in the storage unit.

[0021] The control device 45 controls the BLE unit 44, for example, wirelessly transmitting information to be transmitted from the BLE unit 44 to the mobile terminal device 12, and accepting information (received information) wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal device 12 and received by the BLE unit 44. Furthermore, without being limited to these, the control device 45 may have the function of performing various types of processing and control. In the delivery box 11, the control device 45 transmits and receives the digital key, transmits and receives information about the unlocking result, and transmits a deposit notification to and from the mobile terminal device 12 using the BLE unit 44, for example.

[0022] <Mobile terminal device> The mobile terminal device 12 includes an operation unit 111, a display unit 112, a communication unit 113, a storage unit 114, and a control unit 115.

[0023] The operation unit 111 receives operations performed manually by a person (in this embodiment, a user or a delivery person). The display unit 112 displays various types of information on the screen. In this embodiment, the operation unit 111 and the display unit 112 are integrated and configured as a touch panel on which soft keys are displayed on the screen. Note that the operation unit 111 may have physical keys or buttons, etc.

[0024] The communication unit 113 has a function of performing wireless communication by BLE. In this embodiment, the communication unit 113 communicates wirelessly with the BLE unit 44 of the delivery box 11. Also, the communication unit 113 has a function of performing wireless communication by a communication method of a normal smartphone, such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), for example.

[0025] The storage unit 114 stores various types of information. The control unit 115 performs various types of processing and control. As a specific example, the control unit 115 receives the information input by the operation unit 111. The control unit 115 displays the information to be displayed on the display unit 112. The control unit 115 performs various types of communication by the communication unit 113. The control unit 115 stores information in the storage unit 114 and deletes the information stored in the storage unit 114.

[0026] A dedicated application (hereinafter also referred to as a dedicated app) is installed in the mobile terminal device 12. Here, in this embodiment, the dedicated app is configured as a common application (app) for the user's mobile terminal device and the delivery company's mobile terminal device, but as another configuration example, the dedicated apps for both may be configured as separate apps. Furthermore, the dedicated application in this embodiment may be configured as a general-purpose application by being combined with any other function, for example. The mobile terminal device 12 uses the communication unit 113 to perform, for example, sending and receiving a digital key, sending and receiving information about the unlocking result, and receiving a deposit notification with the delivery box 11.

[0027] In this embodiment, the user or the delivery company operates the mobile terminal device 12 to wirelessly communicate with the delivery box 11, but as another example, the user or the delivery company may manually operate the operation unit of the delivery box 11. The operation unit is, for example, the numeric keypad 43. In this configuration, the mobile terminal device 12 of the user or delivery agent does not need to have a dedicated app installed.

[0028] In this embodiment, the delivery box 11 and the mobile terminal device 12 perform BLE communication, but as another configuration example, NFC (Near Field Communication) communication may be used instead of BLE communication. Generally, NFC communication is wireless communication at a shorter distance than BLE communication. Furthermore, other standards may be used as the wireless communication standard.

[0029] <Master Account Registration Overview> In the delivery box 11 according to this embodiment, it is possible to register a user account. In this embodiment, a management account (for convenience of explanation, also referred to as a master account) and a managed account (for convenience of explanation, also referred to as a general account) are used as user accounts. In the delivery box 11 according to this embodiment, it is possible to register a master account for the first time and then register a general account on the condition of approval by the master account. For example, when the delivery box 11 is owned and used by a family (or a specific group), one person in the family registers a master account and the other persons register general accounts. Note that the terms "master account" and "general account" are examples of names for convenience of explanation, and other names may be used.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of registration of a master account according to the embodiment. This registration can be performed when no account is registered in the delivery box 11.

[0031] First, the user 211 reads a two-dimensional code 231 representing a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for downloading a dedicated application displayed on the delivery box 11 with a portable terminal device 221 (an example of the portable terminal device 12). Then, the portable terminal device 221 accesses the site of the URL and downloads the dedicated application. Then, the portable terminal device 221 performs wireless communication with the delivery box 11 via BLE.

[0032] The user 211 inputs a password 251 on the screen 241 of the dedicated application of the portable terminal device 221. Then, in response to an instruction from the user 211 (for example, pressing a send button on the screen 241), the portable terminal device 221 wirelessly transmits the password 251 to the delivery box 11. Here, in the example of FIG. 2, the master account is composed of a 4-digit password, but other modes may be used. The delivery box 11 receives the password 251 transmitted from the portable terminal device 221 and registers the password 251 as the master account. This completes the registration of the master account. On the mobile terminal device 221, a registration completion screen 261 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 2, the case where the user 211 communicates with the delivery box 11 using the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 221 is shown. However, as another configuration example, the account may be input using the numeric keypad 43 of the delivery box 11.

[0033] <Overview of general account registration> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of the registration of a general account according to the embodiment. This registration can be performed when one or more accounts are registered in the delivery box 11 (that is, when at least the master account is registered).

[0034] First, the user 311 reads a two-dimensional code 331 representing a URL for downloading the dedicated application displayed on the delivery box 11 using the mobile terminal device 321 (an example of the mobile terminal device 12). Then, the mobile terminal device 321 accesses the site of the URL and downloads the dedicated application. Then, the mobile terminal device 321 performs wireless communication with the delivery box 11 via BLE.

[0035] Permission (approval) from the master account screen 341 (screen of the mobile terminal device) is required for the registration of the general account. Therefore, the user having the master account permits the registration of the general account using the screen 341. In the present embodiment, after the permission for the registration of the general account by the master account is thus given, the registration of the general account can be performed only for a certain period of time. The delivery box 11 manages the elapse of the certain period of time.

[0036] The user 311 inputs a password 361 on the screen 351 of the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 321. Then, the mobile terminal device 321 wirelessly transmits the password 361 to the delivery box 11 in response to an instruction from the user 311 (for example, pressing the send button on the screen 351). Here, in the example of FIG. 3, the general account is composed of a 4-digit password, but other embodiments may be used. The delivery box 11 receives the password 361 transmitted from the mobile terminal device 321 and registers the password 361 as a general account. Thereby, the registration of the general account is completed. A registration completion screen 371 is displayed on the mobile terminal device 321. In the example of FIG. 3, the case where the user 311 communicates with the delivery box 11 using the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 321 is shown. As another configuration example, the account may be input using the numeric keypad 43 of the delivery box 11.

[0037] Here, the user 311 is, for example, a person different from the user 211 shown in FIG. 2, but may be the same person as the user 211 shown in FIG. 2. That is, the same person may register two or more accounts in the delivery box 11. Also, the mobile terminal device 321 is, for example, a mobile terminal device different from the mobile terminal device 221 shown in FIG. 2, but the same mobile terminal device as the mobile terminal device 221 shown in FIG. 2 may be used. In this case, when the dedicated application is already installed, the download of the dedicated application is not required.

[0038] <Overview at the time of first deposit (when the delivery box is empty)> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an overview at the time of first deposit according to the embodiment. The worker 411 of the delivery company starts the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 421 (an example of the mobile terminal device 12) and inputs a predetermined password (in this embodiment, also referred to as a continuous mailing password for convenience of explanation) on the screen of the dedicated application. Thereby, the delivery box 11 is unlocked. Here, in this embodiment, at the time of the first deposit, the password verification is not performed. In addition, in this embodiment, at the time of the first deposit, the unlocking authority of the delivery box 11 is given only to unlocking using the password possessed by the user and unlocking using the continuous mailing password. For safety reasons, etc., the mobile terminal device 421 of the worker 411 may transmit the log of the phone number of the unlocker (worker 411) to the delivery box 11, and the delivery box 11 may store the log.

[0039] The worker 411 deposits the luggage 431 into the delivery box 11. Then, the worker 411 locks the delivery box 11. Then, the worker 411 notifies the workers 441 to 443 of other delivery companies in the same delivery company group of the continuous mailing password 451 (or information related thereto) and shares it within these delivery companies. Note that the continuous mailing password does not necessarily have to be shared each time as shown in FIG. 4. For example, a previously shared continuous mailing password may be used.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 4, the case where the worker 411 uses the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 421 to input the continuous mailing password into the delivery box 11 when unlocking the delivery box 11 is shown. However, as another configuration example, the worker 411 may input the continuous mailing password by pushing the numeric keypad 43 of the delivery box 11 or the like.

[0041] In the example of FIG. 4, the case where the dedicated application is already installed in the mobile terminal device 421 is shown. However, when the dedicated application is not installed in the mobile terminal device 421, for example, a two-dimensional code (for example, the same two-dimensional code as the two-dimensional codes shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) displayed on the delivery box 11 may be used to install the dedicated application.

[0042] <Overview of continuous mailing> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an overview at the time of continuous mailing according to the embodiment. In this embodiment, consecutive posting refers to delivery companies belonging to the same delivery company group consecutively depositing packages into the same delivery box 11 at different times. Delivery company worker 511 starts up a dedicated app on mobile terminal device 521 (an example of mobile terminal device 12) and enters the password for repeated posting on the screen of the dedicated app. This unlocks delivery box 11. Here, the repeated posting password has at least the same information representing the delivery company group as the repeated posting password entered at the time of the first deposit.

[0043] For safety reasons, the mobile terminal device 521 of the worker 511 may transmit a log of the telephone number of the unlocker (worker 511) to the delivery box 11, and the delivery box 11 may store the log. The worker 511 deposits the package 531 in the delivery locker 11. Then, the worker 511 locks the delivery locker 11.

[0044] In the example of Figure 5, the worker 511 enters the password for continuous posting into the delivery box 11 using a dedicated app on the mobile terminal device 521 when unlocking the delivery box 11, but in another configuration example, the worker 511 may enter the password for continuous posting by, for example, pressing the numeric keypad 43 on the delivery box 11.

[0045] Here, delivery company worker 511 is, for example, a different person from delivery company worker 411 shown in Figure 4, but may be the same person as delivery company worker 411 shown in Figure 4, that is, the same person may repeatedly place mail in delivery box 11. Similarly, mobile terminal device 521 is, for example, a different mobile terminal device from mobile terminal device 421 shown in FIG. 4, but the same mobile terminal device as mobile terminal device 421 shown in FIG. 4 may be used.

[0046] In the example of FIG. 5, the case where the dedicated app is already installed in the mobile terminal device 521 is shown. However, if the dedicated app is not installed in the mobile terminal device 521, for example, the dedicated app may be installed using the two-dimensional code displayed on the delivery box 11 (for example, the same two-dimensional code as the two-dimensional codes shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0047] <Overview of luggage retrieval> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an overview at the time of retrieving luggage according to the embodiment. When the user 611 activates the dedicated app of the mobile terminal device 621 (an example of the mobile terminal device 12), the dedicated app automatically wirelessly transmits the retrieval password to the delivery box 11. Thereby, the delivery box 11 is unlocked.

[0048] Also, the delivery box 11 deletes the currently valid continuous delivery password stored in the storage unit. Here, in the delivery box 11 according to the present embodiment, the case where the currently valid continuous delivery password stored is deleted when the delivery box 11 is unlocked with the retrieval password is shown. However, as another configuration example, even when the delivery box 11 is unlocked with the retrieval password, a configuration may be used in which the currently valid continuous delivery password stored is maintained as it is. In this configuration, the delivery box 11, for example, when the first deposit is made by a delivery company belonging to a delivery company group different from the delivery company group having the currently valid continuous delivery password, or when a predetermined instruction is given by the owner (for example, the user) of the delivery box 11, etc., the currently valid continuous delivery password stored may be deleted.

[0049] The retrieval password is set in advance in delivery box 11. For example, the user can register (initial registration) the retrieval password in delivery box 11, and can also change the password. For example, the user can register the retrieval password in delivery box 11 or change the registered password by operating the dedicated app screen on the mobile terminal device.

[0050] When a package is picked up, delivery box 11 may accept an account from user 611. In this case, delivery box 11 can identify the user who picked up the package by the account, for example, when there are multiple users (e.g., each member of a family) who have the authority to pick up the package.

[0051] Furthermore, for safety reasons, the mobile terminal device 621 of the user 611 may transmit a log of the telephone number of the unlocker (user 611) to the delivery box 11, and the delivery box 11 may store the log. User 611 removes one or more packages (one package 631 is shown in the example of FIG. 6) that have been deposited in delivery locker 11 from delivery locker 11. Then, user 611 locks delivery locker 11.

[0052] In the example of Figure 6, the user 611 enters the retrieval password into the delivery box 11 using a dedicated app on the mobile terminal device 621 when unlocking the delivery box 11, but in another configuration example, the user 611 may enter the retrieval password by, for example, pushing the numeric keypad 43 on the delivery box 11.

[0053] Here, user 611 is, for example, the same person as user 211 shown in FIG. 2 or user 311 shown in FIG. Similarly, the mobile terminal device 621 is, for example, the same mobile terminal device as the mobile terminal device 221 shown in FIG. 2 or the mobile terminal device 321 shown in FIG.

[0054] <Password for consecutive mailings> The password for consecutive mailings may be any information, for example, an arrangement of characters or numbers with a predetermined number of digits. In this embodiment, the password for consecutive mailings has the function of a password for consecutive mailings, and further has the function of managing the authority for consecutive mailings within the same group of delivery companies.

[0055] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the password for consecutive mailings according to the embodiment. In the example of Figure 7, for the group of delivery company A, delivery company A (regular), a subcontractor a of delivery company A, and a subcontractor b of delivery company A are shown. In the example of Figure 7, delivery company A (regular) is a regular delivery company and may entrust the delivery of packages to subcontractor a or subcontractor b. In this case, delivery company A (regular) becomes the principal delivery company.

[0056] In this embodiment, the password for consecutive mailings is composed of 7 digits. The password for consecutive mailings is composed of a 4-digit common part (group common part) common to each group of delivery companies and a 3-digit part (company identification part) arranged before or after the group common part.

[0057] Here, the group common part is information common within the same group of delivery companies. In the example of Figure 7, the group common part is the information of the arrangement of the numbers "8690".

[0058] Also, when the company identification part is added before the group common part (that is, at the beginning), it indicates that it is a regular company. In the example of Figure 7, the company identification part of the regular company (delivery company A (regular)) is the information of the arrangement of the numbers "391". In this way, when it is regular and not a subcontractor, fixed numerical information is arranged at the beginning of the password for consecutive mailings.

[0059] Furthermore, when the trader identification portion is added after (i.e., at the end of) the group common portion, it indicates that the trader is a subcontractor. In the example of FIG. 7, the company identification part of one of the contractors (contractor a of delivery company A) is information consisting of a sequence of numbers, "283." In the example of FIG. 7, the company identification part of another contractor (contractor b of delivery company A) is information consisting of a sequence of numbers, "965." In this way, if the recipient is not a legitimate recipient but a subcontractor, fixed numeric information is placed at the end of the password for consecutive mailings.

[0060] In this embodiment, the delivery locker 11 can determine whether the delivery companies belong to the same delivery company group based on the group common portion included in the repeated posting password, and can also determine whether the delivery company is a legitimate company or a contracted company based on the company identification portion included in the repeated posting password. These determinations are made by agreeing on a repeated posting password in advance, as shown in Figure 7.

[0061] For example, the delivery box 11 performs password authentication using the group common part included in the password for consecutive posting, and also determines whether the recipient is legitimate or a contractor using fixed numeric information at the beginning or end of the password for consecutive posting. In the example of FIG. 7, delivery box 11 determines that the company belongs to delivery company group A if the repeated posting password includes "8690." In the example of FIG. 7, the delivery box 11 determines that the recipient is delivery company A (legitimate) if the password for repeated posting begins with "391." The delivery box 11 determines that the recipient is a contractor a of delivery company A if the password for repeated posting ends with "283." The delivery box 11 determines that the recipient is a contractor b of delivery company A if the password for repeated posting ends with "965."

[0062] In this embodiment, a distinction is made between "delivery company (regular)" and "contractor of delivery company," but this is not limited to this and the distinction may be made by any name, such as "full-time employee" and "dispatched employee."

[0063] <Authority within the delivery company group> In this embodiment, by establishing a master-slave relationship in the passwords for consecutive mailings, it is possible to create differences in unlocking authority between regular delivery companies (regular employees) and contracted delivery companies (contracted employees) within a delivery company group.

[0064] 8 to 11, examples of unlocking authority when mail is continuously posted will be shown. 8 to 11 are diagrams showing examples of unlocking authority when mail is continuously posted according to the embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 8 shows a table 2011 that indicates the unlocking authority when consecutive deliveries are made in the case where a delivery company A (authorized) deposits a package in the delivery locker 11. In this case, before the first "deposit," all of the users registered with delivery box 11, delivery company A (legitimate), delivery company A's subcontractor A, delivery company A's subcontractor B, and delivery company B (a delivery company in a different delivery company group from delivery company A) have the authority to unlock the box. Furthermore, after the "deposit" by delivery company A (authorized), the user and delivery company A (authorized) have the authority to unlock the item, but do not have the authority to unlock the item for delivery company A's subcontractor A, delivery company A's subcontractor B, or delivery company B (a delivery company in a different delivery company group from delivery company A).

[0066] FIG. 9 shows a table 2021 indicating the unlocking authority when consecutive deliveries are made in the case where a contractor a of delivery company A deposits a package in delivery locker 11. In this case, before the first "deposit," all of the users registered with delivery box 11, delivery company A (legitimate), delivery company A's subcontractor A, delivery company A's subcontractor B, and delivery company B (a delivery company in a different delivery company group from delivery company A) have the authority to unlock the box. Also, after the "deposit" by the consignee a of the delivery company A, the user, the delivery company A (regular), and the consignee a of the delivery company A have the unlocking authority, while the consignee b of the delivery company A and the delivery company B (a delivery company of a different delivery company group from the delivery company A) do not have the unlocking authority.

[0067] FIG. 10 shows a table 2031 representing the unlocking authority at the time of continuous mailings when the consignee b of the delivery company A deposits a package in the delivery box 11. In this case, before the first "deposit", the user registered in the delivery box 11, the delivery company A (regular), the consignee a of the delivery company A, the consignee b of the delivery company A, and the delivery company B (a delivery company of a different delivery company group from the delivery company A) all have the unlocking authority. Also, after the "deposit" by the consignee b of the delivery company A, the user, the delivery company A (regular), and the consignee b of the delivery company A have the unlocking authority, while the consignee a of the delivery company A and the delivery company B (a delivery company of a different delivery company group from the delivery company A) do not have the unlocking authority.

[0068] FIG. 11 shows a table 2041 representing the unlocking authority at the time of continuous mailings when the delivery company B deposits a package in the delivery box 11. In this case, before the first "deposit", the user registered in the delivery box 11, the delivery company A (regular), the consignee a of the delivery company A, the consignee b of the delivery company A, and the delivery company B (a delivery company of a different delivery company group from the delivery company A) all have the unlocking authority. Also, after the "deposit" by the delivery company B, the user and the delivery company B have the unlocking authority, while the delivery company A (regular), the consignee a of the delivery company A, and the consignee b of the delivery company A do not have the unlocking authority.

[0069] In this embodiment, the rules for the password for repeated posting may be shared for each delivery company group and for each delivery company. In this embodiment, repeated posting is performed for each delivery company group. For example, the courier that entrusts the order (e.g., a courier (legitimate)) may be aware of the password rules for consecutive posting (e.g., the password for consecutive posting itself) for its own contractor, and the courier that is the contractor may not be aware of the password rules for consecutive posting (e.g., the password for consecutive posting itself) for its own courier (e.g., a courier (legitimate)).

[0070] <User account registration process steps> FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for registering a user account (master account or general account) according to the embodiment.

[0071] (Step S11) In response to a user operation, the mobile terminal device 12 (for example, a smartphone) downloads a dedicated app, and then the process proceeds to step S12. (Step S12) Mobile terminal device 12 connects to delivery box 11 via wireless communication using BLE or the like. Then, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0072] (Step S13) The delivery box 11 determines whether or not another account has already been registered. As a result of this determination, if delivery box 11 determines that another account has not already been registered (step S13: NO), it proceeds to the processing of step S14. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is that delivery box 11 determines that another account has already been registered (step S13: YES), the process proceeds to step S18. Based on the result of communication with delivery box 11, mobile terminal device 12 can determine whether or not another account has already been registered.

[0073] (Step S14) By the user's operation, an arbitrary password (PW) is wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal device 12 to the delivery box 11. Then, the process proceeds to step S15. In this example, the password is a candidate for the account that becomes the master account.

[0074] (Step S15) The delivery box 11 starts the registration process of registering the password received from the mobile terminal device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S16. (Step S16) The delivery box 11 starts the process of registering the password received from the mobile terminal device 12 as the master account (storing it in the storage unit). Then, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0075] (Step S17) The delivery box 11 wirelessly transmits a signal notifying the completion of registration to the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 12. Then, the process of this flow ends.

[0076] (Step S18) The delivery box 11 determines whether there is permission (approval) for the master account. As a result of this determination, if the delivery box 11 determines that there is no permission for the master account (step S18: NO), the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if the delivery box 11 determines that there is permission for the master account (step S18: YES), the process proceeds to step S20.

[0077] (Step S19) The delivery box 11 wirelessly transmits a signal to the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 12 to notify that permission for the master account is required. Then, the process proceeds to step S18. Mobile terminal device 12 receives information indicating whether or not permission has been granted by the master account based on the communication result with delivery box 11. This information enables the user to know whether or not permission has been granted by the master account.

[0078] (Step S20) The user operates the mobile terminal device 12 to wirelessly transmit an arbitrary password to the delivery box 11. Then, the process proceeds to step S21. In this example, the password is a candidate for a general account.

[0079] (Step S21) The delivery box 11 determines whether the password notified from the mobile terminal device 12 is an already registered password. As a result of this determination, if delivery box 11 determines that the password notified from mobile terminal device 12 is an already registered password (step S21: YES), delivery box 11 proceeds to the processing of step S22. On the other hand, if delivery box 11 determines that the password notified from mobile terminal device 12 is not an already registered password (step S21: NO), delivery box 11 proceeds to the process of step S23.

[0080] (Step S22) Delivery box 11 notifies the dedicated app of mobile terminal device 12 of the failure of password registration, and then proceeds to the processing of step S20.

[0081] (Step S23) The delivery box 11 starts the process of registering (storing in the storage unit) the password received from the mobile terminal device 12 as a general account, and then proceeds to the process of step S17.

[0082] <Procedure for depositing luggage and multiple mailings> FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for depositing luggage and consecutively posting luggage according to the embodiment.

[0083] (Step S41) Through the operation of the delivery company, a unlocking request including a continuous mailing password (continuous mailing PW) is wirelessly transmitted from the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device to the delivery box 11. Then, the process proceeds to step S42. In this embodiment, the unlocking request includes a 7-digit continuous mailing password.

[0084] (Step S42) The delivery box 11 determines whether the state of the delivery box 11 (box state) is in storage. As a result of this determination, if the delivery box 11 determines that the state of the delivery box 11 (box state) is not in storage (first storage) (step S42: NO), the process proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if the delivery box 11 determines that the box state is in storage (i.e., continuous mailing) (step S42: YES), the process proceeds to step S47.

[0085] (Step S43) The delivery box 11 saves the input continuous mailing password (stores it in the storage unit). Then, the process proceeds to step S44. In this embodiment, a 7-digit continuous mailing password is saved.

[0086] (Step S44) The delivery box 11 unlocks. Then, the process proceeds to step S45. (Step S45) The delivery company deposits the luggage into the delivery box 11 and closes the door of the delivery box 11. Then, the process proceeds to step S46.

[0087] (Step S46) The delivery box 11 wirelessly transmits a signal notifying "completion of deposit" to the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device. Then, the process of this flow ends.

[0088] (Step S47) The delivery box 11 determines whether the current delivery service provider group is different from the delivery service provider group of the previous depositor. As a result of this determination, if the delivery box 11 determines that the current delivery service provider group is not different from (the same as) the delivery service provider group of the previous depositor (Step S47: NO), the process proceeds to Step S48. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if the delivery box 11 determines that the current delivery service provider group is different from the delivery service provider group of the previous depositor (Step S47: YES), the process proceeds to Step S50.

[0089] (Step S48) The delivery box 11 determines whether the current depositor is the consignee. As a result of this determination, if the delivery box 11 determines that the current depositor is the consignee (Step S48: YES), the process proceeds to Step S49. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if the delivery box 11 determines that the current depositor is not the consignee (in this case, is regular) (Step S48: NO), the process proceeds to Step S43.

[0090] (Step S49) The delivery box 11 determines whether the current depositor is the same service provider as the previous depositor. As a result of this determination, if the delivery box 11 determines that the current depositor is the same service provider as the previous depositor (Step S49: YES), the process proceeds to Step S44. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if the delivery box 11 determines that the current depositor is not the same service provider as the previous depositor (is a different service provider) (Step S49: NO), the process proceeds to Step S50.

[0091] (Step S50) The delivery box 11 wirelessly transmits a signal to the dedicated app on the mobile terminal device notifying it of "deposit failed." Then, the processing of this flow ends.

[0092] Here, the flowchart shown in Figure 13 illustrates a case where a password for repeated posting is sent to delivery box 11 using a dedicated app on a mobile terminal device, but as another configuration example, instead of using a dedicated app on a mobile terminal device, a configuration may be used in which the password for repeated posting is manually entered into delivery box 11 by the delivery company. In this configuration, in the processing of step S41, the delivery company manually operates the numeric keypad 43 to input the password for continuous posting into the delivery box 11. Also, in this configuration, in the processing of steps S46 and S50, the delivery box 11 does not notify the mobile terminal device (notifying that "deposit completed" or "deposit failed").

[0093] Here, in the processing of steps S47 to S49, when the delivery box 11 has stored the initial password for consecutive posting and receives a password for consecutive posting for the second or subsequent consecutive posting, it makes each determination by comparing the initial password for consecutive posting with the password for consecutive posting received from the second or subsequent consecutive posting.

[0094] As an example, delivery box 11 compares the initial password for consecutive posting with subsequent passwords for consecutive posting, excluding the first portion (in the example of FIG. 7, a three-digit provider identification portion that may be located before the group common portion) and the last portion (in the example of FIG. 7, a three-digit provider identification portion that may be located after the group common portion). As a result, if at least one of the comparisons results in a match (i.e., if the group common portion matches), delivery box 11 determines that the two are delivery companies within the same delivery company group. Note that this determination method ignores the error that occurs when the two match by chance, assuming that the probability of the two (here, the portion considered to be the group common portion) matching by chance in at least one of the two comparisons is low.

[0095] As another example, delivery box 11 may be configured to accept a multiple-posting password in a manner that allows the position of the group common portion in the multiple-posting password to be ascertained. In this configuration, delivery box 11 accepts a multiple-posting password with a mark inserted that allows the position of the group common portion to be identified. In this case, the multiple-posting password may be considered to include the mark. The mark is not particularly limited, and for example, information (such as a hyphen) other than the information (numbers in this embodiment) that constitutes the repeated posting password may be used.

[0096] As a specific example, when the provider identification portion is located before the group common portion, delivery box 11 accepts, as the password for continuous posting, information in which a predetermined mark (e.g., a hyphen) is inserted between the first provider identification portion and the group common portion. Similarly, when the provider identification portion is located after the group common portion, delivery box 11 accepts, as the password for continuous posting, information in which a predetermined mark (e.g., a hyphen) is inserted between the group common portion and the last provider identification portion. In the example of Figure 7, when the provider identification portion is located before the group common portion, the password for continuous posting is input as information consisting of the first three digits, a predetermined mark, and the remaining four digits. Similarly, when the provider identification portion is located after the group common portion, the password for continuous posting is input as information consisting of the first four digits, a predetermined mark, and the remaining three digits.

[0097] Here, in the delivery box 11 of this embodiment, when a delivery company makes the first deposit, any person can unlock the box using a dedicated app on the mobile terminal device 12 or the 10-key pad 43 with any password (in this embodiment, a password for consecutive deposits) and make the deposit. If a second or subsequent consecutive post is made, the initial password will function as the password for subsequent posts. On the other hand, if no subsequent posts are made, the initial password will function as a one-time password.

[0098] Furthermore, in the delivery locker 11 according to this embodiment, when consecutive deposits are made within the same delivery company group, the group-common portion of the initial consecutive deposit password is valid, and the consecutive deposit password can be updated depending on the order of the delivery companies making the consecutive deposits. In the delivery locker 11 according to this embodiment, the consecutive deposit password is reset when consecutive deposits within the delivery company group are completed. After that, the delivery locker 11 becomes available for the first deposit again, either by the same delivery company group or a different delivery company group.

[0099] <Procedure for Retrieving Luggage> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the procedure for retrieving luggage according to the embodiment.

[0100] (Step S71) The delivery box 11 receives a release request including a password wirelessly transmitted from the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S72. Note that, by the user's operation, a release request is wirelessly transmitted from the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 12 to the delivery box 11.

[0101] (Step S72) The delivery box 11 determines whether the password received from the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 12 matches the legitimate password (registered password). As a result of this determination, when the delivery box 11 determines that the password received from the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 12 matches the legitimate password (step S72: YES), the process proceeds to step S73. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, when the delivery box 11 determines that the password received from the dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 12 does not match the legitimate password (step S72: NO), the process proceeds to step S78.

[0102] (Step S73) The delivery box 11 unlocks. Then, the process proceeds to step S74. (Step S74) The delivery box 11 deletes the currently valid continuous mailing password that is registered. As a result, the currently valid continuous mailing password becomes invalid. Then, the process proceeds to step S75.

[0103] (Step S75) The user takes out the luggage stored in the delivery box 11. Then, the process proceeds to step S76. (Step S76) The user closes the door of the delivery box 11. Then, the process proceeds to step S77. (Step S77) Thereby, the removal of the luggage is completed. Then, the process of this flow ends.

[0104] (Step S78) The delivery box 11 wirelessly transmits a signal notifying "password mismatch" to the dedicated app of the mobile terminal device 12. Then, the process of this flow ends.

[0105] As described above, in the delivery box system 1 according to the present embodiment, continuous unlocking in the delivery box 11 can be efficiently performed. Specifically, continuous mail insertion in the delivery box 11 can be efficiently performed.

[0106] In the delivery box system 1 according to the present embodiment, the control device 45 receives, without connecting to an external network such as the Internet, at the time of the first deposit, a continuous delivery password (hereinafter, also referred to as the first continuous delivery password for convenience of explanation) including common part information (information of the group common part) for enabling continuous unlocking of the electric lock 42, and stores the received first continuous delivery password. After receiving the first continuous delivery password, when the control device 45 receives a continuous delivery password (hereinafter, also referred to as the continuous delivery password for the second and subsequent times for convenience of explanation) at the time of continuous delivery, based on a predetermined rule and the first continuous delivery password, when it is determined that the continuous delivery password for the second and subsequent times includes the same information as the common part information of the first continuous delivery password and has the authority for continuous unlocking of the electric lock 42, the control device 45 unlocks the electric lock 42. Thereby, continuous mail insertion becomes possible in the delivery box 11.

[0107] Therefore, in the delivery box 11, at the time of delivering luggage (when the inside of the delivery box 11 is empty), unlocking is performed by inputting the continuous delivery password without connecting to an external network such as the Internet. The input of the continuous delivery password may be performed, for example, using a dedicated application of the mobile terminal device 12 held by a delivery company (delivery person), or may be performed using a physical key or button installed in the delivery box 11 (in this embodiment, the numeric keypad 43).

[0108] As described above, in the delivery box 11 according to this embodiment, the continuous delivery password is not only used simply as a verification key for unlocking the box, but can also be used as a verification key during continuous delivery. In the delivery box 11 according to this embodiment, at the time of the first deposit of luggage, the continuous delivery password is set to unlock the box and enable the deposit. In this embodiment, there is no authentication by password at the time of the first deposit. Then, at the time of continuous delivery, the same continuous delivery password as the continuous delivery password set at the time of the first deposit, or a continuous delivery password having common partial information in common with the continuous delivery password set at the time of the first deposit is used to unlock the box.

[0109] In this embodiment, for example, in an environment where a plurality of IoT (Internet of Things) delivery boxes are installed in a residential area or the like, without incurring running costs (for example, LTE line usage fees) for the delivery box 11 itself, there is no restriction on the installation location of the delivery box 11 (for example, a restriction such as within the range that can be connected to the owner's home WiFi), and the security and safety can be enhanced by a variable key (continuous delivery password), enabling continuous delivery. As described above, in the delivery box 11 according to this embodiment, for example, it eliminates the need to incur running costs, eliminates the restriction on the installation location, eliminates the reduction in security, and eliminates the inability to continuously deposit luggage. In the delivery box 11 according to this embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the situation where running costs are incurred after the installation of the delivery box, such as a delivery box that must be connected to LTE. In the delivery box 11 according to this embodiment, continuous delivery using a variable password is possible in a situation where it is not connected to an external network such as the Internet.

[0110] Here, in this embodiment, in order for the password for the second or subsequent consecutive postings to be information that has the authority to continuously unlock the electric lock 42, it is necessary that the condition be met that it contains the same information as the common part information of the first consecutive posting password, and this is stipulated in the rules. In addition, in this embodiment, in order for the password for consecutive postings from the second time onwards to be information that has the authority to consecutively unlock the electric lock 42, it is necessary for it to have the authority shown in Figures 8 to 11 (authority related to legitimate delivery companies and contracted delivery companies), and this is also stipulated in the regulations.

[0111] In addition, in this embodiment, if the delivery company for the first deposit is the same as that for the second or subsequent deposit, the password for subsequent consecutive deposits is the same information as the password for the first consecutive deposit. On the other hand, if the delivery company does not match between the first deposit and the second or subsequent deposit, the password for subsequent consecutive deposits is a combination of the same information as the common portion information contained in the first password for subsequent consecutive deposits and information (information in the company identification portion of the delivery company for the second or subsequent deposits) that is different from the information in the other portion (the company identification portion of the first delivery company) contained in the first password for subsequent consecutive deposits.

[0112] In the delivery box 11 of this embodiment, the control device 45 prevents the electric lock 42 from being unlocked continuously when the password for consecutive posting of the entrusting delivery company is entered after the password for consecutive posting of the entrusting delivery company is entered. On the other hand, the control device 45 allows the electric lock 42 to be unlocked continuously when the password for consecutive mailing of the entrusted delivery company is entered after unlocking with the password for consecutive mailing of the entrusted delivery company.

[0113] In this way, in the delivery box 11 of this embodiment, when a contracted delivery company deposits a package, not only the contracted delivery company but also the original contracting delivery company (for example, a legitimate delivery company) can make consecutive deposits.

[0114] In delivery box 11 according to the present embodiment, when control device 45 receives an account to be registered when no user account has been registered, it registers the received account as a master account. On the other hand, if the control device 45 receives an account to be registered when a master account has already been registered, the control device 45 registers the received account as a general account, on the condition that the master account approves it.

[0115] Therefore, in the delivery box 11 according to this embodiment, when used by a group such as a family, it is possible to distinguish between a master account and a general account. In other words, if an account is registered when no accounts have been registered in the delivery box 11, it will be registered as a master account, and if an account is registered when an account (master account) has already been registered in the delivery box 11, it will be registered as a general account. In addition, consent from the master account is required to register a general account.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the delivery box 11 is configured to manage continuous posting without directly connecting to an external network such as the Internet, but it may also be configured to directly connect to an external network for other processing, for example.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the delivery box 11 is shown as an example of a storage box, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to various other storage boxes. As a specific example, the storage box may be applied to a cabinet for storing luggage or a housing for housing electrical equipment. The housing for housing electrical equipment may be, for example, a cubicle or a distribution board.

[0118] [Storage Box System and Storage Box] In the above description, the delivery box system 1 and the delivery box 11 have been described as examples. However, the same technology as in this embodiment can be applied to other storage box systems and storage boxes.

[0119] <Configuration Example> As one configuration example, the storage box includes an openable and closable door provided in a storage space for storing an object, an electric lock that restricts the opening and closing of the door, and a control device. The control device receives first information including common part information for enabling continuous unlocking of the electric lock without connecting to an external network including at least the Internet. The control device stores the received first information. After receiving the first information, when the control device receives second information, it unlocks the electric lock when it determines that the second information includes the same information as the common part information and has the authority for continuous unlocking of the electric lock based on a predetermined rule and the first information. Therefore, in the storage box, continuous unlocking can be performed efficiently.

[0120] Note that the external network including at least the Internet may be, for example, the Internet (only), or the Internet and another predetermined network, or all external networks including the Internet (for example, excluding communication between the storage box and the portable terminal device).

[0121] Here, in the delivery box system 1 according to this embodiment, an example of the storage box is the delivery box 11, an example of the object is the delivery package, an example of the door is the outer door 31, an example of the electric lock is the electric lock 42, and an example of the control device is the control device 45. Also, in the delivery box system 1 according to this embodiment, an example of the first information is a continuous posting password (for example, the first continuous posting password), and an example of the common part information is information common to each delivery company group. Furthermore, in delivery box system 1 according to the present embodiment, an example of the second information is a password for consecutive posting (for example, a password for consecutive posting from the second time onwards). In addition, in the delivery box system 1 of this embodiment, the predetermined rules are rules regarding the entrustor and the entrustee, etc., as shown in Figures 8 to 11, and are rules that can be used to determine whether or not the entrustor has the authority to make repeated deliveries.

[0122] As another configuration example, the predetermined rules do not have to include rules regarding the entruster and the entrustee, etc., as shown in Figures 8 to 11, and for example, a rule that allows unlocking if the common part information matches may be used. In other words, a rule may be used in which unlocking is permitted if the common portion information contained in the first password for consecutive posting matches the common portion information contained in the password for the second or subsequent consecutive postings, and unlocking is prohibited (not permitted) if they do not match. In this example, other conditions (information other than the common portion information) are not taken into consideration when determining whether or not to permit unlocking.

[0123] In one configuration example, the storage box includes a wireless communication unit that communicates wirelessly with the mobile terminal device. The wireless communication unit receives the first information and the second information wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal device. The control device accepts the first information and the second information received by the wireless communication unit. Therefore, information can be input to the storage box through wireless communication with the portable terminal device.

[0124] In delivery box system 1 according to this embodiment, mobile terminal device 12 is an example of a mobile terminal device.

[0125] In one configuration example, the storage box includes an operation unit that accepts an operation to input the first information and the second information. The control device receives the first information and the second information input by an operation received by the operation unit. Therefore, in the storage box, information can be input by an operation performed by a person.

[0126] Here, in the home delivery box system 1 according to the present embodiment, an example of the operation unit is the numeric keypad 43.

[0127] As one configuration example, in the storage box, the second information is, for example, the same information as the first information. Or, the second information is, for example, a combination of the same information as the common part information included in the first information and information different from the other part information (information other than the common part information) included in the first information. Therefore, in the storage box, it is possible to use a plurality of types of information including the same common part information but different in other part information as unlocking information.

[0128] Here, in the home delivery box system 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the consecutive delivery passwords of the same delivery company match, and the consecutive delivery passwords of different delivery companies have the same common part information but do not match as a whole.

[0129] As one configuration example, in the storage box, when the first information or the second information (here, the previous second information) is the third information and after unlocking, and the second information (here, the second information to be input next time) is the fourth information, continuous unlocking of the electric lock is made impossible. On the other hand, when the first information or the second information (here, the previous second information) is the fourth information and after unlocking, and the second information (here, the second information to be input next time) is the third information, continuous unlocking of the electric lock is permitted. Therefore, in the storage box, for a plurality of types of information including common part information, it is possible to provide a difference in priority (a difference in whether unlocking is possible) based on the order before and after the timing when each information is used.

[0130] Here, in the delivery box system 1 according to this embodiment, an example of the third information is the password for continuous posting of the entrusting delivery company, and an example of the fourth information is the password for continuous posting of the entrusted delivery company.

[0131] In one configuration example, the storage box includes an openable / closable door provided in a storage space in which an object is stored, an electric lock that restricts the opening and closing of the door, and a control device. When an account to be registered is accepted when no account has been registered, the control device registers the accepted account as a first account. If the control device receives an account to be registered when a first account has already been registered, the control device registers the received account as a second account, on the condition that the first account accepts the account. Therefore, when the storage box is used by a group, it is possible to distinguish between using an account (first account) that is the managing side and an account (second account) that is the managed side, for example.

[0132] Here, in delivery box system 1 according to the present embodiment, an example of a first account is a master account, and an example of a second account is a general account.

[0133] A storage bin system may also be provided. The storage box system includes a storage box and a mobile terminal device. The storage box includes an openable door provided in a storage space in which objects are stored, an electric lock that restricts the opening and closing of the door, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a mobile terminal device, and a control device. The control device receives first information including common part information for enabling continuous unlocking of the electric lock without connecting to an external network including at least the Internet by receiving the first information wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal device using a wireless communication unit. The control device stores the received first information. After receiving the first information, the control device receives second information wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal device by using the wireless communication unit, and when it receives the second information, it unlocks the electric lock if it determines, based on predetermined rules and the first information, that the second information contains the same information as the common part information and is information that has the authority to continuously unlock the electric lock. Therefore, in the storage box system, continuous unlocking can be efficiently performed in the storage boxes.

[0134] Here, in delivery box system 1 according to the present embodiment, mobile terminal device 12 is an example of a mobile terminal device, and BLE unit 44 is an example of a wireless communication unit.

[0135] (Regarding the above embodiments) A program for implementing the functions of any of the components of any of the above-described devices (e.g., a storage box such as delivery box 11 or mobile terminal device 12) may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and loaded into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an operating system or peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and compact discs (CDs) or read-only memories (ROMs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted over a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The volatile memory may be, for example, random access memory (RAM). The recording medium may also be, for example, a non-transitory recording medium.

[0136] Also, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network like the Internet or a communication line like a telephone line. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Further, the above program may be a so-called difference file that can be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. The difference file may be called a difference program.

[0137] Also, the functions of any component in any of the devices described above (for example, a storage box such as the delivery box 11 or the mobile terminal device 12) may be realized by a processor. For example, each process in the embodiment may be realized by a processor operating based on information such as a program and a computer-readable recording medium storing information such as a program. Here, the processor may be configured such that the functions of each part are realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each part are realized by integrated hardware. For example, the processor includes hardware, and the hardware may include at least one of a circuit for processing digital signals and a circuit for processing analog signals. For example, the processor may be configured using one or more circuit devices mounted on a circuit board or one or both of one or more circuit elements. As the circuit device, an IC (Integrated Circuit) or the like may be used, and as the circuit element, a resistor or a capacitor or the like may be used.

[0138] Here, the processor may be, for example, a CPU. However, the processor is not limited to the CPU, and various processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) may be used. Further, the processor may be, for example, a hardware circuit by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Further, the processor may be composed of, for example, a plurality of CPUs, or may be composed of a hardware circuit by a plurality of ASICs. Further, the processor may be composed of, for example, a combination of a plurality of CPUs and a hardware circuit by a plurality of ASICs. Further, the processor may include, for example, one or more of an amplifier circuit or a filter circuit that processes analog signals.

[0139] As described above, the embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of this disclosure are also included.

Explanation of Signs

[0140] 1…Delivery box system, 11…Delivery box, 12, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621…Portable terminal device, 31…Outer door, 32…Open / close contact, 41…Power supply unit, 42…Electric lock, 43…Numeric keypad, 44…BLE unit, 45…Control device, 111…Operation unit, 112…Display unit, 113…Communication unit, 114…Storage unit, 115…Control unit, 211, 311, 611…User, 231, 331…Two-dimensional code, 241, 261, 341, 351, 371…Screen, 251, 361…Password, 411, 441~443, 511…Worker, 431, 531, 631…Parcel, 451…Password for continuous posting, 2011, 2021, 2031, 2041…Table

Claims

1. An openable and closable door provided in a storage space for storing an object, an electric lock for restricting opening and closing of the door, a control device, comprising: The control device receives first information including common part information for enabling continuous unlocking of the electric lock without connecting to an external network including at least the Internet, stores the received first information, after receiving the first information, when second information is received, based on a predetermined rule and the first information, when it is determined that the second information includes the same information as the common part information and has the authority for continuous unlocking of the electric lock, the electric lock is unlocked, The control device when the first information or the second information is third information and after unlocking, when the second information is fourth information, continuous unlocking of the electric lock is made impossible, while when the first information or the second information is the fourth information and after unlocking, when the second information is the third information, continuous unlocking of the electric lock is permitted, a storage box.

2. comprising a wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with a portable terminal device, the wireless communication unit receives the first information and the second information wirelessly transmitted from the portable terminal device, the control device receives the first information and the second information received by the wireless communication unit, The storage box according to claim 1.

3. comprising an operation unit for receiving an operation of inputting the first information and the second information, the control device receives the first information and the second information input by the operation received by the operation unit, The storage box according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The second information is a combination of the same information as the first information, or the same information as the common part information included in the first information and information different from other parts of the information included in the first information, The storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A storage box system comprising a storage box and a portable terminal device, wherein the storage box has an openable and closable door provided in a storage space for storing an object, an electric lock for restricting opening and closing of the door, a wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the portable terminal device, a control device, comprising: The control device Receiving, by the wireless communication unit, first information including common part information for enabling continuous unlocking of the electric lock without connecting to an external network including at least the Internet, the first information being wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal device, Storing the received first information, When receiving the second information by receiving, by the wireless communication unit, the second information wirelessly transmitted from the mobile terminal device after receiving the first information, and determining that the second information includes the same information as the common part information and has the authority for continuous unlocking of the electric lock based on a predetermined rule and the first information, unlocking the electric lock, The control device, When the first information or the second information is third information and after unlocking, if the second information is fourth information, making continuous unlocking of the electric lock impossible, while when the first information or the second information is the fourth information and after unlocking, if the second information is the third information, permitting continuous unlocking of the electric lock, Storage box system.

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