Storage service provision system

Abstract

To provide a storage service provision system which causes a wide variety of services provided by storing an article in a storage device to be easily available.SOLUTION: A storage service provision system is configured to have: a storage device 10 which keeps an article relating to a user in a lock state; a management server 20 which manages information on a storage situation of the storage device 10 and so on; a user terminal 30 which is operated by a user; a manager terminal 40 which is operated by a manager who performs management work of the storage device 10 and the management server 20; a delivery company server 50 which is managed by a delivery company which performs delivery work of the article kept in the storage device 10; a delivery company terminal 60 which is operated by the delivery company; a service business operator server 70 which manages information on a storage service; and a service business operator terminal 80 which is operated by a service business operator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage service providing system, and more particularly to a storage service providing system that provides services related to storing items in storage devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, lifestyles have been changing dramatically with the rise in nuclear families, the increase in unmarried people and people marrying later in life, the increase in single people due to the declining birthrate and aging population, and the increase in dual-income couples. Furthermore, in recent years, with the rise of e-commerce, it has become common for purchased goods and other items to be delivered to individual homes. However, as mentioned above, the proportion of couples who both work is increasing, and there are more cases where people are away from home, so there is a demand for an environment and facilities that allow for the smooth receipt of such goods.

[0003] In response to the needs described above, in recent years, storage devices equipped with multiple storage boxes known as parcel lockers or street lockers have increasingly been installed in common areas of apartment complexes and other housing complexes, as well as in stores and public facilities. This storage device temporarily holds items delivered to residents of apartment complexes by courier services or the like, and stores them in a lockable storage box. This means that even if the resident is not at home, they can smoothly receive the delivery by retrieving it from the storage device without having to request redelivery.

[0004] In addition to the above-mentioned home delivery services, various other services using storage devices are provided, such as collection and delivery services for dry cleaning items, product delivery services for stores such as supermarkets, and equipment rental services.

[0005] As one prior art technique in which the above-described storage device temporarily keeps and stores items to provide a service, a collection and delivery box is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The collection and delivery box disclosed in Patent Document 1 is installed in apartment buildings, etc., and users can insert their membership card (magnetic card) into the collection and delivery box and enter a PIN number to unlock the box and remove the finished laundry items from the box. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 9-238820 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, with the collection and delivery box in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, when residents of an apartment building use the box to access a wide variety of services provided by different companies, they must prepare a key to unlock the box for each company and each service, and there is also the problem that the procedures for using the services are complicated.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a storage service providing system that allows users to easily use a wide variety of services provided by storing items in a storage device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve this object, the present invention provides: A storage service providing system has a storage device equipped with one or more storage boxes for temporarily storing a user's items, a management server that manages the usage status of the storage service provided to the user using the storage device, and a user terminal operated by the user, wherein the user terminal transmits reservation application information for applying for a reservation to use the storage service to the management server, and upon receiving the reservation application information from the user terminal, the management server transmits a service usage code required for using the storage service to the user terminal, and upon inputting the service usage code, the storage device unlocks the storage box and allows the user to store an item in the storage box, and upon storing the item in the storage box, displays a storage completion code indicating that the item has been stored, and upon inputting the displayed storage completion code, the user terminal extracts history information indicating the history of the completed storage, which is included in the input storage completion code, and transmits the extracted history information to the management server, and upon receiving the history information from the user terminal, the management server generates and stores a history of the items stored in the storage box when the user uses the storage service based on the received history information. It is characterized by:

[0011] The storage service providing system of the present invention is a storage service providing system having a storage device equipped with one or more storage boxes for temporarily storing a user's items, a management server that manages the usage status of storage services provided to users using the storage device, and a user terminal operated by the user, in which, when the management server receives reservation application information for applying for a reservation to use the storage service from the user terminal, it transmits a service usage code required to use the storage service to the user terminal and also transmits reservation information indicating the reservation details of the storage service applied for using the reservation application information to the storage device, and when the service usage code is input, the storage device unlocks the storage box and allows the user to store items in the storage box, and also displays reservation template screen information received from the management server, which is general-purpose template screen information used in common for each storage service and in which one or more display areas are blank. The system stores the reservation information and the service usage code entered, extracts reservation information associated with the input service usage code from the stored reservation information, fills character information indicating the reservation content included in the extracted reservation information into a blank display area of ​​the reservation template screen information, generates and displays reservation content screen information indicating the reservation content of the storage service, unlocks the storage box after the service usage code is entered, and when an item is stored in the storage box, displays a storage completion code indicating that the item has been stored, and when the user terminal enters the displayed storage completion code, extracts history information indicating the history of the completed storage included in the entered storage completion code and transmits the extracted history information to the management server, and when the management server receives the history information from the user terminal, generates and stores a history of the items being stored in the storage box when the user uses the storage service based on the received history information. It is characterized by:

[0013] Furthermore, according to the storage service providing system of the present invention, the user terminal transmits reservation application information including information for applying to reserve a storage box to the management server, and the storage device: When reservation information is received from the management server,The storage box for which a reservation has been made is locked until the service use code is entered.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the storage service provision system of the present invention, the system further includes a delivery company server that can be accessed using a terminal by delivery companies that remove items stored in the storage box and perform delivery work, and when the management server receives reservation application information from the user terminal or when items are stored in the storage box from the storage device, it transmits information indicating that a reservation for use of the storage service has been made or information indicating that the items have been stored to the delivery company server.

[0016] In addition, any combination of the above components, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention between methods, devices, systems, computer programs, recording media storing computer programs, etc., are also valid aspects of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The present invention is a storage service provision system having a storage device equipped with one or more storage boxes for temporarily storing a user's items, a management server that manages the usage status of storage services provided to users using the storage device, and a user terminal operated by the user. The user terminal transmits reservation application information for applying to reserve the use of the storage service to the management server, and upon receiving the reservation application information from the user terminal, the management server transmits a service usage code required to use the storage service to the user terminal. Once the service usage code is entered, the storage device unlocks the storage box and allows the user to store items in the storage box, making it possible to easily use a wide variety of services provided by storing items in the storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a storage service providing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows each database stored in the information storage unit of the storage equipment in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a user DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a storage box DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a delivery company DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a reservation DB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a management server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating each database stored in an information storage unit of the management server. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a service DB according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an administrator terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a delivery company server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 3 is a diagram showing each database stored in an information storage unit of a delivery company server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a delivery company terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a service provider server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18]2 is a diagram showing each database stored in an information storage unit of the service provider server in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a service provider terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of a service start operation by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the installation operation of an application for making a reservation for use of a storage service by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the user information registration operation by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen displayed on a user terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen for user information displayed on a user terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a service reservation operation by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user screen displayed on a user terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation list screen in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a service screen displayed on a user terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation application screen displayed on a user terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations when a "provisional reservation" is made in the service reservation operation by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation completion screen displayed on a user terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations when a "normal reservation" is made in the service reservation operation by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations when a "normal reservation" is made in the service reservation operation by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a box specification screen displayed on a user terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of screen information of "empty box information" displayed on a user terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations performed by the storage service providing system when a user stores an item in a storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a "user selection screen" in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a "service use selection screen" displayed on a storage equipment in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an "authentication input screen" displayed on a storage equipment in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a "reservation list" in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of "reservation template screen information" in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a "reservation details screen" in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a "box usage status screen" displayed on a storage apparatus in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44] 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of an item storage notification operation by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 45] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations performed by the storage service providing system when a delivery company collects an item from a storage device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a notification operation by the storage service providing system after an item has been taken out in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a storage service providing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48] 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a service reservation operation by the storage service providing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a service reservation operation by the storage service providing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50] 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations performed by the storage service providing system when a user stores an item in a storage device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 51] 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations performed by the storage service providing system when a user stores an item in a storage device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 52] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a "storage completion code" displayed on the display unit of a storage device in the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] First Embodiment (Outline of the first embodiment) The storage service provision system according to the first embodiment of the present invention provides users such as residents of apartment complexes with storage services using storage devices such as delivery lockers. The storage services are various services that are provided by storing items in a storage device.

[0020] For example, the storage service may be a service in which delivery items addressed to a user are temporarily stored in the storage device 10, a service in which a user temporarily stores a sender's delivery item in the storage device 10 and requests a delivery company to deliver it, a service in which products purchased by a user through a mail-order program or an e-commerce site and delivered are temporarily stored in the storage device 10, a service in which products sold by a user to a customer on an e-commerce site or the like operated by the user are temporarily stored in the storage device 10 and shipped to the customer, a service in which clothes that a user requests to be cleaned are temporarily stored in the storage device 10 until the dry cleaner comes to pick them up, a service in which cleaned clothes delivered by the dry cleaner are temporarily stored in the storage device 10, a service in which items that a user has put up for sale on an auction site are temporarily stored in the storage device 10 and then delivered to the successful bidder, a service in which items that a user has won on an auction site are temporarily stored in the storage device 10, and the like.

[0021] An example of the storage service will now be described. For example, in this embodiment, the storage services include "cleaning," "collection," and "listing" services.

[0022] The "cleaning" storage service is a service in which a user requests a delivery company (cleaning company) to clean their clothes, etc. The user makes a reservation to use the storage service and stores the clothes or the like in a storage box of the storage device. The delivery company (cleaning company) collects the received clothes, cleans them, and then stores them in a storage box. The user takes out the cleaned clothes etc. from the storage box. In this way, by depositing items to be cleaned, such as clothes, in the storage device, the user can use the "cleaning" storage service, which requests the delivery company (cleaning company) to clean the items.

[0023] The "collection" storage service is a service that requests a delivery company to deliver an item to a destination specified by the user. A user makes a reservation to use the storage service and stores the item in a storage box of the storage device. The delivery company collects the received goods and delivers them to the address specified by the user. In this way, a user can use the "collection" storage service, which involves depositing items to be delivered in a storage device and requesting a delivery company such as a courier to deliver the items.

[0024] The "listing" collection service is a service in which a user requests a delivery company to deliver items that they have listed on an online auction or other e-commerce site. The user makes a reservation to use the storage service and stores the items in the storage box of the storage device. The delivery company collects the received items and delivers them to the address specified by the user.

[0025] In the "listing" storage service, the delivery company may, in addition to the delivery work described above, also take on shipping preparation work such as packaging of the items to be listed. For example, a user stores an item in a storage box of a storage device without packaging it, and a delivery company removes the item from the storage box and delivers it to a warehouse or the like. The delivery company or another company then packages the delivered item and discloses information about the item on the Web, and when a purchase of the item is concluded, the delivery company delivers the packaged item to the purchaser.

[0026] In this way, when a purchase is made for an item that the user has put up for auction, the user can deposit the item in a storage device and use the "listing" storage service, which requests a delivery company such as a parcel service to handle the delivery and shipping of the item on the user's behalf.

[0027] (Configuration of the first embodiment) [1] Overall structure of the storage service provision system FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a storage service providing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the storage service provision system is installed on the premises of a building that has a private area where a user lives or uses, and is configured to include a storage device 10 that stores items related to the user (items that the user stores in the storage device 10 when using the storage service) in a locked state, a management server 20 such as a server device that manages information such as the storage status of the storage device 10, a user terminal 30 that is an information processing device operated by the user, an administrator terminal 40 that is an information processing device operated by an administrator who manages the storage device 10 and the management server 20, a delivery company server 50 that is a server device managed by a delivery company that delivers the items stored in the storage device 10, a delivery company terminal 60 that is an information processing device operated by the delivery company, a service provider server 70 such as a server device managed by a service provider that operates the storage service provided using the storage device 10 and that manages information about the storage service, and a service provider terminal 80 that is an information processing device operated by the service provider. The storage service providing system also has a network 100 such as the Internet or a LAN that communicatively connects the storage device 10, management server 20, user terminal 30, administrator terminal 40, delivery company server 50, delivery business terminal 60, service provider server 70, and service provider terminal 80.

[0028] The building in which the storage equipment 10 is installed may be, for example, an apartment building, a building, a commercial facility, or a public facility. The above-mentioned exclusive areas are, for example, individual dwelling units in an apartment building, individual work spaces in an office building, individual tenant spaces in a commercial facility, or individual spaces in a public facility. The users may be, for example, residents of an apartment building, workers in an office building, store clerks in a commercial facility, or users of a public facility.

[0029] A delivery company is a business that performs delivery operations and is staffed by employees who actually perform delivery operations. Delivery companies are not limited to delivery companies in the narrow sense, but may also include mail-order companies, online supermarkets, dry cleaners, auction site operators, auction listing agents, or delivery personnel from various stores and companies, as long as they deliver goods for users.

[0030] The items stored in the storage equipment 10 are, for example, deliveries related to the user that are delivered by a delivery company. For example, if the delivery company is a delivery company, the item is a parcel or postal item addressed to the user, or a parcel or postal item sent by the user. If the delivery company is a mail-order company or an online supermarket, the goods are products purchased by the user through a mail-order program or an EC site. If the delivery company is a dry cleaner, the items include clothes that the user requests to be dry cleaned or clothes that have already been dry cleaned in accordance with the request. If the delivery company is an operating company of an auction site, the item may be an item that the user puts up for sale on the auction site, or an item that a third party has put up for sale on the auction site and that the user has won a bid for. Additionally, mail-order companies, online supermarkets, dry cleaners, and auction site operators sometimes outsource the delivery of goods to delivery companies.

[0031] The configurations of the storage equipment 10, management server 20, user terminal 30, administrator terminal 40, delivery company server 50, delivery company terminal 60, service provider server 70, and service provider terminal 80 will be described in detail below.

[0032] [2] Configuration of storage device 10 (1) Overview of the storage device 10 The storage device 10 is a storage device in which a user temporarily deposits items stored therein until a delivery company retrieves them, or in which an item addressed to a user is temporarily stored until the user retrieves it, and is provided with a plurality of lockable storage boxes. In this embodiment, the storage equipment 10 has a function of transmitting information relating to the storage or removal of an article to the management server 20 via the network 100 when the information is input.

[0033] The storage device 10 may be installed in apartment buildings and other multi-family dwellings, as well as offices, stores and commercial facilities such as convenience stores and supermarkets, or public facilities and institutions such as stations and hospitals, and the installation locations are not limited to these. For example, if the storage device 10 is installed in an apartment building, the user is a resident of the apartment building, and the delivery company may be a courier that delivers the items, a dry cleaning company (if the items are items to be cleaned such as clothes), or other store operators, etc.

[0034] The storage device 10 can deposit and store not only deliveries such as parcel deliveries but also all kinds of goods. For example, the storage equipment 10 temporarily stores items such as auction items that users have requested be delivered and that have been stored in stock until a delivery company collects and removes the items for delivery. The storage equipment 10 also temporarily stores items such as items put up for auction that the user wishes to receive, from the time the delivery company delivers the items until the user retrieves them.

[0035] A user can also use the storage apparatus 10 for cleaning services. A user deposits uncleaned items such as his / her own clothes in the storage device 10, a cleaning company collects the deposited clothes and cleans them, stores the cleaned items in the storage device 10 again, and then the user takes out the cleaned items from the storage device 10.

[0036] The user can also use the storage device 10 to take advantage of grocery delivery services provided by supermarkets, convenience stores, and the like. The vendor delivers the food ordered by the user and deposits it in the storage device 10, and then the user takes out the food from the storage device 10.

[0037] The user can also use the storage apparatus 10 to take advantage of equipment rental or sharing services. The storage device 10 stores, for example, rental equipment such as a transport cart, an air pump, a lawnmower, or keys to a conference room, or keys to a shared car / shared bicycle vehicle. A user takes out an item stored in the storage device 10, uses it, then puts it back in and returns it. As an example of equipment rental, the storage unit 10 can be used for a rental car service, as described below. When a user informs a rental car company of his / her desire to rent a vehicle, an employee of the rental car company delivers the vehicle to a designated parking lot and deposits the key in the storage device 10 for storage. The user takes out the vehicle key from the storage device 10, uses it to use the vehicle, and then deposits the key back into the storage device 10 for storage after use. Thereafter, an employee of the rental car company takes out and collects the key stored in the storage device 10, and transports it together with the used vehicle to the company's office or the like.

[0038] As described above, the storage equipment 10 can provide various services to users.

[0039] (2) Overall configuration of storage device 10 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the storage device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the storage equipment 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the storage device 10 will be described below with reference to these figures. As shown in the figure, the storage device 10 is configured to have a control unit 11 that is composed of a CPU and the like and controls the entire storage device 10, an information storage unit 12 that stores various information, a communication unit 13 that communicates with the management server 20 via the network 100, a display unit 14 that displays various information, an operation unit 15 that has various keys for inputting information, and a storage unit 16 that has multiple storage boxes for storing items. Each of the units 11 to 16 is connected to an internal bus, and various information and the like is input and output via this bus, and under the control of the control unit 11, various processes are executed.

[0040] The storage box of the storage equipment 10 can be shared by multiple users. For example, if storage equipment 10 is installed in an apartment building, the storage boxes of storage equipment 10 can be shared by multiple residents of the same apartment building. In other words, the storage boxes of storage equipment 10 can store deliveries that multiple residents of the same apartment building want to have delivered or deliveries that are addressed to each resident.

[0041] If an item has already been stored in a storage box of the storage device 10 and the door is closed and locked, only the recipient resident (user or delivery company) can unlock the storage box, and no one else can unlock it. The storage box of the storage device 10 is allowed to store other items only after the stored items have been removed and the storage box is empty.

[0042] (3) Configuration of the control unit 11 The control unit 11 is a processing unit that controls the entire storage device 10, and is configured, for example, by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 11 reads information from the information storage unit 12 and writes information to the information storage unit 12 . The control unit 11 controls the operation of the storage boxes, such as locking and unlocking and opening and closing the doors, controls the operation of the screen display by the display unit 14, performs authentication processing when using the storage device 10, and manages personal information of users and delivery companies and the usage status of each storage box.

[0043] (4) Configuration of the information storage unit 12 The information storage unit 12 is a device for storing information, such as a hard disk, a memory, or a semiconductor device. The information storage unit 12 has an area for storing programs executed by the control unit 11, a working area (such as RAM) that is temporarily used when the control unit 11 executes processing, and the like. The control unit 11 reads out the programs stored in the information storage unit 12, develops them in the work area, and executes various processes. The information storage unit 12 stores each database, which will be described later.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows the databases stored in the information storage unit 12 of the storage equipment 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the information storage unit 12 stores a user DB 121 that manages resident information about residents, a storage box DB 122 that manages the usage status of the multiple storage boxes that make up the storage unit 16, a delivery company DB 123 that manages information about delivery companies, and a reservation DB 125 that manages the reservation details of storage services booked by users. The data structure of each of the databases 121 to 125 will be described in detail below.

[0045] The user DB 121 is a database for managing information about users. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the user DB 121 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the user DB 121 manages the "user ID" which is the individual user's identification information, the "user name", the user's "personal information (such as the email address of the user terminal 30)" such as the address, and the "user authentication information" for the user to unlock the storage box of the storage device 10, each associated with an individual ID ("user ID") that identifies the user.

[0046] In this embodiment, in addition to or instead of the above-mentioned "user ID," private area information such as the room number of the room where the user lives in an apartment building, the room number and tenant number of the office where the user works in the building, etc. may be used as user identification information in each database.

[0047] The storage box DB 122 is a database for managing the characteristics (attributes) and current usage status of each storage box of the storage equipment 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the storage box DB 122 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the storage box DB 122 manages "attributes of each storage box" and "usage status of each storage box" in association with "box numbers" that identify each storage box.

[0048] The "storage box attributes" is information indicating, for example, the size of the storage box, the position of each storage box in the storage equipment 10, and whether or not it has a freezing or refrigeration function.

[0049] "Storage box usage status" manages which of the three statuses each storage box is in: "empty," "in use," or "reserved." "Empty" indicates that no items are stored in the storage box and new items are permitted to be stored. "In use" indicates a state in which an item has already been stored in the storage box and the storage of items is prohibited. "On reservation" indicates that there are no items stored in the storage box at the moment, but that there are plans to store items in the future. When "on reservation," no items have been stored, but the storage of items is prohibited.

[0050] In this embodiment, as an example, the storage unit 16 is made up of seven storage boxes, and box numbers 1 to 7 are assigned to the respective storage boxes. These box numbers 1 to 7 correspond to the storage boxes 161 to 167 shown in FIG. 2, respectively.

[0051] The delivery company DB 123 is a database for managing information about delivery companies. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the delivery company DB 123 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the delivery company DB 123 manages the "name / name of delivery person," "delivery company authentication information" for the delivery person to unlock the storage box of the storage device 10, and company information (email address of the delivery company terminal 60, delivery company such as the delivery company to which the delivery person belongs, etc.), in association with a "delivery company ID" that identifies each delivery person. If the delivery person of the delivery company has his / her authentication information managed in the delivery company DB 123, he / she can unlock the storage box and can store (deposit) or take out (collect) the delivery item.

[0052] The reservation DB 125 is a database that manages information relating to reservations for storage services applied for by users. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the reservation DB 125 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The reservation DB 125 manages "reservation information" that indicates the details of a reservation for a storage service made by a user, in association with a "reservation number" that is unique to each reservation. In the example shown in the figure, reservation DB 125 manages as "reservation information" the "reservation application information," which is various information entered by the user when applying to reserve the use of a storage service, "storage deadline information," which indicates the expiration date of the reservation, "unlocking information" for unlocking the storage box when using the reserved storage service, and "reservation history information," which indicates the history of each reservation, each associated with a "reservation number."

[0053] The above-mentioned "reservation application information" is various information required to use each storage service and may differ depending on the type of storage service, but may include, for example, the "user ID" of the user who has applied for the reservation, a "service ID" for identifying the service for which the user is reserving use, and "delivery destination information (address, etc.)" indicating the delivery destination of the items that the user plans to store in the storage device 10.

[0054] The "storage deadline information" is information indicating the deadline for storing one's own items in the storage equipment 10 when a user uses the storage service. After the storage deadline has passed, the user will not be able to unlock the storage box of the storage device 10 to store the item for the storage service reservation associated with that reservation number. In this case, the user will need to make a new reservation to use the same storage service.

[0055] The "unlocking information" is information required for a user to store their items in a storage box when using the storage service, and may be, for example, a password such as text information or graphic information such as a two-dimensional barcode or barcode. When the user inputs the "unlock information" into the storage equipment 10, the storage box is unlocked and the item can be stored. However, once the storage time limit of the "storage time limit information" has passed, the storage box cannot be unlocked even if the user inputs the "unlock information."

[0056] The above-mentioned "reservation history information" is information indicating the history of each reservation, such as "history of reservation completion," "history of items being stored in the storage box," "history of items being removed from the storage box," "delivery history of removed items," and "payment history of storage service fees." The "reservation history information" includes, for each history, at least one of the following: the time period corresponding to each history, the box number of the corresponding storage box, the delivery company ID of the delivery person, the user ID of the user related to the reservation, and the contents of the delivery item (size, etc.).

[0057] (5) Configuration of storage section 16 The storage section 16 is made up of a plurality of storage boxes. The storage boxes are storage units for temporarily storing items related to the user, and each is configured to be lockable and unlockable. For example, a user can store items that he or she has requested to be collected in a storage box until the delivery person collects the items. Furthermore, even if the user is absent, the delivery person can store the items addressed to the user in the storage box and lock it, so that the storage unit 16 can safely store the items until the user retrieves them.

[0058] Each storage box is normally locked, and a storage box that does not contain any items is unlocked when the user or delivery company is successfully authenticated, but is not unlocked when the authentication fails. On the other hand, a user can unlock a storage box containing an item addressed to the user by inputting unlocking information, but cannot unlock a storage box containing an item addressed to another person. The delivery company can unlock the storage box containing the item that the delivery company has requested to be delivered by entering authentication information. The structure for locking and unlocking the storage box is not particularly limited as long as the door is fixed to the storage room so as to be openable and closable to block the storage and retrieval opening.

[0059] (6) Configuration of communication unit 13 The communication unit 13 is an interface that controls communication with the management server 20 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter and the like. The communication unit 13 includes a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN, the Internet, or the like via wireless communication, or may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0060] (7) Configuration of the display unit 14 and the operation unit 15 The display unit 14 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, or a lamp using a light-emitting element such as an LED. The control unit 11 reads out an image from the information storage unit 12, and executes image output processing to generate screen information. The control unit 11 outputs the generated image information to the display unit 14. The display unit 14 displays the input image information on a screen such as a display. The control unit 11 can also output a control signal to the display unit 14 to light up a lamp that the display unit 14 has.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 14 is provided inside the storage device 10 body, but it may be an external display device connected so as to be communicable via wire or wirelessly. For example, the display unit 14 is a tablet terminal or a display device that is provided outside the storage equipment 10 body and displays image information input from the control unit 11 via the wired or wireless connection.

[0062] The operation unit 15 includes an information input device consisting of various keys, for example, and the information input device provides a pointing device in cooperation with the display unit 14. The operation unit 15 accepts various operations by the resident or the like, and outputs a signal indicating the operation content to the control unit 11 or the like. When the control unit 11 receives a signal indicating the operation content, it outputs a control signal to the display unit 14 to cause the display unit 14 to execute a screen display according to the operation content, in accordance with the content of the signal. When the control signal is input, the display unit 14 performs a screen display in accordance with the control signal. The display unit 14 and the operation unit 15 may be integrated to form a touch panel.

[0063] The operation unit 15 also includes an information reading device (reader) that reads information from an information recording medium by performing short-distance wireless communication such as infrared communication. When the user or delivery person holds an information recording medium (authentication medium) on which authentication information for unlocking the storage box is recorded over the operation unit 15 (information reading device) or brings it within a predetermined distance, the operation unit 15 reads the authentication information from the information recording medium. There are no particular limitations on the technology used by the operation unit 15 to read the authentication information, but examples include short-range wireless communication methods such as FeliCa (registered trademark), MIFARE (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. Furthermore, if code information is printed or provided on the surface of the information recording medium, the operation unit 15 optically reads the code information. The information recording medium is, for example, a contactless IC card in which authentication information for identifying a user or a delivery company is written, or a portable terminal having a similar function.

[0064] [3] Configuration of management server 20 The management server 20 is a server device that manages user information, delivery company information, the usage status of the storage equipment 10, the usage status of the storage service, and the like. The management server 20 is managed by, for example, a management company of the storage equipment 10.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of the management server 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the management server 20 is configured to have a control unit 21 which is configured with a CPU etc. and controls the entire management server 20, an information storage unit 22 which stores user information etc., and a communication unit 23 which transmits and receives information via wireless or wired connections to and from the storage device 10, the user terminal 30, the administrator terminal 40, the delivery company terminal 60, or the service provider server 60 via the network 100. Each of the units 21 to 23 is connected to an internal bus, and various information and the like is input and output via this bus, and various processes are executed under the control of the control unit 21.

[0066] The control unit 21 is a processing unit that controls the entire management server 20, and is configured by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA. The control unit 21 reads information from the information storage unit 22 and writes information to the information storage unit 22 .

[0067] The information storage unit 22 is a device for storing information, such as a hard disk, a memory, or a semiconductor element. The information storage unit 22 has an area for storing programs executed by the control unit 21, a working area (RAM, etc.) that is temporarily used when the control unit 21 executes processing, and the like. The control unit 21 reads out the programs stored in the information storage unit 22, develops them in the work area, and executes various processes.

[0068] The communication unit 23 is an interface that controls communication with the storage equipment 10, the user terminal 30, the administrator terminal 40, the delivery company server 50, and the service provider server 70 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter and the like. The communication unit 23 includes a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN, the Internet, or the like via wireless communication, or may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0069] FIG. 10 shows the databases stored in the information storage unit 22 of the management server 20. As shown in the figure, the information storage unit 22 stores a user DB 221 that manages user information, etc., a storage box DB 222 that manages the usage status of the multiple storage boxes that make up the storage unit 16, a delivery company DB 223 that manages information about delivery companies, a service DB 224 that manages information about storage services, and a reservation DB 225 that manages the reservation details of storage services booked by users.

[0070] In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the user DB 221, storage box DB 222, delivery company DB 223, and reservation DB 225 manage data of the same items as the user DB 121, storage box DB 122, delivery company DB 123, and reservation DB 125 of the storage equipment 10, respectively.

[0071] Furthermore, one of the storage equipment 10 and the management server 20 may be configured to manage part of the information managed in the database of the other. For example, if the storage service providing system has multiple storage devices 10, each storage device 10 may manage information about itself, and the management server 20 may comprehensively manage the information of the multiple storage devices 10.

[0072] When the management server 20 receives the “user information” from the user terminal 30 , the management server 20 registers the received “user information” in the user DB 221 . Furthermore, when management server 20 receives “delivery company information” from delivery company terminal 60, management server 20 registers the received “delivery company information” in delivery company DB223. The management server 20 may communicate with each of the one or more storage equipment 10 at predetermined time intervals to synchronize the databases stored in the management server 20 with the databases of the storage equipment 10.

[0073] The service DB 224 is a database for managing information about storage services that use the storage equipment 10. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the service DB 224 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the service DB 224 manages the "name of storage service" and the "contents of storage service" in association with a "service ID" that identifies each storage service. The "contents of the storage service" include, for example, the name of the service provider that provides each storage service, the usage fees and terms of use of each storage service, etc.

[0074] [4] Configuration of user terminal 30 The user terminal 30 is a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a PC, or any other terminal used by a user.

[0075] The user uses the user terminal 30 to receive a notification from the management server 20 regarding the storage of a delivery addressed to the user into the storage device 10 or the removal of a delivery for which the user has requested collection from the storage device 10. In addition, the user can use the user terminal 30 to communicate with the management server 20, receive and display information about deliveries addressed to the user and deliveries for which the user has requested collection, and check the contents.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the user terminal 30 is composed of a control unit 31, which is composed of a CPU etc. and controls the operation of the entire user terminal 30, an information storage unit 32 that stores input information and information received via the network 100, a communication unit 33 that sends and receives information via the network 100, a display unit 34, which is composed of a display etc. and displays information on the screen, and an operation unit 35, which is composed of keys, a mouse etc. and is used to input information, etc. The display unit 34 and the operation unit 35 may be integrated to form a touch panel. Each of the units 31 to 35 is connected to an internal bus, and various information and the like is input and output via this bus, and under the control of the control unit 31, various processes are executed.

[0077] The control unit 31 is a processing unit that controls the entire user terminal 30, and is configured by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA. The control unit 31 reads information from the information storage unit 32 and writes information to the information storage unit 32 .

[0078] The information storage unit 32 is a device for storing information, such as a hard disk, a memory, or a semiconductor element. The information storage unit 32 has an area for storing programs executed by the control unit 31, a working area (RAM, etc.) that is temporarily used when the control unit 31 executes processing, and the like. The control unit 31 reads out the programs stored in the information storage unit 32, develops them in the work area, and executes various processes.

[0079] The communication unit 33 is an interface that controls communication with the management server 20 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter and the like. The communication unit 33 includes a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN, the Internet, or the like via wireless communication, or may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0080] The display unit 34 is a display device such as a display or a lamp. The control unit 31 reads an image from the information storage unit 32 and executes image output processing to generate screen information. The control unit 31 also executes image output processing on image information received by the communication unit 33 from the management server 20 to generate screen information. The control unit 31 outputs the generated image information to the display unit . The display unit 34 displays the input image information on a screen such as a display. The control unit 31 can also output a control signal to the display unit 34 to light up a lamp such as an LED that the display unit 34 has. In this embodiment, the display unit 34 displays a "service use code" required to unlock the storage box when the user attempts to use the storage service. By reading this displayed "service use code" into the operation unit 15 of the storage equipment 10, the storage equipment 10 can be made to execute the process of unlocking the storage box.

[0081] The operation unit 35 is provided with an information input device consisting of various keys, for example, and the information input device provides a pointing device in cooperation with the display unit 34. The operation unit 35 accepts various operations by the order-receiving side, etc., and outputs a signal indicating the operation content to the control unit 31, etc. When the control unit 31 receives the signal indicating the operation content, it outputs a control signal to the display unit 34 instructing the display unit 34 to display a screen according to the operation content, in accordance with the content of the signal. When the control signal is input, the display unit 34 performs a screen display in accordance with the control signal.

[0082] The user terminal 30 can receive and display screen information, for example, a Web page, from the management server 20 that functions as a Web server. The user terminal 30 has a function in which the control unit 31 generates and transmits an HTTP request in response to a request from the user, and a function in which the control unit 31 interprets an HTTP response (an example of a response) and presents it to the user. For example, the information storage unit 32 stores a web browser. The control unit 31 interprets the HTTP response, generates image data and audio data, and presents the HTTP response to the user by displaying the data on the display unit 34 or outputting audio from a speaker that the user terminal 30 has.

[0083] [5] Configuration of administrator terminal 40 The administrator terminal 40 is a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a PC, or any other terminal used by the administrator.

[0084] The administrator can use the administrator terminal 40 to communicate with the management server 20, receive and display information such as the usage status of the storage equipment 10 and the usage status of the storage service, and check the contents. The administrator terminal 40 can receive and display screen information, for example, a web page, from the management server 20 that functions as a web server.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the administrator terminal 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the administrator terminal 40 is configured to include a control unit 41, an information storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, a display unit 44, and an operation unit 45. The above-mentioned units 41 to 45 have the same configuration as the units 31 to 35 of the user terminal 30 with the same names, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] [6] Configuration of delivery company server 50 The delivery company server 50 is a server device for managing information related to delivery operations. For example, the delivery company server 50 is installed for each delivery company (organization such as a delivery company) and manages data related to each delivery company installed therein. That is, each delivery company server 50 may manage only data on delivery companies related to its own organization (its own delivery company) and may not manage data on delivery companies related to other organizations (other delivery companies).

[0087] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the delivery company server 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the delivery company server 50 is configured to include a control unit 51, an information storage unit 52, and a communication unit 53. The above-mentioned units 51 to 53 have the same basic configuration as the units 21 to 23 of the management server 20 with the same names, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, the information stored in the information storage unit 52 is different from the information stored in the information storage unit 32.

[0088] FIG. 15 shows the databases stored in the information storage unit 52 of the delivery company server 50. As shown in the figure, the information storage unit 52 stores a delivery company DB 523 that manages information about delivery companies, a service DB 524 that manages information about storage services, and a reservation DB 525 that manages the reservation details of storage services booked by users. The delivery company DB 523, service DB 524, and reservation DB 525 are common to the data of the delivery companies that manage the delivery company server 50 among the data managed in the delivery company DB 223, service DB 224, and reservation DB 225 managed by management server 20.

[0089] When the delivery company server 50 receives the “reservation information” from the management server 20 , the delivery company server 50 registers the received “reservation information” in the reservation DB 525 . The delivery company can access the delivery company server 50 using the delivery company terminal 60 and view the above-mentioned "reservation information."

[0090] When the delivery company server 50 receives a notification from the management server 20 that an item has been stored in the storage device 10 when a user uses the storage service, the delivery company server 50 transmits the received notification to the delivery company terminal 60 and requests the delivery person to deliver the item.

[0091] In addition, after receiving a notification from the management server 20 that the delivery person who received the notification has removed the item from the storage equipment 10, the delivery company server 50 notifies the delivery person and The delivery person in question sends the information to the delivery company terminal 60 of a colleague of the delivery company to which the delivery person belongs. This allows the delivery company (delivery person) to easily understand the delivery status of items related to the use of the storage service.

[0092] [7] Configuration of delivery company terminal 60 The delivery company terminal 60 is a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a PC, or any other terminal used by the delivery company.

[0093] The delivery company terminal 60 receives information about the delivery request from the delivery company server 50, and the delivery company carries out the delivery work in accordance with the contents of the delivery request. The delivery company terminal 60 can receive and display screen information, for example, a web page, from the management server 20 and the delivery company server 50, which function as web servers.

[0094] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of the delivery company terminal 60 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the delivery company terminal 60 is configured to include a control unit 61, an information storage unit 62, a communication unit 63, a display unit 64, and an operation unit 65. The above-mentioned units 61 to 65 have the same configuration as the units 31 to 35 of the user terminal 30 with the same names, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] [8] Configuration of service provider server 70 The service provider server 70 is a server device for each service provider to manage information relating to the storage services that they provide. The service provider server 70 is installed, for example, for each service provider and manages data related to each collection service provided by the installed service provider. That is, each service provider server 70 may manage only data related to its own organization (its own service provider) and may not manage data related to other organizations (other service providers).

[0096] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of the service provider server 70 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the service provider server 70 is configured to include a control unit 71 that is configured with a CPU or the like and controls the entire service provider server 70, an information storage unit 72 that stores information on storage services, etc., and a communication unit 73 that transmits and receives information wirelessly or wired to and from the management server 20, delivery company terminal 60, or service provider terminal 70 via the network 100. Each of the units 71 to 73 is connected to an internal bus, and various information and the like is input and output via this bus, and under the control of the control unit 71, various processes are executed.

[0097] The control unit 71 is a processing unit that controls the entire service provider server 70, and is configured by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA. The control unit 71 reads information from the information storage unit 72 and writes information to the information storage unit 72 .

[0098] The information storage unit 72 is a device for storing information, such as a hard disk, memory, or semiconductor device. The information storage unit 72 has an area for storing programs executed by the control unit 71, a working area (RAM, etc.) that is temporarily used when the control unit 71 executes processing, and the like. The control unit 71 reads out the programs stored in the information storage unit 72, develops them in the work area, and executes various processes.

[0099] The communication unit 73 is an interface that controls communication with the storage equipment 10, the user terminal 30, the administrator terminal 40, the delivery company terminal 60, or the service provider server 70 via the network 100, and includes a LAN adapter or the like. The communication unit 73 includes a wireless transceiver and may be connected to a LAN, the Internet, or the like via wireless communication, or may be connected via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0100] FIG. 18 shows the databases stored in the information storage unit 72 of the service provider server 70. As shown in the figure, the information storage unit 72 stores a user DB 721 that manages information (user information) of users who use storage services provided by the service provider, a service DB 724 that manages information related to storage services, and a reservation DB 725 that manages the reservation details of storage services booked by users.

[0101] When the service provider server 70 receives the “reservation information” from the management server 20 , it registers the received “reservation information” in the reservation DB 725 . The service provider can access the service provider server 70 using the service provider terminal 80 and view the above-mentioned "reservation information." This allows service providers to easily understand the usage status of the collection services they provide.

[0102] [9] Service provider terminal 80 configuration The service provider terminal 80 is a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a PC, or any other terminal used by the service provider.

[0103] The service provider terminal 80 receives information regarding the delivery request from the service provider server 70, and the service provider carries out the delivery work in accordance with the contents of the delivery request. The service provider terminal 80 can receive and display screen information, for example, a web page, from the management server 20 and the service provider server 70, which function as web servers.

[0104] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of the service provider terminal 80 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the service provider terminal 80 is configured to include a control unit 81, an information storage unit 82, a communication unit 83, a display unit 84, and an operation unit 85. The above-mentioned units 81 to 85 have the same configuration as the units 31 to 35 of the user terminal 30 with the same names, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0105] (Operation of the first embodiment) [1] Overall operation In this embodiment, the storage service providing system performs the following three operations. "1. Service start operation" "2. Service reservation operation" "3. Service Usage Behavior"

[0106] In "1. Service Start Operation," the user prepares to start the storage service using the storage equipment 10. As a specific example, the user installs an app (hereinafter simply referred to as "app") for making reservations for the storage service into the user terminal 30.

[0107] In "2. Service Reservation Operation," the user makes a reservation to use the storage service. As a specific example, the user makes a reservation to store his / her own items in the storage device 10 using the above-mentioned app.

[0108] In "3. Service Usage Operation," the user uses the storage service reserved above using the storage equipment 10. As a specific example, the user stores his / her own items in a storage box of the storage equipment 10 reserved for use, and requests delivery of the stored items.

[0109] [2] Service start operation (1) Overall operation of service start-up FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the service start operation by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation will be explained below with reference to this diagram.

[0110] First, the user installs the application on the user terminal 30 (step S11). Next, the user uses the installed application to register user information including his / her own profile information and the like in the management server 20 (step S12). This completes the operation for the user to start using the service.

[0111] The flow of each operation, that is, the application installation operation (S11) and the user information registration operation (S12), will be described in detail below.

[0112] (2) App installation operation (S11) FIG. 21 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the installation operation (S11) of the application for making a reservation for the use of a storage service by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation (S11) will be explained below with reference to this figure.

[0113] First, the user uses the user terminal 30 to request the management server 20 to download the application (step S111). When the management server 20 receives the download request for the application from the user terminal 30, the management server 20 downloads the application to the user terminal 30 (step S112). When the user terminal 30 downloads the application from the management server 20, it installs the application on the user terminal 30 and makes the application available for use (step S113). This completes the application installation operation (S11).

[0114] (3) User information registration operation (S12) FIG. 22 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the user information registration operation (S12) performed by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation (S12) will be explained below with reference to this figure.

[0115] As described above, after completing the application installation operation (S11), the user operates the operation unit 35 of the user terminal 30 to register user information (S12) as follows.

[0116] First, the user operates the operation unit 35 to display a login screen on the display unit 34 (step S121). FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen displayed on the user terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the login screen displays the login "User ID" and "Password" buttons, as well as a "Login" button, and also displays a "New Registration" button.

[0117] When the user operates the operation unit 35 to press the "New Registration" button on the login screen, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 30 causes the display unit 34 to display a user information registration screen (step S122).

[0118] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen for user information displayed on the user terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the user information registration screen has input fields for each item of user information. The user uses the operation unit 35 to input each item of user information into the input field (step S123). For example, user information items include the user's name, date of birth, gender, telephone number, login password, email address (login ID), and user authentication information. The user authentication information is information for authentication required when the user uses the storage equipment 10 to use the storage service.

[0119] After the user inputs each item of user information, when the user presses the "Send" button on the user information registration screen, the communication unit 33 of the user terminal 30 transmits the input user information to the management server 20 (step S124).

[0120] When the communication unit 23 of the management server 20 receives the user information from the user terminal 30, the control unit 21 registers the received user information in the user DB 221 of the information storage unit 22 (step S125). This completes the user information registration operation (S12). When a user uses the storage service, the user is authenticated using the registered user information.

[0121] In this way, the user installs the application on the user terminal 30 and registers user information (S12), thereby completing preparations to start using the storage service.

[0122] [3] Service reservation operation (1) Overall operation of service reservation FIG. 25 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a service reservation operation by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation will be explained below with reference to this diagram.

[0123] First, the user operates the operation unit 35 of the user terminal 30 to display the user screen for the storage service (step S201).

[0124] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a user screen displayed on the user terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The user screen is the main screen when the user uses the storage service. In the example shown in the figure, the user screen displays a "notification field 101" that notifies information about the storage device 10, a "reservation list button 102" for displaying a list of storage services that the user has reserved, and a "storage service button 103" for starting reservations for each storage service that the user can use.

[0125] In the illustrated example, the "notification field 101" displays a notification as to whether or not an item addressed to the user has been stored in the storage equipment 10. The "notification field 101" also displays a notification as to whether or not there is free space in the storage box of the storage equipment 10.

[0126] When the user presses the "reservation list button 102", a list of storage services reserved by the user can be displayed on the screen of the user terminal 30. When the "reservation list button 102" is pressed, the communication unit 33 sends to the management server 20 a request to acquire a reservation list screen that displays a list of storage services for which the user has currently made reservations. In response to the acquisition request, the management server 20 transmits information on the reservation list screen (reservation list screen information) to the user terminal 30. When the communication unit 33 receives the reservation list screen information from the management server 20, the display unit 34 displays the received reservation list screen.

[0127] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation list screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the reservation list screen displays the following items for each storage service that has been reserved: "Type of storage service," "Name of delivery company," "Reservation date and time," "Box number of the storage box that is scheduled to be stored, is currently being stored, or has been stored in the past," and "Reservation status (reserved, service already used, etc.)."

[0128] On the user screen, one or more "storage service buttons 103" are provided for each storage service that the user can use. By pressing the "storage service button 103" of the storage service that the user wishes to use, the user can proceed to the operation of reserving the use of that storage service. When the provision of a certain storage service has ended, the corresponding "storage service button 103" disappears from the screen, and it becomes impossible to proceed to the operation of reserving the storage service. On the other hand, when a new storage service is started to be offered, the corresponding "storage service button 103" is added to the screen, and by pressing the "storage service button 103", it becomes possible to start the operation of reserving the use of that storage service. In this way, even if a new collection service is added, users can easily use the service without having to prepare an authentication medium (such as an ID card) specifically for that service or go through the process of using the new collection service (membership procedure).

[0129] In the example shown in the figure, the user can currently reserve three types of storage services: "cleaning," "collection," and "listing," and a "storage service button 103" corresponding to each storage service is provided on the user screen. When the user presses the "Storage Service Button 103" of the storage service for which they wish to make a reservation using the operation unit 35, a service screen is displayed for inputting the various information required to make a reservation for each storage service.

[0130] When the user operates the operation unit 35 to make a reservation for a storage service on the user screen displayed in step S201, the user presses the "storage service button 103" of the storage service for which the user wishes to make a reservation (step S202). In this example, it is assumed that the user presses the "storage service button 103" for "listing" out of the multiple "storage service buttons 103." In this example, the storage service for "listing" is a service that allows a user to request delivery of an item for sale in an online auction.

[0131] When the "storage service button 103" for "listing" is pressed, the display unit 34, under the control of the control unit 31, displays a service screen for the auction listing service (step S203). The service screen is screen information for inputting the various pieces of information required to use the storage service.

[0132] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a service screen displayed on the user terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The example shown in the figure is a service screen for an auction listing service, and on this screen there is provided an input field for "item details." The "contents of the item" include the "category of the item (clothing, books, etc.)," ​​"price the user desires for the item," "condition of the item (new or used, whether there are any damages, etc.)," ​​"images of the item," "size of the item," etc. For images of the items for sale, an input field for the link destination is provided.

[0133] Here, the user operates the operation unit 35 to input each item of the "item details" (step S204).

[0134] When each item of the "item details" is input, the display unit 34, under the control of the control unit 31, displays a reservation selection screen for applying for a reservation for the service (step S205).

[0135] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation application screen displayed on the user terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the reservation application screen is provided with a "reservation button 111" for making a normal reservation and a "provisional reservation button 112" for making a provisional reservation.

[0136] Here, the "normal reservation" made with the "reservation button 111" includes two reservations: a reservation to use the storage service and a reservation to use the storage box of the storage equipment 10 used for the storage service. In other words, when a user uses the "reservation button 111" to reserve both the use of the storage service and the storage box, the use of the storage box by others is restricted until the user later stores his / her own items in the storage box when using the service. In other words, in this case, the user can reliably store the item in the reserved storage box.

[0137] On the other hand, a "provisional reservation" made using the "provisional reservation button 112" is a reservation for the use of the storage service only, without making a reservation for the use of a storage box. When the user uses the "provisional reservation button 112" to make a reservation for the storage service only, unlike a "normal reservation," there is no restriction on the amount of storage that can be placed in the storage box. Therefore, when making a "provisional reservation," unlike a "normal reservation," there is a possibility that when a user tries to store their own items in a storage box while using the storage service, all of the storage boxes may be in use by a third party other than the user. Therefore, if a "provisional reservation" is made, there is a risk that the user will not be able to store the item in the storage box when using the storage service. On the other hand, with a "tentative reservation," compared to a "regular reservation," third parties have more opportunities to use the storage box, making it possible to make more effective use of the storage box.

[0138] The user uses the operation unit 35 to press either the "reserve button 111" or the "tentative reservation button 112" to apply for a reservation for the service (step S206).

[0139] Thereafter, the storage service providing system performs a reservation operation for the storage service ("normal reservation" or "provisional reservation") according to the type of button pressed (step S207). This completes the operation.

[0140] (2) Service reservation behavior when making a "tentative reservation" As described above, in step S207, the storage service providing system performs the storage service reservation operation when either a "normal reservation" or a "provisional reservation" is made. FIG. 30 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations when a "provisional reservation" is made in the service reservation operation by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The following describes the service reservation operation of the storage service providing system when a user presses the "provisional reservation button 112" to make a "provisional reservation."

[0141] When the user presses the "tentative reservation button 112" on the reservation application screen (Figure 29) and selects "tentative reservation," the control unit 31 of the user terminal 30 generates "reservation application information," and the communication unit 33 transmits the generated reservation application information to the management server 20 (step S2101).

[0142] Here, the reservation application information includes a "service ID" (in this case, a service ID indicating that it is an "auction listing service"), which is information that identifies each storage service, information for each item in the "item details" entered above, and a "user ID" for identifying the user. This "user ID" is stored in advance in the information storage unit 32, and the control unit 31 extracts this stored "user ID" and generates "reservation application information" based on the extracted "user ID".

[0143] The reservation application information may also include a "storage equipment ID" that is information for identifying the storage equipment 10 for which the user will use the service this time. This "storage device ID" is stored in advance in the information storage unit 32 as one item of user information, and may be extracted by the control unit 31 when generating the reservation application information, or may be input by the user as one item of the above-mentioned "contents of the item for sale."

[0144] When the management server 20 receives the reservation application information from the user terminal 30, the control unit 21 issues a unique "reservation number" which is a management number for reserving the storage service, and generates "storage deadline information" which indicates the deadline for storing the item (item for sale) in the storage device 10 (step S2102).

[0145] The control unit 21 may uniformly set the storage deadline to a certain period (e.g., three days from the present) from the present (e.g., the time when the "provisional reservation button 112" is pressed), or may set different periods depending on the storage device 10 that the user has registered to use. If the user does not store the item by the storage deadline, the reservation will be canceled and the user will need to make a new reservation.

[0146] Next, the control unit 21 generates a "service use code" required for the user to unlock the storage box of the storage equipment 10 when using the storage service (step S2103).

[0147] The "service usage code" includes, for example, "unlock information" for unlocking the storage box. For the "unlocking information," the control unit 21 may generate a random one-time password (including graphic information, characters, and symbols), or may extract user-specific information stored in the user DB 221 in association with the user ID.

[0148] The "service usage code" is, for example, graphic information such as a barcode or a two-dimensional barcode, or character string or symbol information. In this embodiment, the control unit 21 generates a "service usage code" which is a two-dimensional barcode of a one-time password that can be used only once to unlock the storage box.

[0149] The "service usage code" may include the "user ID" of the user and the "service ID" of the storage service that has been reserved for use, in addition to the above-mentioned "unlocking information." In this case, the control unit 21 extracts the "user ID" and "service ID" from the "reservation application information."

[0150] Next, the control unit 21 registers the "reservation information" in the reservation DB 225 in association with the issued "reservation number" (step S2104).

[0151] This "reservation information" includes the following three pieces of information: Reservation application information - Stock expiry information Unlocking information

[0152] For example, the "reservation application information" includes information that a user with "user ID: 0001" wishes to use the "auction listing service" with "service ID: 00055" and set the "item category: clothing" to "price: 1,000 yen" and plans to store the item in storage device 10 with "storage device ID: S0001." Also, for example, the "warehouse entry deadline information" includes information that the product must be received by "warehouse entry deadline: January 15, 2021."

[0153] Next, under the control of the control unit 21, the communication unit 23 transmits the reservation information to the storage equipment 10 where the user plans to store the article (step S2105).

[0154] When the storage equipment 10 receives the reservation information from the management server 20, the control unit 11 registers the received reservation information in the reservation DB 125 (step S2106). That is, the control unit 11 registers in the reservation DB 125 reservation information indicating how long the reservation status will be maintained and which storage service the reservation will be used for.

[0155] Next, the communication unit 13 of the storage equipment 10 transmits a reservation completion notice to the management server 20 (step S2107).

[0156] When the management server 20 receives the reservation completion notification from the storage equipment 10, the control unit 21 generates "reservation completion screen information" indicating that the reservation has been completed based on the "reservation information," and the communication unit 23 transmits the generated "reservation completion screen information" to the user terminal 30 (step S2108). The information on this reservation completion screen includes the "service usage code" generated in step S2103 above.

[0157] When the user terminal 30 receives the reservation completion screen information from the management server 20, the display unit 34 displays the received reservation completion screen (step S2109).

[0158] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation completion screen displayed on the user terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the reservation completion screen displays the "reservation number" of the completed reservation, the "storage deadline" of the item, the "installation location of the storage device 10" where the item will be stored, and the "service usage code 115 (2D barcode)." The user terminal 30 stores the reservation completion screen in the information storage unit 32.

[0159] The user must store the item in the storage box of the storage equipment 10 by the "storage deadline" displayed on the reservation completion screen. If the deadline passes, the reservation for storing the item will be canceled as described above, and you will need to make a new reservation.

[0160] When using the storage service, the user can be authenticated by displaying the "service usage code 115" displayed on the reservation completion screen on the display unit 34 of the user terminal 30 and having the operation unit 15 of the storage device 10 read the displayed "service usage code 115."

[0161] Next, management server 20 transmits the reservation information to delivery company server 50 and service provider server 70 (step S2110). However, the reservation information sent here does not include unlocking information and service usage code.

[0162] When the delivery company server 50 receives the reservation information from the management server 20, it registers the information in its own reservation DB 525 (step S2111). The delivery company can access the delivery company server 50 using the delivery company terminal 60 to view the reservation information registered in the reservation DB 525 of the delivery company server 50.

[0163] When the service provider server 70 receives the reservation information from the management server 20, it registers it in its own reservation DB 725 (step S2111). The service provider can access the service provider server 70 using the service provider terminal 80 to view the “reservation information” registered in the reservation DB 725 of the service provider server 70 . This completes the storage service reservation operation when a "provisional reservation" is made.

[0164] (3) Storage service reservation behavior when making a "normal reservation" As described above, in step S207, the storage service providing system performs the storage service reservation operation when either a "normal reservation" or a "provisional reservation" is made. 32 and 33 are sequence charts showing the flow of operations when a "normal reservation" is made in the service reservation operation by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The following describes the service reservation operation of the storage service providing system when the user presses the "reserve button 111" to make a "normal reservation."

[0165] When the user presses the reservation button 111 on the reservation application screen (FIG. 29) and selects "normal reservation," the display unit 34, under the control of the control unit 31, displays a "box designation screen" for designating a storage box for which a reservation is to be made (step S2201).

[0166] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a box specification screen displayed on the user terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the box designation screen displays a "storage box designation field" where the user will store the items to be auctioned, and this "storage box designation field" displays the "storage box size (S, M, L)" and the "storage box number."

[0167] The user uses the operation unit 35 to specify the storage box to be reserved in the "storage box specification field" (step S2202). For example, here, the user can select the size of the storage box according to the size of the item being sold and specify the storage box, or can enter a number to identify the storage box (hereinafter referred to as the "box number") and specify a specific storage box. Although not shown on the box specification screen of Figure 34, the user may be able to specify the type of storage box to be reserved, such as "with refrigeration function" or "with freezing function," on the box specification screen.

[0168] Under the control of the control unit 31, the communication unit 33 transmits the "box designation information" indicating the designated storage box and the "user ID" of the user to the management server 20 (step S2203).

[0169] When the management server 20 receives the box specification information etc. from the user terminal 30, the control unit 21 generates "available box information" indicating storage boxes that meet the conditions of the specified storage box and are available for reservation (step S2204).

[0170] Specifically, the process of step S2204 is performed as follows. The control unit 21 refers to the user DB 221 and identifies the storage equipment 10 used by the user based on the user ID. The control unit 21 refers to the storage box usage status (vacancy status) of the identified storage equipment 10 in the storage equipment DB 222, and searches for a storage box that matches the conditions specified in the "box specification information." For example, when the user specifies the "size of the storage box," the control unit 21 extracts storage boxes that are of the specified size and are empty. Also, when the user designates a "storage box number," if the storage box with that number is empty, the storage box is extracted, and if the storage box with that number is not empty, another storage box of the same size as or larger than the storage box is extracted. Furthermore, if no particular conditions such as size are specified, all storage boxes in the corresponding storage equipment 10 are extracted to determine whether they are empty or not. Then, the control unit 21 generates "empty box information" based on the extracted storage box information. The available box information includes, for example, the installation location of the target storage equipment 10, and the number, size, and location of currently available and reservable storage boxes.

[0171] The communication unit 23 transmits the empty box information to the user terminal 30 (step S2205).

[0172] When the user terminal 30 receives the empty box information, the display unit 34 displays the empty box information under the control of the control unit 31 (step S2206).

[0173] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of screen information of "empty box information" displayed on the user terminal 30 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the "Available Box Information" displays information such as the "Size" and "Box Number" of storage boxes that meet the specified conditions and are available, as well as a "Reservation Button" for completing the reservation. In the example of Figure 35, the size of each storage box is displayed as a small image for small storage boxes and a large image for large storage boxes, but it may also be represented by letters such as "S," "M," or "L."

[0174] The user checks the contents of the storage box on the screen, such as the "size," and if the contents are correct, operates the operation unit 35 to press the "reserve button" on the screen (step S2207). When the "reserve button" is pressed, the control unit 31 generates "reservation application information," and the communication unit 33 transmits the generated reservation application information to the management server 20 (step S2208). This "reservation application information" includes a service ID that identifies each storage service (in this case, the service ID corresponding to the "auction listing service"), information for each item in the "item contents" entered above, a "user ID" for identifying the user that was previously stored in information storage unit 32, and "box reservation information." This "box reservation information" is information that indicates a user's request to reserve a storage box with the box number of the storage device 10 displayed in the "available box information" above, and includes the "storage device ID" and "box number" of that storage device 10.

[0175] When the management server 20 receives the "reservation application information" from the user terminal 30, the control unit 21 issues the "reservation number" and generates the "warehousing deadline information" (step S2209).

[0176] The control unit 21 may uniformly set the storage deadline to a certain period (e.g., three days from the present) from the present (e.g., the time when the "reservation button 111" is pressed), or may set different periods depending on the storage device 10 that the user has registered to use. If the user does not store the item by the storage deadline, the reservation will be canceled and the user will need to make a new reservation.

[0177] Next, the control unit 21 generates a "service use code" required for the user to unlock the storage box of the storage equipment 10 when using the storage service (step S2210).

[0178] The "service use code" generated in step S2210 is the same as the "service use code" generated in step S2103 in the case of "provisional reservation."

[0179] Next, the control unit 21 registers the "reservation information" in the reservation DB 225 in association with the issued "reservation number" (step S2211).

[0180] This "reservation information" includes the following three pieces of information: Reservation application information - Stock expiry information Unlocking information

[0181] For example, the "reservation application information" includes information that a user with "user ID: 0001" wishes to use the "auction listing service" with "service ID: 00055" and set the "item category: clothing" to a "price: 1,000 yen" and plans to store the item in storage box with "box number: 3" in storage device 10 with "storage device ID: S0001." Also, for example, the "warehouse entry deadline information" includes information that the product must be received by "warehouse entry deadline: January 15, 2021." That is, in the case of a "normal reservation," unlike the case of a "provisional reservation," a reservation for storage of a storage box is also made.

[0182] Next, under the control of the control unit 21, the communication unit 23 transmits the reservation information to the storage equipment 10 where the user plans to store the article (step S2212).

[0183] When the storage equipment 10 receives the reservation information from the management server 20, the control unit 11 registers the received reservation information in the reservation DB 125 (step S2213). That is, the control unit 11 registers in the reservation DB 125 which storage box of its own device will remain reserved for use until when, and which storage service the storage box will be used for reservation. In addition, the control unit 11 changes the usage status of the storage box to be reserved in the storage box DB 122 from "empty" to "reserved," and controls the storage box so that it cannot be unlocked by anyone other than the user who made the reservation until the storage deadline. After the storage deadline has passed, the storage reservation becomes invalid, and users other than the user who made the reservation can use the storage box. The subsequent processing of steps S2214 to S2218 is the same as the processing of steps S2107 to S2111 in the case of "tentative reservation" above, and therefore will be omitted. This completes the storage service reservation operation when a "normal reservation" is made.

[0184] [4] Service usage behavior (1) Actions taken by the user when storing items in the storage equipment 10 As described above, after making a reservation for the storage service in the service reservation operation, the user uses the storage service by storing his / her own items in the storage box of the storage equipment 10 in the service usage operation.

[0185] FIG. 36 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations performed by the storage service providing system when a user stores an item in the storage equipment 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Below, using this diagram as an example, we will explain the operation of the storage service providing system when a user stores an item in a storage box during service usage operations, using the example of a user storing an item in the storage device 10 when putting it up for auction.

[0186] First, the user brings the items (goods) to be stored and visits the installation location of the storage equipment 10 displayed on the reservation completion screen (for example, a common area of ​​the apartment building where the user lives).

[0187] The display unit 14 of the storage equipment 10 displays a "user selection screen." The user selection screen is screen information for selecting one's own profile (user or delivery company) when using the storage service.

[0188] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of the "user selection screen" in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the user selection screen displays icons for "User" and "Delivery Company." The user of the storage equipment 10 (user or delivery company) operates the operation unit 15 of the storage equipment 10 to select either the "user" or "delivery company" icon according to his or her own profile. In this example, the user is storing the item in the storage box, so the "User" icon is selected.

[0189] When the user selects the "user" icon on the user selection screen, the display unit 14 displays the "service usage selection screen" under the control of the control unit 11 (step S301). The service usage selection screen is screen information for selecting a usage method, such as whether to store or retrieve an item, when using the storage service.

[0190] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of the "service use selection screen" displayed on the storage equipment 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the "Service Use Selection Screen" displays buttons for "Store," "Retrieve," "Register," and "Other." The user operates the operation unit 15 of the storage equipment 10 to select either "storage" or "removal" on the service use selection screen to use the storage service (step S302). In this example, the user presses the "Store" button to store the item in the storage equipment 10.

[0191] When the control unit 11 determines that "Storage" has been selected on the service usage selection screen to use the storage service, the display unit 14, under the control of the control unit 11, displays an "authentication input screen" that prompts the user to enter a "service usage code" (step S303).

[0192] FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of the "authentication input screen" displayed on the storage equipment 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. On the authentication input screen, for example, as shown in this figure, a message such as "Please hold the service usage code over the reader" is displayed, prompting the user to enter the "service usage code."

[0193] The user inputs the "service usage code" into the storage equipment 10 in accordance with the displayed contents of this "authentication input screen" (step S304).

[0194] In this embodiment, as an example, the user inputs the "service usage code" by displaying the "service usage code" on the display unit 34 of the user terminal 30 and having the code read by an optical reader provided on the operation unit 15 of the storage device 10. Alternatively, the user may print out the "service usage code" and have the printed "service usage code" read by an optical reader provided on the operation unit 15 of the storage device 10, or the user may manually input text information etc. corresponding to the "service usage code" displayed on the display unit 34 of the user terminal 30 using the buttons and keys on the operation unit 15 of the storage device 10.

[0195] The control unit 11 refers to the user DB 121, analyzes the "unlocking information" included in the input "service use code", and performs authentication to unlock the storage box (step S305). For example, the control unit 11 determines that "authentication was successful" if the "reservation information" associated with the above-mentioned "unlocking information" is registered in the reservation DB 125, and determines that "authentication was unsuccessful" if it is not registered.

[0196] If the control unit 11 determines that the authentication has failed (step S305 / No), it does not permit the user to use the storage equipment 10 and ends the operation.

[0197] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication is successful (step S305 / Yes), it refers to the reservation DB 125 and references the "reservation information" including the "unlocking information" of the "service usage code" input above, extracts all information about storage services currently reserved for use by the user with the "user ID" included in the referenced reservation information, and generates a "reservation list" for that user (step S306). The display unit 14 displays the screen information of the created reservation list (step S307).

[0198] FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of a "reservation list" in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the reservation list displays a list of "reservation numbers" for services reserved by the user. Each "reservation number" is represented by a button. The user operates the operation unit 15 to select the "reservation number" of the storage service to be used this time from among the "reservation number" buttons displayed in the reservation list (step S308).

[0199] The control unit 11 refers to the reservation DB 125 and determines whether the reservation is a "normal reservation" or a "provisional reservation" in the "reservation information" associated with the above-mentioned designated "reservation number" (step S309). That is, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the reservation involves a reservation for use of a storage box. Specifically, if the "reservation information" of the above "reservation number" includes "box reservation information", the control unit 11 judges it to be a "normal reservation", and conversely, if it does not include it, it judges it to be a "provisional reservation".

[0200] If the control unit 11 determines that the reservation for the storage service is a "normal reservation" and that a reservation for use of a storage box has been made (step S309 / Yes), it extracts the "reservation information" for the specified "reservation number" from the reservation DB 125 and generates information for the "reservation content screen" (hereinafter referred to as "reservation content screen information") that shows the contents of the extracted "reservation information" (step S310).

[0201] Here, a method for generating reservation content screen information will be described. The information storage unit 12 stores "reservation template screen information," which is template screen information common to all storage service reservations. The control unit 11 generates the reservation content screen information by embedding each piece of information into the "reservation template screen information."

[0202] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of "reservation template screen information" in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the "Reservation template screen information" includes a "message display area" such as "Please press OK if you are happy with it" and "The storage box for box number ●● will open (the box number is left blank)", as well as a "reservation number display area", a "box number display area", and a "reservation content display area". The above-mentioned "message display area" is a common display area for all storage service reservations, and is a standard display area that does not depend on the content of the storage service reserved by the user (with the exception that the display of the box number in the message will vary). On the other hand, the "reservation number display area," "box number display area," and "reservation content display area" are display areas whose display content changes depending on the content of the storage service reserved by the user.

[0203] When generating the "reservation content screen information", the control unit 11 embeds the "reservation number" designated by the user from the reservation list in the "reservation number display area".

[0204] Furthermore, the control unit 11 extracts the "box number" of the reserved storage box from the "reservation information" associated with the above-specified "reservation number" in the reservation DB 125, and embeds it in the "box number display area."

[0205] Furthermore, the control unit 11 extracts the "reservation details" from the "reservation information" associated with the above-specified "reservation number" in the reservation DB 125, and embeds it in the "display area for reservation details". The type of "reservation content" does not indicate the specific content of the storage service such as "auction," but may simply indicate whether the user will "store" or "remove" items for the reserved storage service. Two types of character information, "enter" and "take out," are stored in advance in the information storage unit 12 of the storage device 10, and the control unit 11 determines whether it is "enter" or "take out" based on the information input in step S302, extracts the character information of either "enter" or "take out" that has been stored in advance, and embeds it in the "reservation content display area" of the "reservation template screen information."

[0206] In this way, when creating reservation content screen information, the control unit 11 of the storage device 10 simply embeds one of two types of pre-stored character information depending on whether the item is to be stored or removed when using the storage service, rather than the specific content of the storage service. Therefore, even if there are changes or increases or decreases in the types of storage services provided in the storage service providing system, there is no need to update the information in the information storage unit 12 of the storage device 10 in response to such changes, etc., so it is possible to significantly reduce the effort and cost spent on maintaining the storage device 10.

[0207] In this way, the control unit 11 embeds each piece of information into the "reservation template screen information" to generate the "reservation content screen information."

[0208] The display unit 14 displays the generated "reservation details screen" (step S311).

[0209] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of the "reservation details screen" in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in this figure, the "Reservation Details Screen" displays the "Reservation Number: 2021010022" of the storage service that the user has reserved this time, the "Box Number: 5" where the items will be stored, and "Reservation Details: Storage."

[0210] The user checks the reservation details displayed on the "reservation details screen," and when using the storage service of that content, operates the operation unit 15 of the storage device 10 to input information indicating that the user has decided to use the storage service (step S312).

[0211] When the control unit 11 receives information indicating that the user has decided to use the storage service, the storage unit 16, under the control of the control unit 11, unlocks the storage box among the multiple storage boxes that has the "box number" included in the "reservation information" that is associated with the "reservation number" specified by the user (step S313).

[0212] The user opens the unlocked storage box, puts the items into the storage, and then closes the door. When the control unit 11 recognizes that the door is closed, the storage unit 16 locks the closed storage box under the control of the control unit 11 (step S314). At this time, the control unit 11 changes the usage status of the received storage box in the storage box DB 122 from "reserved" to "storing." In this way, if a storage box for an item has already been reserved, the user can easily store the item in storage without having to select a storage box again.

[0213] Here, the process returns to step S309. On the other hand, if the user is making a "provisional reservation" rather than a "normal reservation" and has not yet reserved a storage box, the user must decide again which storage box to store the item in.

[0214] If the control unit 11 determines that the reservation is a "tentative reservation" and that the storage box has not been reserved (step S309 / No), it refers to the storage box DB 122 to detect the usage status of each storage box, and generates information for a "box usage status screen" that shows the detected usage status of each storage box (step S321). The display unit 14 displays the generated "box usage status screen" (step S322).

[0215] FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of the "box usage status screen" displayed on the storage equipment 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in the figure, the storage boxes indicated by diagonal lines are empty and users can store items in them, while the other storage boxes are currently in use or reserved and users cannot store items in them. The display area of ​​each storage box on the screen is a button for specifying the storage box. The display area for each storage box may display size information for each storage box. Also, if there are no empty storage boxes, a message to that effect may be displayed on the screen and the operation may be terminated.

[0216] The user checks the "box usage status screen" and operates the operation unit 15 to specify the storage box into which the goods are to be stored from among the empty storage boxes on the screen (step S323).

[0217] When the control unit 11 receives the designation of the storage box, it detects the "box number" of the designated storage box, extracts the "reservation information" of the designated "reservation number" from the reservation DB 125, and generates "reservation content screen information" that shows the contents of this "box number" and "reservation information" (step S324). The method for generating this reservation details screen information is the same as that explained in step S310 above, and therefore will not be described further. However, with regard to the "box number display area," the control unit 11 embeds the "box number" specified on the above-mentioned "box usage status screen" in the "box number display area."

[0218] The subsequent processing is the same as steps S311 to S314.

[0219] In this way, even if a user has not made a reservation to store an item in a storage box, the user can store the item in the storage box if there is an empty storage box. This completes the operation.

[0220] When a user uses the auction listing service, the user may place the items in the storage device 10 after completing preparations for listing, such as packing, or may request an auction listing agent to store the items in the storage device 10 as they are without the user having to pack them themselves. In the latter case, the auction listing agent removes the items from the storage equipment 10, prepares them for listing by packaging, etc., and delivers them themselves or asks a delivery company to deliver them.

[0221] Furthermore, if the service use code and the unlocking information included therein input in step S304 correspond to a specific single reservation, the storage equipment 10 may display only the reservation information related to the single reservation identified by the service use code and unlocking information without displaying the reservation list.

[0222] Furthermore, in step S310, when generating the "reservation content screen information", the control unit 11 of the storage equipment 10 embeds the "reservation number" designated by the user from the reservation list in the "reservation number display area", extracts the "reservation information" associated with the "reservation number" from the reservation DB 125, and embeds it in each display area of ​​the "reservation template screen information", but instead, it may embed information included in the service usage code in each of the above display areas.

[0223] (2) Notification operation when a user receives goods As described above, when a user puts an item (good) into a storage box of the storage equipment 10, the storage equipment 10 notifies the delivery company and the service provider that the item has been put into storage.

[0224] FIG. 44 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the goods storage notification operation by the storage service providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Below, with reference to this diagram, we will explain the operation of the storage service providing system when a user places an item in a storage box of the storage device 10, notifies the delivery company and service provider of the item's placement, and requests the delivery company to collect the item.

[0225] First, the control unit 11 generates history information indicating that an item has been stored in a storage box of the storage device 10, and records it in the reservation DB 125 by adding it to the "reservation information" of the corresponding "reservation number" (step S331). The "history information" recorded here includes, for example, the corresponding "reservation number," the "box number" of the storage box that was stored, and the "time of storage (time the door was closed after the delivery was stored / time of use)."

[0226] Next, under the control of the control unit 11, the communication unit 13 transmits the above-mentioned "history information" to the management server 20 (step S332).

[0227] When the management server 20 receives the above-mentioned "history information" from the storage device 10, the control unit 21 adds the "history information" to the "reservation information" associated with the "reservation number" included in the "history information" in the reservation DB 225 and records it (step S333).

[0228] Next, the communication unit 23 of the management server 20 transmits the above-mentioned "history information" to the delivery company server 50 and the service provider server 70, and notifies the delivery company and the service provider that "the user has stored items related to the storage service in the storage device 10" (step S334).

[0229] When the delivery company server 50 receives the above-mentioned "history information" from the management server 20, it adds it to the corresponding "reservation information" in the reservation DB 525 of its own server and records it (step S335). The delivery company accesses the delivery company server 50 using the delivery company terminal 60, views the "history information" of the above-mentioned "reservation information," and confirms that the items have been received. After that, the delivery company visits the location where the storage device 10 is installed and carries out the collection and delivery of the items.

[0230] When the service provider server 70 receives the "history information" from the management server 20, it adds it to the corresponding "reservation information" in the reservation DB 725 of its own server and records it (step S335). The service provider accesses the service provider server 70 using the service provider terminal 80, views the "history information" of the above-mentioned "reservation information," and grasps the usage status of the storage service that the service provider provides. In this embodiment, the service provider can know that the user's item has been stored in the storage equipment 10 in the auction listing service. This completes the operation.

[0231] In this way, when a user uses the storage service and places an item in the storage box of the storage device 10, the storage service providing system notifies the delivery company and the service provider of the fact that the item has been placed in the storage box, thereby supporting the smooth progress of the storage service.

[0232] (3) Actions taken when goods are collected by delivery companies As described above, the delivery company accesses the delivery company server 50 using the delivery company terminal 60 and causes the display unit 64 to display the "reservation information." The delivery company checks the contents of the "reservation information" displayed on the delivery company terminal 60, collects the items stored by the user, and provides storage services.

[0233] FIG. 45 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations performed by the storage service providing system when a delivery company collects an item from a storage equipment 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the storage service providing system will be described below with reference to this diagram, using an example in which a delivery company collects items such as items stored by a user from the storage equipment 10.

[0234] The delivery company checks the installation location of the storage equipment 10 and the box number of the storage box included in the "reservation information" displayed on the delivery company terminal 60, and visits the installation location of the storage equipment 10.

[0235] Next, the delivery company operates the operation unit 15 of the storage equipment 10 to select the "Delivery Company" icon from the "User" and "Delivery Company" icons displayed on the "User Selection Screen" shown in FIG. 37 above.

[0236] When the delivery company selects the "delivery company" icon on the user selection screen, the display unit 14 displays the "service use selection screen" shown in FIG. 38 (step S401).

[0237] The delivery company operates the operation unit 15 of the storage equipment 10 to select either "storage" or "removal" on the "service use selection screen" (step S402). In this embodiment, the delivery company removes the item (item to be auctioned) from the storage equipment 10, and therefore presses the "remove" button.

[0238] When the control unit 11 determines that "take out" has been selected on the "service use selection screen", the display unit 14 displays an "authentication input screen" that prompts the input of "delivery company authentication information" (step S403).

[0239] The "authentication input screen" displays a message such as "Please hold the authentication medium over the reader," and prompts the user to enter "delivery company authentication information."

[0240] The delivery company inputs the "delivery company ID" and "delivery company authentication information" into the storage equipment 10 according to the displayed contents of the authentication input screen (step S404).

[0241] In this embodiment, as an example, the delivery company inputs the "delivery company ID" and "delivery company authentication information" unique to the delivery company, which are recorded on an authentication medium such as an IC card or a mobile terminal, by having the reader of the operation unit 15 read the "delivery company ID" and "delivery company authentication information" via short-range wireless communication.

[0242] As described above, in this embodiment, the "authentication information of the delivery company" and the like are input using an authentication medium, but the input method is not limited to this. For example, the delivery company may operate the key buttons provided on the operation unit 15 of the storage equipment 10 to input a combination of characters, thereby inputting "delivery company authentication information" or the like.

[0243] The control unit 11 refers to the delivery company DB 123, determines whether or not the input "delivery company ID" and "delivery company authentication information" are associated with each other, and performs authentication (step S405). If the control unit 11 determines that the authentication has failed (step S405 / No), it does not permit the delivery company to use the storage equipment 10 and ends the operation.

[0244] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication is successful (step S405 / Yes), the control unit 11 refers to the "reservation information" associated with the delivery company ID stored in the reservation DB 125, and determines whether or not there are currently any items stored in the storage device 10 that the delivery company can pick up (step S406). Here, if the control unit 11 determines that there are no articles currently stored in the storage equipment 10 that the delivery company can take out (step S406 / No), the operation ends immediately. At this time, for example, the display unit 14 may display a message such as "No removable items stored."

[0245] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that an item that can be picked up by the delivery company is currently stored in the storage device 10 (step S406 / Yes), the display unit 14 displays screen information prompting the delivery company to enter a "reservation number" for the storage service for that item (step S407). The delivery company displays the "reservation information" on the delivery company terminal 60, checks the "reservation number" corresponding to the reservation, and operates the keys, buttons, etc. of the operation unit 15 in accordance with the information on the screen to input the "reservation number" into the storage device 10 (step S408).

[0246] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the input "reservation number" and the input "delivery company ID" are associated with each other in the reservation DB 125 (step S409).

[0247] Here, if the control unit 11 determines that the input "reservation number" and "delivery company ID" are not associated with each other in the reservation DB 125 (step S409 / No), the delivery company is not permitted to take out the items stored in the reservation with that "reservation number," or there are no items currently stored in the storage device 10 in the reservation with that "reservation number," and the operation ends.

[0248] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the input "reservation number" and "delivery company ID" are associated with each other in the reservation DB 125 (step S409 / Yes), the storage unit 16, under the control of the control unit 11, unlocks the storage box in which the item is stored for the reservation of that "reservation number" (step S410). The delivery company opens the unlocked storage box, removes the items from the storage box, and closes the door. When the control unit 11 recognizes that the door is closed, the storage unit 16 locks the storage box whose door is closed under the control of the control unit 11 (step S411). At this time, the control unit 11 changes the usage status of the storage box from which the item was removed in the storage box DB 122 from "storing" to "empty."

[0249] The delivery company then delivers the removed items to the delivery destination. In this embodiment, the delivery company delivers the user's item to the successful bidder. Furthermore, when a user uses a shipping agency service to list an item for auction, a delivery company delivers the item taken out of the storage equipment 10 to a facility (warehouse, etc.) of the service provider that manages the online auction.

[0250] In this way, when the delivery company learns that the user has stored the item in the storage device 10, the delivery company visits the location where the storage device 10 is installed, removes the item from the storage device 10, and performs delivery work.

[0251] (4) Notification operation after delivery company picks up the item As described above, when the delivery company's staff member removes the item (goods) from the storage box of the storage equipment 10, the storage equipment 10 notifies the delivery company and the service provider that the item has been removed.

[0252] FIG. 46 is a sequence chart showing the flow of notification operations by the storage service providing system after an item has been removed in the first embodiment of the present invention. Below, with reference to this diagram, we will explain the operation of the storage service providing system when a delivery company removes an item from the storage box of the storage device 10, collects it, and then notifies the delivery company and service provider of the collection.

[0253] First, the control unit 11 generates history information indicating that an article has been removed from a storage box of the storage equipment 10, and records it in the reservation DB 125 by adding it to the "reservation information" of the corresponding "reservation number" (step S421). The "history information" recorded here includes, for example, the relevant "reservation number," the "box number" of the storage box from which the item was removed, and the "removal time (time the door was closed after the delivery was removed / time of use)."

[0254] Next, under the control of the control unit 11, the communication unit 13 transmits the above-mentioned "history information" to the management server 20 (step S422).

[0255] When the management server 20 receives the above-mentioned "history information" from the storage device 10, the control unit 21 adds the "history information" to the "reservation information" associated with the "reservation number" included in the "history information" in the reservation DB 225 and records it (step S423).

[0256] Next, the communication unit 23 of the management server 20 transmits the above-mentioned "history information" to the delivery company server 50 and the service provider server 70, and notifies the delivery company and the service provider that "the delivery company has removed the items related to the storage service from the storage device 10" (step S424).

[0257] When the delivery company server 50 receives the "history information" from the management server 20, it adds it to the corresponding "reservation information" in the reservation DB 525 of its own server and records it (step S425). The delivery company accesses the delivery company server 50 using the delivery company terminal 60, and checks the "history information" of the "reservation information" to confirm the removal of the item.

[0258] When the service provider server 70 receives the "history information" from the management server 20, it adds it to the corresponding "reservation information" in the reservation DB 725 of its own server and records it (step S425). The service provider accesses the service provider server 70 using the service provider terminal 80, views the "history information" of the above-mentioned "reservation information," and grasps the usage status of the storage service that the service provider provides. In this embodiment, the service provider can know that the user's item has been removed from the storage equipment 10 and delivery to the successful bidder has begun in the auction listing service. This completes the operation.

[0259] (Summary of the first embodiment) As explained above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a user uses the user terminal 30 to make reservations via the web for various storage services provided using the storage equipment 10. This means that the user does not need to visit the location where the storage equipment 10 is installed to make a reservation for a storage service, and can easily use a wide variety of storage services, such as auction listing services. Furthermore, the management server 20 collectively manages reservation information for a wide variety of storage services and notifies each business of the reservation details, thereby realizing the efficiency of information management and notification operations and enabling users to easily start using each storage service without having to go through the procedures for using each service individually.Furthermore, users can check all the storage services they have reserved in a list, which has the effect of making management easier for users.

[0260] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when a reservation is made for using the storage service, the management server 20 issues a service use code and transmits it to the user terminal 30. When using the storage service, the user can unlock the storage box of the storage device 10 by displaying the service use code on the user terminal 30 and having the storage device 10 read it, so the user does not need to prepare a key or the like for unlocking the storage device 10 for each storage service to be used, and can easily use the storage service.

[0261] Furthermore, the management server 20 is responsible for generating the "reservation information" and transmitting it to the user terminal 30. The storage device 10 generates "reservation content screen information" by embedding each item of the "reservation information" received from the management server 20 into the "reservation template screen information" common to each storage service, and displays the contents of the "reservation information" on the screen. Therefore, even if there is a change in the storage service or its contents, there is no need for a worker to go to the installation location of the storage device 10 to update or perform maintenance on the information stored in the information storage unit 12 of the storage device 10, and it is possible to effectively reduce the work of updating information within the storage device 10. In other words, the storage device 10 does not need to store reservation content screen information dedicated to each storage service in advance, so even if a new storage service provided by the storage device 10 is added, there is no need for maintenance work such as storing reservation content screen information dedicated to the new storage service in the storage device 10.

[0262] Second Embodiment (Configuration of the second embodiment) FIG. 47 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a storage service providing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the storage service providing system in the second embodiment differs in configuration from the first embodiment in that the storage equipment 10 is not connected to the network 100. In the first embodiment, the storage equipment 10 is connected to the network 100 and is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the management server 20. In contrast to this, in the second embodiment, the storage equipment 10 is not connected to the network 100 and does not transmit or receive information to or from the management server 20. Unless otherwise specified, the following description will be given assuming that the configuration and operation of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0263] (Operation of the second embodiment) [1] Overall operation In this embodiment, the storage service providing system performs the following three operations, similar to the first embodiment. "1. Service start operation" "2. Service reservation operation" "3. Service Usage Behavior" Of these, "1. Service start operation" is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0264] [2] Service reservation operation 48 and 49 are sequence charts showing the flow of a service reservation operation by the storage service providing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The operation will be explained below with reference to this diagram.

[0265] First, the user operates the operation unit 35 of the user terminal 30 to display the above-mentioned "storage service user screen" as shown in FIG. 26 (step S601). On the user screen, the user can proceed to the reservation process for the storage service by pressing the storage service button 103 of the storage service that the user wishes to use.

[0266] When the user operates the operation unit 35 on the user screen to make a reservation for the use of a storage service, the user presses the storage service button 103 of the storage service that the user wishes to use from among the multiple storage service buttons 103 (step S602). In this example, it is assumed that the user presses the storage service button 103 for the "listing" storage service out of the multiple storage service buttons 103.

[0267] When the "List" storage service button 103 is pressed, the display unit 34, under the control of the control unit 31, displays the above-mentioned "service screen for the auction listing service" as shown in FIG. 28 (step S603).

[0268] The user operates the operation unit 35 to input each item of "Content of the Item for Sale" on the service screen for the auction sale service (step S604).

[0269] Next, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 30 generates "reservation application information," and the communication unit 33 transmits the generated reservation application information to the management server 20 (step S605). Here, the "reservation application information" includes the "service ID of the storage service for which the reservation is being made (in this case, the service ID corresponding to the "auction listing service")," information for each item in the "item details" entered above, the "user ID," and the "storage device ID."

[0270] When the management server 20 receives the above-mentioned "reservation application information" from the user terminal 30, the control unit 21 issues a unique "reservation number" which is a management number for reserving the use of the storage service, and generates "storage deadline information" which indicates the deadline for storing the item in the storage device 10 (step S606).

[0271] Next, the control unit 21 generates a "service use code" required for the user to unlock the storage box of the storage equipment 10 when using the storage service (step S607).

[0272] The "service use code" includes, for example, the "user ID" of the user, "unlock information" for unlocking the storage box, "storage deadline information," and "reservation number."

[0273] Next, the control unit 21 registers the "reservation information" in the reservation DB 225 in association with the issued "reservation number" (step S608). This "reservation information" includes the "reservation application information" received from the user terminal 30, the generated "warehousing deadline information," and the "unlocking information."

[0274] Next, the control unit 21 generates information for a reservation completion screen based on the above-mentioned "reservation information," and the communication unit 23 transmits the generated information for the reservation completion screen to the user terminal 30 (step S609). The information on this reservation completion screen includes the above-mentioned "service usage code."

[0275] When the user terminal 30 receives the reservation completion screen information from the management server 20, the display unit 34 displays the received reservation completion screen (step S610). As shown in FIG. 31, the reservation completion screen displays the "reservation number" of the completed reservation, the "storage deadline" of the item, and the "service use code (two-dimensional barcode)." The user stores the item in the storage box of the storage equipment 10 by the displayed "storage deadline." If the deadline passes, the reservation for storing the item will be canceled as described above, and you will need to make a new reservation. The user terminal 30 stores the reservation completion screen in the information storage unit 32.

[0276] Furthermore, the management server 20 transmits the above-mentioned "reservation information" to the delivery company server 50 and the service provider server 70 (step S611). However, the "reservation information" sent here does not include "unlocking information" and "service use code."

[0277] When the delivery company server 50 receives the above-mentioned "reservation information" from the management server 20, it registers it in its own server's reservation DB 525 (step S612). The delivery company can access the delivery company server 50 using the delivery company terminal 60 to view the "reservation information" registered in the reservation DB 525 of the delivery company server 50.

[0278] When the service provider server 70 receives the "reservation information" from the management server 20, it registers it in its own reservation DB 725 (step S612). The service provider can access the service provider server 70 using the service provider terminal 80 to view the “reservation information” registered in the reservation DB 725 of the service provider server 70 . This completes the operation.

[0279] [3] Service usage behavior (1) Actions taken by the user when storing items in the storage equipment 10 As described above, after making a reservation for the storage service in the service reservation operation, the user uses the storage service by storing his / her own items in the storage box of the storage equipment 10 in the service usage operation.

[0280] 50 and 51 are sequence charts showing the flow of operations performed by the storage service providing system when a user stores an item in the storage equipment 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the storage service providing system will be described below with reference to this diagram, using an example in which a user stores an item in the storage equipment 10 when putting it up for auction.

[0281] First, the user visits the installation location of the storage equipment 10 displayed on the "reservation completion screen" (for example, a common area of ​​the apartment building where the user lives).

[0282] The display unit 14 of the storage equipment 10 displays the above-mentioned "user selection screen" as shown in FIG.

[0283] When the user selects the "user" icon on the "user selection screen", the display unit 14 displays the above-mentioned "service usage selection screen" under the control of the control unit 11 (step S701). In this example, the user operates the operation unit 15 of the storage equipment 10 to select "Storage", "Removal", or "Registration" by pressing the "Storage" button on the service use selection screen (step S702).

[0284] When the control unit 11 determines that "Storage" has been selected on the service usage selection screen to use the storage service, the display unit 14, under the control of the control unit 11, displays an "authentication input screen" that prompts the user to enter a "service usage code" (step S703).

[0285] The user inputs the "service use code" into the storage equipment 10 in accordance with the displayed contents of this "authentication input screen" (step S704).

[0286] The control unit 11 refers to the user DB 121, analyzes the information included in the input "service usage code", and authenticates the user (step S705).

[0287] In step S705, for example, the control unit 11 extracts the "user ID," "unlocking information," "warehousing deadline information," "reservation number," and "reservation details" from the above-mentioned "service usage code," and if the "unlocking information" is stored in the information storage unit 12 and the current date and time are compared with the warehousing deadline in the "warehousing deadline information," and the current date and time are not yet past the warehousing deadline, the control unit 11 determines that authentication is successful. On the other hand, if the extracted "unlocking information" is not stored in the information storage unit 12, or if the current date and time has already passed the storage deadline, the control unit 11 determines that the authentication has failed.

[0288] If the control unit 11 determines that the authentication has failed (step S705 / No), it does not permit the user to use the storage equipment 10 and ends the operation.

[0289] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication is successful (step S705 / Yes), it refers to the storage box DB 122 to detect the usage status of each storage box, and generates information for a "box usage status screen" that shows the detected usage status of each storage box (step S706). The display unit 14 displays the generated "box usage status screen" (step S707). This "Box Usage Status Screen" is the same as the example shown in FIG.

[0290] The user checks the "box usage status screen" and operates the operation unit 15 to specify the storage box into which the goods will be stored from among the empty storage boxes on the screen (step S708).

[0291] When the control unit 11 receives the designation of the storage box, it detects the "box number" of the designated storage box, and generates "reservation content screen information" by embedding this "box number", the "warehousing deadline information" and "reservation number" extracted from the "service usage code", and "warehousing" selected on the service usage selection screen in step S702 into "reservation template screen information" (step S709).

[0292] Specifically, the following applies: When generating the "reservation content screen information", the control unit 11 embeds the "reservation number" extracted from the "service usage code" in the "reservation number display area". Furthermore, the control unit 11 embeds the "box number" designated on the "box usage status screen" in the "box number display area." Furthermore, the control unit 11 embeds the "reservation details" selected on the service use selection screen in the "reservation details display area." In this way, the control unit 11 embeds each piece of information into the "reservation template screen information" to generate the "reservation content screen information."

[0293] The display unit 14 displays the generated "reservation details screen" (step S710).

[0294] The user checks the reservation details displayed on the "reservation details screen," and when using the storage service of that content, operates the operation unit 15 of the storage device 10 to input information indicating that the user has decided to use the storage service (step S711).

[0295] When the control unit 11 receives information indicating that the user has decided to use the storage service, the storage unit 16, under the control of the control unit 11, unlocks the storage box with the "box number" specified by the user among the multiple storage boxes (step S712).

[0296] The user opens the unlocked storage box, places the items inside, and then closes the door. When the control unit 11 recognizes that the door is closed, the storage unit 16 locks the storage box whose door is closed under the control of the control unit 11 (step S713). At this time, the control unit 11 changes the usage status of the received storage box in the storage box DB 122 from "empty" to "storing."

[0297] Next, the control unit 11 generates a "storage completion code" which is code information indicating that the user has completed storing the article in the storage equipment 10 (step S714). The display unit 14 displays the generated "warehousing completion code" (step S715).

[0298] FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an example of the "storage completion code" displayed on the display unit 14 of the storage equipment 10 in the second embodiment of the present invention. The "warehousing completion code" includes "history information" indicating that the item has been stored in the storage box. For example, this "history information" includes the "box number" where the item was stored, the "time of storage (time the door was closed after the delivery was stored)," and the "reservation number" extracted from the "service usage code." For example, the "warehousing completion code" is graphic information such as a barcode or a two-dimensional barcode, or character string or symbol information, and in the example shown in this figure, it is a two-dimensional barcode.

[0299] Next, the user operates the operation unit 35 of the user terminal 30 to start software for reading the above-mentioned "warehousing completion code," and uses the camera provided on the user terminal 30 to read the "warehousing completion code" displayed on the above-mentioned display unit 14 (step S716).

[0300] The control unit 31 of the user terminal 30 analyzes the read "warehousing completion code" and extracts the "history information" from the "warehousing completion code", and the communication unit 33 transmits the extracted "history information" to the management server 20 (step S717).

[0301] When the management server 20 receives the above-mentioned "history information" from the user terminal 30, it adds the received "history information" to the "reservation information" of the "reservation number" included in the received "history information" in the reservation DB 225 and records it (step S718).

[0302] Next, the communication unit 23 of the management server 20 transmits the above-mentioned "history information" to the delivery company server 50 and the service provider server 70, and notifies the delivery company and the service provider that "the user has stored items related to the storage service in the storage device 10" (step S719).

[0303] When the delivery company server 50 receives the above-mentioned "history information" from the management server 20, it adds it to the corresponding "reservation information" in the reservation DB 525 of its own server and records it (step S720). The delivery company accesses the delivery company server 50 using the delivery company terminal 60, views the "history information" of the above-mentioned "reservation information," and confirms that the items have been received. After that, the delivery company visits the location where the storage device 10 is installed and carries out the collection and delivery of the items.

[0304] When the service provider server 70 receives the "history information" from the management server 20, it adds it to the corresponding "reservation information" in the reservation DB 725 of its own server and records it (step S721). The service provider accesses the service provider server 70 using the service provider terminal 80, views the "history information" of the above-mentioned "reservation information," and grasps the usage status of the storage service that the service provider provides. In this embodiment, the service provider can know that the user's item has been stored in the storage equipment 10 in the auction listing service. This completes the operation.

[0305] In this embodiment, in step S716, the user terminal 30 reads the storage completion code using the built-in camera, but the method for inputting the storage completion code is not limited to this method. For example, as another method of inputting the storage completion code, the user may operate the key buttons on the operation unit 35 to input the storage completion code.

[0306] [4] Actions taken when collecting items The operation of collecting goods in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0307] (Summary of the second embodiment) As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the storage equipment 10 is installed in an offline state, not connected to the network 100, unlike the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the storage equipment 10 cannot send and receive information to and from the management server 20 via the network. Even when the storage device 10 is installed offline in this way, the storage service usage status can be managed by the user terminal 30 acquiring the storage completion code provided by the storage device 10 and transmitting it to the management server 20, and as a result, users can easily use the various storage services provided using the storage device 10, just as they would if the storage device 10 were installed online.

[0308] Furthermore, the user can check the reservation details by displaying the "reservation information" on the user terminal 30, and the storage device 10 does not need to prepare individual screen information for each type of storage service. Therefore, regardless of whether a storage service that can be provided by the storage device 10 is added or deleted, there is no need to update the information stored in the information storage unit 12 of the storage device 10, which makes it possible to reduce the work of updating information within the storage device 10.

[0309] In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 transmits the item receiving history information to the management server 20 using the receiving completion code, assuming that the storage equipment 10 is offline. However, even when the storage equipment 10 is online as in the first embodiment, the user terminal 30 may transmit the item receiving history information to the management server 20 using the receiving completion code.

[0310] <Summary of the embodiment> As explained above, according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, a user uses the user terminal 30 to make reservations via the web for various storage services provided using the storage equipment 10. This means that the user does not need to visit the location where the storage equipment 10 is installed in order to make a reservation for a storage service, and can easily use a wide variety of storage services, such as auction listing services. In addition, the management server 20 manages reservation information for a wide variety of storage services in one place and notifies each business operator of the reservation details, thereby realizing the efficiency of information management and notification operations and also making it easier for users to manage their information, as they can check all of the storage services they have reserved in one place at a glance.

[0311] Furthermore, according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, when a reservation for use of the storage service is made, the management server 20 issues a service use code and transmits it to the user terminal 30. When using the storage service, the user can unlock the storage box of the storage device 10 by displaying the service use code on the user terminal 30 and having the storage device 10 read it, so the user does not need to prepare a key or the like for unlocking the storage device 10 for each storage service to be used, and can easily use the storage service.

[0312] Furthermore, according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, when a user makes a reservation to use the storage service, the management server 20 issues a "service usage code" for unlocking the storage box of the storage equipment 10 when using the storage service, and transmits the code to the user terminal 30 of the user who made the reservation. When using the storage service, the user displays the "service usage code" on the screen of the user terminal 30 and enters it into the storage equipment 10 to perform authentication. Therefore, when using the storage service, the user does not need to perform the cumbersome task of inputting information, and can use the storage service with simple operations.

[0313] Furthermore, according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, when a storage service is provided using the storage equipment 10, the user makes a reservation for the storage service on the web using the user terminal 30, and when the user uses the storage service, the storage equipment 10 generates and displays "reservation content screen information" that shows the details of the reserved storage service by embedding the information specific to each storage service obtained at the time of the reservation into "reservation template screen information," which is template screen information common to all storage service reservations. Therefore, even when the provision of a storage service is newly started or terminated, there is no need to change the information about the storage service stored in the storage device 10, and it is possible to effectively reduce the troublesome work of updating the information in the storage device 10.

[0314] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when an item is stored during storage service usage, the storage equipment 10 displays a "storage completion code." The user reads the "storage completion code" using the user terminal 30 and transmits the "history information" that indicates that the storage of the item has been completed, which is included in the "storage completion code," to the management server 20. The management server 20 then transmits the "history information" that indicates that the storage of the item has been completed to the delivery company server 50 and the service provider server 70. Therefore, even if the storage equipment 10 and the management server 20 are not connected via a network and are offline, the delivery company and the service provider can easily know that an item has been stored in the storage equipment 10, and the delivery company can quickly carry out delivery work for the item.

[0315] The storage equipment 10, management server 20, user terminal 30, administrator terminal 40, delivery company server 50, delivery company terminal 60, service provider server 70, and service provider terminal 80 are realized mainly by a CPU and programs loaded into memory. However, these devices or servers can also be configured using any other combination of hardware and software, and the high degree of design freedom will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0316] Furthermore, when the above-mentioned storage device 10, management server 20, user terminal 30, administrator terminal 40, delivery company server 50, delivery company terminal 60, service provider server 70 or service provider terminal 80 are configured as a group of software modules, this program may be recorded on a recording medium such as an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium or a semiconductor, and may be loaded from the above-mentioned recording medium, or may be loaded from an external device connected via a specified network.

[0317] The above-described embodiment is one example of a preferred implementation of the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and can be implemented in various modified forms within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a "service usage code" is used as authentication information when using the storage service, but it is also possible to use user-specific information recorded on an authentication medium such as an IC card or a mobile terminal as authentication information, and input the authentication information by having the reader of the operation unit 15 of the storage device 10 read the authentication information via short-range wireless communication. [Explanation of symbols]

[0318] 10 Storage device 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81 Control unit 12,22,32,42,52,62,72,82 Information storage section 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83 Communications Department 14,34,44,64,84 Display section 15,35,45,65,85 Operation section 16 Storage area 20 Management Server 30 User terminals 40 Administrator terminal 50 Delivery Company Server 60 Delivery company terminal 70 Service provider server 80 Service provider terminal 100 Network 111 Reservation button 112 Tentative reservation button 115 Service Usage Code 121,221,721 User DB 122,222 Storage Box DB 123,223,523 Delivery company DB 125,225,525,725 Reservation DB 161~167 Storage box 224,524,724 Service DB

Claims

1. A storage service providing system comprising a storage device equipped with one or more storage boxes for temporarily storing items of a user, a management server for managing the usage status of storage services provided to the user using the storage device, and a user terminal operated by the user, The user terminal transmits reservation application information for applying for a reservation to use the storage service to the management server, When the management server receives the reservation application information from the user terminal, it transmits a service use code required for using the storage service to the user terminal, When the service use code is input, the storage device unlocks the storage box and allows the user to store an item in the storage box, and when the item is stored in the storage box, displays a storage completion code indicating that the storage of the item has been completed; When the user terminal inputs the displayed warehousing completion code, it extracts history information indicating the history of the completed warehousing, which is included in the input warehousing completion code, and transmits the extracted history information to the management server; When the management server receives the history information from the user terminal, it generates and stores a history of the items being stored in the storage boxes based on the received history information when the user uses the storage service.

2. A storage service providing system comprising a storage device equipped with one or more storage boxes for temporarily storing items of a user, a management server for managing the usage status of storage services provided to the user using the storage device, and a user terminal operated by the user, When the management server receives reservation application information for applying for a reservation to use the storage service from the user terminal, it transmits a service use code required to use the storage service to the user terminal, and transmits reservation information indicating the reservation details of the storage service applied for using the reservation application information to the storage device, When the service use code is entered, the storage device unlocks the storage box and allows the user to store an item in the storage box, The system stores reservation template screen information, which is general-purpose template screen information commonly used by each storage service and has one or more blank display areas, and the reservation information received from the management server, extracts the reservation information associated with the input service usage code from the stored reservation information, and embeds character information indicating the reservation details contained in the extracted reservation information into the blank display areas of the reservation template screen information to generate and display reservation details screen information indicating the reservation details for the storage service, After the service use code is entered, the storage box is unlocked, and when an item is stored in the storage box, a storage completion code indicating that the item has been stored is displayed; When the user terminal inputs the displayed warehousing completion code, it extracts history information indicating the history of the completed warehousing, which is included in the input warehousing completion code, and transmits the extracted history information to the management server; When the management server receives the history information from the user terminal, it generates and stores a history of the items being stored in the storage boxes based on the received history information when the user uses the storage service.

3. the user terminal transmits the reservation application information including information for applying for a reservation of the storage box to the management server; 3. The storage service providing system according to claim 2, wherein, when the storage device receives the reservation information from the management server, the storage device locks the storage box for which the reservation has been requested until the service usage code corresponding to the reservation information is entered.

4. The system further includes a delivery company server that can be accessed by a delivery company that takes out the items stored in the storage box and delivers them using a terminal, The storage service providing system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that when the management server receives the reservation application information from the user terminal or when the item is stored in the storage box from the storage device, it transmits information indicating that the storage service has been used or information indicating that the item has been stored to the delivery company server.

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