Vending machine delivery system

Abstract

To reduce redelivery rates of courier services by eliminating time restrictions on receiving deliveries and delivering deliveries to recipients at their convenience 24 hours a day.SOLUTION: A delivery system to vending machines makes an assignment to any of vending machines 100 when a delivery cannot be made by a delivery person, transmits information on the delivery to the assigned vending machines 100, allows the assigned vending machines to identify the identity of the delivery person based on the transmitted information on the delivery, and accepts the storage of the delivery in an access unit when the identity of the delivery person has been identified by identification means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides In addition to the function of vending regular products, it is also suitable for functioning as a delivery box. Vending machine delivery system Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, so-called delivery boxes have been installed in apartment complexes and condominiums. If the recipient of a delivery is not at home, the delivery box will temporarily store the delivery and notify the recipient of the box number and other information. Upon receiving this notification, the recipient can open the box where the delivery has been stored and collect the delivery.

[0003] In this way, even if the recipient is not at home when the delivery is made, the recipient can receive the delivery without meeting the delivery person face to face, and convenience can be improved by eliminating the need to contact the delivery person for redelivery. In addition, for the delivery company, delivery efficiency can be improved by reducing redelivery, and the delivery person can deliver the delivery to the recipient without contact.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a parcel collection and storage system that allows emergency unlocking of any storage room in a parcel collection and storage device. Patent Document 2 also discloses a parcel collection and delivery service that uses communication lines such as the Internet to collect and deliver parcels even when the sender is not at home. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3761049 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5259943 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-085464 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In recent years, infrastructure such as the Internet, IT, and information systems has been developed, and the mail order industry, typified by online shopping, has grown dramatically. As a result, the number of parcels handled by home delivery services has grown rapidly, and this increase is predicted to continue. In particular, against the backdrop of an aging society, a declining population, and labor shortages, the rate of redelivery due to recipients being absent is also high. Redelivery reduces labor productivity and increases carbon dioxide emissions during redelivery, resulting in economic and social losses, and these losses are predicted to continue to increase in the future.

[0007] The widespread adoption of delivery lockers is predicted to be key to resolving the issues mentioned above. By using delivery lockers to deliver parcels, it is expected that redelivery will be curbed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with logistics, while also enabling contactless delivery. In recent years, the government has implemented subsidy policies for the purchase of delivery lockers. Furthermore, delivery companies are increasingly taking the lead in installing open-type parcel lockers in convenient locations such as train stations, supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores, parking lots, and public facilities.

[0008] Ideally, for the convenience of recipients, it would be desirable to have such delivery boxes closer to their homes, but due to profitability issues, they often have to be installed in places with high foot traffic, such as train stations. Furthermore, in apartment complexes and other multi-family housing, delivery boxes are often installed near the entrance, but there are problems such as a shortage of available delivery boxes when the number of boxes is clearly insufficient for the number of residents or when boxes are used at concentrated times. In detached houses, the initial cost of installation and frequency of use limit the adoption rate of delivery boxes.

[0009] On the other hand, vending machines, especially those selling beverages, have been popular for a long time. Vending machines are highly convenient because they can sell products at any time. In addition, in the event of a disaster, vending machines have high social value in terms of emergency response, as products can be purchased from them at any time. In Japan, there is one vending machine for every 30 people.

[0010] However, in recent years, the number of vending machine users has been declining, and the market has become saturated. As a result, an increasing number of vending machines are becoming unprofitable due to declining profitability and labor shortages. As a result, manufacturers are reassessing their vending machine installation practices, and the number of machines installed is decreasing. As a result, the profitability of vending machines is declining, and the decrease in the number of machines installed is making it difficult to respond to residents in the event of a disaster.

[0011] In order to improve both the functionality and convenience of vending machines, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses a system that provides communication means via short-range wireless communication between a mobile terminal and a vending machine to enable payment by electronic money in addition to cash. However, because this technology is already widespread, it does not currently solve the above-mentioned problems associated with the recent deterioration in the profitability of vending machines.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the two problems related to delivery lockers and vending machines mentioned above, and its purpose is to eliminate time restrictions for receiving deliveries and deliver deliveries to recipients at convenient times around the clock, thereby reducing the rate of redelivery of parcels and alleviating the problem of labor shortages, as well as reducing the environmental burden caused by deliveries and contributing to the realization of carbon neutrality, and also improving the profitability of vending machines and product manufacturers, and simultaneously realizing a stable supply of goods in the event of a disaster. Vending machine delivery system The purpose is to provide [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The delivery system to a vending machine according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises: A vending machine is provided in advance at various locations, and the vending machine has a delivery storage section having an identification means for identifying the identity of a delivery person when the delivery person stores the delivery, and a delivery storage means for storing the delivery delivered by the delivery person identified by the identification means, and a vending section having a sales item storage section for storing sales items in layers and a discharge section for discharging the sales items stored in the sales item storage section to an outlet when a sale is completed, and the vending machine is provided with a remote access control system constructed on a server, and the remote access control system isthe system is provided with an allocation means for allocating a delivery item to one of the vending machines when a delivery person is unable to deliver the delivery item, and a transmission means for transmitting information about the delivery to the allocated vending machine, wherein the allocated vending machine identifies the delivery person via the identification means based on the transmitted delivery information, and when the delivery person's identity has been identified by the identification means, accepts the delivery item for storage in the delivery storage means; The delivery item storage unit further has an authentication means for authenticating storage in one of the delivery item storage means, the allocation means further allocates the delivery item to one of the delivery item storage means in the allocated vending machine, the transmission means transmits information about the delivery item storage means assigned by the allocation means to the allocated vending machine, the allocated vending machine authenticates storage via the authentication means based on the information about the delivery item storage means transmitted from the transmission means, and when storage is authenticated by the authentication means, accepts storage in the allocated delivery item storage means, the transmission means transmits information about the recipient of the delivery item to the vending machine in which the delivery item is stored, the allocated vending machine identifies the recipient via the identification means based on the transmitted information about the recipient, and when the recipient's identity is identified by the identification means, accepts removal of the delivery item from the delivery item storage means.

[0014] The delivery system to vending machines according to the second invention is characterized in that in the first invention, the allocation means, when a delivery person is unable to deliver an item, refers to the storage size and allocates the item to one of the vending machines based on the packaging size of the item.

[0015] The delivery system to vending machines according to the third invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, it further comprises an availability acquisition means for acquiring the availability of the delivery item storage sections in the vending machines located at the various locations, and the allocation means further refers to the availability acquired by the availability acquisition means and allocates to one of the vending machines.

[0016] The delivery system to vending machines according to the fourth invention is characterized in that in the second invention, if there is no vending machine that satisfies the allowable access time or pick-up area conditions previously obtained from the recipient of the delivery item, the allocation means notifies the delivery person of this fact.

[0017] The delivery system to vending machines according to the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the fourth invention, the allocation means gives a higher allocation priority to vending machines that have a shorter access time from the delivery destination of the delivery item.

[0018] The delivery system to vending machines according to the sixth invention is characterized in that in the fifth invention, the allocation means refers to the storage capacity of the delivery item storage section of the vending machine and allocates the delivery item to one of the vending machines based on the weight of the delivery item.

[0019] The seventh aspect of the present invention is a delivery system for vending machines, which is characterized in that, in the first aspect, location information or navigation information of the vending machine assigned by the assignment means is sent to a mobile terminal carried by the delivery person.

[0020] The delivery system for vending machines according to the eighth invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, it further comprises a storage detection means for detecting that the delivery item has been stored by the delivery item storage means, and when the storage detection means detects that the delivery item has been stored, the transmission means transmits information regarding the vending machine in which the delivery item has been stored to the recipient of the delivery item. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention configured as described above, by eliminating time restrictions for receiving deliveries and allowing deliveries to be delivered to recipients at convenient times around the clock, it is possible to reduce the rate of redelivery of parcels and alleviate the problem of labor shortages. Furthermore, the present invention can reduce the environmental burden caused by deliveries, contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality, improve the profitability of vending machines, increase the profitability of vending product manufacturers, and simultaneously realize a stable supply of goods in the event of a disaster. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a vending machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which the delivery storage section is arranged below the vending section. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which the delivery storage section is arranged on the left side of the vending section. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which the delivery storage section is arranged to the right of the vending section. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the delivery storage section is arranged behind the vending section. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of only the vending section. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the accessible function area of ​​a vending machine. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an identification system in an unmanned vending machine. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the light guide path of the access unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the block configuration of the authentication system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a form of communication with the remote access control system. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a form of communication between the authentication system of the access function area, the user, and the remote access control system. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an interface between the authentication system and a user. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a control system for a vending machine. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and functions of the delivery storage unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the existing flow of mail delivery. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the flow of delivery of existing online sales products. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the flow of delivery of online sales products in a delivery system to vending machines to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the flow of mail delivery in a delivery system to vending machines to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the authentication process in a vending machine. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the authentication process of the access unit of the vending machine. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the allocation and authentication process of a vending machine. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an identity authentication system. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of selection of a vending machine to be actually allocated. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of notifying a delivery person or a recipient of information about an assigned vending machine. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example in which multiple vending machines communicate with the same remote access control system simultaneously or sequentially. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for a user when executing the authentication process for a delivery item in a vending machine. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a control diagram of the delivery storage unit. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the process of detecting the storage state of the access unit. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a temperature control function is provided for the access unit of the delivery storage section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] A vending machine and a delivery system to the vending machine to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0027] [Vending machine overview]

[0028] An overview of the vending machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, vending machine 100 is a device that includes delivery storage section 200 and vending section 300, and allows for the sale of products displayed on product display section 301, as well as the storage and removal of deliveries that are not directly related to the displayed products.

[0030] The term "items for sale" is a general term for objects that can be sold without any attendant, and is a broad concept that includes beverages, food, alcohol, tobacco, daily necessities, work supplies, and recreational items.

[0031] The deliveries stored in or removed from the delivery storage section 200 are a general term for items that can be stored in the access unit 201, regardless of the specific item. Examples of deliveries to be stored and removed include mail, products purchased from online shops, etc.

[0032] The delivery storage section 200 includes a security device 202 that controls the connection state of the storage space 201b with the outside, and an authentication system 203 that controls the opening and closing of the security device.

[0033] The vending unit 300 comprises a product display unit 301 , a product selection unit 302 , an information display unit 303 , a payment processing unit 304 , a take-out port 305 , a control unit 306 , an information output unit 307 , and a product storage unit 308 .

[0034] It is desirable to arrange the delivery storage section 200 and the vending section 300 of the vending machine 100 spatially adjacent to each other. Fig. 2 shows an example in which the delivery storage section 200 is arranged below the vending section 300. Fig. 3 shows an example in which the delivery storage section 200 is arranged to the left of the vending section 300. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the delivery storage section 200 is arranged to the right of the vending section 300. Fig. 5 shows an example in which the delivery storage section 200 is arranged behind the vending section 300.

[0035] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of only the vending unit 300. The vending unit 300 includes a product display unit 301, a product selection unit 302, an information display unit 303, a payment processing unit 304, a takeout port 305, a control unit 306, an information output unit 307, and a product storage unit 308. The product selection unit 302 may be mechanical, electronic, contact, or non-contact. An example of an electronic product selection unit 302 is a touch panel that enables product selection. The information display unit 303 can indicate the selected product to the user using optical information. Examples of the information display unit 303 include a light bulb that emits light and a digital display that displays the selection status and operation instructions. The payment processing unit 304 may be either a cash payment mechanism or a cashless electronic payment mechanism. A cash payment mechanism supports at least one of banknotes and coins. Examples of cashless electronic payments include credit cards, debit cards, electronic money, payments using NFC (Near Field Communication), and payments using two-dimensional codes or barcodes. After a user purchases an item, the item is ejected from product storage section 308 to outlet 305 under the control of control section 306, and information output section 307 outputs information about the transaction to the user. Examples of output methods include printout on paper media and communication via electronic media.

[0036] 7, the delivery storage section 200 of the vending machine 100 is configured as a space independent of the vending section 300, and includes a uniquely identified access unit 201 having a space capable of storing deliveries, a security device 202 that controls the connection state of the item storage space with the outside, an authentication system 203 that controls the opening and closing of the security device, an identity display unit 204 that displays the unique identity of the delivery storage section 200, and an optical information acquisition unit 205 that acquires information regarding access to the access unit 201. Examples of the optical information acquisition unit include a camera and an optical sensor.

[0037] When the delivery storage section 200 has access units 201, each access unit 201 is spatially independent. To accommodate deliveries larger than the storage space of a single access unit 201, adjacent access units 201 can be combined, and the combined deliveries can be stored in a new access unit 201 that is still identified as a single space. The shape of the space in the access unit 201 that can store deliveries is preferably rectangular. The security device 202 is preferably an electronic lock that is electronically controlled based on the authentication results of the authentication system 203. The identity display unit 204 can display the identity of the delivery storage section 200 to the user. Examples of identity display include a character string, a number, an identification code, an image, or other unique ID. The optical information acquisition unit 205 is a device that acquires information related to the user's use of the vending machine 100 and the access units 201 of the delivery storage section 200. The optical information acquisition unit 205 can acquire optical information in one dimension, two dimensions, three dimensions, etc. Examples of the optical information acquisition unit 205 include a barcode scanner, a camera, etc. Examples of one-dimensional, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, etc. optical information include product barcodes, two-dimensional codes, liquid crystal display barcodes, photos and images of users and items, etc.

[0038] As shown in Figure 8, the identification display unit 204 is formed in the delivery container 200 of the vending machine 100. Specifically, when a user stands facing the front of the vending machine 100, it is preferable that the identification display unit 204 be installed in a location that faces the user's eye level. It is also more preferable that the identification display unit 204 be installed at approximately the same height as the user's eyes. When the delivery container 200 is located below or behind the vending unit 300, the identification display unit 204 can also be installed in the vending unit 300.

[0039] 9, a light guide path is provided for reflecting light from the stored delivery item by a light guide device 201a and projecting it to the user's eyes, in order to check the storage status of the delivery item in the storage space of the access unit 201. Examples of this light guide device include a reflector, a mirror, etc.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 10, the authentication system 203 is made up of an information display unit 203a, an information input unit 203b, an information storage unit 203c, an information communication unit 203d, and a control unit 203e that controls the authentication process.

[0041] The information display unit 203a serves as a user interface and can disclose information to the user. Examples of the information that can be disclosed include the unique identity of the vending machine 100, the unique identity of the delivery storage unit 200, instructions and results of the identity authentication process for the vending machine 100, instructions and results of the identity authentication process for the delivery storage unit 200, authentication instructions and results at the time of access, payment information, error messages, etc.

[0042] The information storage unit 203c stores in advance the identification information of the vending machine 100, the identification information of the access unit 201, and the access authentication information. The access authentication information input by the user via the information input unit 203b is compared with the identification information of the vending machine, the identification information of the access unit, and the access authentication information stored in advance in the information storage unit, and after confirming the consistency of the information, the security device 202, which controls the connection state of the item storage space with the outside, is deactivated, thereby opening the item storage space of the access unit 201 and allowing items to be deposited or removed.

[0043] The information input unit 203b may be mechanical, including buttons, or electronic, including touch panels. Even with electronic input, the user can input information to a remote control system that controls the vending machine 100 and the delivery storage unit 200 using their own terminal.

[0044] 11, the information communication unit 203d communicates bidirectionally with the user terminal 500 and the remote access control system 400 during the access authentication process, and updates related information when the access starts or is completed. Examples of the user terminal 500 include a smartphone, an electronic authentication device, and an electronic authentication card. Examples of the remote access control system 400 include a control system built on a remote physical server, a control system built on a remote cloud server, and the like.

[0045] 12, the delivery storage unit 200 communicates with the remote access control system 400 via the authentication system 203, controls the opening and closing status of the security device 202, and controls whether or not the user is allowed to access the access unit 201. Multiple access units 201 can also communicate with the remote access control system 400 via the same authentication system 203.

[0046] 13, a user can complete the authentication process including the remote access control system 400 and the authentication system 203 by following the information displayed on the information display unit 203a of the authentication system 203 on the user terminal 500. Examples of information displayed on the information display unit 203a include two-dimensional codes, barcodes, images showing status, characters showing instructions, etc. The information displayed on the information display unit 203a can be changed or updated according to the authentication process.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 14, the control system of the vending machine 100 includes a common electronic control module 101 for the delivery storage unit 200 and the vending unit 300, an access function control module 102, and an item sales function control module 103. Examples of the common electronic control module 101 include an information display unit 101a, a power supply unit 101b, a payment processing unit 101c, and an information communication unit 101d. The power supply method for the power supply unit 101b may be wired or wireless. The communication method for the information communication unit 101d may be wired or wireless. The payment processing unit 101d may be a cash settlement mechanism or a cashless electronic settlement mechanism. A cash settlement mechanism supports at least one of banknotes and coins. Examples of cashless electronic settlement include credit cards, debit cards, electronic money, NFC payments, and two-dimensional code / barcode payments. When the payment processing unit 101c of the access function control module 102 and the item sales function control module 103 is shared, the payment processing unit 101c is the same as the payment processing unit 304.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 15 , in another example, the delivery storage unit 200 is composed of a storage mechanism 206a, a user interface 206b, an information control processing mechanism 206c, and a payment mechanism 206d. The storage mechanism 206a is equipped with functions such as storing delivery items, security devices, temperature detection, cooling / heating temperature control, user eye guidance, item placement status detection, and access unit 201 open / close detection. The user interface 206b is equipped with functions such as displaying the storage mechanism, displaying the access unit 201 storage status, selection buttons, amount display, a payment interface, information detection, and information input / output. The information control processing mechanism 206c is equipped with functions such as amount calculation, determination of whether or not storage is possible, change determination and instruction, price setting, storage and sales mode setting, authentication control, process control, temperature control, and information communication. The payment mechanism 206d is equipped with functions such as coin validation, bill identification, card reading and writing, cashless payment support, change dispensing, and money storage.

[0049] Figure 16 illustrates the flow of existing delivery services. When a sender sends a package (S1700), a delivery person involved in the delivery process picks up and forwards the package (S1701). This forwarding process includes transferring the package collected from the sender to a regional delivery center and moving the package between regional delivery centers. After being moved to a delivery center near the recipient, the package is picked up by the delivery person and delivered to the recipient (S1702) or begins the initial delivery to the recipient. If the recipient is at home or has available delivery support facilities such as a delivery box (S1703), the delivery person completes delivery of the package to the authorized location (S1704). If the recipient is not at home or does not have available delivery support facilities such as a delivery box (S1703), the package is returned to the delivery person, requiring a second attempt. This second attempt results in economic and social losses, such as reduced labor productivity and increased carbon dioxide emissions.

[0050] FIG. 17 illustrates the flow of delivery for existing online retail products. After a user orders a product online (S1800), the online retailer ships the product (S1801). A delivery person involved in the delivery picks up and forwards the collected product (S1802). The forwarding includes forwarding the product shipped by the online retailer to a regional delivery center or moving the product between regional delivery centers. After being moved to a delivery center closest to the user's designated pickup location, the delivery person picks up the shipped product and delivers it to the user's designated pickup location (S1803) or begins the initial delivery. If the recipient is at home or has available delivery support equipment such as a delivery box (S1804), the delivery person completes delivery of the product to the authorized location (S1805). If the recipient is not at home or does not have available delivery support equipment such as a delivery box (S1804), the delivery person takes the product back and a re-delivery will be required.

[0051] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the delivery flow of online products via a vending machine 100 incorporating the present invention. When a user orders an item online (S1900), the user selects whether or not the vending machine 100 of the present invention can be used as a pickup option (S1906). The online retailer ships the item (S1901). A delivery person involved in the delivery picks up and forwards the collected item (S1902). This forwarding includes forwarding the item shipped by the online retailer to a regional delivery center and moving the item between regional delivery centers. After being moved to a delivery center closest to the user's designated pickup location, the delivery person picks up the item and delivers it to the user's designated pickup location (S1903), or begins the initial delivery. If the recipient is at home or if the recipient has available delivery support equipment, such as a delivery box (S1904), the delivery person completes delivery of the item to the authorized location (S1905). If the recipient is not at home or does not have delivery support facilities such as a delivery box available to the recipient (S1904), and the user has not authorized the use of the vending machine 100 of the present invention to receive the delivery item (S1906), the delivery item will be taken back by the delivery person and will need to be redelivered next time.

[0052] On the other hand, if the recipient is not at home or there is no delivery support equipment such as a delivery box available to the recipient (S1904), but the user allows the use of a vending machine 100 to which the present invention is applied to receive the delivery (S1906), the remote access control system 400 is requested to allocate an available vending machine 100 (VP) (S1907).

[0053] The remote access control system 400 assigns the delivery person a vending machine 100 and access unit 201 that is available and closest to the pickup location specified by the user (S1908). The delivery person then moves to the assigned vending machine 100 (S1909). After the delivery person arrives at the assigned vending machine, the vending machine 100 identifies the delivery person to confirm that it is the assigned vending machine 100 (S1910).

[0054] This identification refers to identifying whether or not the delivery person has been authorized to accept delivery items from the vending machine 100. This identification is performed by the vending machine 100 itself. When the remote access control system 400 assigns a vending machine 100 to a delivery person in S1908, it transmits information about the delivery person to the assigned vending machine 100. The assigned vending machine 100 receives the information about the delivery person via the remote access control system 400. Then, in this identification in S1910, when a delivery person who has actually traveled to the vending machine 100 accesses the vending machine 100, the received information about the delivery person is referenced and compared. As a result, if the accessing delivery person matches the delivery person described in the received information, the accessing delivery person is identified as having been authorized to accept delivery items from the vending machine 100, which means that the accessing delivery person has been identified. On the other hand, if the accessing delivery person does not match the delivery person described in the received information, it can be determined that the accessing delivery person does not have the authority to accept deliveries from the vending machine 100, and that their identity has not been identified. Whether the delivery person's information matches or does not match can be determined using information such as the delivery person's name, various other information, ID, employee ID number, and one-time password transmitted from the remote access control system 400. In addition to the delivery person's information, any other information related to the delivery, including the delivery item (hereinafter referred to as "delivery information"), may be transmitted, and the assigned vending machine 100 may receive this delivery information. The identification in S1910 then references and collates the received delivery information. If the accessing delivery person matches the delivery person described in the received information, it can be determined that the accessing delivery person has the authority to accept deliveries from the vending machine 100, and that their identity has been identified.

[0055] If the delivery person moves to a vending machine 100 in S1909, but is not identified as the vending machine 100 in the identification process in S1910, this means that the delivery person has mistakenly moved to a vending machine 100 that has not been assigned to them. In such a case, the delivery person will move back to the correct assigned vending machine 100 (S1909). If the assigned vending machine 100 is unavailable due to a malfunction or other reason, the delivery person can request the access control system to assign another available vending machine 100 again (S1907). Alternatively, the delivery person can cancel the current delivery and storage for other reasons and synchronize the status with the access control system (S1917).

[0056] If the identification of the vending machine 100 (S1910) is successfully completed, it means that the delivery person has moved to the correct allocated vending machine 100. In such a case, the access unit 201 is confirmed (S1911) and authenticated (S1912). In performing this authentication, the remote access control system 400 may assign an access unit 201 to the delivery person at the same time as assigning the vending machine 100 in S1908. If there are multiple vacant access units 201 for the allocated vending machine 100, one of these access units 201 may be assigned to accommodate the delivery item.

[0057] The remote access control system 400 transmits information about the access unit 201 to be allocated. The allocated vending machine 100 receives information about the allocated access unit 201 via the remote access control system 400. Then, in the authentication in S1912, when the access unit 201 is accessed by a delivery person who has actually come to the vending machine 100, a comparison is performed. As a result, if the access unit 201 accessed by the delivery person matches the access unit 201 described in the received information, the access unit 201 is identified as having been authenticated. On the other hand, if the access unit 201 accessed by the delivery person does not match the access unit 201 described in the received information, it is identified as having failed to authenticate the access unit 201.

[0058] If the number of authentication attempts to the access unit 201 exceeds a specified upper limit (S1913), the situation is reported to the remote access control system 400 (S1914), and an appropriate response (S1915) is also implemented. Examples of the appropriate response at S1915 include closing the security device of the access unit 201 or dispatching maintenance personnel. If the number of authentication attempts to the access unit 201 does not exceed a specified upper limit (S1913), the system continues to wait until the authentication of the access unit 201 (S1912) is completed. Once the authentication of the access unit 201 (S1912) is completed, the delivery person stores the delivery item (S1916). In some cases, the delivery person can cancel the current delivery and synchronize the situation with the remote access control system 400 (S1917). Alternatively, the delivery person can request the remote access control system 400 to assign a new, available vending machine (S1907).

[0059] After the delivery person has finished storing the item (S1916), the status of the used vending machine 100 and access unit 201 is updated in the remote access control system 400 (S1918), and information about the item's storage is updated for the recipient of the delivery (S1919), the sender (online retailer) (S1920), and the delivery system (S1921). Examples of the update method include a message to a mobile phone, a notification on a mobile app, email, and information reflected in the purchasing system. Examples of information about the item's storage include video images, still images, and other information consisting of text. It is preferable that the video and still images are captured automatically by the vending machine 100. It is even more preferable that information processing processes such as anonymization of personal information on video and still images, image recognition, etc. are included. Alternatively, each information recipient may be able to check the reception status of other information recipients.

[0060] After the information regarding the item storage is updated by the user (S1919), the recipient moves to the vending machine 100 where the delivery has been stored (S1922), and the identity of the vending machine 100 is identified (S1923). This identity identification refers to identifying whether the recipient is authorized to receive deliveries from that vending machine 100. This identity identification is performed by the vending machine 100 itself. When the remote access control system 400 notifies the recipient in S1919 that the item has been stored in the vending machine 100, it transmits information about the recipient to the vending machine 100. The vending machine 100 receives the information about the recipient via the remote access control system 400. Then, in this identification in S1923, when the recipient who has actually moved to the vending machine 100 accesses the vending machine 100, the received information about the recipient is referenced and verified. As a result, if the accessing recipient matches the recipient described in the received information, it can be determined that the accessing recipient has been authorized to receive deliveries from the vending machine 100, and the recipient's identity has been identified. On the other hand, if the accessing recipient does not match the recipient described in the received information, it can be determined that the accessing recipient does not have the authority to receive deliveries from the vending machine 100, and the recipient's identity has not been identified. Whether the recipient's information matches or does not match can be determined using, for example, information representative of a one-time password, two-dimensional code, or barcode sent to the recipient from the remote access control system 400.

[0061] If the recipient's identity cannot be identified, the recipient is again moved to the assigned vending machine 100 (S1922). If the notified vending machine 100 is unavailable due to a malfunction or other reason, a synchronous report is sent to the remote access control system 400 (S1924), which can request appropriate action (S1925). Examples of appropriate action at S1925 include unlocking the security device of the delivery storage unit 200, dispatching maintenance personnel, etc. If the vending machine 100's identity identification (S1923) is successfully completed, the delivery storage unit 200 is checked (S1926) and authenticated (S1927).

[0062] When performing this authentication, the status of the vending machine 100 and the access unit 201 is updated for the recipient (S1919), the sender (online retailer) (S1920), and the delivery system (S1921).

[0063] Then, in the authentication in S1927, when the recipient who has actually come to the vending machine 100 accesses the access unit 201, a comparison is performed. As a result, if the access unit 201 accessed by the recipient matches the updated access unit 201, the access unit 201 is identified as having been authenticated. On the other hand, if the access unit 201 accessed by the recipient does not match the updated access unit 201, it is identified as having failed to authenticate the access unit 201.

[0064] If the number of times authentication to the access unit 201 exceeds the specified upper limit (S1928), the situation is reported to the remote access control system 400 (S1924), and an appropriate response (S1925) is also implemented. Examples of the appropriate response at S1925 include closing the security device of the access unit 201, dispatching maintenance personnel, etc. If the number of times authentication to the access unit 201 does not exceed the specified upper limit (S1928), the system continues to wait until authentication of the access unit 201 (S1927) is completed.

[0065] After the recipient has finished retrieving the product (S1929), the status of the used vending machine 100 and access unit 201 is updated in the remote access control system 400 (S1918), and information regarding the placement of the delivery and completion of delivery is updated for the recipient (S1919), the sender (online retailer) (S1920), and the delivery system (S1921). Examples of the update method include a message to a mobile phone, a notification on a mobile app, email, and information reflected in the purchasing system. Examples of information regarding the placement of the delivery include video and still images. It is preferable that the video and still images are automatically captured by the vending machine 100. It is even more preferable that the system include information processing processes such as anonymization of personal information on video, still images, and image recognition for video and still images. Alternatively, each information recipient can also check the reception status of other related information recipients. If the recipient is unable to complete the item retrieval (S1929), the situation is reported (S1924) to the remote access control system 400, which also takes appropriate action (S1925), such as dispatching maintenance personnel, connecting via video call, or conducting a verification process.

[0066] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the flow of mail delivery via a vending machine 100 to which the present invention is applied. Before the sender sends the mail (S2001), the sender confirms with the recipient whether or not the recipient can use the vending machine 100 to which the present invention is applied as a mail receiving option (S2006). The delivery person involved in the delivery picks up and forwards the collected mail (S2002). This forwarding includes transferring the sent mail to a regional delivery center and moving the mail between regional delivery centers. After moving to a delivery center closest to the sender's designated receiving location, the mail is taken by the delivery person and delivered to the sender's designated receiving location (S2003), or the initial delivery begins. If the recipient is at home or has available delivery support equipment such as a delivery box (S2004), the delivery person completes delivery of the product to the authorized location (S2005). If the recipient is not at home, or if the recipient does not have available delivery support facilities such as a delivery box (S2004), and the sender has not given permission to use the vending machine 100 of the present invention to receive the product (S2006), the product will be taken back by the delivery person and redelivery will be required next time.

[0067] On the other hand, if the recipient is not at home or does not have any delivery support facilities such as a delivery box available to the recipient (S2004), but the sender has authorized the use of the vending machine 100 of the present invention to receive the product (S2006), a request is made to the remote access control system 400 to assign an available vending machine 100 (S2007). The remote access control system 400 assigns the vending machine 100 specified by the sender to the delivery person (S2008). The delivery person then moves to the assigned vending machine 100 (S2009). After the delivery person arrives at the assigned vending machine 100, the vending machine 100 is identified to confirm that it is the assigned vending machine (S2010). The details of the identification are the same as those of S1910. If the delivery person moves to a vending machine 100 that has not been identified as having the authority to receive the product, the delivery person will again move to the assigned vending machine 100 (S2009). If the allocated vending machine 100 is unavailable due to a malfunction or other reason, the delivery person can request the remote access control system 400 to allocate another available vending machine 100 (S2007). Alternatively, the delivery person can cancel the current delivery and storage for other reasons and synchronize the status with the remote access control system 400 (S2017). If the identity verification of the vending machine (S2010) is successfully completed, the access unit 201 is confirmed (S2011) and the access unit 201 is authenticated (S2012). The details of this confirmation and authentication are the same as those of S1911 and S1912.

[0068] If the number of authentications for the delivery exceeds a specified upper limit (S2013), the situation is reported to the remote access control system 400 (S2014), and an appropriate response (S2015) is also implemented. Examples of the appropriate response include closing the security device of the access unit 201, dispatching maintenance personnel, etc. If the number of authentications for the access unit 201 does not exceed the specified upper limit (S2013), the system continues to wait until authentication of the access unit 201 (S2012) is completed. Once authentication of the access unit 201 (S2012) is completed, the delivery person stores the product (S2016). In some cases, the delivery person can cancel this delivery and store the product and synchronize the situation with the remote access control system 400 (S2017). Alternatively, the delivery person can request the remote access control system 400 to assign a new, available vending machine (S2007).

[0069] After the delivery person has finished storing the mail (S2016), the status of the used vending machine 100 and access unit 201 is updated in the remote access control system 400 (S2018), and information regarding the mail storage is updated for the recipient (S2019), sender (S2020), and delivery system (S2021). Examples of such update methods include a message to a mobile phone, a notification on a mobile app, email, and information reflected in the purchasing system. Examples of information regarding the mail storage include video and still images. It is preferable that the video and still images are automatically captured by the vending machine 100. It is more preferable that the information processing process include anonymization of personal information on video, still images, and image recognition. Alternatively, each information recipient may be able to check the reception status of other information recipients.

[0070] After the information regarding the mail storage is updated to the recipient (S2019), the recipient moves to the vending machine 100 where the mail is stored (S2022), and the identity of the vending machine 100 is identified (S2023). If the recipient moves to a vending machine 100 for which their identity has not been authenticated, they are again moved to the assigned vending machine 100 (S2022). If the assigned vending machine 100 is unavailable due to a malfunction or other reason, a synchronous report is sent to the remote access control system 400 (S2024), which can request appropriate action (S2025). Examples of appropriate action include unlocking the security device of the access unit 201 or dispatching maintenance personnel. If the vending machine's identity identification (S2023) is successfully completed, the access unit 201 is confirmed (S2026) and authenticated (S2027). Details of these confirmations and authentications are the same as those in S1926 and S1927.

[0071] If the number of authentication attempts to the access unit 201 exceeds a specified upper limit (S2028), the situation is reported to the remote access control system 400 (S2024), and an appropriate response (S2025) is also implemented. Examples of appropriate responses include closing the security device of the access unit 201, dispatching maintenance personnel, etc. If the number of authentication attempts does not exceed the specified upper limit (S2028), the system continues to wait until the authentication (S2027) is completed.

[0072] After the recipient has finished retrieving the item (S2029), the status of the used vending machine 100 and access unit 201 is updated in the remote access control system 400 (S2018), and information regarding the collection of the mail as a delivery and the completion of collection is updated in the recipient (S2019), sender (S2020), and delivery system (S2021). Examples of update methods include a message to a mobile phone, a notification in a mobile app, email, and information reflected in the purchasing system. Examples of information regarding collection include video and still images. It is preferable that the video and still images are automatically captured by the vending machine 100. It is even more preferable that information processing processes such as anonymization of personal information on video, still images, and image recognition be included. Alternatively, each information recipient can also check the reception status of other information recipients. If the recipient is unable to complete the item retrieval (S2029), the situation is reported (S2024) to the remote access control system 400, which also takes appropriate action (S2025), such as dispatching maintenance personnel, connecting via video call, or conducting a verification process.

[0073] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the identity verification (S1910, S2010) in FIGS. 18 and 19. The vending machine 100 is in a standby state (S2100) and waits for authentication information input (S2101) from the delivery person approaching the vending machine. If the correct authentication information is received (S2102), the vending machine completes identity verification (S2103). If the correct authentication information is not received (S2102), there is a possibility that the information has not been received, so the time is compared with a specified reception time limit and, if a timeout has not occurred (S2104), the vending machine waits for authentication information input (S2101). If a timeout has occurred (S2104), the vending machine 100 resets to the standby state (S2100).

[0074] Whether or not correct authentication information has been received in S2102 is determined based on information about the delivery person sent to the assigned vending machine 100 via the remote access control system 400.

[0075] 21, the authentication process (S1912, S2012) of the access unit 201 of the vending machine 100 of FIGS. 18 and 19 will be described. The vending machine 100 is in a standby state (S2200) and waits for the delivery person moving to the vending machine 100 to input authentication information for the access unit 201 (S2201). Upon receiving the correct authentication information (S2202), the security device of the vending machine 100 is unlocked (S2203), and permission is given to the delivery person to access the item storage space of the access unit 201. Whether or not the correct authentication information has been received in S2202 is determined via the remote access control system 400 based on information about the assigned access unit 201.

[0076] After storage is complete, the locking status of the security device is checked (S2205), and if the check is successful, the storage status and authentication information of the access unit 201 are updated (S2206). Examples of updating the storage status and authentication information of the access unit 201 include updating the storage status of the access unit 201 in the access control system 400 and receiving new authentication information from the remote access control system 400, or updating with information instructed by the remote access control system 400 and synchronizing the updated information with the remote access control system 400. If the correct authentication information of the access unit 201 is not received (S2202), there is a possibility that the information has not been received, so the time is compared with a newly specified reception time limit and if a timeout has not occurred (S2204), the vending machine continues to wait for authentication information input (S2201). If a timeout has occurred (S2204), the vending machine resets to standby mode (S2200).

[0077] FIG. 22 shows details of the identity verification (S1910, S2010) and access unit 201 authentication (S1912, S2012) shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. After the delivery person requests the allocation of a vending machine 100 (S2300) and is actually allocated a vending machine 100 (S2309), the delivery person moves to the allocated vending machine 100 (S2301) and requests authentication of the vending machine 100 (S2302). Upon receiving the authentication request, the remote access control system 400 generates information necessary for authentication (S2303) and synchronizes with the delivery item storage unit authentication system of the vending machine 100 (S2304). This synchronization allows the vending machine 100 to share the information necessary for this authentication, and thus the identity verification process shown in FIG. 20, i.e., the authentication process of the vending machine 100 itself, begins (S2305). After the vending machine authentication process is completed (S2306), the delivery confirmation process begins as shown in FIG. 21. If the delivery is moved to a vending machine 100 other than the assigned vending machine 100 and the authentication process is not completed, the delivery is moved to the newly assigned vending machine 100 (S2301). In such a case, the delivery person can request a re-allocation of the vending machine 100 (S2300). Alternatively, if an abnormality is detected, the authentication of the vending machine 100 may be stopped and synchronization may be established with the remote access control system 400 (S2307). Alternatively, the authentication of the vending machine 100 may be stopped by the remote access control system 400. The information required for authentication in the remote access control system 400 may be generated by the remote access control system 400 immediately after the vending machine 100 is assigned and synchronized with the vending machine 100.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 23, an example of a user interface in the identity verification process (S1910, S2010) of FIGS. 18 and 19 will be described. The authentication system of the vending machine 100 communicates with the remote control system (S2401) at the start of authentication (S2400), during authentication (S2402), and even when authentication is complete (S2403). For example, at the start of authentication (S2400), a trigger that can start authentication of the vending machine 100 or delivery item is displayed on the information display unit. Examples of triggers include two-dimensional codes and barcodes. The user's activation of the trigger is synchronized with the remote control system, and the authentication information required for the remote control system and the authentication system of the vending machine 100 are also synchronized. During authentication (S2402), the user inputs the required authentication information through the user interface, which is then communicated to the remote control system. If the authentication information entered by the user matches the required authentication information defined by the remote access control system 400, the authentication is completed successfully (S2403), and if the authentication information entered by the user does not match the required authentication information defined by the remote access control system 400, the authentication is terminated via the process shown in Figure 20. Examples of inputting the required authentication information include inputting codes representing letters and numbers, remote communication by scanning barcodes and two-dimensional codes, communication of authorized electronic cards such as ID cards and security cards, information based on the user's face or fingerprints, etc.

[0079] FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining details of the allocation method of the vending machines 100.

[0080] First, the remote access control system 400 acquires in advance the All VPList (t11) in its own database. This All VPList (t11) contains the IDs (VP ​​001, VP 002, VP 003, ...), Box IDs (A, B, A, A, ...), availability (empty or in use), storage capacity, storage weight, storage conditions, location information, etc., of the vending machines 100 located at various locations.

[0081] When actually allocating a vending machine 100 (S1908, S2008), the package size of the delivery item to be delivered by the delivery person is acquired. This package size of the delivery item is included in the package-related information. The package-related information is information added to each delivery item, and includes package size, weight, storage condition (frozen or not), etc.

[0082] In addition to this package-related information, each delivery is also accompanied by delivery-related user information about the recipient, including the delivery address, allowable access time, recipient area designation, etc. The allowable access time indicates how much access time the recipient actually desires from the delivery address to the vending machine 100 to which the delivery is to be assigned. The recipient area designation is information that is written when a specific pick-up area is designated for the vending machine 100 to be assigned. These data can be designated by the recipient (user), but if the recipient does not designate any, default values ​​may be set.

[0083] At this time, if there is no vending machine that satisfies the allowable access time or pickup area conditions previously obtained from the recipient of the delivery, the delivery person may be notified of this, and in such a case, the delivery person will redeliver the delivery.

[0084] The remote access control system 400 references the storage capacity in the previously acquired full VPList (t11) and allocates the delivery to one of the vending machines 100 based on the package size of the delivery in the package-related information. The storage capacity to be referenced may be acquired by the remote access control system 400 from each vending machine 100 on an individual basis, but this is not limited to this. The storage capacity may be input or registered in advance for each vending machine 100 and referenced.

[0085] As a result, if there is a vending machine 100 that meets the package size of the delivery item in this package-related information, an available VPList (t12) consisting of only vending machines 100 that meet that size is created. On the other hand, if there is not a single vending machine 100 that meets that size, a message is sent indicating that there are no available vending machines 100, and system operation is temporarily terminated.

[0086] Next, the vending machine 100 to be actually allocated is determined from this available VPList (t12). At this time, the highest priority may be given to the storage capacity. The vending machine 100 whose storage capacity is closest to the package size of the delivery may be allocated preferentially. This allows the storage capacity of a vending machine 100 with a larger storage capacity to be allocated to other deliveries.

[0087] Next, the vending machine 100 with the shortest access time from the delivery destination of the delivery item may be assigned a higher priority. If there are multiple vending machines 100 with matching storage sizes, allocating the one with the shortest access time can shorten the delivery time and collection time.

[0088] The next priority may be determined by referring to the storable weight of the delivery. The storable weight is referenced and the delivery is allocated to one of the vending machines 100 based on its weight. At this time, the vending machine 100 whose storable weight is closest to the weight of the delivery may be preferentially allocated. This allows the capacity of the vending machine 100 with a larger storable weight to be allocated to other deliveries. The storable weight referenced may be obtained from the vending machine 100 by the remote access control system 400 each time, but is not limited to this. The storable weight of each vending machine 100 may be input and registered in advance, and this may be referenced.

[0089] The above-mentioned priority is an example, and any other priority may be set. Furthermore, an algorithm determined on the system determines the priority of the vending machines 100 and access units 201 to be allocated, and the vending machines 100 and access units 201 with the highest priority are allocated as the storage targets and notified to the deliverer.

[0090] The remote access control system 400 notifies the delivery person or recipient of information about the assigned vending machine 100. In such cases, as shown in Figure 25, the location of the assigned vending machine 100 may be displayed as an address or image, an image of the surrounding area, or an image of the building, or a navigation screen showing the route from the current location to the vending machine 100 may be displayed. By visually checking the location information or navigation information of the vending machine 100, the delivery person or recipient can travel to the assigned vending machine 100.

[0091] In addition, a storage detection unit (not shown) may be provided in the vending machine 100 to detect that a delivery item has been stored, and when the storage detection unit (not shown) detects that a delivery item has been stored, information regarding the vending machine in which the delivery item has been stored may be sent to the recipient of the delivery item.

[0092] According to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 26, multiple vending machines 100 can communicate with the same remote access control system 400 simultaneously or sequentially.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 27, an example of a user interface for a user when executing the process of authenticating a delivery (S1912, S2012) of the vending machine 100 will be described. The user selects an access unit 201 via the user interface (S2500). The access unit 201 may be assigned by the remote control system. Alternatively, the user may select the access unit 201 of the vending machine 100 independently based on its usage status. The authentication system of the vending machine 100 communicates with the remote access control system 400 at the start of authentication (S2501), during authentication (S2502), and even until authentication is complete (S2504). For example, at the start of authentication (S2501), a trigger that can start authentication of the vending machine 100 or the access unit 201 is displayed on the information display unit. Examples of the trigger include a two-dimensional code, a barcode, etc. The user's trigger activation is synchronized with the remote control system, and the necessary authentication information is also synchronized between the remote access control system 400 and the authentication system of the vending machine 100. During authentication (S2502), the user inputs the necessary authentication information through the user interface and communicates it to the remote access control system 400. If the authentication information input by the user matches the necessary authentication information defined by the remote access control system 400, authentication is successfully completed (S2503). If the authentication information input by the user does not match the necessary authentication information defined by the remote control system, authentication is terminated via the process shown in Figure 21. Examples of inputting the necessary authentication information include inputting codes representing letters and numbers, remote communication by scanning a barcode or two-dimensional code, communication using an authorized electronic card such as an ID card or security card, information based on the user's face or fingerprint, etc.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 28, a control diagram of the delivery storage unit 200 will be described. To perform the access function, a controller 600 capable of inputting, outputting, and processing information is configured with a ROM 600a, a CPU 600b, a RAM 600c, a timer 600d, a communication unit 600e, a power supply unit 600f, and the like. Input information is stored, calculated, and output via the ROM 600a, RAM 600c, and timer 600d, centered around the CPU 600b. Examples of input information include an instruction to use the delivery storage unit 200 selected by the delivery storage unit selection unit 601, the vending machine usage mode switched by the vending / access mode switching unit 602, information related to the access unit to be used specified by the access unit designation unit 603, authentication / payment information input by the information input unit 203b, and the storage status of the access unit input by the storage status sensor 604. The storage status sensor 604 is configured with a switch sensor 604a that detects whether the access unit is open or closed, and a storage sensor 604b that detects whether an object has been placed thereon. Examples of the output information include an information display unit 203a that notifies the user of the status and instructions, and instructions on the open / close state to a security device 202 that controls the open / close state of the access unit 201.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 29, the process of detecting the storage status of the access unit 201 will be described. After access unit authentication starts (S2800), if authentication is not completed (S2801), a determination is made as to whether the upper limit of the number of authentication attempts has been exceeded (S2802). If the upper limit of the number of authentication attempts has not been exceeded, the system waits until authentication is completed (S2801). If the upper limit of the number of authentication attempts has been exceeded, the system synchronizes the situation with the remote access control system 400 (S2803) and instructs the user to take the next action (S2804). If the storage of a stored delivery item is not detected after authentication is completed (S2801) (S2807), information such as a reminder to adjust or store the delivery item is displayed to the user (S2808). At the same time, the lock status of the access unit 201 is detected (S2805). If the lock status of the access unit 201 is not detected, the lock status of the access unit 201 is displayed to the user (S2806). When the storage of the stored delivery item is detected and the locking of the access unit is detected, the vending machine 100 synchronizes the status of the access unit 201 with the control system and updates the related information (S2809).

[0096] As shown in FIG. 30, by providing a temperature control function for the access unit 201 of the delivery storage section 200, it is possible to maintain the temperature at a temperature other than room temperature.

[0097] The above-described examples are specific embodiments of the present invention and are intended to explain the technical ideas of the present invention, but are not limited to these forms. Of course, those skilled in the art can modify, change, or replace the above-described embodiments with any other well-known techniques within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 100 vending machines 101 Common Electronic Control Module 101a Information display section 101b Power supply section 101c Payment processing unit 102 Access Function Control Module 103 Item sales function control module 200 Delivery storage area 201 access units 201a Light guide device 201b Storage space 202 Security Devices 203 Authentication System 203a Information display section 203b Information input section 203c Information storage section 203d Ministry of Information and Communications 203e Control section 204 Identity display section 205 Optical information acquisition section 206a Storage mechanism 206b User Interface 206c Information Control and Processing Organization 206d Payment Institutions 300 Vending Machine 301 Product display section 302 Product Selection Section 303 Information display section 304 Payment Processing Unit 305 Outlet 306 Control Unit 307 Information Output Unit 308 Product Storage Section 400 Remote Access Control System 500 user terminals 600 Controller 600a ROM 600b CPU 600c RAM 600d timer 600e Communications Department 600f power supply section 601 Delivery storage section selection section 602 Access mode switching unit 603 Access unit specification part 604 Storage status sensor 604a Switch Sensor 604b Storage Sensor

Claims

1. Vending machines are pre-placed in various locations, each of which is independently arranged with a delivery item storage section having an identification means for identifying the identity of the delivery person when the delivery item is stored and a delivery item storage means for storing the delivery item delivered by the delivery person identified by the identification means, and a vending section having a sales item storage section for storing sales items in a stacked manner and a discharge section for discharging the sales items stored in the sales item storage section to an outlet when a sale is completed, It is equipped with a remote access control system built on a server, The remote access control system includes: allocation means for allocating the delivery to one of the vending machines when the delivery person is unable to deliver the delivery; a transmitting means for transmitting the delivery information to the assigned vending machine; The assigned vending machine identifies the delivery person via the identification means based on the transmitted delivery information, and when the delivery person's identity is identified by the identification means, accepts the delivery item for storage in the delivery item storage means; The delivery storage unit further includes authentication means for authenticating storage in any of the delivery storage means, The allocation means further allocates the delivery to one of the delivery storage means in the allocated vending machine, The transmitting means transmits information about the delivery storage means assigned by the assigning means to the assigned vending machine, The assigned vending machine authenticates storage via the authentication means based on the information on the delivery storage means transmitted from the transmission means, and when storage is authenticated by the authentication means, accepts storage in the assigned delivery storage means; The transmitting means transmits information about a recipient of the delivery to the vending machine in which the delivery is stored, The assigned vending machine identifies the recipient through the identification means based on the transmitted information about the recipient, and when the recipient's identity is identified by the identification means, accepts removal of the delivery from the delivery storage means. A vending machine delivery system characterized by:

2. The allocation means, when a delivery person is unable to deliver a delivery item, refers to the storage size and allocates the delivery item to one of the vending machines based on the package size of the delivery item.

2. The delivery system for vending machines according to claim 1,

3. Further, a vacancy status acquisition means for acquiring the vacancy status of the delivery storage section in the vending machine installed at each location is provided, The allocation means further refers to the availability status acquired by the availability status acquisition means and allocates the vending machine to any one of the vending machines.

2. The delivery system for vending machines according to claim 1,

4. The allocation means notifies the delivery person if there is no vending machine that satisfies the allowable access time or the receiving area condition previously acquired from the recipient of the delivery.

3. The delivery system for vending machines according to claim 2.

5. The allocation means assigns a higher priority to a vending machine having a shorter access time from the delivery destination of the delivery item.

5. The delivery system for vending machines according to claim 4.

6. The allocation means refers to the storage capacity of the delivery storage unit in the vending machine, and allocates the delivery to one of the vending machines based on the weight of the delivery.

6. The delivery system for vending machines according to claim 5,

7. Transmitting the location information or navigation information of the vending machine allocated by the allocation means to a mobile terminal carried by the delivery person.

2. The delivery system for vending machines according to claim 1,

8. Further provided is a storage detection means for detecting that the delivery has been stored by the delivery storage means, When the receiving detection means detects that the delivery item has been received, the transmitting means transmits information about the vending machine in which the delivery item has been received to the recipient of the delivery item.

2. The delivery system for vending machines according to claim 1,

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