Locker device and locker system

Abstract

To provide a locker device and a locker system which can be repeatedly used until an expiration date in a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A locker device 1 which comprises a plurality of rocker boxes 32, and in which baggage is housed in the rocker box 32 comprises: a control unit 28 which manages a current date; a code reader 22 which acquires a BOX use code with respect to one rocker box 32; and an unlocking control unit which compares a today's date managed by the control unit 28, with an expiration date included in the BOX use code acquired by the code reader 22, and can unlock the one rocker box 32, when the expiration date is a future date than today. Then, the BOX use code is based on a use application code generated by the control unit 28.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a locker device and a locker system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, locker devices such as coin lockers installed at stations and other locations generally charged a flat rate per day, and the right to use the locker box ended with a single deposit and retrieval.

[0003] Additionally, lockers that allow multiple deposits and retrievals have been proposed for use in swimming pools, sports gyms, golf courses, and other locations.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes that the locker manages the date separately from the management server, and the key lock / unlock discrimination means compares the current date, which is managed independently by the date management means, with the date received by the date data receiving means, and also compares the key number assigned to the locker with the key number received by the key number receiving means, and if the date and key number do not match, the locker is prohibited from being locked or unlocked. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-322840 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The invention described in Patent Document 1 compares the current date, which is managed independently by a date management means, with the date received by a date data receiving means, and if they do not match, the locker is prohibited from being locked or unlocked. In other words, as long as the dates match, the locker can be locked or unlocked.

[0007] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the date received by the date data receiving means is received from a computer installed at the front desk or the like via a reader / writer and wristband key. Therefore, to implement the invention described in Patent Document 1, a computer, reader / writer, and wristband key are required in addition to the locker. Therefore, while this is fine for lockers used in facilities such as those described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to apply it to locker devices installed in stations or the like, as there are issues such as securing a place to install the computer and managing the wristband key.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a locker device and a locker system that have a simple configuration and can be used any number of times up until the expiration date. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The invention made to solve the above problem is a locker device having a plurality of locker boxes, in which objects are stored, the locker device comprising: a date management unit that manages the current date; a first acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the expiration date of a locker box; No. 1 and a control unit that compares the expiration date included in the information regarding the expiration date acquired by the acquisition unit with the expiration date, and enables the one locker box to be unlocked if the expiration date is a date in the future than today, and the information regarding the expiration date is based on information generated by the acquisition unit. and a first display unit that displays application information as self-generated information when the application is received, the application information including at least confirmation information for confirming that the application information is read by an external device and information on the period of use, the application information also receiving the confirmation information, and the locker box can be used after receiving the input of the confirmation information. The present invention relates to a rocker device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] As described above, the present invention compares the current date managed by the date management unit with the expiration date included in the expiration date information acquired by the acquisition unit, and unlocks one locker box if the expiration date is a date in the future. The expiration date information is based on information generated by the device itself. This makes it possible to control the unlocking of the locker box using expiration date information based on information generated by the device itself. Therefore, a locker device with a simple configuration can be achieved that can be used any number of times up to the expiration date, without the need for other components such as a computer or wristband key. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a locker system having a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the locker device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the user terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of operations during a start-up procedure in the locker system shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing screen transitions on the operation display unit 21 during the start-of-use procedure shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart of a box unlocking operation in the locker system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing screen transitions on the operation display unit when unlocking the box and when extending the usage period. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of the usage period extension procedure operation in the locker system shown in FIG. 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 a locker system having a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The locker system 100 shown in Figure 1 includes a locker device 1 and a user terminal 40. As will be described later, the locker device 1 and the user 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 explanation, QR Code (registered trademark) will be used, but in some cases it will be simply referred to as code. Security can also be maintained by encrypting codes such as QR Code (registered trademark) and decrypting them on the terminal after they are read by the terminal.

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

[0015] The locker device 1 is installed, for example, in a station, an airport, a bus terminal, a commercial facility, a tourist facility, etc. 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 40. The speaker 27 outputs, for example, a voice guidance message.

[0018] The control unit 28 is communicably connected to each of the components of the operation display unit 21, the code reader 22, and the speaker 27, and is a unit including a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the entire locker device 1, and a storage device such as a memory. The control unit 28 also has a timekeeping function and a calendar function to manage the current date. In other words, the control unit 28 functions as a date management unit.

[0019] The locker section 3 is equipped with a plurality of locker boxes 32. The locker section 3 is also provided 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 rocker 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 rocker box 32.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The user terminal 40 is a terminal carried by the user 4 and used to use the subscription service (described later) provided by the locker system 100. The user 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 user terminal 40 is configured as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this embodiment, the user terminal 40 will be described as a smartphone.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the user terminal 40. The user terminal 40 includes a camera 41, a display unit 42, and a storage unit 43. The camera 41 is a camera 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 storage unit 43 stores data such as an OS (Operating System) that controls the user terminal 40 and applications. In this embodiment, an application 43a for using the subscription service is installed. The camera 41, the display unit 42, and the storage unit 43 are controlled by a CPU (not shown) that reads and executes the OS and applications.

[0026] Next, the operation of the locker system 100 configured as described above when using a subscription service will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8. A subscription service is a service that allows a specific locker box 32 to be used any number of times for a fixed fee within a predetermined period of time.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operations during the start-of-use procedure, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the screen transitions on the operation display unit 21 during the start-of-use procedure. 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 user 4 operates the "Start use" button displayed on the TOP screen (step S102). In other words, the operation display unit 21 functions as a reception unit that receives an application to use one locker box 32.

[0028] When the "Start Use" button is operated, a usage period selection screen is displayed (step S103). The usage period selection screen is, for example, a screen as shown in T102 of FIG. 5. When the user 4 selects the desired usage period, a box size selection screen is displayed (step S104). The locker box 32 size (box size) selection screen is, for example, a screen as shown in T103 of FIG. 5.

[0029] Next, the control unit 28 determines whether there is any available locker box 32 of the size selected by the user 4 in step S104 (step S105). If there is no available locker box (step S105; NO), the control unit 28 causes the operation display unit 21 to display a message indicating that there is no available locker box (step S106). The message indicating that there is no available locker box is, for example, a screen such as that shown in T104 of FIG. 5. On the other hand, if there is available locker box (step S105; YES), the control unit 28 causes the operation display unit 21 to display the usage period, box size, and usage fee (step S107). These are displayed, for example, as the screen shown in T105 of FIG. 5. T105 is an example in which "2 weeks" is selected as the usage period and "M" is selected as the box size.

[0030] Next, the control unit 28 determines whether the user has operated the "Confirm" button in the display of T105, that is, whether the displayed content has been accepted (step S108). If the user has not accepted (step S108; NO), the control unit 28 displays an operation cancellation message on the operation display unit 21 (step S109), and returns to the TOP screen.

[0031] On the other hand, if the application is accepted (step S108; YES), the control unit 28 causes the operation and display unit 21 to display the usage application code and also displays a random code input field (step S110). These displays are, for example, the screen shown at T106 in FIG. 5. In T106, the QR code (registered trademark) indicated by the symbol AC is the usage application code, and the numeric keypad indicated by the symbol TK is the random code input field. In other words, when the application for usage is accepted, the operation and display unit 21 functions as a first display unit that displays the usage application code (usage application information) as information generated by itself.

[0032] The usage application code AC contains the following information: locker ID, which is identification information for the locker device 1; the usage period selected in step S103; the box size selected in step S104; the box number, which is the number of the locker box 32 assigned as a result of the selection in step S104; a usage fee determined according to the usage period and box size; and a random code. Note that this usage application code AC cannot be used to unlock the assigned locker box 32. This is because the locker box 32 can be used only after the usage fee, which will be described later, has been paid.

[0033] The random code is used to confirm that the usage application code has been read by the user terminal 40, as will be described later. In other words, the random code is confirmation information that confirms that the usage application code AC has been read. This random code is generated during the usage start procedure operation, and is valid only for one usage start procedure (application for usage). 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.

[0034] Next, the control unit 28 collates the random code input by the user 4 and determines whether it is OK (step S111). The user 4 uses the numeric keypad TK shown in T106 to input the random code obtained by reading the usage application code AC with the user 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 on the operation display unit 21 instructing the user to read the usage application code AC again (step S112). Furthermore, after the message instructing the user to read the usage application code AC again is displayed, if a predetermined time has elapsed, the display times out and returns to the TOP screen (step S113).

[0035] On the other hand, if the result of the comparison is OK, the control unit 28 updates the BOX management table (step S114). The BOX management table is a table that manages the usage status of the locker box 32, and BOX numbers are linked to usage statuses. The BOX management table stores information about the current status of the locker box 32, and does not manage usage schedules. In step S114, the locker box 32 that has been reserved up to step S111 is provisionally reserved. If the locker box 32 is not used on the same day that it is provisionally reserved, the application for use is canceled and the status is changed to vacant.

[0036] Next, the control unit 28 causes the operation display unit 21 to display the usage guide (step S115). The usage guide is displayed, for example, as shown in T107. Then, by operating the "Confirm" button shown in T107, the usage application operation is completed (step S116). That is, after accepting the input of the random code (confirmation information), one locker box 32 can be used.

[0037] Meanwhile, in the user terminal 40, the camera 41 reads the usage application code AC (step S201). That is, the camera 41 functions as a second acquisition unit that acquires the usage application code AC. When the usage application code AC is read, the application 43a is launched (step S202). This application 43a is an application for performing the following processing, and may be a dedicated application or an application service that runs on an existing application.

[0038] Next, the application 43a started in step S202 causes the display unit 42 of the user terminal 40 to display the random code included in the read usage application code AC (step S203). Then, the usage period, the BOX number, and a usage fee payment guide are displayed (step S204). These displays are, for example, the screen shown in T108 of Fig. 5. That is, the display unit 42 functions as a second display unit that displays the random code (confirmation information).

[0039] Next, it is determined whether the "Make Payment" button has been pressed on the screen displaying the usage fee payment guide, etc. (Step S205). If the "Make Payment" button has not been pressed (Step S205; NO), the process returns to Step S204, and if the "Make Payment" button has been pressed (Step S205; YES), payment is executed (Step S206). Payment is made electronically using a credit card, electronic money, etc. (cash is not accepted).

[0040] Once payment is complete, the application 43a generates a BOX usage code (step S207). That is, the application 43a functions as a generator that generates a BOX usage code (information regarding the usage period) after payment of the usage fee is completed based on the usage application code (usage application information). This BOX usage code includes the locker ID, BOX number, usage period date, and information indicating that payment has been made. That is, the BOX usage code is the information regarding the usage period. Then, the application 43a notifies the user 4 of the BOX usage code (step S208). The notification is displayed, for example, on the screen shown in T109 of FIG. 5. In T109, the QR code (registered trademark) indicated by the symbol UC is the BOX usage code.

[0041] The BOX usage code UC includes a usage expiration date. The usage expiration date is generated by the application 43a based on the usage period included in the usage application code AC and the current date. The BOX usage code UC can also unlock the assigned locker box 32. In other words, the BOX usage code UC is a different code from the usage application code AC.

[0042] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the BOX unlocking operation (daily use), and Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the screen transitions on the operation display unit 21 when the BOX unlocking operation and the usage period extension procedure operation are performed. 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. User 4 operates the "Use BOX" button displayed on the TOP screen (step S302).

[0043] When the "Use BOX" button is operated, the code reader 22 reads the BOX usage code UC (step S303). At this time, the control unit 28 causes the operation display unit 21 to display, for example, a screen shown in T202 of Fig. 7. When T202 is displayed, the user 4 causes the user terminal 40 to display the BOX usage code UC and holds it over the code reader 22 (step S401). In other words, the code reader 22 functions as a first acquisition unit that acquires the BOX usage code UC (information related to the usage period) for the locker box 32 (one locker box).

[0044] The control unit 28 extracts the locker ID, BOX number, and expiration date from the BOX usage code UC read by the code reader 22. The control unit 28 then compares the read locker ID with the locker ID assigned to itself (step S304). If the comparison shows that the locker IDs do not match, the control unit 28 displays a locker confirmation message on the operation and display unit 21 indicating that the locker device 1 is different (step S305).

[0045] On the other hand, if the locker IDs match as a result of the comparison, the status of the BOX is referenced from the BOX management table (step S306). If the BOX is found to be empty (step S307; empty), the control unit 28 displays a message indicating that the BOX is not secured on the operation display unit 21 (step S308).

[0046] As a result of referring to the BOX management table, if the BOX is in a temporarily reserved state (step S307; temporarily reserved), the control unit 28 updates the state of the BOX to in use (step S309).

[0047] Furthermore, if the result of referring to the BOX management table shows that the BOX is in use (step S307; in use), the control unit 28 determines whether to update the expiration date (step S310). In this embodiment, if an expiration date (information indicating a date) is stored in the BOX management table, it indicates that the BOX is in use.

[0048] In step S310, if the expiration date extracted from the BOX usage code UC is a future date compared to the expiration date stored in the BOX management table (step S310; YES), the BOX management table is updated (step S311). This is because the expiration date of the BOX usage code UC may be updated by a usage period extension procedure, which will be described later. If the expiration date extracted from the BOX usage code UC and the expiration date stored in the BOX management table are the same date (step S310; NO), the BOX management table is not updated and the process proceeds to step S312.

[0049] Next, the current date (today's date) is compared with the expiration date (step S312). If the comparison shows that the expiration date has passed, the control unit 28 displays a notice that the expiration date has passed or a notice that the data has been stored separately on the operation display unit 21. The notice that the expiration date has passed appears, for example, on the screen shown in T203 of Fig. 7. The notice that the data has been stored separately appears, for example, on the screen shown in T204 of Fig. 7.

[0050] If the comparison shows that the expiration date is not yet reached, the control unit 28 determines that there are within ○ days until the expiration date (step S314). Step S314 determines whether or not to provide guidance for the usage period extension procedure, which will be described later, and ○ days may be set as appropriate, such as 7 days. If the determination in step S314 shows that there are within ○ days (step S314; YES), a usage extension inquiry guide is displayed (step S315). The usage extension inquiry guide display is, for example, the screen shown in T205 in FIG. 7. That is, if the difference between the usage expiration date and today's date is within a predetermined number of days, the control unit 28 causes the operation display unit 21 (first display unit) to display an inquiry about usage period extension.

[0051] If the result of the usage extension inquiry message display is that the usage is to be extended (step S316; YES), the control unit 28 performs a usage extension procedure (step S317). The usage period extension procedure will be described later. If the result of the usage extension inquiry message display is that the usage is not to be extended (step S316; NO), the process proceeds to step S318.

[0052] Next, if the current date is before the expiration date and the use is not to be extended, the control unit 28 unlocks the specified BOX and opens the door (step S318). This is because the locker ID also matches and the expiration date of the BOX number included in the BOX usage code UC is before the current date, so the electric lock 34 of the locker box 32 with that BOX number is unlocked. An example of the screen of the operation display unit 21 when unlocking is shown in T212 of Fig. 7.

[0053] That is, the control unit 28 compares today's date managed by itself (date management unit) with the expiration date included in the BOX usage code UC (information related to the expiration date) acquired by the code reader 22 (acquisition unit), and if the expiration date is a date in the future, it is possible to unlock the locker box 32 (one locker box). Also, as described above, the BOX usage code UC is generated from the usage application code generated by itself. Therefore, the control unit 28 unlocks the locker box based on the information generated by itself.

[0054] In this embodiment, the BOX usage code UC does not include a passcode or the like for unlocking the locker box 32. This is because in a subscription service, the locker box 32 to be used is predetermined, so it is acceptable to unlock the locker box by checking that the locker ID and BOX number match or that information indicating that payment has been made. Note that a configuration may also be adopted in which a passcode or the like for unlocking the locker box 32 is generated within the control unit 28 based on the information included in the BOX usage code UC.

[0055] Next, when the door of the locker box 32 unlocked in step S318 is closed, the control unit 28 locks the locker box 32 (step S319). In this embodiment, the user must present the box usage code UC to unlock the locker box, but locking is performed automatically when the door is closed, and there is no need to present the box usage code UC or enter a passcode. An example of the screen of the operation display unit 21 when locking is performed is shown in T213 in Fig. 7. Then, the operation display unit 21 returns to the TOP screen (step S320).

[0056] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the usage period extension procedure. This flowchart shows the operation of step S317 in Fig. 6. First, since usage extension was selected by the user 4 in step S316 in Fig. 6, the control unit 28 allows the user 4 to select the usage period (step S501). The usage period selection screen displayed is, for example, the screen shown in T206 in Fig. 7.

[0057] Next, the control unit 28 causes the operation display unit 21 to display the usage period, box size, and usage fee (step S502). These are displayed, for example, as the screen shown in T207 of FIG. 7. In step S502, it is not necessary to select the box size for extending the usage period. T207 is an example when "two weeks" is selected as the extension period.

[0058] Next, the control unit 28 determines whether the user has operated the "Confirm" button in the display of T207, that is, whether the displayed content has been accepted (step S503). If the user has not accepted (step S503; NO), the control unit 28 displays an operation cancellation message on the operation display unit 21 (step S504), and returns to the TOP screen (step S505).

[0059] On the other hand, if the request is accepted (step S503; YES), the control unit 28 displays the usage application code AC on the operation display unit 21 and also displays a random code input field (step S506). These displays are, for example, the screen shown by T208 in FIG.

[0060] The usage application code AC includes the following information: locker ID, which is identification information for the locker device 1, usage period, box size, box number, usage fee for extension, and random code. Like the usage application code AC displayed in step S110, the usage application code AC displayed in step S506 cannot unlock the assigned locker box 32.

[0061] Next, the control unit 28 collates the random code input by the user 4 and determines whether it is OK (step S507). The user 4 uses the numeric keypad TK shown in T208 to input the random code obtained by reading the usage application code AC with the user terminal 40. The control unit 28 collates the input random code with the random code generated when displaying in step S506. If the result of the collation is NG, the control unit 28 displays a message on the operation display unit 21 instructing the user to read the usage application code AC again (step S508).

[0062] On the other hand, if the result of the collation is OK, the control unit 28 causes the operation display unit 21 to display a usage extension notice (step S509). The usage extension notice is displayed, for example, as shown in T211. Then, when the "Confirm" button shown in T211 is operated, the usage period extension procedure is completed (step S510).

[0063] Meanwhile, in the user terminal 40, the usage application code AC is read by the camera 41 (step S601). When the usage application code AC is read, the application 43a is started (step S602).

[0064] Next, the application 43a started in step S602 displays the random code included in the read usage application code AC on the display unit 42 of the user terminal 40 (step S603), and then displays the usage period, the BOX number, and a usage fee payment guide (step S604).

[0065] Next, it is determined whether the "Make Payment" button has been pressed on the screen displaying the usage fee payment guide, etc. (Step S605). If the "Make Payment" button has not been pressed (Step S605; NO), the process returns to Step S604, and if the "Make Payment" button has been pressed (Step S605; YES), the payment is executed (Step S606).

[0066] When payment is complete, a screen such as that shown in T209 in Fig. 7 is displayed, and the application 43a generates a BOX usage code (step S607). This BOX usage code includes the locker ID, BOX number, expiration date, and information indicating that payment has been made. The BOX usage code is then notified to the user 4 (step S608). The notification is displayed, for example, as a screen shown in T210 in Fig. 7.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the locker device 1, which has multiple locker boxes 32 and in which luggage is stored, is equipped with a control unit 28 that manages the current date, and a code reader 22 that acquires a BOX usage code UC for one of the locker boxes 32. The control unit 28 compares today's date with the expiration date included in the BOX usage code UC acquired by the code reader 22, and allows the one locker box 32 to be unlocked if the expiration date is a date in the future. The BOX usage code UC is based on a usage application code AC generated by the control unit 28.

[0068] By doing this, it becomes possible to control the unlocking of the locker box 32 with a BOX usage code UC based on the usage application code AC generated by the locker device 1 itself. Furthermore, on the locker system 100, there is no need for a configuration to manage the usage schedule of not only the locker device 1 but also the locker box 32, and it is possible to configure a locker device 1 with a simple configuration that can be used any number of times up until the usage expiration date.

[0069] Furthermore, the locker device 1 does not need to be connected to an external network. Therefore, it is possible to easily provide a subscription service by simply replacing an existing locker device. Furthermore, since the locker device 1 does not have a fee settlement function, there is no need to handle cash, and there is no need to incorporate equipment such as a bill processor or coin processor, and there is no need to replenish change or collect usage fees.

[0070] Furthermore, the code reader 22 acquires the BOX usage code UC as a two-dimensional barcode. By doing so, the BOX usage code UC can be compactly compiled while including information other than the expiration date, making it easier for the user 4 to use.

[0071] The locker device 1 also has an operation display unit 21 that accepts an application to use one locker box 32 and displays an application code AC when the application is accepted. The application code AC includes at least a random code that confirms that the application code AC has been read, and a usage period. The operation display unit 21 also accepts input of the random code, and the locker box 32 becomes available for use after the input of the random code is accepted.

[0072] In this way, by reading the usage application code AC with the user terminal 40, the usage application code AC can be transmitted from the locker device 1 to the user terminal 40 without communication. Also, the random code allows the locker device 1 to confirm that the usage application code AC has been correctly transmitted to the user terminal 40 without communication. Therefore, the locker device 1 can provide a subscription service without connecting via a communication line.

[0073] Furthermore, the random code is information that is valid only for one activation procedure, so that it can be prevented from being misused.

[0074] The user terminal 40 also has installed therein an application 43a that reads the usage application code AC and generates a BOX usage code UC based on the usage application code AC after payment of the usage fee has been completed. The BOX usage code UC includes at least the expiration date of the locker box 32. This allows payment of the usage fee via the user terminal 40, eliminating the need for the locker device 1 to handle cash. Furthermore, a BOX usage code UC for unlocking can be generated based on the usage application code AC.

[0075] Furthermore, the usage application code AC and the BOX usage code UC are generated as two-dimensional barcode information, and since the usage application code AC and the BOX usage code UC are different codes, the box cannot be unlocked with the usage application code AC, and fraudulent use before payment of the usage fee can be prevented.

[0076] The usage application code AC also includes a random code, and the user terminal 40 displays the random code on the operation display unit 21. When the random code is entered, the locker device 1 enables use of the locker box 32. In this way, the random code can be used to notify the locker device 1 that the usage application code has been correctly received.

[0077] 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 conventionally known knowledge without departing from the gist of the present invention. As long as such modifications still include the configuration of the locker device and locker system of the present invention, they are of course included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. Locker device 21 Operation control unit (date management unit, reception unit, first display unit) 22 Code reader (first acquisition unit) 28 Control unit (generation unit) 32 Locker Box 40 User terminal (terminal device, external device) 41 Camera (Second Acquisition Unit) 42 Display section (second display section) 43 App (Generation section) 100 Locker System AC application code (application information) UC BOX usage code (information on usage expiration date)

Claims

1. A locker device comprising a plurality of locker boxes, each of which stores an object, a date management unit that manages the current date; a first acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the expiration date of use for one locker box; a control unit that compares today's date managed by the date management unit with the expiration date included in the information related to the expiration date acquired by the first acquisition unit, and enables the first locker box to be unlocked if the expiration date is a date in the future; Equipped with The information regarding the expiration date is based on information generated by the user, a reception unit that receives an application to use the one locker box; a first display unit that displays application information as the self-generated information when the application for use is accepted; The application information includes at least confirmation information for confirming that the application information is read by an external device and information on the period of use, The reception unit also receives input of the confirmation information, A locker device characterized in that the one locker box can be used after receiving the input of the confirmation information.

2. The locker device according to claim 1 , wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the information relating to the expiration date as one-dimensional or two-dimensional code information.

3. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation information is valid only for one application for use.

4. 4. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the application information indicates that the locker box cannot be unlocked.

5. The locker device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the first display unit to display a message inquiring about extending the usage period if the difference between the expiration date and today's date is within a predetermined number of days.

6. A locker system having a locker device with a plurality of locker boxes, in which objects are stored in the locker boxes, and a terminal device capable of acquiring information output by the locker device, The rocker device is a date management unit that manages the current date; a first acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the expiration date of use for one locker box; a control unit that compares today's date managed by the date management unit with the expiration date included in the information related to the expiration date acquired by the first acquisition unit, and enables the first locker box to be unlocked if the expiration date is a date in the future; a first display unit that displays application information including a usage period for the one locker box and a usage fee for the one locker box, The terminal device a second acquisition unit that acquires the use application information; a generating unit that generates information regarding the usage period after the payment of the usage fee is completed based on the usage application information, The information regarding the expiration date of use includes at least the expiration date of the locker box. A locker system characterized by:

7. the application information and the information regarding the expiration date of use are generated as one-dimensional or two-dimensional code information, The code information generated as the use application information and the code information generated as information regarding the usage expiration date are different code information.

7. The locker system according to claim 6.

8. the application information includes confirmation information for confirming that the application information is read by the terminal device; the terminal device includes a second display unit that displays the confirmation information, the locker device enables use of the one locker box when the confirmation information is input; 8. The locker system according to claim 6 or 7.

Images