Item storage device and item storage system

Abstract

To provide an article storage apparatus and an article storage system which can use a post-office box service without connecting to a network.SOLUTION: A locker device 1 includes an operation display unit 21 which displays a delivery code DC based on an input operation of a predetermined post-office box number and receives, as input, a random code included in the delivery code DC. The locker device 1 includes a control unit 28 which is configured to allocate, when the post-office box number has been registered and the input random code is authentic, a vacant locker box 32 out of a plurality of locker boxes 32, as a locker box 32 corresponding to the post-office box number, and unlock the locker box 32. The control unit 28 registers the allocated locker box 32 in association with the post-office box number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an item storage device and an item storage system for storing items such as deliveries. [Background technology]

[0002] The conventionally known post office box service allows users to receive mail in designated mailboxes installed within post offices by applying in advance. With this post office box service, users can collect their mail at the post office and take it home themselves, without having it delivered to their home or office.

[0003] Furthermore, in order to eliminate the inconvenience of users having to go to a post office or the like to apply for a post office box, a post office box system has been proposed that allows users to reserve a box over a network.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a P.O. Box system in which a P.O. Box cluster having a plurality of P.O. Boxes, a reservation device, and a terminal device are connected via a network, and a user has a hardware key unit that can be connected to the P.O. Box cluster and the terminal device. It also describes that an electronic key issued by the reservation device at the time of reservation is stored in the hardware key unit and used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-342421 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The invention described in Patent Document 1 is installed in a post office, but a service in which a post office box is installed outside the post office, for example, and is available for use at any time, is also conceivable. In such a service, it would be convenient for the recipient to be notified at the time of delivery (when the package is placed in the post office box) that the package has been stored in the post office box.

[0007] However, connecting a post office box or the like to a network for notifications or the like requires communication costs, and communication devices or the like are required, which poses the problem that the devices themselves that make up the post office box are expensive.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an item storage device and an item storage system that enable the use of a post office box service without the need for connection to a network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The invention made to solve the above problem is an item storage device having a plurality of storage units in which deliveries are stored, the item storage device comprising: a registration unit in which post office box numbers are registered; a display unit that displays information regarding receipt of the delivery in a form readable by an external device based on an input operation of a specific post office box number; an acquisition unit that acquires confirmation information included in the information regarding receipt from an external device; and a control unit that, if the acquired confirmation information is genuine, assigns one of the plurality of storage units that is available as the storage unit corresponding to the post office box number and unlocks the one storage unit, wherein the registration unit registers the identification information of the one storage unit in association with the post office box number. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] As described above, the present invention displays information regarding the receipt of a delivery, obtains confirmation information included in the information from an external source, and, if the information is authentic, allocates and unlocks an available storage unit to store the delivery. Therefore, a network connection is not required when transmitting the information regarding the receipt. Furthermore, by obtaining the confirmation information, it is possible to confirm that the information regarding the receipt has been correctly obtained. After verifying that the confirmation information is authentic, a storage unit for storing the delivery can be allocated, thereby ensuring reliable storage of the delivery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an item storage system having an item storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the item storage device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a functional configuration diagram of a delivery person terminal and a user terminal shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart showing a delivery operation in the item storage system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram showing screen transitions on the operation display unit 21 during the delivery operation shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart of a receiving operation in the item storage system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing screen transitions on the operation display unit during the receiving operation shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an article storage system having an article storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The item storage system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a locker device 1 as an item storage device, a delivery person terminal 40, and a user terminal 50. As will be described later, the locker device 1 and the delivery person terminal 40 exchange information primarily using one-dimensional codes or two-dimensional codes, such as one-dimensional barcodes or two-dimensional barcodes, such as QR Code (registered trademark). In the following description, QR Code (registered trademark) will be used, but in some cases will be simply referred to as code. Security can also be maintained by encrypting the QR Code (registered trademark) code and decrypting it on the terminal after it is read by the terminal.

[0014] That is, the locker device 1, including the delivery person terminal 40 and the user terminal 50, is not connected to other server devices or the like via a communication line.

[0015] The locker device 1 is installed as a private mailbox, for example, outside a post office. As shown in Fig. 2, the locker device 1 includes a central control device 2 and a locker unit 3. The central control device 2 includes an operation display unit 21, a code reader 22, a speaker 27, and a control unit 28.

[0016] The operation display unit 21 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) that displays information to the user and a touch panel. In this embodiment, an operation menu to be operated when using the locker device 1 is displayed.

[0017] As described above, the code reader 22 reads a code such as a QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 50. The speaker 27 outputs, for example, a voice guidance message.

[0018] The control unit 28 is communicatively connected to each component of the operation display unit 21, the code reader 22, and the speaker 27, and is a unit that includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the entire locker device 1, and a storage device such as a memory.

[0019] The control unit 28 also has registered therein the post office code of the post office that has jurisdiction over the locker device 1 and the post office box numbers that can be received at the locker device 1. The post office code is not a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code as described above, but an identification code assigned to each post office, and in this embodiment is a multi-digit numeric string. In this embodiment, the number of post office box numbers registered in the control unit 28 is greater than the number of locker boxes 32 that the locker device 1 has. The control unit 28 also manages the availability of the locker boxes 32 in the locker device 1, and manages the linkage (association) of the registered post office box numbers with delivery codes and assigned locker boxes 32, which will be described later.

[0020] The locker section 3 is equipped with a plurality of locker boxes 32. That is, the locker boxes 32 function as storage sections. The locker section 3 is also equipped with a buzzer 31. The buzzer 31 emits a warning sound or the like based on instructions from the control section 28 when a predetermined operation is performed on a locker box 32 belonging to that locker section 3 in a predetermined state. Note that the buzzer 31 does not have to be provided for each locker section 3, but may be provided for each locker box 32.

[0021] As is well known, the locker box 32 has a door that can be opened and closed. The door is provided with a handle and the like. The locker box 32 also has a lock unit 33, as shown in Figure 2. The lock unit 33 is a mechanism for locking and unlocking the door, and includes an electric lock 34, a door open / close switch 35, and a lamp 37.

[0022] The electric lock 34 is a mechanism that restricts the opening and closing of the door, and locks or unlocks the door based on the state of the door opening / closing switch 35 or in response to instructions from the central control device 2 (control unit 28). The locker box 32 can be locked and unlocked by the electric lock 34. In other words, the electric lock 34 functions as a locking unit that locks and unlocks the locker box 32.

[0023] The door opening / closing switch 35 is a switch (SW) that determines whether the door is open or closed, and can be configured, for example, by a microswitch provided in the electric lock 34. When the door opening / closing switch 35 is turned ON / OFF, information indicating that it has been turned ON / OFF is output to the control unit 28.

[0024] The lamp 37 is an indicator that shows the locking state of the locker box 32. As will be described later, the lamp 37 operates in either an off or on state depending on whether the locker box 32 is in an unlocked state or a locked state.

[0025] The deliveryman terminal 40 as the first terminal device is a terminal carried by a deliveryman 4 who delivers mail or the like, and is used to use the post office box service provided by the item storage system 100. The deliveryman terminal 40 has a function (camera function, scanning function, etc.) to read the code displayed on the operation display unit 21 of the locker device 1. The deliveryman terminal 40 is configured as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this embodiment, the deliveryman terminal 40 will be described as a smartphone.

[0026] The user terminal 50 as the second terminal device is carried by the user 5 who receives the delivery, and is a terminal for using the post office box service provided by the item storage system 100. The user terminal 50 has a function of displaying a code so that the code reader 22 of the locker device 1 can read the code. The user terminal 50 is configured as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this embodiment, the user terminal 50 will be described as a smartphone.

[0027] FIG. 3(a) shows a schematic configuration diagram of the delivery person terminal 40. The delivery person terminal 40 includes a camera 41, a display unit 42, a memory unit 43, and a communication unit 44. The camera 41 is capable of capturing moving and still images, and in this embodiment, it is used to read codes displayed on the operation display unit 21 as described above. The display unit 42 displays icons of various applications and screens of launched applications. The memory unit 43 stores data such as an OS (Operating System) that controls the delivery person terminal 40 and applications. The communication unit 44 is connected via wireless communication to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), public lines, etc., and performs calls, data communications, etc.

[0028] An application 43a that enables delivery personnel to use the post office box service is installed on the delivery personnel terminal 40. The camera 41, display unit 42, storage unit 43, and communication unit 44 are controlled by a CPU (not shown) that reads and executes the OS and application.

[0029] Fig. 3(b) shows a schematic configuration diagram of the user terminal 50. The user terminal 50 comprises a display unit 52, a storage unit 53, and a communication unit 54. The display unit 52 displays icons of various applications and screens of launched applications. The storage unit 53 stores data such as the OS and applications that control the user terminal 50. The communication unit 54 is connected to a wireless LAN, public line, etc. via wireless communication to perform calls, data communications, etc.

[0030] In this embodiment, an application 53a that enables the user to use the post office box service is installed on the user terminal 50. Note that, since the user terminal 50 only needs to be able to display a delivery code as described below, installation of the application 53a is not essential as long as the user terminal 50 has a function for displaying codes such as QR Code (registered trademark). The display unit 52, storage unit 53, and communication unit 54 are controlled by a CPU (not shown) that reads and executes the OS and application.

[0031] Next, the operation of the item storage system 100 configured as described above when using the post office box service will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. The post office box service in this embodiment is not limited to postcards, envelopes, parcels, etc. delivered as mail, but may also include direct mail handled by delivery companies.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of operations during delivery (warehouse entry), and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing screen transitions on the operation display unit 21 during delivery. First, in FIG. 4, a TOP screen is displayed on the operation display unit 21 (step S101). The TOP screen is, for example, a screen such as that shown in T101 in FIG. 5. The delivery person 4 operates the "Delivery" button displayed on the TOP screen (step S102).

[0033] When the "Delivery" button is operated, a screen for inputting the station code is displayed (step S103). The station code input screen is, for example, a screen as shown in T102 of FIG. 5. When the delivery person 4 inputs the station code, a screen for inputting the post office box number is displayed (step S104). The post office box number input screen is, for example, a screen as shown in T103 of FIG. 5.

[0034] Next, when the delivery person 4 inputs the post office box number, the control unit 28 determines whether the post office code and post office box number are registered (step S105). The post office code of the post office that has jurisdiction over the locker device 1 and the post office box number where parcels can be received are stored (registered) in a memory or the like within the control unit 28, so the registered post office code and post office box number are compared with the input post office code and post office box number. In other words, the control unit 28 functions as a registration unit. If the result of the determination in step S105 is that either the post office code or the post office box number is not registered (step S105; No), a message indicating that no registration has been made is displayed on the operation display unit 21 (step S106).

[0035] On the other hand, if both the office code and the P.O. Box number are registered (Step S105; Yes), the control unit 28 determines whether there is a locker box 32 linked to the P.O. Box number (Step S107). If there is no locker box 32 linked to the P.O. Box number (Step S107; No), the control unit 28 determines whether there is an empty locker box 32 (empty box) (Step S108). If there is no empty locker box 32 (Step S108; No), the control unit 28 displays a message indicating no empty locker box on the operation display unit 21 (Step S109).

[0036] When a locker box 32 is in use, the control unit 28 manages the number of the locker box 32 by linking it to the post office box number. In step S107, if the post office box number entered in step S104 is linked to a locker box 32, it is determined that there is a locker box 32 in use (where receipt has not been completed) for the entered post office box number, and the current delivery is stored in that locker box 32.

[0037] If there is a locker box 32 linked to the post office box number in step S107 (step S107; yes) or if there is an empty box in step S108 (step S108; yes), the operation display unit 21 displays a delivery code and a random code input field (step S110). These are displayed, for example, as the screen shown in T104 in FIG. 5. In T104, the QR code (registered trademark) indicated by the symbol DC is the delivery code, and the numeric keypad indicated by the symbol TK is the random code input field. In other words, the delivery code DC is displayed in a manner that can be read by an external device.

[0038] The delivery code is a code used by the delivery person to enter a random code and by the recipient (user) to use when receiving the package, and includes a post office code, a post office box number, and a random code. In other words, the delivery code is information related to receiving the package that is displayed on the operation display unit 21 based on the input operation of the post office box number.

[0039] The random code is used to confirm that the delivery code DC has been read by the delivery person terminal 40, as will be described later. In other words, the random code serves as confirmation information for confirming that the delivery code DC has been read. This random code is generated during the delivery operation (after the post office box number is entered) and remains valid until the user 5 completes receipt. In this embodiment, the random code is a randomly generated multi-digit numeric string, but it does not have to be generated randomly and may include letters such as the alphabet.

[0040] If step S108 judges "Yes" and step S110 is executed, the random code may be the same as the previous random code. This is because, as will be described later, a random code is also used when receiving the item, and if the random code changes before receiving the item, it may lead to operational errors.

[0041] Next, the control unit 28 collates the random code input by the delivery person 4 and determines whether it is OK (step S111). The delivery person 4 uses the numeric keypad TK shown in T104 to input the random code obtained by reading the delivery code DC with the delivery person terminal 40. The control unit 28 collates the input random code with the random code generated when displaying in step S110. If the result of the collation is NG, the control unit 28 displays a message indicating that the collation is NG on the operation display unit 21 (step S112). In other words, the operation display unit 21 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the random code (confirmation information) from outside.

[0042] On the other hand, if the collation result is OK (if the random code is authentic), a selection screen is displayed on the operation display unit 21 to select whether to store the item in the locker box 32 (BOX storage) or hand it over at the counter (step S113). The selection screen displayed is, for example, the screen shown in T106 of FIG. 5. In other words, the operation display unit 21 functions as a selection unit that allows the user to select whether to store the item in one storage unit or hand it over at the counter. In this embodiment, the user can select whether to store the item in the locker box 32 or hand it over at the counter. This is because items that require confirmation of receipt, such as registered mail, are not suitable for receipt by the locker box 32, so if such an item is present, hand it over at the counter is selected.

[0043] If BOX storage is selected in step S113, the control unit 28 assigns an empty BOX and unlocks that BOX. Alternatively, if it is determined in step S108 that a linked BOX exists, the control unit 28 unlocks the linked locker box 32 (step S114). If the random code verification is successful, it can be confirmed that the delivery person 4 is a legitimate delivery person who possesses a delivery person terminal 40 on which an app 43a that can decode the delivery code DC and extract the random code is installed. Therefore, it is not necessary to register company information, etc., in the locker device 1 to confirm that the delivery person is a legitimate delivery person.

[0044] Next, the delivery person 4 places the delivery in the unlocked locker box 32 (step S115). An example screen of the operation display unit 21 when placing the delivery is shown in T107 of FIG. 5. Then, when the door of the locker box 32 is closed, the control unit 28 locks the locker box 32 (step S116). In this embodiment, input of a random code or the like is required to unlock the locker box, but locking is performed automatically when the door is closed, and key information such as a passcode is not required. An example screen of the operation display unit 21 when locking is shown in T108 of FIG. 5.

[0045] Next, on the screen of T108, the user is prompted to select either "Storage Complete" or "Open Again" (Step S117). If "Open Again" is selected, the process returns to Step S114 and the locker box is unlocked. Note that the selection of "Open Again" may be valid only for a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds. On the other hand, if "Storage Complete" is selected, the control unit 28 stores (saves) the identification information, such as the number of the locker box 32, by linking it to the post office box number and random code (Step S118). Then, the delivery is completed (Step S119).

[0046] If counter delivery is selected in step S113, the operation display unit 21 displays a message saying "Please keep it at the counter" (step S120), and the control unit 28 stores (saves) information indicating that the item is to be delivered at the counter, linking it with the post office box number and the random code (step S121). That is, if counter delivery is selected in the selection unit, the control unit 28 associates and registers information indicating counter delivery with the corresponding post office box number.

[0047] In this embodiment, as described above, the number of post office box numbers registered in the locker device 1 does not have to match the number of locker boxes 32 in order to determine whether or not there are any empty boxes. Even if they are registered as post office boxes, it is rare that deliveries are delivered to all of them every time, and some post office boxes will not be used. Therefore, by managing more post office box numbers than the number of locker boxes 32, the locker device 1 can be used efficiently. Also, as described above, because empty boxes are assigned each time, post office box numbers do not correspond to the locations of the locker boxes 32, making it difficult to identify post office box numbers from outside, thereby improving security.

[0048] On the delivery person terminal 40, the app 43a is launched and the camera 41 reads the delivery code AC (step S201). That is, the camera 41 functions as a second acquisition unit that acquires the delivery code DC. This app 43a may be a dedicated app or an app service that runs on an existing app.

[0049] Next, the application 43a launched in step S201 displays the random code included in the read delivery code DC on the display unit 42 of the delivery person terminal 40 (step S202). This display is, for example, the screen shown in T105 of FIG. 5. In T105, the code RC is the random code. In T105, the delivery code DC is also displayed, but it is also possible to display only the random code RC. In other words, the display unit 42 functions as a second display unit that displays the random code RC included in the delivery code DC.

[0050] Next, the user performs a warehousing completion operation on the application 43a (step S203). Then, the delivery code DC is linked (associated) with the post office box number and registered in the application 43a (step S204). The application 43a can access information on users of the post office box service, and obtains information on the recipient user (recipient information) from the post office code and post office box number included in the delivery code DC, and links the recipient information with the delivery code.

[0051] Next, the recipient performs a notification operation on the app 43a (step S205). Then, the delivery code DC is notified to the recipient (step S206). The above-mentioned recipient information includes contact information such as the email address of the user 5, and the app 43a notifies the recipient by sending the delivery code DC to the contact information. In other words, the app 43a causes the communication unit 44 to send the delivery code DC to the user terminal 50 via the network N. Here, the delivery code DC notified to the recipient does not have to be the same as the delivery code DC obtained from the locker device 1. It can be a code of a different type as long as it includes at least the post office box number and the random code RC.

[0052] Furthermore, communication is not limited to email and may be via SNS (Social Networking Service), etc. In the user terminal 50, the delivery code DC is received by the communication unit 54. That is, the communication unit 44 functions as a sending unit that sends the delivery code DC to the user 5 of the corresponding post office box number, and the communication unit 54 functions as a receiving unit that receives the delivery code DC.

[0053] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the receiving operation, and Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the screen transitions on the operation display unit 21 during the receiving operation. First, in Fig. 6, the TOP screen is displayed on the operation display unit 21 (step S301). The TOP screen is the same as T101 in Fig. 5, as shown in T201 in Fig. 7. The user (recipient) 5 operates the "Receive" button displayed on the TOP screen (step S302).

[0054] When the "Receive" button is operated, the code reader 22 reads the delivery code DC (step S303). At this time, the control unit 28 causes the operation display unit 21 to display, for example, the screen shown in T202 of FIG. 7. When T202 is displayed, the user 5 causes the display unit 52 of the user terminal 50 to display the delivery code DC and holds it over the code reader 22 (step S401). In other words, the code reader 22 functions as a reading unit that reads the delivery code based on the receive operation, and the display unit 52 functions as a third display unit that displays the delivery code DC.

[0055] The control unit 28 extracts the post office box number and the random code RC from the delivery code DC read by the code reader 22. Then, the control unit 28 compares the extracted combination of the post office box number and the random code RC with the combinations linked and stored in the control unit 28 (step S304). If the comparison results in a mismatch, the control unit 28 displays a message indicating that the comparison is unsuccessful on the operation display unit 21 (step S305).

[0056] On the other hand, if the result of the comparison is a match, the control unit 28 determines whether the item is to be handed over at the counter (step S306). Whether the item is to be handed over at the counter or not is determined by referring to the information linked and stored in steps S118 and S121 of FIG.

[0057] If the delivery is not to be made at a counter (step S306; NO), the locker box 32 linked in step S118 is unlocked (step S307). Then, the user 5 receives the delivery. In other words, the delivery is taken out (step S308). An example screen of the operation display unit 21 at the time of taking out is shown in T204 of FIG. 7. Then, when the door of the locker box 32 is closed, the control unit 28 locks the locker box 32 (step S309). An example screen of the operation display unit 21 at the time of locking is shown in T205 of FIG. 7. That is, the control unit 28 unlocks the corresponding locker box 32 based on the random code RC included in the delivery code DC read by the code reader 22.

[0058] Next, on the screen of T205, either "End" or "Open Again" is selected (step S310). If "Open Again" is selected, the process returns to step S307 and the locker box is unlocked. Note that the selection of "Open Again" may be valid only for a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds. On the other hand, if "End" is selected, the control unit 28 releases the link between the post office box number of the locker box 32 and the random code RC (step S311). Then, the receipt is completed (step S312).

[0059] If the item is to be handed over at the counter in step S306 (step S306; YES), the operation display unit 21 displays the message "Please come to the counter" (step S313), and the control unit 28 releases the link between the post office box number in the information indicating that the item is to be handed over at the counter and the random code RC (step S314).

[0060] According to this embodiment, the locker device 1, which is equipped with a plurality of locker boxes 32 and in which deliveries are stored, displays a delivery code DC based on the input operation of a predetermined post-office box number, and is equipped with an operation display unit 21 into which a random code RC included in the delivery code DC is input. The locker device 1 is equipped with a control unit 28 that registers a post-office box number and, if the input random code RC is authentic, assigns an empty locker box 32 from among the plurality of locker boxes 32 as the locker box 32 corresponding to the post-office box number and unlocks the locker box 32. The control unit 28 then registers the assigned locker box 32 in association with the post-office box number.

[0061] By doing this, the delivery code DC is displayed, the random code RC included in the delivery code DC is obtained from an external source, and if it is found to be authentic, an available locker box 32 is assigned and unlocked to store the delivery. This eliminates the need for a network connection when transmitting the delivery code DC. By obtaining the random code RC, it is possible to confirm that the delivery code DC has been correctly acquired. After confirming that the random code RC is authentic, a locker box 32 for storing the delivery can be assigned, ensuring reliable storage of the delivery.

[0062] Furthermore, the delivery code DC is configured as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode. By doing so, the delivery code DC can be compactly organized while including information such as a post office box number and a random code RC, making it easy for the delivery person 4 and the user 5 to use.

[0063] Furthermore, the random code RC is information that is valid from the time it is generated until the time the corresponding delivery is received, so that it can be prevented from being misused after receipt.

[0064] Furthermore, if the control unit 28 determines that the random code RC is authentic, the operation display unit 21 displays a screen that allows the recipient to select whether to store the delivery in the locker box 32 or to hand it over to the counter. If handing over to the counter is selected on the operation display unit 21, the control unit 28 associates and registers information indicating handing over to the counter with the corresponding post office box number. In this way, the recipient can be notified, through normal receiving operations, that there is a delivery that requires confirmation of receipt, such as registered mail.

[0065] The system also includes a code reader 22 that reads the delivery code DC based on the receiving operation, and the control unit 28 unlocks the corresponding locker box 32 based on the random code RC included in the delivery code DC read by the code reader 22. This allows the random code to double as an unlocking key when receiving the item, eliminating the need to generate a separate unlocking key.

[0066] Furthermore, the delivery person terminal 40 is equipped with a camera 41 that acquires the delivery code DC, a display unit 42 that displays the random code RC included in the delivery code DC, and a communication unit 44 that transmits the delivery code DC to the user of the corresponding post office box number. In this manner, the delivery code DC can be acquired from the locker device 1 without communication, and it is also possible to confirm that the random code RC was successfully acquired by entering it into the locker device 1. Furthermore, by transmitting the delivery code DC from the delivery person terminal 40, the locker device 1 does not need to be connected to a network.

[0067] The user terminal 50 also includes a communication unit 54 that receives the delivery code DC and a display unit 52 that displays the delivery code DC. The locker device 1 also includes a code reader 22 that reads the delivery code DC, and the random code RC and the corresponding locker box 32 are registered in the control unit 28 in association with each other. The control unit 28 then unlocks the corresponding locker box 32 based on the random code RC included in the delivery code DC read by the code reader 22. This allows the user terminal 50 to receive a delivery simply by holding the delivery code DC transmitted from the delivery person terminal 40 over the code reader 22. The random code RC can also be used as an unlocking key, eliminating the need to generate a separate unlocking key.

[0068] Furthermore, by using general-purpose terminal devices such as smartphones for both the delivery person terminal 40 and the user terminal 50, the post office box service can be easily used by installing an app, etc. Furthermore, by using the delivery person terminal 40 and the user terminal 50 as communication devices for the post office box service, it is possible to reduce communication costs.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, a person skilled in the art can implement various modifications in accordance with conventional knowledge without departing from the gist of the present invention. As long as such modifications still include the configuration of the item storage device and item storage system of the present invention, they are of course included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Locker device (item storage device) 21 Operation control unit (acquisition unit, selection unit, first display unit, first acquisition unit) 22 Code reader (reading unit) 28 Control unit (registration unit) 32 Locker box (storage area) 40 Delivery person terminal (first terminal device) 41 Camera (Second Acquisition Unit) 42 Display section (second display section) 43a App 44 Communication unit (transmitter) 50 User terminal (second terminal device) 52 Display section (3rd display section) 54 Communication unit (receiving unit) 100 Locker system (item storage system) DC Delivery Code (Receipt Information) RC random code (confirmation information)

Claims

1. An article storage device comprising a plurality of storage units, in which deliveries are stored in the storage units, a register in which the post office box number is registered; a display unit that displays information about the receipt of the delivery in a format that can be read by an external device based on an input operation of the predetermined post office box number; an acquisition unit that acquires confirmation information included in the information about the receipt from an external source; a control unit that, if the acquired confirmation information is authentic, assigns one vacant storage unit among the plurality of storage units as the storage unit corresponding to the P.O. Box number and unlocks the one storage unit; the registration unit registers the identification information of the one storage unit in association with the post office box number; An article storage device characterized by:

2. 2. The article storage device according to claim 1, wherein the information regarding receipt is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode.

3. 3. The article storage device according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation information is valid from the time the private mailbox number is input until the corresponding delivery item is received.

4. a selection unit that causes the first storage unit to select whether to store the delivery in storage or to hand it over to a counter when the control unit determines that the confirmation information is authentic; When the selection unit selects "delivery over the counter," the registration unit associates and registers information indicating "delivery over the counter" with the corresponding post office box number.

4. The article storage device according to claim 1, wherein the article storage device is a storage device for storing articles.

5. a reading unit that reads information about the receipt based on a receipt operation; The control unit unlocks the corresponding storage unit based on the confirmation information included in the information regarding the receipt read by the reading unit.

5. The article storage device according to claim 1, wherein the article storage device is a storage device for storing articles.

6. 6. The article storage device according to claim 1, wherein the number of registered post office box numbers in the registration unit is greater than the number of storage units.

7. An item storage system including an item storage device having a plurality of storage units, in which deliveries are stored, and a first terminal device capable of acquiring information output by the item storage device, The item storage device is a register in which the post office box number is registered; a first display unit that displays information about receipt of the delivery in a format that can be read by an external device based on an input operation of the predetermined post office box number; a first acquisition unit that acquires confirmation information included in the information about the receipt from an external source; a control unit that, if the acquired confirmation information is authentic, assigns one vacant storage unit among the plurality of storage units as the storage unit corresponding to the P.O. Box number and unlocks the one storage unit; The first terminal device a second acquisition unit that acquires information related to the receipt; a second display unit that displays confirmation information included in the information about the receipt; a sending unit that sends the information about the receipt to a user of the corresponding post office box number; An article storage system comprising:

8. a second terminal device carried by the user who receives the delivery from the item storage device; The second terminal device a receiving unit that receives information related to the receipt; a third display unit that displays information about the receipt, The item storage device is a reading unit that reads information about the receipt based on a receipt operation, The registration unit registers the confirmation information and the corresponding identification information of the storage unit in association with each other, The control unit unlocks the corresponding storage unit based on the confirmation information included in the information regarding the receipt read by the reading unit. The article storage system according to claim 7 .

Images