Communication system, management server system, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a communication system capable of controlling a home delivery locker by linking with another system.SOLUTION: A communication system 20 includes a communication part 21 that communicates with an intercom system 30 provided in a collective housing 100, and transmits unlock request information for either unlocking or opening a door of a home delivery locker 45 provided in the collective housing 100, to a management server system 40, in a format defined with the management server system 40 that manages the home delivery locker 45.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, a management server system, and a , and and an information processing method. [Background technology]

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

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

[0004] The present invention provides a communication system and the like that can control a storage system such as a delivery locker by linking with other systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first communication unit that communicates with an equipment system installed in a facility, and a second communication unit that transmits first information for at least one of unlocking and opening a door of a storage system installed in the facility to a management server system that manages the storage system in a format specified between the management server system and the storage system.

[0006] A management server system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first communication unit that receives first information transmitted by a communication system, the first information having a format defined between the communication system and the communication system, the first information being for at least one of unlocking and opening a door of a storage system; and a second communication unit that, when the first information is received by the first communication unit, transmits information to the storage system to at least one of unlocking and opening the door.

[0007] A delivery management system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first communication unit that communicates with an information terminal carried by a delivery person, and a second communication unit that transmits first information for at least one of unlocking and opening the door of a storage system installed in a facility that the delivery person visits to deliver a package to a management server system that manages the storage system in a format specified between the management server system and the management server system.

[0008] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a computer, and includes a first communication step of communicating with an equipment system installed in a facility, and a second communication step of transmitting first information for at least one of unlocking and opening the door of the storage system installed in the facility to a management server system that manages the storage system in a format specified between the management server system and the management server system.

[0009] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a computer, and includes a first communication step of receiving first information having a format defined between a communication system and a storage system, the first information being for at least one of unlocking and opening a door of the storage system, the first information having the format defined between the communication system and the storage system, and transmitted by the communication system; and a second communication step of transmitting information to the storage system to at least one of unlocking and opening the door when the first information is received in the first communication step.

[0010] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a computer, and includes a first communication step of communicating with an information terminal carried by a delivery person, and a second communication step of transmitting first information for at least one of unlocking and opening the door of a storage system installed in a facility visited by the delivery person to deliver a package to a management server system that manages the storage system in a format specified between the management server system and the management server system.

[0011] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The communication system etc. of the present invention can control the storage system by linking with other systems. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the delivery locker according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of the basic operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a first operation example of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a second operation example of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of a third operation example of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of a fourth operation example of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of a fifth operation example of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of a sixth operation example of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a seventh operation example of the information processing system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0015] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0016] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. Note that Fig. 1 shows only the main lines connecting two devices, and even if there is no line between the two devices, the two devices may be able to communicate with each other.

[0017] The information processing system 10 is a system applied to an apartment building 100. The apartment building 100 is an example of a facility, and specifically, is an apartment building, a dormitory, or company housing. As shown in FIG. 1 , the information processing system 10 includes a communication system 20, an intercom system 30, an auto-locking door 35, a management server system 40, a delivery locker 45, a delivery management system 50, a first information terminal 60, and a second information terminal 70.

[0018] The information processing system 10 can facilitate efficient use of the delivery lockers 45 by linking the communication system 20 used by the first business operator (or the delivery management system 50 used by the third business operator) with the management server system 40 used by the second business operator. In other words, the information processing system 10 can facilitate efficient use of the delivery lockers 45 by linking two or more systems used by different businesses. The specific configuration of such an information processing system 10 will be described below.

[0019] The communication system 20 is, for example, a system (server system) realized by one or more server devices located outside the apartment building 100. The first business operator using the communication system 20 is, for example, an operator that manufactures and sells the intercom system 30, but may be another business operator. Specifically, the communication system 20 includes a communication unit 21, an information processing unit 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0020] The communication unit 21 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the communication system 20 to communicate with the intercom system 30 (gateway device 34), the management server system 40, the first information terminal 60, and the like via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The communication performed by the communication unit 21 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0021] The information processing unit 22 performs information processing to request the management server system 40 to unlock the delivery locker 45. The information processing unit 22 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 22 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 22 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 23.

[0022] The storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing, computer programs executed by the information processing unit 22, etc. The storage unit 23 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0023] The intercom system 30 is a system installed within the apartment building 100, and is an example of an equipment system. The intercom system 30 includes a lobby intercom 31, an intercom master unit 32, a control device 33, and a gateway device 34. The lobby intercom 31, the intercom master unit 32, the control device 33, and the gateway device 34 are installed in common areas of the apartment building 100.

[0024] The lobby intercom 31 is an information terminal installed outside (on the outdoor side) of the auto-locking door 35 at the entrance (i.e., the common area) of the apartment building 100. The lobby intercom 31 controls, for example, the auto-locking door 35. The lobby intercom 31 has a user interface made up of a numeric keypad, a call button, a display, and the like, and a visitor to the apartment building 100 can speak to a resident and request that the auto-locking door 35 be unlocked by inputting the room number (sometimes called a dwelling unit number) of the person they are visiting using the numeric keypad.

[0025] The intercom base unit 32 is an information terminal fixedly installed in the private area of ​​the apartment building 100. Although only one intercom base unit 32 is shown in FIG. 1, the intercom system 30 includes multiple intercom base units 32, and an intercom base unit 32 is installed in each of the multiple private areas of the apartment building 100. The intercom base unit 32 performs information processing and the like to enable residents of the private areas to communicate with visitors via the lobby intercom 31 or an intercom handset (not shown). The intercom handset is a so-called door phone, and is installed outside the entrance to the private area. Although not shown, the intercom base unit 32 includes a user interface consisting of a response button, a display, etc.

[0026] The control device 33 is a device that controls devices installed in the apartment building 100 and controls communication between devices installed in the apartment building 100 (for example, communication between the lobby intercom 31 and the intercom master unit 32). The control device 33 can also communicate with the delivery locker 45 via a local communication network.

[0027] The gateway device 34 is a communication device that enables devices such as the control device 33 installed in the apartment building 100 to communicate with the communication system 20 and the like via a wide area communication network.

[0028] The auto-locking door 35 is a door provided at the entrance (i.e., the common area) of the apartment building 100. The auto-locking door 35 is automatically locked (or closed) after a certain time has passed since it was unlocked (or opened). The door provided in the auto-locking door 35 may be a sliding door or a swing door.

[0029] Management server system 40 is a system implemented by one or more server devices that manages delivery lockers 45. Management server system 40 can also be referred to as a delivery locker management system or a storage device management system. The second business using management server system 40 is, for example, a business that manufactures and sells delivery lockers 45 or a business that provides services using delivery lockers 45, and is different from the first business using communication system 20. The second business may be, for example, an operator of an electronic commerce (EC) site or a business that provides a home delivery service. In this case, delivery lockers 45 may be dedicated delivery lockers 45 installed by the operator of the EC site or the business that provides the home delivery service. Management server system 40 specifically includes a communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, and a memory unit 43.

[0030] The communication unit 41 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the management server system 40 to communicate with the communication system 20, the delivery locker 45, the delivery management system 50, the first information terminal 60, and the like via a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 41 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0031] The information processing unit 42 processes information related to the management and control of the delivery lockers 45. The information processing unit 42 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 42 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 42 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 43.

[0032] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing, computer programs executed by the information processing unit 42, etc. The storage unit 43 is realized by, for example, an HDD, but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0033] Delivery locker 45 is a storage system (storage device) in which a delivery person stores packages addressed to residents when the residents are away from home in apartment complex 100. FIG. 2 is an external view of delivery locker 45.

[0034] Delivery locker 45 is a delivery box shared by multiple residents living in apartment complex 100. Delivery locker 45 has multiple storage compartments 46, and each of the multiple storage compartments 46 can be locked and unlocked individually by controlling an electric lock provided in each of the multiple storage compartments 46. Storage compartment 46 is a box (compartment) that corresponds to the smallest unit in which parcels can be stored, and storage compartment 46 is provided with a door.

[0035] Delivery locker 45 is installed outside (on the outdoor side) of auto-lock door 35 at the entrance (i.e., common area) of apartment building 100. Delivery locker 45 can communicate with control device 33 via a local communication network, and can also communicate with delivery management system 50 via a wide area communication network.

[0036] Although not shown, delivery locker 45 has a user interface consisting of buttons, a touch panel, a display, etc. The user interface is used when a delivery person deposits a package and when a resident withdraws a package.

[0037] The delivery management system 50 is a system realized by one or more server devices that manages the delivery of packages. A third business using the delivery management system 50 is, for example, a delivery business that provides delivery services, and is different from both the first business and the second business. Specifically, the delivery management system 50 includes a communication unit 51, an information processing unit 52, and a memory unit 53.

[0038] The communication unit 51 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the delivery management system 50 to communicate with the management server system 40, the second information terminal 70, and the like via a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 51 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication.

[0039] The information processing unit 52 performs information processing related to the management of package delivery and information processing for requesting the management server system 40 to unlock the delivery locker 45. The information processing unit 52 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 52 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 52 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 53.

[0040] The storage unit 53 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing, computer programs executed by the information processing unit 52, etc. The storage unit 53 is realized by, for example, an HDD, but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0041] The first information terminal 60 is an information terminal used by a resident of the apartment building 100. The first information terminal 60 is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Although not shown, the first information terminal 60 has a user interface configured by a touch panel, a display, etc. In FIG. 1, the first information terminal 60 is located outside the apartment building 100, but it may also be located inside the apartment building 100. The first information terminal 60 can communicate with the intercom master unit 32, the communication system 20, the management server system 40, etc. via a wide area communication network.

[0042] The second information terminal 70 is an information terminal used (carried) by a delivery person belonging to a third business (delivery business). Although not shown, the second information terminal 70 has a user interface configured by a touch panel, a display, etc. The second information terminal 70 is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The second information terminal 70 may also be a dedicated terminal. The second information terminal 70 can communicate with the delivery management system 50 and the like via a wide area communication network.

[0043] [Basic operation] When resident A of apartment complex 100, who is the recipient of the package, is not at home, delivery person A can store the package addressed to resident A's room number (hereinafter simply referred to as "addressed to resident A") in delivery locker 45. Such basic operations will be explained below. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of the basic operations.

[0044] When delivery person a arrives at the apartment complex 100, he performs a call operation on the user interface provided on the lobby intercom 31 to deliver the package to resident A. The lobby intercom 31 accepts such a call operation (S11). The call operation includes an operation of inputting the room number of the private area of ​​the delivery destination and an operation of inputting the visit requirements. The operation of inputting the visit requirements is an operation of declaring whether the visitor (in this case, delivery person a) is a delivery person, a friend, a salesman, etc.

[0045] When the lobby intercom 31 accepts the call operation, it transmits arrival information indicating that the package has arrived at the apartment complex 100 to the control device 33 (S12). The arrival information is information that is transmitted to the control device 33 when the visitor is a delivery person, and includes the room number entered in the call operation. In other words, the arrival information is information indicating that a package addressed to the room number of resident A has arrived.

[0046] Furthermore, the lobby intercom 31 attempts to make a call to the intercom base unit 32 (resident A) corresponding to the input room number. If there is no response from resident A, or if an operation is performed to the intercom base unit 32 indicating that the resident A cannot respond, delivery person a will store the package in the delivery locker 45 instead of handing it over to resident A. Specifically, delivery person a performs a storage operation on the user interface provided in the delivery locker 45, and the delivery locker 45 accepts this storage operation (S13). The storage operation includes the operation of inputting the room number of the private area of ​​the delivery destination.

[0047] When delivery locker 45 receives the storing operation, it unlocks the door of an empty storage section 46 among the multiple storage sections 46 and displays a message to delivery person a by image or sound prompting the delivery person a to store the package in that storage section 46 (S14). When delivery person a stores the package in storage section 46 (S15), delivery locker 45 locks the door of that storage section 46 (S16) and transmits storage information to both control device 33 and management server system 40 (S17).

[0048] The receiving information includes the number of the storage unit 46 into which the package has been received and the room number of the exclusive area of ​​the delivery destination that was entered in the receiving operation. Note that the type of package and the name of the delivery company may also be entered in the receiving operation, in which case the receiving information may include the type of package and the name of the delivery company. In step S17, the content of the receiving information sent to the control device 33 may differ from the content of the receiving information sent to the management server system 40, such that the type of package is not included in the receiving information sent to the control device 33 but is included in the receiving information sent to the management server system 40.

[0049] The control device 33 receives the receiving information and updates the delivery locker management information stored in the memory unit of the control device 33 based on the received receiving information (S18). The delivery locker management information is information for managing the usage status of the multiple storage units 46 provided in the delivery locker 45, and is information that associates the identification information (number, etc.) of the storage unit 46, whether or not a package has been stored in that storage unit 46, the destination of the package (room number), and the type of package. In step S18, the control device 33 specifically reflects the content of the received receiving information in the delivery locker management information stored in the memory unit.

[0050] Similarly, communication unit 41 of management server system 40 receives the inventory information, and information processing unit 42 updates the delivery locker management information stored in memory unit 43 based on the received inventory information (S19). The delivery locker management information is information for managing the usage status of multiple storage units 46 provided in delivery locker 45, and is information that associates identification information (number, etc.) of storage unit 46, whether or not a package has been stored in that storage unit 46, the destination of the package (room number), and the type of package, etc. In step S19, information processing unit 42 specifically reflects the content of the received inventory information in the delivery locker management information stored in memory unit 43.

[0051] Although not shown, delivery locker 45 stores delivery locker management information in a memory unit provided in delivery locker 45, and transmits the receiving information and updates the delivery locker management information that it holds.

[0052] Thereafter, when resident A, the recipient of the package, returns to apartment complex 100 from outside, he or she performs a predetermined action to unlock auto-lock door 35, and lobby intercom 31 performs authentication processing based on this action (S20). For example, resident A performs an action to bring an authentication medium that resident A possesses close to lobby intercom 31, and authentication processing is executed by short-range wireless communication between the authentication medium and lobby intercom 31. Note that authentication processing may also be achieved by inputting a passcode or biometric authentication, etc.

[0053] The lobby intercom 31 is able to identify the room number of resident A through authentication processing, and by inquiring with the control device 33 about whether a package addressed to the identified room number has arrived, notifies the control device 33 that a package addressed to resident A exists (S21). As described above, the control device 33 manages the usage status of the delivery lockers 45 using the delivery locker management information, and is therefore able to respond to inquiries from the lobby intercom 31.

[0054] Based on the notification, resident A performs a delivery operation on a user interface provided on delivery locker 45. The delivery operation includes inputting resident A's room number and a passcode for unlocking the door of storage unit 46. This passcode may be a fixed passcode determined in advance for each resident (room number), or a temporary passcode issued each time a package is delivered. Instead of inputting the room number and passcode, the door of storage unit 46 in which the package addressed to resident A's room number has been delivered may be unlocked by authentication processing based on short-range wireless communication between delivery locker 45 and an authentication medium for unlocking auto-lock door 35 (or a separate authentication medium for delivery locker 45 distributed to resident A in advance).

[0055] When delivery locker 45 receives a delivery operation (S22), it unlocks the door of storage unit 46 in which the package addressed to resident A's room number has been stored (S23). This allows resident A to retrieve the package.

[0056] Although not shown, when the package is released, the delivery locker 45 locks the door of the storage unit 46 from which the package has been released, and transmits delivery information including identification information of the storage unit 46 to the control device 33 and the delivery management system 50. The control device 33 and the delivery management system 50 each update the delivery locker management information (usage status of the delivery locker 45) based on the received delivery information.

[0057] As described above, delivery person A can store a package addressed to resident A in delivery locker 45 when resident A, who is the recipient of the package, of apartment building 100, is not at home. Resident A can retrieve the package from delivery locker 45 when he or she returns home.

[0058] [Example 1] For example, if a package addressed to resident A already exists in a first storage unit and another package addressed to resident A arrives, the other package is generally stored in a second storage unit separate from the first storage unit. However, if the other package can be stored in the first storage unit (hereinafter also referred to as overlapping storage), delivery locker 45 can be used efficiently. Below, an operation example 1 that can realize such overlapping storage will be described.

[0059] To realize the duplicated storage, it is necessary to unlock the storage unit 46, which is already locked and contains luggage, and since there is a risk of the luggage being lost, it is considered that the resident's consent is necessary. In the following operation example 1, it is assumed that resident A has consented to the duplicated storage.

[0060] Resident A, for example, sets his / her consent to duplicate entry by performing a predetermined setting operation on the intercom base unit 32 in which he / she resides. Setting information indicating whether or not he / she consents to duplicate entry is stored in a memory unit provided in the intercom base unit 32, or is transmitted from the intercom base unit 32 to the control device 33 and stored in a memory unit provided in the control device 33. Specifically, the setting information is information that associates the room number of resident A (the room number is also the identification number of the intercom base unit 32) with whether or not resident A consents. Below, operation example 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4, assuming that the setting information is stored in the intercom system 30 in this manner. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of operation example 1.

[0061] By the processing of steps S11 to S19 of the basic operation described above, the parcel addressed to resident A's room number is stored in delivery locker 45.

[0062] In this state, when delivery person B arrives at the apartment complex 100, he performs a call operation on the user interface provided on the lobby intercom 31 to deliver the package to resident A. The lobby intercom 31 accepts this call operation (S31). As in step S11, the call operation includes an operation to input the room number of the private area of ​​the delivery destination and an operation to input the visit requirements.

[0063] When the lobby intercom 31 accepts the call operation, it transmits arrival information indicating that the package has arrived at the apartment building 100 to the control device 33 (S32). As in step S12, the arrival information is information indicating that the package addressed to the room number of resident A has arrived.

[0064] When the control device 33 receives the arrival information, it determines, based on the room number of resident A included in the arrival information, whether a package addressed to resident A's room number has been stored in the delivery locker 45 and whether resident A has agreed to the duplicate storage.

[0065] Whether or not a package addressed to resident A's room number has been stored in delivery locker 45 can be determined based on delivery locker management information stored in a memory unit provided in control device 33. Whether or not resident A has consented to the duplicated storage can be determined based on whether or not information indicating consent is associated with resident A's room number in the setting information stored in a memory unit provided in control device 33. Note that, as described above, if the setting information is stored in intercom base unit 32, control device 33 can determine whether or not resident A has consented to the duplicated storage by querying intercom base unit 32.

[0066] When the control device 33 determines that a package addressed to resident A's room number has been stored in delivery locker 45 and that resident A has agreed to the duplicate storage (S33), it sends instruction information to communication system 20 via gateway device 34 (S34). The instruction information is information for instructing communication system 20 to request management server system 40 to unlock delivery locker 45. The instruction information includes resident A's room number.

[0067] The communication unit 21 of the communication system 20 receives instruction information from the control device 33. The information processing unit 22 generates unlocking request information in a format defined between the management server system 40 and the communication unit 21 based on the received instruction information, and transmits the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 (S35). The transmission of the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 is specifically performed by the communication unit 21. The unlocking request information includes the room number of resident A (the room number of the resident included in the instruction information).

[0068] Here, the format is a format defined based on an application programming interface (API). For example, the first business using the communication system 20 discloses (provides) in advance, to the second business using the management server system 40, an API that defines a format for transmitting unlocking request information. Alternatively, the second business using the management server system 40 discloses (or provides) in advance, to the first business using the communication system 20, an API that defines a format for receiving unlocking request information. In other words, by defining a format between the communication system 20 and the management server system 40 in advance, the communication system 20 can generate and transmit unlocking request information in this format.

[0069] The communication unit 41 of the management server system 40 receives unlocking request information from the communication system 20. The information processing unit 42 identifies the identification information of the storage unit 46 (hereinafter also referred to as the target storage unit) in which the package addressed to the room number of resident A is stored, based on the room number of resident A included in the received unlocking request information and the delivery locker management information stored in the memory unit 43. The information processing unit 42 also generates an unlocking command to instruct delivery locker 45 to unlock the identified target storage unit.

[0070] Information processing unit 42 transmits the generated unlock command to delivery locker 45 (S36). Specifically, the unlock command is transmitted to delivery locker 45 by communication unit 41.

[0071] When delivery locker 45 receives the unlocking request from management server system 40, it transitions to a standby mode in which the target storage unit is unlocked when resident A's room number is entered in the storage operation (S37).

[0072] Here, deliveryman b, who made the call operation in step S31, stores the package in delivery locker 45 instead of handing it over to resident A, because the resident does not respond to the call. Specifically, deliveryman b performs a store operation on a user interface provided in delivery locker 45, and delivery locker 45 accepts this store operation (S38). The store operation includes an operation to input the room number of the private area of ​​the delivery destination (i.e., an operation to input resident A's room number).

[0073] At this time, delivery locker 45 has transitioned to standby mode, so it unlocks the door of the target storage unit instead of the door of an empty storage unit 46, and displays a message to delivery person b by image or sound urging him to store the package in the target storage unit (S39). Once delivery person b stores the package in the target storage unit (S40), delivery locker 45 locks the door of the target storage unit (S41). The process thereafter until the package is received is the same as steps S17 to S23, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] Note that if the control device 33 determines in step S33 that no parcel addressed to resident A's room number has been stored in delivery locker 45, and if it determines that resident A has not consented to duplicate storage, it does not send instruction information. In other words, in this case, in delivery locker 45, instead of unlocking the target storage section (processing of steps S37 to S41), a process of unlocking an empty storage section 46 (processing of steps S13 to S16) is performed (duplicate storage is not performed).

[0075] As described above, the information processing system 10 can realize the duplicated storage of packages by cooperation between the communication system 20 and the management server system 40. The communication system 20 transmits unlocking request information to the management server system 40 in a format based on the API, and the information processing system 10 can realize the duplicated storage of packages by smoothly coordinating the communication system 20 and the management server system 40.

[0076] In the first operational example, the setting information indicating whether or not resident A agrees to the duplicated entry is described as being stored in a memory unit included in the control device 33 or a memory unit included in the intercom base unit 32. However, the setting information may be stored in a memory unit included in the first information terminal 60 carried by resident A. For example, resident A stores the setting information in a memory unit included in the first information terminal 60 by performing a setting operation on the first information terminal 60. In this case, in step S33 of the first operational example, the control device 33 performs a process of referring to (inquiring about) the content of the setting information stored in the memory unit of the first information terminal 60 via the intercom base unit 32. This enables the control device 33 to determine whether or not resident A agrees to the duplicated entry.

[0077] Furthermore, in step S33 of the above-described operation example 1, the control device 33 may communicate with the first information terminal 60 via the intercom base unit 32 to display a confirmation screen on the display of the first information terminal 60 to confirm whether resident A agrees to the duplicated entry, and may determine whether resident A agrees to the duplicated entry based on whether resident A performs an operation to agree to the duplicated entry while the confirmation screen is displayed. In other words, the control device 33 may inquire of resident A in real time about whether or not he or she agrees to the duplicated entry.

[0078] In cases where resident A is not out and is in the private area but wishes to have a parcel stored in delivery locker 45, control device 33 may communicate with intercom base unit 32 to display a confirmation screen on the display of intercom base unit 32 to confirm whether resident A agrees to the duplicated entry, and may determine whether resident A agrees to the duplicated entry based on whether resident A performs an operation to agree to the duplicated entry while the confirmation screen is displayed. In other words, the confirmation screen displayed when inquiring resident A in real time about whether or not he or she agrees to the duplicated entry may be displayed by either first information terminal 60 or intercom base unit 32.

[0079] [Example 2] The above setting information may be stored in the communication system 20. Resident A can store setting information indicating whether or not he or she has consented to duplicate storage in the storage unit 23 of the communication system 20 by, for example, connecting to the communication system 20 using a first information terminal 60 on which a predetermined application program is installed and performing a predetermined setting operation on the first information terminal 60.

[0080] Below, an explanation will be given of an operation example 2 in the case where the setting information is stored in the communication system 20 (storage unit 23) with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram of operation example 2. Note that the following explanation of operation example 2 will focus on the differences from operation example 1.

[0081] By the processing of steps S11 to S19 of the basic operation described above, the parcel addressed to resident A's room number is stored in delivery locker 45.

[0082] In this state, when delivery person B arrives at the apartment complex 100, he performs a call operation on the user interface provided on the lobby intercom 31 to deliver the package to resident A. The lobby intercom 31 accepts this call operation (S51). As in steps S11 and S31, the call operation includes an operation to input the room number of the private area of ​​the delivery destination and an operation to input the visit requirements.

[0083] When the lobby intercom 31 accepts the call operation, it transmits arrival information indicating that the package has arrived at the apartment building 100 to the control device 33 (S52). As in steps S12 and S32, the arrival information is information indicating that the package addressed to the room number of resident A has arrived.

[0084] When the control device 33 receives the arrival information, it determines, based on the room number of resident A included in the arrival information, whether or not a package addressed to the room number of resident A has been stored in delivery locker 45. Whether or not a package addressed to the room number of resident A has been stored in delivery locker 45 can be determined based on delivery locker management information stored in a memory unit provided in the control device 33.

[0085] When the control device 33 determines that a package addressed to resident A's room number has been stored in delivery locker 45 (S53), it transmits instruction information to communication system 20 via gateway device 34 (S54). The instruction information here is information for instructing communication system 20 to request management server system 40 to unlock delivery locker 45 after confirming whether resident A has given consent. The instruction information includes resident A's room number.

[0086] The communication unit 21 of the communication system 20 receives instruction information from the control device 33. Upon receiving the instruction information, the information processing unit 22 determines whether or not resident A has agreed to the duplicated entry based on the room number of resident A included in the instruction information. Whether or not resident A has agreed to the duplicated entry can be determined based on whether or not information indicating consent is associated with the room number of resident A in the setting information stored in the memory unit 23.

[0087] If the information processing unit 22 determines that resident A has agreed to the duplicated storage (S55), it generates unlocking request information in a format defined between the information processing unit 22 and the management server system 40, and transmits the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 (S56). The transmission of the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 is specifically performed by the communication unit 21. The unlocking request information includes the room number of resident A (the room number of the resident included in the instruction information).

[0088] The subsequent processes in steps S57 to S62 are similar to the processes in steps S36 to S41.

[0089] Note that if the control device 33 determines in step S53 that no parcel addressed to resident A's room number has been stored in the delivery locker 45, it does not send instruction information. Similarly, if the communication system 20 (information processing unit 22) determines in step S55 that resident A has not consented to duplicate storage, it does not send unlocking request information. In either of these cases, the delivery locker 45 performs a process of unlocking an empty storage unit 46 (processing of steps S13 to S16) rather than a process of unlocking the target storage unit (processing of steps S58 to S62) (duplicate storage is not performed).

[0090] As described above, the determination of whether resident A has consented to the duplicated storage may be performed by the communication system 20. In this case, the information processing system 10 can realize the duplicated storage of luggage by cooperation between the communication system 20 and the management server system 40.

[0091] [Example 3] In Operation Example 1 and Operation Example 2, the determination of whether or not a package addressed to resident A's room number has been stored in delivery locker 45 was made by control device 33. Here, since the delivery locker management information used for this determination is also stored in memory 43 of management server system 40, this determination can also be made by management server system 40. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram of such Operation Example 3. Note that in Operation Example 3, as in Operation Example 1, it is assumed that the setting information is stored in a memory provided in control device 33, a memory provided in the intercom master unit, or a memory provided in first information terminal 60.

[0092] By the processing of steps S11 to S19 of the basic operation described above, the parcel addressed to resident A's room number is stored in delivery locker 45.

[0093] In this state, when delivery person B arrives at the apartment complex 100, he performs a call operation on the user interface provided on the lobby intercom 31 to deliver the package to resident A. The lobby intercom 31 accepts this call operation (S71). As in steps S11, S31, and S51, the call operation includes an input operation for the room number of the private area of ​​the delivery destination and an input operation for the visit requirements.

[0094] When the lobby intercom 31 accepts the call operation, it transmits arrival information indicating that the package has arrived at the apartment building 100 to the control device 33 (S72). As in steps S12, S32, and S52, the arrival information is information indicating that the package addressed to the room number of resident A has arrived.

[0095] When the control device 33 receives the arrival information, it determines whether or not resident A has agreed to the duplicate entry based on the room number of resident A included in the arrival information. As explained in Operation Example 1, the specific method of this determination differs depending on whether the setting information is stored in the control device 33, the intercom master unit, or the first information terminal 60, or whether an inquiry is made to resident A in real time. A detailed explanation has already been given in Operation Example 1, so it will be omitted here.

[0096] When the control device 33 determines that resident A has agreed to the duplicated storage (S73), it transmits instruction information to the communication system 20 via the gateway device 34 (S74). The instruction information is information for instructing the communication system 20 to request the management server system 40 to unlock the delivery locker 45. The instruction information includes the room number of resident A.

[0097] The communication unit 21 of the communication system 20 receives instruction information from the control device 33. Based on the received instruction information, the information processing unit 22 generates unlocking request information in a format defined between the management server system 40 and the management server system 40, and transmits the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 (S75). The transmission of the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 is specifically performed by the communication unit 21. The unlocking request information includes the room number of resident A (the room number of the resident included in the instruction information).

[0098] The communication unit 41 of the management server system 40 receives unlocking request information from the communication system 20. The information processing unit 42 determines whether or not a package addressed to the room number of resident A has been stored in the delivery locker 45, based on the room number of resident A included in the received unlocking request information and the delivery locker management information stored in the memory unit 43.

[0099] When the information processing unit 42 determines that a package addressed to the room number of resident A included in the unlocking request information has been stored in delivery locker 45 (S76), it identifies the identification information of the storage unit in which the package has been stored and generates an unlock command to instruct delivery locker 45 to unlock the storage unit. The information processing unit 42 transmits the generated unlock command to delivery locker 45 (S77). Specifically, the unlock command is transmitted to delivery locker 45 by the communication unit 41. The subsequent processes of steps S78 to S82 are the same as the processes of steps S37 to S41.

[0100] Note that if the control device 33 determines in step S73 that resident A has not consented to duplicate storage, it does not send instruction information. Similarly, if the management server system 40 (information processing unit 42) determines that no parcel addressed to resident A's room number has been stored in the delivery locker 45, it does not send an unlock command. In either of these cases, in the delivery locker 45, a process of unlocking an empty storage unit 46 (processing of steps S13 to S16) is performed (duplicate storage is not performed) rather than a process of unlocking the target storage unit (processing of steps S78 to S82).

[0101] As explained above, the determination of whether a package addressed to resident A's room number has been stored in delivery locker 45 may be performed by management server system 40. In this case, too, information processing system 10 can realize duplicate package storage by cooperation between communication system 20 and management server system 40.

[0102] Operation example 3 can be considered as an operation example in which the entity that determines whether a package addressed to resident A's room number has been stored in delivery locker 45 in operation example 1 is changed from control device 33 to management server system 40, and the determination of whether resident A has consented to duplicate storage is made by control device 33, as in operation example 1. Here, information processing system 10 can also operate according to the operation example in operation example 2 in which the entity that determines whether a package addressed to resident A's room number has been stored in delivery locker 45 is changed from control device 33 to management server system 40. In this operation example, the determination of whether resident A has consented to duplicate storage is made by communication system 20, as in operation example 2. A detailed description of this operation example will be omitted.

[0103] [Example 4] The information processing system 10 can also realize overlapping storage using the delivery management system 50 and the second information terminal 70. Such an operation example 4 will be described below.

[0104] Operation example 4 is an example of operation when, for example, a product purchased by resident A on a website or the like is delivered, and when resident A enters information when purchasing the product, he or she also enters that he or she agrees to duplicate inventory. As a result, the memory unit 53 of the delivery management system 50 stores delivery management information that associates the product's slip number, the delivery address (including the room number of the private apartment where resident A lives), resident A's name, and whether or not resident A agreed to duplicate inventory. Under these assumptions, operation example 4 will be described below with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram of operation example 4.

[0105] By the processing of steps S11 to S19 of the basic operation described above, the parcel addressed to resident A's room number is stored in delivery locker 45.

[0106] In this state, when deliveryman b arrives at the apartment complex 100, he makes a call to the user interface of the lobby intercom 31 to deliver the package to resident A. If resident A does not respond, deliveryman b performs a predetermined operation on the user interface of the second information terminal 70 carried by deliveryman b, and the second information terminal 70 accepts this predetermined operation (S91). The predetermined operation includes inputting the package's shipping slip number.

[0107] When the second information terminal 70 receives the predetermined operation, it transmits instruction information to the delivery management system 50 (S92). The instruction information is information for instructing the delivery management system 50 to request the management server system 40 to unlock the delivery locker 45. The instruction information includes the slip number entered by the predetermined operation.

[0108] The communication unit 51 of the delivery management system 50 receives instruction information from the second information terminal 70. When the information processing unit 52 receives the instruction information, it determines whether or not resident A has agreed to the duplicate entry. As described above, the delivery management information is associated with whether or not resident A has agreed to the duplicate entry, and the information processing unit 52 can determine whether or not resident A has agreed to the duplicate entry by comparing the slip number included in the instruction information with the delivery management information stored in the memory unit 53.

[0109] When the information processing unit 52 determines that resident A has agreed to duplicate storage (S93), it generates unlocking request information in a format specified between it and the management server system 40 based on the received instruction information, and transmits the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 (S94). The transmission of the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 is specifically performed by the communication unit 51. The unlocking request information includes resident A's room number. The information processing unit 52 can identify resident A's room number by comparing the slip number included in the instruction information with the delivery management information stored in the memory unit 53, and include the room number in the unlocking request information.

[0110] Here, the above format is a format defined based on an API. For example, a third business using the delivery management system 50 may disclose (provide) in advance to a second business using the management server system 40 an API that defines a format for sending unlocking request information. Alternatively, the second business using the management server system 40 may disclose (or provide) in advance to a third business using the delivery management system 50 an API that defines a format for receiving unlocking request information. In other words, by defining a format in advance between the delivery management system 50 and the management server system 40, the delivery management system 50 can generate and send unlocking request information in this format.

[0111] The communication unit 41 of the management server system 40 receives unlocking request information from the delivery management system 50. The information processing unit 42 determines whether or not a package addressed to the room number of resident A has been stored in the delivery locker 45, based on the room number of resident A included in the received unlocking request information and the delivery locker management information stored in the memory unit 43.

[0112] When the information processing unit 42 determines that a package addressed to the room number of resident A included in the unlocking request information has been stored in delivery locker 45 (S95), it identifies the identification information of the storage unit in which the package has been stored and generates an unlock command to instruct delivery locker 45 to unlock the storage unit. The information processing unit 42 transmits the generated unlock command to delivery locker 45 (S96). Specifically, the unlock command is transmitted to delivery locker 45 by the communication unit 41. The subsequent processes of steps S97 to S101 are the same as the processes of steps S37 to S41.

[0113] If the delivery management system 50 (information processing unit 52) ​​determines in step S93 that resident A has not consented to duplicate storage, it does not send unlocking request information. Similarly, if the management server system 40 (information processing unit 42) determines that no parcel addressed to resident A's room number has been stored in the delivery locker 45, it does not send an unlocking command. In either of these cases, in the delivery locker 45, a process of unlocking an empty storage unit 46 (processing of steps S13 to S16) is performed (duplicate storage is not performed) rather than a process of unlocking the target storage unit (processing of steps S97 to S101).

[0114] As described above, the information processing system 10 can realize the overlapping storage of packages by linking the delivery management system 50 and the management server system 40.

[0115] [Example 5] However, since the target storage unit already contains a package addressed to resident A, it is not desirable to simply unlock the door of the target storage unit. Therefore, in the above operation examples 1 to 3, when a duplicate package is stored, input of a passcode may be required to unlock the door of the target storage unit. Such an operation example 5 will be described below. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of operation example 5.

[0116] 8 is a sequence diagram for setting a temporary passcode based on Operation Example 1, and steps in which substantially the same processing as in Operation Example 1 is performed are assigned the same step numbers as in Operation Example 1. The matters explained in Operation Example 1 are also the same in Operation Example 5 unless otherwise noted.

[0117] The processing of steps S31 to S32 is the same as in operation example 1. When the control device 33 determines that a package addressed to the room number of resident A has been stored in delivery locker 45 and that resident A has agreed to the duplicated storage (S33), it transmits notification information to the lobby intercom 31 to notify that the duplicated storage is possible (S42).

[0118] When the lobby intercom 31 receives the notification information, it displays a notification screen to notify that duplicate delivery is possible. This notification screen also serves as an input screen for the passcode to be used in duplicate delivery. When delivery person B wishes to perform duplicate delivery, he or she inputs the desired passcode. When the user interface of the lobby intercom 31 accepts the input of the desired passcode (S43), it transmits passcode setting request information to the control device 33 (S44). The passcode setting request information is information requesting that the desired passcode input in step S43 be set as the passcode to be used in duplicate delivery.

[0119] When the control device 33 receives the passcode setting request information, it transmits instruction information including the passcode setting request information to the communication system 20 via the gateway device 34 (S34a). The instruction information includes the room number of resident A and the passcode setting request information.

[0120] The communication unit 21 of the communication system 20 receives instruction information from the control device 33. Based on the received instruction information, the information processing unit 22 generates unlocking request information in a format defined between the management server system 40 and the management server system 40, and transmits the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 (S35a). The transmission of the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 is specifically performed by the communication unit 21. The unlocking request information includes the room number of resident A and passcode setting request information (both of which were included in the instruction information).

[0121] The communication unit 41 of the management server system 40 receives unlocking request information from the communication system 20. The information processing unit 42 identifies the identification information of the storage unit 46 (hereinafter also referred to as the target storage unit) in which the package addressed to resident A's room number is stored, based on the room number of resident A included in the received unlocking request information and the delivery locker management information stored in the memory unit 43. The information processing unit 42 also generates an unlocking command to instruct the delivery locker 45 to unlock the identified target storage unit. This unlocking command is also a command to set the passcode indicated in the setting request information.

[0122] Information processing unit 42 transmits the generated unlock command to delivery locker 45 (S36a). Specifically, the unlock command is transmitted to delivery locker 45 by communication unit 41.

[0123] When the delivery locker 45 receives an unlocking request from the management server system 40, it transitions to a standby mode in which the target storage unit is unlocked when the room number of resident A is entered during the storage operation, and sets a passcode (S37a). The set passcode is valid only temporarily, and has a limited usage period or a maximum number of uses. In other words, the passcode is valid only for a specified period or a specified number of times. The specified period and the specified number of times may be determined as appropriate and are not particularly limited.

[0124] Here, deliveryman b, who entered the passcode in step S43, stores the package in delivery locker 45. Specifically, deliveryman b performs a storage operation on a user interface provided in delivery locker 45, and delivery locker 45 accepts this storage operation (S38a). The storage operation includes inputting the room number of the private area of ​​the delivery destination (i.e., inputting the room number of resident A) and inputting the passcode.

[0125] At this time, delivery locker 45 unlocks the door of the target storage unit, and presents delivery person b with a visual or audio message urging them to store the package in the target storage unit, provided that the passcode entered in step S38a matches the passcode set in step S37a (S39a). If the passcodes do not match, delivery locker 45 unlocks the door of an empty storage unit 46 instead of the target storage unit, and presents delivery person b with a visual or audio message urging them to store the package in storage unit 46.

[0126] When delivery person b places a parcel in a target storage unit (S40), delivery locker 45 locks the door of the target storage unit (S41).

[0127] As described above, the information processing system 10, by linking the communication system 20 and the management server system 40, can realize the duplicated storage of packages by requiring the input of a passcode.

[0128] In Operation Example 5, the passcode is specified by the delivery person, but conversely, the passcode issued (set) by the management server system 40 may be notified to the delivery person. Also, in Operation Example 5, an example in which input of a passcode is required for duplicated inventory in Operation Example 1 has been described, but input of a passcode may also be required for duplicated inventory in Operation Example 2 or 3.

[0129] [Example 6] In the above-mentioned operation example 4, when a duplicated item is stored, input of a passcode may be required to unlock the door of the corresponding storage unit. Such an operation example 6 will be described below. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram of the operation example 6.

[0130] 9 is a sequence diagram for setting a temporary passcode based on Operation Example 4, and steps in which substantially the same processing as in Operation Example 4 is performed are assigned the same step numbers as in Operation Example 4. The matters explained in Operation Example 4 are also applicable to Operation Example 6 unless otherwise noted.

[0131] The delivery person, intending to store the parcel twice, performs a predetermined operation on the user interface of the second information terminal 70 carried by the delivery person, and the second information terminal 70 accepts the predetermined operation (S91a). The predetermined operation includes inputting the parcel slip number and the desired passcode.

[0132] When the second information terminal 70 receives the predetermined operation, it transmits instruction information to the delivery management system 50 (S92a). The instruction information includes the slip number entered by the predetermined operation and passcode setting request information. The passcode setting request information is information for requesting that the desired passcode entered in step S91a be set as the passcode to be used in the event of duplicated storage.

[0133] The communication unit 51 of the delivery management system 50 receives instruction information from the second information terminal 70. When the information processing unit 52 receives the instruction information, it determines whether or not resident A has agreed to the duplicated storage. If the information processing unit 52 determines that resident A has agreed to the duplicated storage (S93), it generates unlocking request information in a format specified with the management server system 40 based on the received instruction information, and transmits the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 (S94a). The transmission of the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 is specifically performed by the communication unit 21. The unlocking request information includes resident A's room number and passcode setting request information.

[0134] The communication unit 41 of the management server system 40 receives unlocking request information from the delivery management system 50. The information processing unit 42 determines whether or not a package addressed to the room number of resident A has been stored in the delivery locker 45, based on the room number of resident A included in the received unlocking request information and the delivery locker management information stored in the memory unit 43.

[0135] When the information processing unit 42 determines that a package addressed to the room number of resident A included in the unlocking request information has been stored in the delivery locker 45 (S95), it identifies the identification information of the storage unit in which the package has been stored and generates an unlocking command to instruct the delivery locker 45 to unlock the storage unit. This unlocking command is also a command to set the passcode indicated in the setting request information.

[0136] Information processing unit 42 transmits the generated unlock command to delivery locker 45 (S96a). Specifically, the unlock command is transmitted to delivery locker 45 by communication unit 41. The subsequent processes of steps S97a to S99a and S100 to S101 are the same as the processes of steps S37a to S39a and S40 to S41.

[0137] As described above, the information processing system 10, by linking the delivery management system 50 and the management server system 40, can realize duplicate storage of packages by requiring the entry of a passcode.

[0138] In the sixth operational example, the passcode is specified by the delivery person, but conversely, the passcode issued (set) by the management server system 40 may be notified to the delivery person.

[0139] [Example 7] In the above operation examples 1 to 6, the communication system 20 transmitted the unlocking request information to the management server system 40 in a format determined based on the API. Here, the communication system 20 can also receive (acquire) the status of the delivery locker 45 from the management server system 40 in a format determined based on the API. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram of such operation example 7.

[0140] The information processing unit 22 of the communication system 20 generates an information provision request for obtaining the status of the delivery locker 45, in a format defined between the communication system 20 and the management server system 40, and transmits the information provision request to the management server system 40 (S111). Specifically, the transmission of the information provision request to the management server system 40 is performed by the communication unit 21.

[0141] The communication unit 41 of the management server system 40 receives the information provision request from the communication system 20. The information processing unit 42 transmits status information indicating the status of the delivery locker 45 to the communication system 20 based on the received information provision request (S112).

[0142] The communication unit 21 of the communication system 20 receives the status information from the management server system 40. In this manner, the communication system 20 can receive (acquire) the status of the delivery locker 45 from the management server system 40.

[0143] As explained in the basic operation above, delivery locker 45 transmits receiving information (or shipping information) to each of control device 33 and management server system 40. If the content of the receiving information transmitted to control device 33 is less than the content of the receiving information transmitted to management server system 40, it can be said that the status of delivery locker 45 that is not managed by control device 33 is managed by management server system 40. In such a case, communication system 20 can receive the status of delivery locker 45 from management server system 40, not from control device 33. Specifically, communication system 20 can receive (acquire) information indicating the type of package stored in delivery locker 45, etc., from management server system 40 as the status of delivery locker 45.

[0144] [Variations] In the above embodiment, an example of an operation in which the door of storage unit 46 of delivery locker 45 is unlocked based on unlocking request information has been described. Here, if the door of storage unit 46 of delivery locker 45 is capable of automatic opening and closing, the door may be opened in addition to or instead of unlocking the door. In other words, the unlocking request information may be information for at least one of unlocking and opening the door of storage unit 46 of delivery locker 45.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, whether or not a visitor is a delivery person is determined by inputting the visit requirements into the lobby intercom 31. However, to increase the certainty that the visitor is a delivery person, the visitor may be required to input the package's shipping slip number into the lobby intercom 31. In this case, the intercom system 30 (lobby intercom 31) instructs the communication system 20 to inquire of the delivery management system 50 whether the input shipping slip number is correct. When making an inquiry from the communication system 20 to the delivery management system 50, a format based on an API that is predefined between the communication system 20 and the delivery management system 50 may be used.

[0146] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, delivery lockers 45 are provided outside (outdoor side) of auto-locking door 35 at the entrance of apartment building 100, but they may also be provided inside (indoor side) of auto-locking door 35. For example, it is conceivable that delivery lockers 45 are provided on each floor (or area) of apartment building 100 for the residents residing on that floor (area), or that delivery lockers 45 are provided in each private section exclusively for the residents residing in that private section.

[0147] When delivery locker 45 is installed inside (indoor side of) auto-locking door 35 in this way, the delivery person needs to unlock auto-locking door 35 in order to use delivery locker 45. Therefore, communication system 20 or management server system 40 may issue (set) a passcode for unlocking auto-locking door 35. As a method for setting the passcode, the method for setting the passcode for delivery locker 45 described in Operational Example 5 or Operational Example 6 may be used, or a different setting method may be adopted. Furthermore, the passcode for delivery locker 45 described in Operational Example 5 or Operational Example 6 may also be used as a passcode for unlocking auto-locking door 35.

[0148] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the intercom system 30 is exemplified as an equipment system installed in a facility, but the equipment system installed in a facility is not limited to the intercom system 30. For example, the equipment system installed in a facility may be an EMS such as a HEMS (Home Energy Management System), and the processing performed by the control device 33 of the intercom system 30 may be executed by an EMS controller or the like.

[0149] [Effects, etc.] Hereinafter, examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from these inventions will be explained.

[0150] Invention 1 is a communication system 20 including a first communication unit that communicates with a facility system installed in a facility, and a second communication unit that transmits first information for at least one of unlocking and opening the door of the storage system installed in the facility to a management server system 40 that manages the storage system in a format defined between the management server system 40 and the facility system. The facility is, for example, an apartment building 100, the facility system is, for example, an intercom system 30, the first communication unit and the second communication unit are, for example, communication unit 21, the storage system is, for example, a delivery locker 45, and the first information is, for example, the unlocking request information in Operation Examples 1 to 3 and 5.

[0151] Such a communication system 20 can unlock or open the door of the storage system in cooperation with the management server system 40. In other words, the communication system 20 can control the storage system by cooperating with another system (the management server system 40).

[0152] Invention 2 is the communication system 20 of Invention 1, in which the format is defined based on an application programming interface in the management server system 40 or the communication system 20.

[0153] Such a communication system 20 can cooperate with a management server system 40 based on an application programming interface.

[0154] Invention 3 is the communication system 20 of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the second communication unit transmits the first information in a format to the management server system 40 based on the information received by the first communication unit from the equipment system. The information received by the first communication unit from the equipment system is, for example, instruction information.

[0155] Such a communication system 20 can unlock or open the door of the storage system upon receiving information from the facility system.

[0156] Invention 4 is the communication system 20 of any one of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the first information includes information for identifying the facility. The information for identifying the facility is, for example, a room number (apartment number) of a private section of the apartment building 100.

[0157] Such a communication system 20 can unlock or open the door of the storage system by transmitting information for identifying the facility to the management server system 40.

[0158] Invention 5 is the communication system 20 of any one of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the first information includes request information for requesting setting of identification information for at least one of unlocking and opening the door of the storage system. The identification information is, for example, a passcode, and the request information is, for example, the unlocking request information in Operation Example 5.

[0159] Such a communication system 20 can unlock or open the door of a storage system, requiring the input of identification information.

[0160] Invention 6 is the communication system 20 of Invention 5, wherein the request information is information for requesting that a desired identification information of a user of the storage system be set as the identification information. The user is, for example, a delivery person.

[0161] Such a communication system 20 can unlock or open the storage system door upon the input of user-defined identification information.

[0162] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the communication system 20 of the fifth or sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the identification information is valid only for a predetermined period of time or is valid only a predetermined number of times.

[0163] Such a communication system 20 can temporarily require the entry of valid identification information to unlock or open the storage system door.

[0164] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the communication system 20 of any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the second communication unit transmits second information for acquiring the status of the storage system in a format to the management server system 40. The second information is, for example, the information provision request in the seventh operational example.

[0165] Such a communication system 20 can obtain the status of the storage system.

[0166] Invention 9 is the communication system 20 of Invention 8, wherein the status of the storage system includes information about the type of luggage stored in the storage system.

[0167] Such a communication system 20 can obtain information regarding the types of packages stored in the storage system.

[0168] Invention 10 is a management server system 40 including: a first communication unit that receives first information transmitted by the communication system 20, the first information having a format defined between the communication system 20 and the communication system 20, the first information being for at least one of unlocking and opening the door of the storage system; and a second communication unit that, when the first communication unit receives the first information, transmits information for causing the storage system to at least one of unlocking and opening the door. The first and second communication units are, for example, communication units 41, the first information is, for example, the unlocking request information in Operation Examples 1 to 6, and the information for causing the storage system to at least one of unlocking and opening the door is, for example, an unlocking command. Note that in Invention 10, the communication system 20 may be interpreted as a delivery management system 50.

[0169] Such a management server system 40 can unlock or open the doors of the storage system in cooperation with the communication system 20 (or the delivery management system 50). In other words, the management server system 40 can control the storage system by cooperating with another system (the communication system 20 or the delivery management system 50).

[0170] Invention 11 is the management server system 40 of Invention 10, in which the format is defined based on an application programming interface in the management server system 40 or the communication system 20. Note that in Invention 11, the communication system 20 may be read as a delivery management system 50.

[0171] Such a management server system 40 can cooperate with the communication system 20 (or the delivery management system 50) based on an application programming interface.

[0172] Invention 12 is a delivery management system 50 including a first communication unit that communicates with a second information terminal 70 carried by a delivery person, and a second communication unit that transmits first information to a management server system 40 that manages the storage system, in a format specified between the management server system 40 and the first information, for at least one of unlocking and opening the door of a storage system installed in a facility that the delivery person visits to deliver a package. The first communication unit and the second communication unit are, for example, a communication unit 51, and the first information is the unlocking request information in Operation Example 4 or 6.

[0173] Such a delivery management system 50 can unlock or open the doors of the storage system in cooperation with the management server system 40. In other words, the delivery management system 50 can control the storage system by cooperating with another system (the management server system 40).

[0174] Invention 13 is the delivery management system 50 of Invention 12, in which the format is defined based on an application programming interface in the management server system or the delivery management system.

[0175] Such a delivery management system 50 can cooperate with the management server system 40 based on an application programming interface.

[0176] Invention 14 is an information processing method executed by a computer such as communication system 20, including a first communication step of communicating with an equipment system installed in a facility, and a second communication step of transmitting first information for at least one of unlocking and opening a door of a storage system installed in the facility to management server system 40, which manages the storage system, in a format specified between the management server system and the management server system.

[0177] This information processing method can cooperate with the management server system 40 to unlock or open the door of the storage system.

[0178] Invention 15 is an information processing method executed by a computer such as the management server system 40, the information processing method including: a first communication step of receiving first information having a format defined between the communication system 20 and the communication system 20, the first information being for at least one of unlocking and opening the door of the storage system, the first information being transmitted by the communication system 20; and a second communication step of transmitting information for causing the storage system to at least one of unlocking and opening the door when the first information is received in the first communication step. Note that in Invention 15, the communication system 20 may be read as a delivery management system 50.

[0179] Such an information processing method can cooperate with the communication system 20 (or the delivery management system 50) to unlock or open the door of the storage system.

[0180] Invention 16 is an information processing method executed by a computer such as a delivery management system 50, and includes a first communication step of communicating with a second information terminal 70 carried by a delivery person, and a second communication step of transmitting first information for at least one of unlocking and opening the door of a storage system installed in a facility visited by the delivery person to deliver a package to a management server system 40 that manages the storage system in a format specified between the management server system 40 and the management server system 40.

[0181] This information processing method can cooperate with the management server system 40 to unlock or open the door of the storage system.

[0182] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0183] For example, in the above embodiment, the information processing system is applied to an apartment building, but it may also be applied to facilities other than apartment buildings. For example, the information processing system may be applied to facilities such as offices, factories, research facilities, medical facilities, and accommodation facilities that are equipped with a storage system (delivery lockers).

[0184] Furthermore, the communication system may be realized by multiple devices (e.g., multiple servers) or may be realized as a single device (e.g., a single server). When the communication system is realized by multiple devices, the components (especially functional components) of the communication system may be distributed in any manner among the multiple devices. The same applies to the management server system and the delivery management system.

[0185] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (such as a broadband router, not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0186] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0187] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0188] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0189] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0190] For example, the present invention may be realized as an information processing method executed by a computer such as the communication system, management server system, or delivery management system of the above-described embodiments, or as a program (computer program product) for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0191] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 20. Communication Systems 21 Communication Department (First Communication Department, Second Communication Department) 30 Intercom system (facility system) 40 Management Server System 41 Communication Department (First Communication Department, Second Communication Department) 45 Delivery locker (storage system) 50 Delivery Management System 51 Communication Department (First Communication Department, Second Communication Department) 70 Second information terminal (information terminal) 100 Apartment complex (facility)

Claims

1. a first communication unit that communicates with an equipment system installed in the facility; a second communication unit that transmits first information for at least one of unlocking and opening a door of the storage system installed in the facility to a management server system that manages the storage system in a format defined between the management server system and the management server system; The first information includes request information for requesting the management server system to set identification information for at least one of unlocking and opening a door of the storage system. Communication system.

2. The format is defined based on an application programming interface in the management server system or the communication system. The communication system of claim 1 .

3. The second communication unit transmits the first information to the management server system in the format based on the information received by the first communication unit from the facility system.

3. A communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first information includes information for identifying the facility.

3. A communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The request information is information for requesting the management server system to set the desired identification information of the user of the storage system as the identification information.

3. A communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The identification information is valid for only a predetermined period of time or is valid only a predetermined number of times.

3. A communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The second communication unit transmits second information for acquiring the status of the storage system to the management server system in the format. The communication system of claim 1 .

8. The status of the storage system includes information about the type of cargo stored in the storage system. The communication system according to claim 7.

9. A management server system, a first communication unit that receives first information for at least one of unlocking and opening a door of the storage system, the first information having a format defined between the communication system and the first communication unit; and a second communication unit that, when the first information is received by the first communication unit, transmits information for causing the storage system to at least one of unlock and open the door, The first information includes request information for the communication system to request the management server system to set identification information for at least one of unlocking and opening a door of the storage system. Management server system.

10. The format is defined based on an application programming interface in the management server system or the communication system. The management server system according to claim 9.

11. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: a first communication step of communicating with an equipment system installed in the facility; a second communication step of transmitting first information for at least one of unlocking and opening a door of the storage system installed in the facility to a management server system that manages the storage system in a format defined between the management server system and the management server system; The first information includes request information for requesting the management server system to set identification information for at least one of unlocking and opening a door of the storage system. Information processing methods.

12. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: a first communication step of receiving first information for at least one of unlocking and opening a door of the storage system, the first information having a format defined between the communication system and the communication system, the first information being transmitted by the communication system; a second communication step of transmitting information for causing the storage system to at least one of unlock and open the door when the first information is received in the first communication step, The first information includes request information for the communication system to request the computer to set identification information for at least one of unlocking and opening a door of the storage system. Information processing methods.

13. 13. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 11 or 12.

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