Notification system and notification method

Abstract

To provide a notification system capable of notifying a delivery item.SOLUTION: A notification system 10 comprises: a first acquisition unit 84 for acquiring first information indicating a delivery schedule of a delivery item or indicating that the delivery item has arrived at a housing complex 100; a second acquisition unit 85 for acquiring second information about the usage status of a delivery box 70 provided in the housing complex 100; and an output unit 86 for outputting notification information for performing transmission at least one of a second notification about the second information and a third notification to assist in receiving the reception of the delivery item along with a first notification about the first information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification system and a notification method. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been proposed for a delivery locker (hereinafter also referred to as a delivery box) where a delivery person of a delivery company can leave a package when the recipient is not at home. Patent Document 1 discloses a delivery system that includes a delivery receiving box, a user terminal device owned by the user, and a server of the delivery source or delivery company that can be connected to the user terminal device via a network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-148850 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a notification system and a notification method that can provide notifications regarding deliveries. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A notification system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit that acquires first information indicating the scheduled delivery of a delivery item or the arrival of the delivery item at a facility, a second acquisition unit that acquires second information regarding the usage status of storage equipment installed at the facility, and an output unit that outputs notification information based on the acquired first information and the acquired second information to issue a first notification regarding the first information, as well as at least one of a second notification regarding the second information and a third notification to assist in receiving the delivery item.

[0006] A notification method according to one aspect of the present invention is a notification method executed by a computer, and includes a first acquisition step of acquiring first information indicating the delivery schedule of a delivery item or the arrival of the delivery item at a facility, a second acquisition step of acquiring second information regarding the usage status of storage equipment installed at the facility, and an output step of outputting notification information for issuing a first notification regarding the first information, as well as at least one of a second notification regarding the second information and a third notification to assist in receiving the delivery item, based on the acquired first information and the acquired second information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] A notification system and a notification method according to one aspect of the present invention can provide notifications regarding deliveries. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a notification system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation for managing the usage status of the delivery box. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of delivery box management information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of user registration information. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a first example of the notification operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen when the delivery box is unused in the first example of the notification operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen when the delivery box is in use in the first example of the notification operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen for confirming whether or not the recipient wishes to receive the delivery using drop-off in the first example of the notification operation. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen for confirming whether or not the user wishes to receive the delivery using another delivery box in the first example of the notification operation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of delivery schedule information. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of a second example of the notification operation. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen when the delivery box is unused in the second example of the notification operation. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen when the delivery box is in use in the second example of the notification operation. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram of a third example of the notification operation. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram of the unlocking operation of an autolock door using authentication information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0010] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a notification system according to an embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the notification system according to an embodiment.

[0012] The notification system 10 shown in Figure 1 is a system that notifies users about the arrival of a delivery item or the scheduled delivery of the delivery item, as well as notifying users about the usage status of the delivery box 70 and / or notifying users to assist in receiving the delivery item. Receiving a delivery item here means receiving the delivery item when the resident is not at home in the apartment complex 100, and specifically means receiving the delivery item in the delivery box 70, a delivery box other than the delivery box 70, or by leaving the delivery item at the door.

[0013] The apartment building 100 is an example of a facility or collective facility, and specifically, is an apartment building, a dormitory, or company housing. The apartment building 100 includes a common area 101 and a plurality of private areas 102. The residents of the private areas 102 are an example of users of the facility or collective facility (or users of the delivery box 70).

[0014] The common area 101 of the apartment building 100 is equipped with a lobby intercom 20, a control device 30, a gateway device 40, an auto-locking door 60, and a delivery box 70. An intercom master unit 50 is provided in each of the multiple private areas 102. The notification system 10 includes devices provided within the apartment building 100.

[0015] Additionally, a server system 80, a mobile terminal 90, and a mobile phone 95 are located outside the apartment building 100. The notification system 10 includes these devices located outside the apartment building 100.

[0016] The following describes each device included in the notification system 10. The lobby intercom 20 is an information terminal installed outside (on the outdoor side) of the auto-locking door 60 at the entrance (i.e., the common area 101) of the apartment building 100. The lobby intercom 20 controls the auto-locking door 60, for example.

[0017] The control device 30 is a device that controls devices installed within the apartment building 100 and controls communications between devices installed within the apartment building 100 (for example, communications between the lobby intercom 20 and the intercom master unit 50).

[0018] The gateway device 40 is a communication device that enables devices installed in the apartment building 100, such as the intercom master unit 50, to communicate with the server system 80 via a wide area communication network such as the Internet.

[0019] Intercom master unit 50 is an information terminal fixedly installed in private unit 102 of apartment building 100, and is an information terminal that allows residents of private unit 102 to communicate with visitors via lobby intercom 20 or an intercom handset (not shown). The intercom handset is a so-called door phone, and is installed outside the entrance to private unit 102. Intercom master unit 50 specifically includes operation reception unit 51 and display unit 52.

[0020] The operation reception unit 51 receives operations such as an operation for a resident to start a call with a visitor. The operation reception unit 51 is realized by, for example, a touch panel, but may also be realized by hardware buttons.

[0021] The display unit 52 displays an image of the visitor captured by an imaging unit included in the lobby intercom 20 or an image of the visitor captured by an imaging unit included in the intercom slave. The display unit 52 also displays a notification screen, which will be described later. The display unit 52 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel.

[0022] The auto-locking door 60 is a door provided at the entrance of the apartment building 100 (i.e., the common area 101). In other words, the auto-locking door 60 is an entrance / exit door to the common area 101 of the apartment building 100. The auto-locking door 60 is automatically locked (or closed) a certain time after it is unlocked (or opened). The door that the auto-locking door 60 has may be a sliding door or a swing door. Note that "unlocking" here means, for example, releasing (unlocking) the locking mechanism (such as an electric lock) of the auto-locking door 60. "Opening" means, for example, opening the auto-locking door 60 after it has been unlocked. "Unlocking the auto-locking door 60" in the following embodiments means that the auto-locking door 60 is at least unlocked, and may be opened after it has been unlocked.

[0023] The delivery box 70 is an example of a storage device, and is a device where a delivery person of a delivery company deposits delivery items (packages). In other words, the delivery box 70 is a delivery locker. The delivery box 70 is installed in the common area 101, but may also be installed in the private area 102.

[0024] When delivery box 70 is installed in common area 101, delivery box 70 may be installed inside auto-lock door 60 or outside auto-lock door 60. Delivery box 70 may also be installed in an area of ​​common area 101 near the entrance to private area 102. In other words, delivery box 70 may be installed near each dwelling unit within apartment building 100.

[0025] The occurrence of redelivery is reduced by using delivery box 70. Delivery box 70 includes communication unit 71, UI unit 72, electric lock 73, open / close sensor 74, delivery sensor 75, control unit 76, and memory unit 77.

[0026] The communication unit 71 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the delivery box 70 to communicate with the control device 30 via a local communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 71 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 71.

[0027] The UI unit 72 is a user interface device that accepts operations from the delivery person or resident, and is realized by, for example, a touch panel and a display panel.

[0028] The electric lock 73 is an electric lock for locking and unlocking the door of the delivery box 70. The electric lock 73 is controlled by the control unit 76.

[0029] Open / close sensor 74 is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door of delivery box 70. Open / close sensor 74 is, for example, a magnetic sensor (that is, a magnet sensor), but may also be an optical sensor.

[0030] The delivery sensor 75 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a delivery in the delivery box 70. The delivery sensor 75 is, for example, a weight sensor that detects the weight of the delivery, but it may also be an image sensor that detects the presence or absence of a delivery by taking an image of the inside of the delivery box 70, or a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a delivery by reflected waves such as infrared rays or ultrasonic waves.

[0031] The control unit 76 is a control device that controls the electric lock 73. The control unit 76 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the control unit 76 are realized by the microcomputer or processor (hardware) that constitutes the control unit 76 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 77.

[0032] The storage unit 77 is a storage device that stores computer programs executed by the control unit 76. The storage unit 77 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0033] The server system 80 performs various information processing to notify residents of the arrival and expected arrival of deliveries. The server system 80 is a computer system realized by one or more cloud servers provided outside the apartment complex 100. The server system 80 includes, for example, a cloud server used by a first business operator that provides each device (such as an intercom system) provided within the apartment complex 100. Specifically, the server system 80 includes a communication unit 81, an information processing unit 82, and a storage unit 83.

[0034] The communication unit 81 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the server system 80 to communicate with the gateway device 40 provided in the apartment building 100, the mobile terminal 90, and the like via a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 81 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0035] The information processing unit 82 performs the various information processes described above. The information processing unit 82 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 82 has, as functional components, a first acquisition unit 84, a second acquisition unit 85, an output unit 86, and a management unit 87. The functions of the first acquisition unit 84, the second acquisition unit 85, the output unit 86, and the management unit 87 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor (hardware) constituting the information processing unit 82 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 83. The respective functions of the first acquisition unit 84, the second acquisition unit 85, the output unit 86, and the management unit 87 will be described in detail below.

[0036] The storage unit 83 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the various information processes described above, computer programs executed by the information processing unit 82, etc. The storage unit 83 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0037] The mobile terminal 90 is a portable information terminal used by the residents of the apartment complex 100 to receive notifications about deliveries. Specifically, the mobile terminal 90 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The mobile terminal 90 includes an operation reception unit 91 and a display unit 92.

[0038] The operation reception unit 91 receives operations from the resident. The operation reception unit 91 is realized by, for example, a touch panel.

[0039] The display unit 92 displays a notification screen that visualizes the notification information transmitted from the server system 80 to the mobile terminal 90. The display unit 92 is realized by, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0040] The mobile phone 95 is a mobile telephone terminal used by the deliverer. Specifically, the mobile phone 95 is a mobile telephone terminal such as a feature phone or a smartphone.

[0041] [Management of delivery box usage status] The notification system 10 can manage the usage status of the delivery box 70. The operation of managing the usage status of the delivery box 70 will be described below. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation of managing the usage status of the delivery box 70.

[0042] Initially, there is no delivery item in delivery box 70, and the door of delivery box 70 is unlocked. In this state, the deliverer places the delivery item in delivery box 70 and closes the door (S11). Then, open / close sensor 74 and delivery sensor 75 detect that there is a delivery item in delivery box 70 and that the door is closed (S12).

[0043] When the control unit 76 detects that there is a delivery in the delivery box 70 and that the door is closed, it locks the electric lock 73 (the door of the delivery box 70) (S13) and sends arrival information to the control device 30 with the server system 80 specified as the destination (S14). More specifically, the arrival information is sent to the control device 30 by the communication unit 71. The arrival information is information that indicates that the delivery box 70 is in use (in other words, that there is a delivery in the delivery box 70 and that it is locked). The arrival information includes the ID of the delivery box 70.

[0044] When the control device 30 receives the arrival information from the delivery box 70, it transmits the received arrival information to the gateway device 40 (S15).

[0045] The gateway device 40 receives the arrival information from the control device 30. The gateway device 40 transmits the received arrival information to the server system 80 (S16).

[0046] The communication unit 81 of the server system 80 receives the arrival information. The management unit 87 stores the usage status of the delivery box 70 based on the received arrival information (S17). Specifically, the management unit 87 sets the usage status associated with the ID of the delivery box 70 in the delivery box management information pre-stored in the storage unit 83 to "in use." Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of delivery box management information.

[0047] Thereafter, the resident performs a predetermined operation (such as inputting a passcode) on the UI unit 72 of the delivery box 70, and the UI unit 72 accepts the predetermined operation from the resident (S18). The control unit 76 performs an authentication process for the passcode input by the predetermined operation (S19), and if the authentication process is successful, unlocks the electric lock 73 (S20). The resident removes the delivery from the delivery box 70 and closes the door (S21). The open / close sensor 74 and the delivery sensor 75 detect that there is no delivery in the delivery box 70 and that the door is closed (S22).

[0048] When the control unit 76 detects that there is no delivery in the delivery box 70 and that the door is closed, it sends the delivery receipt information to the control device 30, specifying the server system 80 as the destination (S23). At this time, the control unit 76 does not lock the electric lock 73 (the door of the delivery box 70), but leaves it unlocked. More specifically, the delivery receipt information is sent to the control device 30 by the communication unit 71. The delivery receipt information is information indicating that the delivery box 70 is unused (in other words, that there is no delivery in the delivery box 70 and it is not locked). The delivery receipt information includes the ID of the delivery box 70.

[0049] When the control device 30 receives the receipt information from the delivery box 70, it transmits the received receipt information to the gateway device 40 (S24).

[0050] The gateway device 40 receives the consignment information from the control device 30. The gateway device 40 transmits the received consignment information to the server system 80 (S25).

[0051] The communication unit 81 of the server system 80 receives the consignment information. The management unit 87 stores (updates) the usage status of the delivery box 70 based on the received consignment information (S26). Specifically, the management unit 87 sets the usage status associated with the ID of the delivery box 70 in the delivery box management information to "unused."

[0052] As described above, server system 80 can store the usage status of delivery box 70 in memory unit 83, and the usage status of delivery box 70 stored in memory unit 83 is updated as appropriate.

[0053] [User registration information] Incidentally, when the delivery locker 70 is in use, the delivery locker 70 is locked. For this reason, the deliverer cannot normally store any more deliveries in the delivery locker 70 that is in use. However, the notification system 10 can notify a resident who is not at home in the apartment complex 100 and unlock the delivery locker 70 with the resident's consent, thereby allowing the deliverer to add more deliveries.

[0054] In order to receive the above notification via the mobile terminal 90, the resident installs an application program in advance on the mobile terminal 90. The resident also performs user registration by performing a predetermined operation on the operation reception unit 91 of the mobile terminal 90 while the application program is running. As a result of the user registration, user registration information is stored in the memory unit 83 of the server system 80. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of user registration information. As shown in FIG. 4, the user registration information associates the ID of the installed application program (referred to as the app ID in FIG. 4), the resident's name, address, room number, and gateway ID, and the ID of the delivery box 70 used by the resident.

[0055] In user registration, the resident only needs to enter his / her name, address, room number, and delivery box 70 ID, and the gateway ID is assigned by the management unit 87 of the server system 80.

[0056] As described above, the server system 80 includes a cloud server used by the first service provider that provided the intercom system (including the gateway device 40) to the apartment building 100. The first service provider knows which gateway device 40 is installed in which apartment building 100 (i.e., which gateway ID indicates which apartment building 100). The first service provider also knows the correspondence between the location (address) of the apartment building 100 and the gateway ID. The memory unit 83 of the server system 80 stores information indicating such correspondence, and the management unit 87 can assign a gateway ID to the user registration information by comparing such information with the address entered by the user. It is not necessary for the resident to enter the ID of the delivery box 70; the ID of the delivery box 70 may be assigned to the user registration information by the management unit 87 using a method similar to that for the gateway ID.

[0057] The gateway ID is information for distinguishing the gateway device 40 from other gateway devices 40, and is also information for distinguishing one apartment building 100 from other apartment buildings 100. The gateway ID is, for example, a device ID of the gateway device 40, such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address.

[0058] It is not essential that a gateway ID be used as information for distinguishing one apartment building 100 from another apartment building 100. For example, the ID of the control device 30 may be used instead of the gateway ID. The ID of the control device 30 is, for example, the device ID of the control device 30, such as a MAC address.

[0059] [Notification example 1] Below, a first example of the notification operation of the notification system 10 will be described with reference to a sequence diagram, on the assumption that the delivery box management information in Fig. 3 and the user registration information in Fig. 4 are stored in the storage unit 83. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram of the first example of the notification operation.

[0060] When the deliverer arrives at the apartment complex 100, he or she makes a call to the lobby intercom 20 to deliver the delivery to the resident. The lobby intercom 20 accepts such a call (S31). The call operation includes an operation to input the room number of the private area of ​​the delivery destination, and an operation to input the visit requirements. The operation to input the visit requirements is an operation to declare whether the visitor (in this case, the deliverer) is a deliverer, a friend, a salesman, etc.

[0061] After accepting the call operation, the lobby intercom 20 attempts to communicate with the intercom master unit 50 (resident) corresponding to the input room number, and if it determines that the resident does not respond for a predetermined time or longer (the resident is not at home), it sends arrival information indicating that the delivery has arrived at the apartment complex 100 to the control device 30, with the server system 80 specified as the destination (S32). The arrival information includes the input room number. Note that if the call is successful (the resident is at home) or if the visitor is other than a delivery person (such as a friend or salesperson), the arrival information is not sent. The arrival information may be sent to the control device 30 (server system 80) regardless of whether the resident is not at home or not.

[0062] When the control device 30 receives the arrival information from the lobby intercom 20, it transmits the received arrival information to the gateway device 40 (S33).

[0063] The gateway device 40 receives the arrival information from the control device 30. The gateway device 40 includes the gateway ID in the received arrival information and transmits it to the server system 80 (S34). The gateway ID is stored in advance in, for example, a storage unit (not shown) provided in the gateway device 40.

[0064] The gateway ID is used as information for distinguishing one apartment building 100 from other apartment buildings 100, but an ID other than the gateway ID may be used. For example, the ID of the control device 30 may be used instead of the gateway ID. The ID of the control device 30 is, for example, a device ID of the control device 30 such as a MAC address. The ID of the control device 30 is, for example, stored in advance in a memory unit (not shown) provided in the control device 30.

[0065] The communication unit 81 of the server system 80 receives arrival information including a room number and a gateway ID. The first acquisition unit 84 acquires the received arrival information (S35). The arrival information is an example of first information indicating that a delivery has arrived at a facility. The output unit 86 identifies a notification destination based on the acquired arrival information and the above-mentioned user registration information (S36). Specifically, the output unit 86 identifies the room number and gateway ID included in the acquired arrival information, and can identify an app ID associated with the identified room number and gateway ID in the user registration information as a notification destination.

[0066] Next, the second acquisition unit 85 acquires (references) the delivery box management information stored in the memory unit 83 (S37). The delivery box management information is an example of second information related to the usage status of the delivery box 70. More specifically, the second acquisition unit 85 acquires the usage status of the delivery box 70 having the delivery box ID associated with the identified room number and gateway ID in the user registration information. The output unit 86 determines the notification content based on the arrival information acquired in step S35 and the delivery box management information acquired in step S37 (S38).

[0067] When the output unit 86 determines that the delivery box 70 is unused based on the delivery box management information, the output unit 86 determines the notification content as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the notification content (notification screen) when the delivery box 70 is unused. When the output unit 86 determines that the delivery box 70 is in use based on the delivery box management information, the output unit 86 determines the notification content as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the notification content (notification screen) when the delivery box 70 is in use. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the output unit 86 changes the notification content (more specifically, the third notification content described below) depending on, for example, the usage status (whether or not the delivery box 70 is in use) indicated by the delivery box management information.

[0068] When the output unit 86 determines the notification content, it outputs notification information for displaying a notification screen including the determined notification content (S39). The output notification information is transmitted by the communication unit 81 to the notification destination specified in step S36, i.e., the mobile terminal 90 (S40).

[0069] When the mobile terminal 90 receives the notification information, it displays a notification screen (see FIG. 6 or 7) on the display unit 92 based on the received notification information (S41). Here, as an example, it is assumed that a notification screen such as that shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.

[0070] In the example of Fig. 6, the notification screen includes notification content for confirming with the resident whether or not the auto-locking door 60 can be unlocked. When a notification screen such as that shown in Fig. 6 is displayed on the display unit 92, the operation receiving unit 91 receives an operation from the resident instructing to unlock the auto-locking door 60 (S42). When such an operation is received, the mobile terminal 90 transmits an unlock request to the server system 80 (S43). The unlock request includes the application ID of the application installed on the mobile terminal 90.

[0071] The communication unit 81 of the server system 80 receives the unlock request. Upon receiving the unlock request, the output unit 86 transmits (outputs) an unlock command to the gateway device 40 (S44). The output unit 86 compares the application ID included in the received unlock request with the user registration information to identify the gateway ID associated with the application ID in the user registration information, thereby being able to transmit the unlock command to the gateway device 40. More specifically, the unlock command is transmitted to the gateway device 40 by the communication unit 81.

[0072] The gateway device 40 receives the unlock command from the server system 80. The gateway device 40 transmits the received unlock command to the control device (S45).

[0073] When the control device 30 receives the unlock command from the gateway device 40, it transmits the received unlock command to the lobby intercom 20 (S46).

[0074] When the lobby intercom 20 receives the unlock command from the control device 30, it unlocks the autolock door 60 based on the received unlock command (S47).

[0075] 7 (notification screen when delivery box 70 is in use) is displayed in step S41, and if an operation to unlock delivery box 70 and auto-locking door 60 is accepted in step S42, not only auto-locking door 60 but also electric lock 73 of delivery box 70 is unlocked. The method for unlocking electric lock 73 is substantially the same as the method for unlocking auto-locking door 60. The electric lock 73 is unlocked by control unit 76 when an unlock command including the ID of delivery box 70 sent by communication unit 81 of server system 80 is received by communication unit 71 of delivery box 70 via gateway device 40 and control device 30.

[0076] As described above, when a delivery addressed to a resident arrives at the apartment complex 100 while the resident is out of the apartment complex 100, the notification system 10 notifies the resident of this and can unlock the auto-locking door 60 after obtaining the resident's consent (approval). In other words, the deliverer can access the location where the delivery locker 70 is installed. The notification system 10 can also unlock the electronic lock 73 of the delivery locker 70 when the delivery locker 70 is in use. This allows the deliverer to store the delivery in the delivery locker 70.

[0077] In this way, the notification system 10 can support the resident in receiving the delivery by the notification operation example 1.

[0078] [Details of notification content in notification behavior example 1] Here, the notification contents on the notification screens of Figures 6 and 7 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 6 and 7. First, the notification contents on the notification screen of Figure 6 will be described.

[0079] 6, the notification screen includes a first notification content indicating that the delivery has arrived at the common entrance of the apartment building 100 (equivalent to "A package has arrived at the common entrance"), a second notification content regarding the usage status of the delivery locker 70 (equivalent to "The delivery locker is not in use"), and a third notification content for assisting the resident in receiving the delivery (equivalent to "Do you want to open the auto-lock door?"). Specifically, the third notification content here is notification content for assisting the deliverer of the delivery in accessing the location where the delivery locker 70 is installed, and more specifically, it can be said to be notification content for confirming with the resident whether or not the auto-lock door 60 can be unlocked.

[0080] The notification screen may include at least one of the second notification content and the third notification content. For example, if another means for the deliverer to open the auto-lock door 60 is prepared, the third notification content may be omitted.

[0081] Next, the notification content on the notification screen of Fig. 7 will be described. In the example of Fig. 7, the notification screen includes a first notification content indicating that a delivery has arrived (equivalent to "A package has arrived at your front door"), a second notification content regarding the usage status of the delivery locker 70 (equivalent to "The delivery locker is in use"), and a third notification content for assisting the delivery recipient in receiving the delivery (equivalent to "Do you want to open the auto-lock door of the delivery locker?"). The third notification content includes a notification content for assisting the deliverer of the delivery in unlocking the electronic lock 73 of the delivery locker 70 ("Do you want to open the delivery locker?"), and a notification content for assisting the deliverer of the delivery in accessing the location where the delivery locker 70 is installed ("Do you want to open the auto-lock door?").

[0082] More specifically, the notification content for assisting in unlocking electric lock 73 equipped on delivery locker 70 is notification content for confirming with the resident whether or not delivery locker 70 (electric lock 73) can be unlocked. More specifically, the notification content for assisting in access to the installation location of delivery locker 70 is notification content for confirming with the resident whether or not auto-locking door 60 can be unlocked. The notification screen may include at least one of the second notification content and the third notification content.

[0083] Furthermore, when the notification screen includes third notification content, it is not necessary for the third notification content to include both notification content to assist in unlocking the electric lock 73 provided on the delivery box 70 and notification content to assist in accessing the location where the delivery box 70 is installed; it is sufficient for at least one of these to be included.

[0084] For example, if another means is prepared for the deliverer to open the auto-locking door 60, it is possible to omit the notification content to assist the deliverer in accessing the location where the delivery locker 70 is installed. If another means is prepared for the deliverer to unlock the electric lock 73 equipped on the delivery locker 70, it is possible to omit the notification content to assist the deliverer in unlocking the electric lock 73 equipped on the delivery locker 70.

[0085] As described above, in example 1 of the notification operation, notification system 10 acquires arrival information indicating that a delivery has arrived at apartment complex 100, and acquires delivery box management information regarding the usage status of storage devices installed in apartment complex 100. Based on the acquired arrival information and delivery box management information, notification system 10 outputs a first notification as well as notification information for issuing at least one of a second notification and a third notification. The first notification is a notification regarding the arrival information and corresponds to the content of the first notification described above. The second notification is a notification regarding the delivery box management information and corresponds to the content of the second notification described above. The third notification is a notification to assist in receiving the delivery and corresponds to the content of the third notification described above.

[0086] Such a notification system 10 can notify the user that a delivery has arrived, as well as provide at least one of a notification regarding the usage status of the delivery box 70 and a notification to assist in receiving the delivery.

[0087] [Variations of notification content] The third notification content for assisting the resident in receiving the delivery may include a notification content for confirming whether or not the resident wishes to receive the delivery using a means other than the delivery box 70. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen for confirming whether or not the resident wishes to receive the delivery using a delivery service.

[0088] For example, when a notification screen like that shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the display unit 92 of the mobile terminal 90, if the operation receiving unit 91 receives an operation from a resident requesting delivery to the door, the mobile terminal 90 will send a request to change the receiving method to the server system 80.

[0089] Based on the received request to change the receiving means, the server system 80 transmits (outputs) a notification command to the lobby intercom 20 via the gateway device 40 and the control device 30. Based on the notification command, the lobby intercom 20 displays a display screen on a display unit (not shown) provided in the lobby intercom 20 and outputs a sound from a speaker (not shown) provided in the lobby intercom 20 to request the deliverer to leave the parcel at the delivery location.

[0090] Furthermore, based on the received request to change the receiving means, the server system 80 may transmit (output) information requesting a change in the receiving means to drop-off to the mobile phone 95 used by the deliverer or to a cloud server (not shown) used by the delivery company to which the deliverer belongs. This allows the request to the deliverer to drop-off.

[0091] In this way, the notification system 10 can assist residents in changing their delivery receiving method to drop-off delivery.

[0092] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen for confirming whether or not the user wishes to receive a delivery using a delivery box other than delivery box 70. The other delivery box here may be a delivery box located in common area 101 or a delivery box located in private area 102.

[0093] For example, when a notification screen like that shown in Figure 9 is displayed on the display unit 92 of the mobile terminal 90, if the operation reception unit 91 receives an operation from a resident requesting that the delivery be stored in another delivery box, the mobile terminal 90 will send a request to change the receiving method to the server system 80.

[0094] Based on the received request to change the receiving means, the server system 80 transmits (outputs) a notification command to the lobby intercom 20 via the gateway device and the control device 30. As a result, based on the notification command, the lobby intercom 20 displays a display screen on a display unit (not shown) provided in the lobby intercom 20 and outputs a sound from a speaker (not shown) provided in the lobby intercom 20, requesting the deliverer to store the delivery in another delivery box.

[0095] Furthermore, based on the received request to change the receiving means, the server system 80 may transmit (output) information requesting a change in the receiving means to drop-off delivery to the mobile phone 95 used by the deliverer or a server (not shown) used by the delivery company to which the deliverer belongs. This allows the deliverer to be requested to store the delivery in another delivery box.

[0096] In this way, the notification system 10 can assist the resident in changing the method of receiving the delivery to depositing the delivery in another delivery box.

[0097] 8 and 9, when the delivery box 70 is in use, a notification is sent to confirm whether or not the user wishes to receive the delivery using a means other than the delivery box 70. However, when the delivery box 70 is not in use, a notification to confirm whether or not the user wishes to receive the delivery using a means other than the delivery box 70 may also be sent. In other words, the notification to confirm whether or not the user wishes to receive the delivery using a means other than the delivery box 70 may be sent selectively only when the delivery box 70 is in use, or may be sent regardless of whether the delivery box 70 is in use.

[0098] [Notification example 2] The server system 80 may include a delivery schedule management server used by a delivery company, and in this case, delivery schedule information is stored in the storage unit 83. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of delivery schedule information.

[0099] As shown in Figure 10, the delivery schedule information associates the slip number of the delivery item, delivery destination information indicating the building to which the delivery is to be made, and the scheduled delivery date and time. The delivery destination information includes, for example, an address, a room number, and a name. Based on this delivery schedule information, the notification system 10 (server system 80) can notify the mobile terminal 90 of the delivery schedule at a predetermined time, such as the day before the actual delivery date.

[0100] Here, the notification system 10 notifies the user of the delivery schedule, as well as notifies the user of the usage status of the delivery box 70 and / or notifies the user to assist in receiving the delivery. A second example of the notification operation of the notification system 10 will be described below with reference to a sequence diagram. Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram of the second example of the notification operation.

[0101] The first acquisition unit 84 of the server system 80 acquires delivery schedule information stored in the storage unit 83 (S51). The delivery schedule information is an example of first information indicating a delivery schedule for a delivery item. The output unit 86 identifies a notification destination based on the acquired delivery schedule information and the above-mentioned user registration information (S52). Specifically, the output unit 86 can identify the name (or address) of a resident included in the acquired delivery schedule information, and identify the app ID associated with the identified resident's name in the user registration information as the notification destination.

[0102] Next, the second acquisition unit 85 acquires (references) the delivery box management information stored in the memory unit 83 (S53). More specifically, the second acquisition unit 85 acquires the usage status of the delivery box 70 having the delivery box ID associated with the specified resident's name in the user registration information. The output unit 86 determines the notification content based on the arrival information acquired in step S51 and the delivery box management information acquired in step S53 (S54).

[0103] When output unit 86 determines, based on the delivery box management information, that delivery box 70 is unused, it determines the notification content as shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the notification content (notification screen) when delivery box 70 is unused. When output unit 86 determines, based on the delivery box management information, that delivery box 70 is in use, it determines the notification content as shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the notification content (notification screen) when delivery box 70 is in use.

[0104] When the output unit 86 determines the notification content, it outputs notification information for displaying a notification screen including the determined notification content (S55). The output notification information is transmitted by the communication unit 81 to the notification destination specified in step S52, i.e., the mobile terminal 90 (S56).

[0105] When the mobile terminal 90 receives the notification information, it displays a notification screen (see FIG. 12 or 13) on the display unit 92 based on the received notification information (S57). Here, as an example, it is assumed that a notification screen such as that shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

[0106] In the example of Fig. 12, the notification screen includes notification content for confirming whether or not a temporary passcode (an example of authentication information) for the deliverer to unlock the auto-locking door 60 can be issued. When such a notification screen is displayed on the display unit 92, the operation accepting unit 91 accepts an operation from the resident to permit the issuance of a temporary passcode (S58). When such an operation is accepted, the mobile terminal 90 transmits a passcode issuance request to the server system 80 (S59). The issuance request includes the application ID of the application installed on the mobile terminal 90.

[0107] The communication unit 81 of the server system 80 receives the issuance request. Upon receiving the issuance request, the management unit 87 issues a passcode (S60). At this time, the output unit 86 outputs, for example, information for notifying the delivery schedule management server included in the server system 80 of the issued passcode. As a result, the delivery company using the delivery schedule management server can notify the deliverer of the passcode.

[0108] The management unit 87 also compares the application ID included in the received issuance request with the user registration information to identify the gateway ID associated with the application ID in the user registration information, and stores authentication management information associating the gateway ID with the issued passcode in the storage unit 83 (S61). In other words, in order to identify the apartment complex 100 for which the temporarily issued passcode should be valid, the output unit 86 stores the gateway ID of the gateway device 40 of the apartment complex 100 in association with the passcode in the storage unit 83. Note that the passcode included in the authentication management information is invalidated after its expiration date.

[0109] As described above, when notifying a resident about a scheduled delivery, notification system 10 also notifies the resident about the usage status of delivery locker 70. This allows the resident to take measures such as removing the delivery item from delivery locker 70 and leaving delivery locker 70 unlocked if the resident expects to be absent on the day of delivery.

[0110] Furthermore, notification system 10 allows the resident to issue a temporary passcode to the deliverer that is valid on the day of delivery, allowing the deliverer to unlock auto-lock door 60 and access the location of delivery box 70 even if the resident is not at home on the day of delivery.

[0111] In this way, the notification system 10 can support the resident in receiving the delivery by the second example of the notification operation.

[0112] [Notification example 3] In the second example of the notification operation, the notification screen is displayed on the display unit 92 of the mobile terminal 90, but it may also be displayed on the display unit 52 of the intercom master unit 50. Hereinafter, a third example of such a notification operation will be described. Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram of the third example of the notification operation.

[0113] The first acquisition unit 84 of the server system 80 acquires the delivery schedule information stored in the storage unit 83 (S71), and the output unit 86 identifies the notification destination based on the acquired delivery schedule information and the above-mentioned user registration information (S72). Specifically, the output unit 86 can identify the name (or address) of the resident included in the acquired delivery information, and identify the gateway ID and room number associated with the identified resident name in the user registration information as the notification destination.

[0114] Next, the second acquisition unit 85 acquires (references) the delivery box management information stored in the memory unit 83 (S73). More specifically, the second acquisition unit 85 acquires the usage status of the delivery box 70 having the delivery box ID associated with the specified resident's name in the user registration information. The output unit 86 determines the notification content based on the arrival information acquired in step S51 and the delivery box management information acquired in step S73 (S74).

[0115] When output unit 86 determines that delivery box 70 is unused based on the delivery box management information, it determines the notification content as shown in Fig. 12. When output unit 86 determines that delivery box 70 is in use based on the delivery box management information, it determines the notification content as shown in Fig. 13.

[0116] When the output unit 86 determines the notification content, it outputs notification information for displaying a notification screen including the determined notification content (S75). The output notification information is transmitted by the communication unit 81 to the gateway device 40 having the gateway ID identified in step S72 (S76).

[0117] The notification information is also transmitted from the gateway device 40 to the control device 30 (S77), and then transmitted from the control device 30 to the intercom base unit 50 (S78). Note that the notification information transmitted in steps S76 to S78 specifies the room number identified in step S72 as the notification destination. Because the room number of the exclusive unit 102 in which the intercom base unit 50 is installed is stored in a memory unit (not shown) of the intercom base unit 50, the intercom base unit 50 can receive notification information addressed to the intercom base unit 50 based on the room number.

[0118] When intercom master unit 50 receives the notification information, it displays a notification screen (see FIG. 12 or 13) on display unit 52 based on the received notification information (S79). Here, as an example, it is assumed that a notification screen such as that shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

[0119] In the example of Fig. 12, the notification screen includes notification content for confirming whether or not a temporary passcode for the delivery person to unlock auto-lock door 60 can be issued. While such a notification screen is displayed on display unit 92, operation reception unit 51 receives an operation from the resident permitting the issuance of a temporary passcode (S80). Upon receiving such an operation, intercom base unit 50 transmits a passcode issuance request to control device 30, specifying server system 80 as the destination (S81). The issuance request includes the room number of private unit 102 in which intercom base unit 50 is installed.

[0120] When the control device 30 receives the issuance request from the intercom master unit 50, the control device 30 transmits the received issuance request to the gateway device 40 (S82).

[0121] The gateway device 40 receives the issuance request from the control device 30. The gateway device 40 includes the gateway ID in the received issuance request and transmits it to the server system 80 (S83).

[0122] The communication unit 81 of the server system 80 receives the issuance request including the room number and the gateway ID. Upon receiving the issuance request, the management unit 87 issues a passcode (S84). The output unit 86 outputs information for notifying the issued passcode to, for example, the delivery schedule management server included in the server system 80. As a result, the delivery company using the delivery schedule management server can notify the deliverer of the passcode.

[0123] The management unit 87 also stores authentication management information that associates the gateway ID included in the received issuance request with the issued authentication information in the storage unit 83 (S85). In other words, in order to identify the apartment building 100 for which the temporarily issued authentication information should be valid, the output unit 86 stores the gateway ID of the gateway device 40 of the apartment building 100 in association with the authentication information in the storage unit 83.

[0124] The issuance request includes at least one ID, such as the ID of the lobby intercom 20, the ID of the control device 30, the gateway ID, and the building ID, and in the authentication management information, the authentication information may be associated with at least one of the IDs. For example, it is assumed that the server system 80 uses these IDs to identify the auto-locking door 60. The building ID is an ID for identifying a building when the apartment building 100 includes multiple buildings.

[0125] As described above, when notifying a resident about a scheduled delivery, notification system 10 also notifies the resident about the usage status of delivery locker 70. This allows the resident to take measures such as removing the delivery item from delivery locker 70 and leaving delivery locker 70 unlocked if the resident expects to be absent on the day of delivery.

[0126] Furthermore, notification system 10 allows the resident to issue temporary authentication information to the deliverer that is valid on the day of delivery, allowing the deliverer to unlock auto-lock door 60 and access the location of delivery box 70 even if the resident is not at home on the day of delivery.

[0127] In this way, the notification system 10 can assist residents in receiving deliveries through the notification operation example 3.

[0128] [Details of notification content in notification example 2 and example 3] Here, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the notification contents on the notification screens in FIGS. 12 and 13 will be described in more detail.

[0129] 12 and 13, the notification screen includes a first notification indicating the delivery schedule of the delivery item (equivalent to "The package is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow morning"), a second notification regarding the usage status of the delivery locker 70 (equivalent to "The delivery locker is unused" in FIG. 12 and "The delivery locker is in use" in FIG. 13), and a third notification for assisting the delivery of the delivery item (equivalent to "Would you like to issue a temporary passcode to the deliverer?"). Specifically, the third notification here is notification for assisting the deliverer of the delivery item to access the location where the delivery locker 70 is installed, and more specifically, it can be said to be notification for confirming whether or not authentication information required to unlock the auto-locking door 60 can be issued.

[0130] The notification screen may include at least one of the second notification content and the third notification content.

[0131] As described above, in examples 2 and 3 of the notification operation, the notification system 10 acquires delivery schedule information and acquires delivery box management information regarding the usage status of the delivery box 70 installed in the apartment building 100. Based on the acquired delivery schedule information and the acquired delivery box management information, the notification system 10 outputs a first notification as well as notification information for issuing at least one of a second notification and a third notification. The first notification is a notification regarding the delivery schedule information and corresponds to the content of the first notification described above. The second notification is a notification regarding the delivery box management information and corresponds to the content of the second notification described above. The third notification is a notification to assist in receiving the delivery and corresponds to the content of the third notification described above.

[0132] The notification system 10 can provide at least one of notifications regarding the usage status of the delivery box 70 and notifications to assist in receiving the delivery, in addition to notifications regarding the delivery schedule.

[0133] The above-described modified notification content may be applied to notification operation examples 2 and 3. In other words, the notification screen in notification operation examples 2 and 3 may include third notification content for confirming whether the resident wishes to receive the delivery using a means other than delivery box 70.

[0134] [Unlocking an auto-locking door using authentication information] The operation of unlocking the autolocking door 60 using the authentication information issued in Examples 2 and 3 of the notification operation will be described. Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram of the operation of unlocking the autolocking door 60 using the authentication information. It is assumed that the telephone number of the delivery person's mobile phone 95 is pre-registered in the storage unit 83 of the server system 80. Hereinafter, the authentication information will be referred to as a passcode.

[0135] The deliverer visits the apartment complex 100 on the day of delivery and calls a predetermined telephone number. Specifically, the deliverer inputs the predetermined telephone number, and the mobile phone 95 accepts the input operation of the telephone number (S91).

[0136] When the mobile phone 95 accepts the input operation of the predetermined telephone number, it connects to the server system 80 by circuit-switched communication (S92). That is, a dedicated communication line is formed between the mobile phone 95 and the server system 80. At this time, the server system 80 is notified of the telephone number of the mobile phone 95. In other words, the communication unit 81 of the server system 80 acquires the telephone number of the mobile phone 95.

[0137] The management unit 87 of the server system 80 performs phone number authentication based on the acquired phone number of the mobile phone 95 (S93). The management unit 87 determines that phone number authentication is successful if the phone number of the mobile phone 95 is registered, and determines that phone number authentication is unsuccessful if the phone number of the mobile phone 95 is not registered. When the management unit 87 determines that phone number authentication is successful, it causes the communication unit 81 to send a passcode request (sound signal) to the mobile phone 95 (S94).

[0138] The mobile phone 95 receives the passcode request and reproduces the received passcode request (sound signal). Specifically, the mobile phone 95 outputs a message (sound) such as "Please enter your passcode" to prompt the user to enter a passcode (S95).

[0139] The deliverer inputs the passcode in accordance with the message prompting the delivery person to input the passcode, and the mobile phone 95 accepts the input of the passcode (S96). The passcode input here is the passcode issued in advance by the server system 80.

[0140] When the mobile phone 95 receives the passcode input operation, it transmits the passcode to the server system 80 (S97).

[0141] The communication unit 81 of the server system 80 acquires (receives) the passcode, and the management unit 87 performs passcode authentication based on the acquired passcode (an example of authentication information) (S98). The management unit 87 determines that passcode authentication is successful when the issued passcode included in the authentication management information (see steps S61 and S85) matches the passcode acquired in step S97. On the other hand, the management unit 87 determines that passcode authentication is unsuccessful when the issued passcode included in the authentication management information (see steps S61 and S85) does not match the passcode acquired in step S97.

[0142] When the management unit 87 determines in step S98 that the passcode authentication is successful, it causes the communication unit 81 to send an unlock command to unlock the auto-locking door 60 to the gateway device 40 (S99). This gateway device 40 is a gateway device that has a gateway ID associated with the issued passcode in the authentication management information.

[0143] The unlock command is transmitted from the gateway device 40 to the control device 30 (S100), and then transmitted from the control device 30 to the lobby intercom 20 (S101). The lobby intercom 20 unlocks the auto-lock door 60 based on the received unlock command (S102).

[0144] This allows the delivery person to enter the apartment building 100. Note that the unlocking of the auto-locking door 60 in step S102 may be performed by another device installed in the apartment building 100 instead of the lobby intercom 20.

[0145] In this way, according to the unlocking operation of the auto-locking door 60 of the notification system 10, after the delivery person arrives at the apartment complex 100 on the day of delivery, the delivery person can call a specified telephone number using the mobile phone 95 to unlock the auto-locking door 60 even if the resident and manager are not present.

[0146] Furthermore, with this unlocking operation of the auto-locking door 60, there is no need to perform complicated operations such as installing an application program on a smartphone in advance and configuring it to obtain authorization to unlock the auto-locking door 60 in order to enter the apartment building 100. Therefore, even a delivery person who is unfamiliar with using a smartphone or the like can easily complete the procedure to enter the apartment building 100.

[0147] Note that the unlocking operation of the autolocking door 60 using such a passcode is one example, and there are no particular limitations on how the autolocking door 60 is unlocked using a passcode. For example, in the unlocking operation of the autolocking door 60 described above, phone number authentication may be omitted and only passcode authentication may be performed. Also, various methods can be considered for communicating the passcode to the deliverer. For example, the passcode may be communicated to the deliverer's mobile phone 95 (or smartphone) by email or push notification, or an employee of the first business operator may call the deliverer's mobile phone 95 (or smartphone) and verbally communicate the passcode.

[0148] In addition, the facial image of the deliverer may be registered in advance, and on the day of work, the auto-locking door 60 may be unlocked by facial recognition using an image taken by the lobby intercom 20 on the day of work and the registered facial image.

[0149] [Variations] In the above embodiment, multiple notification screens (such as FIGS. 6 to 9, 12, and 13) have been described, but the notification content on the notification screen is not limited to the content described in the above embodiment. For example, the notification screen may include a first notification content indicating that a delivery has arrived and a third notification content for confirming whether or not authentication information required to unlock the auto-locking door 60 can be issued. In other words, the notification screen used in the above example 1 of the notification operation may include a third notification content for confirming whether or not authentication information required to unlock the auto-locking door 60 can be issued.

[0150] The notification screen may also include a first notification content indicating the delivery schedule for the delivery item and a third notification content for confirming whether or not the electric lock 73 of the delivery box 70 can be unlocked. In other words, the notification screen used in the above-described example 2 or example 3 of the notification operation may include a third notification content for confirming whether or not the electric lock 73 of the delivery box 70 can be unlocked.

[0151] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the third notification for assisting in receiving the delivery may include a notification for confirming whether or not the authentication information required to unlock delivery locker 70 can be issued. In other words, server system 80 may issue a passcode for unlocking electric lock 73 of delivery locker 70 when delivery locker 70 is in use. The method for issuing the passcode is the same as the method for issuing a passcode for unlocking auto-lock door 60.

[0152] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the delivery box management information indicates whether the delivery box 70 is in use or unused, but the delivery box management information may also include information indicating the available capacity of the delivery box 70 when a delivery item is stored therein. The information regarding available capacity here is information indicating not only whether the box is in use or not, but also the intermediate state, i.e., whether there is a lot of available capacity (space), or not. In other words, the information regarding available capacity is information indicating the available capacity in three or more stages.

[0153] For example, if an image sensor is used as the delivery sensor 75, the control unit 76 of the delivery box 70 can identify the available space in the delivery box 70 by processing the image acquired by the image sensor, and include in the arrival information information about the available space in the delivery box 70. In this case, the notification screen may include notification content about the available space.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the control unit 76 of the delivery box 70 detects the presence or absence of a delivery in the delivery box 70 using the delivery sensor 75. However, the control unit 76 may estimate the presence or absence of a delivery in the delivery box 70 without using the delivery sensor 75. For example, the presence or absence of a delivery may be estimated based on the unlocked or locked state of the electric lock 73 or the open / closed state of the door of the delivery box 70 detected by the open / close sensor 74.

[0155] [Effects, etc.] As described above, notification system 10 includes a first acquisition unit 84 that acquires first information indicating the scheduled delivery of a delivery item or the arrival of a delivery item at apartment complex 100, a second acquisition unit 85 that acquires second information regarding the usage status of delivery lockers 70 installed in apartment complex 100, and an output unit 86 that outputs notification information for issuing a first notification regarding the first information, a second notification regarding the second information, and / or a third notification for assisting in receipt of the delivery item, based on the acquired first information and the acquired second information. Apartment complex 100 is an example of a facility, and delivery locker 70 is an example of a storage device. In the above embodiment, the first information is arrival information or scheduled delivery information. In the above embodiment, the second information is delivery locker management information.

[0156] Such a notification system 10 can provide at least one of notifications regarding the usage status of the delivery box 70 and notifications to assist in receiving the delivery, in addition to notifications regarding the delivery schedule or arrival of the delivery at the apartment complex 100. In other words, the notification system 10 can provide notifications regarding the delivery.

[0157] Furthermore, for example, output unit 86 outputs notification information for making a third notification together with the first notification. The third notification includes a notification for assisting in unlocking electric lock 73 equipped on delivery box 70.

[0158] Such a notification system 10 can assist in receiving deliveries.

[0159] Further, for example, the third notification includes a notification for confirming whether or not the electric lock 73 can be unlocked.

[0160] Such a notification system 10 can confirm with the user (in the above embodiment, the resident of the apartment building 100) whether the electric lock 73 can be unlocked.

[0161] Furthermore, for example, the output unit 86 outputs notification information for making a third notification together with the first notification. The third notification includes a notification to assist the deliverer of the delivery item in accessing the location where the delivery box 70 is installed.

[0162] Such a notification system 10 can assist the deliverer of the delivery item in accessing the location where the delivery box 70 is installed.

[0163] Furthermore, for example, the output unit 86 outputs notification information for issuing a third notification together with the first notification. The third notification includes a notification for assisting in unlocking the auto-locking door 60 for accessing the installation location. The auto-locking door 60 is an example of a door.

[0164] Such a notification system 10 can assist the deliverer of the delivery item in unlocking the auto-locking door 60.

[0165] Furthermore, for example, the third notification includes a notification for confirming whether the auto-lock door 60 can be unlocked.

[0166] Such a notification system 10 allows the user to confirm whether the auto-locking door 60 can be unlocked or not.

[0167] Further, for example, the third notification includes a notification for confirming whether or not the authentication information required to unlock the auto-lock door 60 can be issued.

[0168] Such a notification system 10 can confirm with the user whether or not to issue authentication information.

[0169] In addition, for example, the output unit 86 outputs notification information for making a third notification together with the first notification. The third notification includes a notification for confirming whether the user of the delivery box 70 wishes to receive the delivery by means other than the delivery box 70.

[0170] Such a notification system 10 can confirm with the user whether or not they wish to receive the delivery using a means other than the delivery box 70.

[0171] Also, for example, the means other than delivery box 70 is a means using a delivery box other than delivery box 70 provided in apartment building 100.

[0172] Such a notification system 10 can confirm with the user whether or not they wish to receive the delivery using another delivery box.

[0173] In addition, the notification method executed by a computer such as the notification system 10 includes a first acquisition step of acquiring first information indicating the delivery schedule of the delivery item or the arrival of the delivery item at the apartment complex 100, a second acquisition step of acquiring second information regarding the usage status of the delivery box 70 installed in the apartment complex 100, and an output step of outputting notification information for issuing a first notification regarding the first information, a second notification regarding the second information, and / or a third notification to assist in receiving the delivery item, based on the acquired first information and the acquired second information.

[0174] This notification method can provide at least one of a notification regarding the usage status of delivery box 70 and a notification to assist in receiving the delivery, in addition to a notification regarding the delivery schedule or arrival of the delivery at apartment complex 100. In other words, the notification method can provide a notification regarding the delivery.

[0175] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0176] For example, in the above embodiment, it has been described that the resident installs an application program on the mobile terminal in advance in order to receive the notification via the mobile terminal, but it is not essential that the application program be installed on the mobile terminal. For example, it is also possible to receive the notification via email or SMS (Short Message Service), in which case there is no need to install an application program.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the notification system is applied to an apartment building, but it may also be applied to facilities other than apartment buildings. For example, the notification system may be applied to offices, factories, research facilities, medical facilities, accommodation facilities, etc.

[0178] In the above embodiment, the notification system is realized by a plurality of devices. When the notification system is realized by a plurality of devices in this way, the components (particularly functional components) of the notification system may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0179] The notification system may also be realized as a single device. For example, the notification system may be realized as a single device corresponding to a cloud server included in a server system, or as a single device corresponding to an intercom master unit or a mobile terminal.

[0180] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (such as a broadband router, not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0181] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0182] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0183] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0184] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0185] For example, the present invention may be realized as the intercom master unit, server system, or mobile terminal of the above-described embodiments. The present invention may also be realized as a notification method executed by a computer such as the notification system of the above-described embodiments, or as a program for causing a computer to execute the notification method (in other words, a computer program product). The present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0186] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0187] 10. Notification System 60 Auto-locking door 70 Delivery box (storage device) 73 Electric Lock 84 First Acquisition Department 85 Second Acquisition Department 86 Output section 100 Apartment complexes (facilities, collective facilities)

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires first information indicating a delivery schedule of the delivery item or an arrival of the delivery item at a facility; a second acquisition unit that acquires second information regarding the usage status of the storage devices installed in the facility; an output unit that outputs notification information for issuing a first notification regarding the first information, as well as at least one of a second notification regarding the second information and a third notification for assisting in receipt of the delivery, based on the acquired first information and the acquired second information; The first notification and at least one of the second notification and the third notification are made before the deliverer of the delivery item arrives at the installation location of the storage device. Notification system.

2. the output unit outputs the notification information for making the third notification together with the first notification; The third notification includes a notification for assisting in unlocking an electric lock provided in the storage device. The notification system of claim 1 .

3. The third notification includes a notification for confirming whether or not the electric lock can be unlocked. The notification system of claim 2 .

4. the output unit outputs the notification information for making the third notification together with the first notification; The third notification includes a notification to assist the deliverer of the delivery in accessing the installation location of the storage device. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the output unit outputs the notification information for making the third notification together with the first notification; The third notification includes a notification to assist in unlocking a door to access the installation location. The notification system of claim 4.

6. The third notification includes a notification for confirming whether the door can be unlocked. The notification system of claim 5 .

7. The third notification includes a notification for confirming whether or not authentication information required to unlock the door can be issued. The notification system of claim 5 .

8. the output unit outputs the notification information for making the third notification together with the first notification; The third notification includes a notification to confirm whether the user of the storage device wishes to receive the delivery item by means other than the storage device. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the facility is a collective facility; The means other than the storage device is a means for using a storage device other than the storage device provided in the collective facility. The notification system of claim 8.

10. 1. A computer-implemented notification method comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring first information indicating a delivery schedule of the delivery item or an arrival of the delivery item at a facility; a second acquisition step of acquiring second information regarding the usage status of the storage devices installed in the facility; and an output step of outputting notification information for issuing a first notification regarding the first information, as well as at least one of a second notification regarding the second information and a third notification for assisting in receipt of the delivery, based on the acquired first information and the acquired second information, The first notification and at least one of the second notification and the third notification are made before the deliverer of the delivery item arrives at the installation location of the storage device. Notification method.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the notification method according to claim 10.

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