Smart locker device and smart locker device product management method

Abstract

To surely manage storage and delivery of articles that ensure safety and convenience even when a person who has stored an article is different from a person who has come to pick up an article by placing sensors that read electronic tags at prescribed positions in a plurality of storage chambers in a locker device.SOLUTION: In a locker device 1 which has a plurality of storage chambers 54-1 to 54-N and manages the states of articles stored or taken out from any storage chamber, management is performed by reading information on an electronic tag attached to an article stored in each storage chamber 54-1 to 54-N with communication, issuing unlocking information for taking out the article on the basis of the read electronic tag 301, and storing the state of locking / unlocking of each storage chamber 54-1 to 54-N, information on the read electronic tag 301 and the unlocking information in association with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a smart locker device that detects stored items with attached electronic tags, and a merchandise management method for a smart locker device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, this type of locker system has the following configuration described in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] In this example, the locker system includes a locker device, a user terminal, a vendor terminal, and a member service management system. In the locker system, only the user terminal and the member service management system, and the vendor terminal and the member service management system are connected by a communication line such as wireless.

[0004] That is, the locker device is not connected to the member service management system via a communication line. The locker device is installed, for example, at stations, airports, bus terminals, commercial facilities, tourist facilities, etc.

[0005] This locker system has a locker device, a user terminal, a vendor terminal, and a member service management system. In the locker system, only the user terminal and the member service management system 6, and the vendor terminal and the member service management system are connected by a communication line such as wireless.

[0006] That is, the locker device is not connected to the member service management system via a communication line. The locker device is installed, for example, at stations, airports, bus terminals, commercial facilities, tourist facilities, etc.

[0007] The electric lock is a mechanism that restricts the opening and closing of the door, and locks or unlocks the door based on the state of the door open / close switch and push button switch, or in response to instructions from the central control device. The electric lock allows the locker box to be locked and unlocked. In other words, the electric lock functions as a locking unit that locks and unlocks the locker box.

[0008] The door open / close switch is a switch (SW) that determines whether the door is open or closed, and can be configured, for example, as a microswitch provided in the electric lock. When the door open / close switch is turned ON / OFF, information indicating that it has been turned ON / OFF is output to the control unit.

[0009] The push button switch is a button-type switch (SW) that is pressed when temporarily locking the door in a closed state, and when pressed, a signal is output to notify the control unit that it has been pressed.

[0010] The lamp is an indicator that shows the locking status of the locker box. As will be described later, the lamp operates in one of three states: off, flashing, or lit, depending on whether the locker box is unlocked, temporarily locked, or fully locked. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-68075 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Here, consider a usage scenario in which a product (item) with an IC tag is deposited in a locker device.

[0013] Generally, when using a locker device, the normal usage pattern is that person A deposits an item (baggage) into the locker device and person A collects the stored item (usage pattern 1), whereas in usage pattern 2, it is expected that person A stores the item in the locker device and person B collects the stored item.

[0014] Specifically, when person A temporarily deposits an item purchased at a shopping mall in a locker device, it may not be possible for person B (an acquaintance, parent, or sibling of person A) other than the purchaser to request retrieval (person A storing the item in the locker device - person B collecting the stored item (usage mode 2)). [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] In the second usage mode, particularly in the fashion industry, there are cases where customers wish to drop off products ordered online, such as dresses or T-shirts, in person at a store to pick them up, rather than requesting delivery online.

[0016] In such cases, the store may be unable to deliver the product outside of opening hours, and may be unable to flexibly deliver the product in cases where the product will not arrive in time for a wedding the next day, for example.

[0017] In preparation for such a situation, if a store sets up a locker device in a nearby location inside or outside the store for product delivery, the following problems may arise.

[0018] For example, the product to be handed over may be in regular packaging or may have instructions to be gift-wrapped, making it impossible to visually determine whether the item stored in the locker device is a purchased item.If a store employee stores an item in a locker device without accurately checking the relationship between the item and the recipient, there is a risk that the customer may end up receiving an item that was ordered by someone else and that they should not have received.

[0019] Furthermore, since the stored items are packaged, the sensor may not be able to accurately recognize the stored items depending on the storage form (when placed on a table or in a carrier bag).

[0020] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a smart locker device that can reliably manage the deposit and delivery of items, ensuring safety and convenience, even if the person who deposits the item is different from the person who comes to collect the item, by placing sensors that read electronic tags at predetermined positions in the multiple storage compartments of the locker device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] The smart locker device according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.

[0022] The present invention is a smart locker device that has multiple storage compartments and manages the status of any of the storage compartments where items are deposited or retrieved, and includes an opening / closing control unit that uses an electronic lock to lock / unlock each storage compartment, a registration unit that locks the storage compartment using the opening / closing control unit when an item is stored in one of the multiple storage compartments and registers unlocking information for retrieving the item, and a management unit that links and manages the locking / unlocking status of each storage compartment controlled by the opening / closing control unit with the unlocking information. a storage unit for storing images of each product; Please provide the product images included in the listing. The information is acquired from the memory unit, and the item is stored in the smart locker device. The device includes a notification unit that notifies the user's smartphone, a reading unit that reads a predetermined two-dimensional code displayed on the smartphone, a determination unit that determines whether the predetermined two-dimensional code read by the reading unit matches the unlocking information managed by the management unit, and a display unit that displays the determination made by the determination unit. The opening / closing control unit controls the power child It is characterized by controlling the locking / unlocking of the lock. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, even if the person who deposits the item is different from the person who comes to collect the item, the deposit and delivery of the item can be carried out reliably while ensuring safety and convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a smart locker device according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a smart locker device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the smart locker device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of depositing and receiving goods in a smart locker device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a product management method of the smart locker device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a smart locker device.

[0026] In Figure 1(a), 1 is the locker body, which may have a height of 1800 mm, a width of 550 mm, and a depth of 550 mm, but the number of storage compartments and the size of the storage compartments will be determined according to the user's specifications. Note that the size of the locker body 1 is just an example, and the present invention can be applied to locker devices that are smaller, medium, or larger than this size to suit the installer's request.

[0027] 2-1 to 2-4 are storage compartments, the smallest in size, with an opening narrower than half the width of the main body. 3 is a touch panel display that serves as both an operation unit and a display unit, and can display the operating procedures for depositing items, the usage fee, the usage period, etc. The screen size of 5 is 15.6 inches.

[0028] 4 is a camera that constitutes the second reading unit, and can read the unlocking information that the user holds up. Here, the unlocking information may be displayed on the display of a smartphone, a pad device, a digital camera, or printed on paper. 6-1 to 6-4 are storage facilities, with the second smallest storage size, and the opening is narrower than half the width of the main body. 7-1 and 7-2 are storage facilities, and are the largest in terms of storage capacity, with an entrance width equal to the width of the main body.

[0029] FIG. 1(b) corresponds to the cross section taken along line aa in FIG. 1(a), and shows the configuration of the first reading units S1 to S4 arranged in the storage compartments 2-1 to 2-4.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 1(b), a first reading unit reads information from an RFID tag that functions as an electronic tag via wireless communication. In this example, the first reading units are installed at the four corners of each of the storage units 2-1 to 2-4, and above the bottom. The communication methods used between the RFID tag and the reader / writer include electromagnetic induction and radio wave. Even with the same communication method, performance may vary depending on the frequency used.

[0031] FIG. 1(c) corresponds to the cross section bb of FIG. 1(a), and shows the configuration of the second reading units S11 to S14 arranged in the storage compartments 7-1 and 7-2.

[0032] In the example shown in Fig. 1(c), the first reading unit reads RFID tag information as an electronic tag via wireless communication. In this example, the first reading unit is provided at the four corners of each of the storage rooms 7-1 and 7-2, and above the bottom surface.

[0033] The locker body 1 is expected to be installed in various locations, such as in a store, for example, in a fashion building, in front of a store in a station building, in front of a pharmacy in a hospital, in front of a supermarket, in front of a restaurant, etc. It may also be installed inside a convenience store.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a smart locker device according to this embodiment. Note that the same components as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals and their explanations will be omitted.

[0035] 2, 50 is a touch panel unit, which is composed of a display unit 51 and an operation unit 52. 53 is an interface, which is connected to storage units 54-1 to 54-N and outputs information detected by tag sensors A1-1 to A1-4, tag sensors A2-1 to A2-4, ... tag sensors AN-1 to AN-4 provided at the four corners of the bottom plate of each storage unit 54-1 to 54-N, to a controller unit 121.

[0036] Reference numeral 55 denotes a camera that captures an image of the face of a person operating the locker main body 1, for example, a person depositing or retrieving an item with an electronic tag attached. The captured image of the operator's face is sent to the control unit 121 via the interface 53 and is saved in the memory unit 122 as needed. The saved image of the operator's face is given a timestamp so that it can be read out and checked later.

[0037] Reference numeral 56 denotes a card reader, which is configured to automatically check the balance when electronic payments are made using IC cards, electronic money cards, etc., and to issue a warning (alert) if necessary if the payment is affected. This allows the user to be notified of counterfeit cards or insufficient balances and to take action.

[0038] Reference numeral 57 denotes a communication unit configured to be able to communicate with electronic devices such as the management unit 100, store PC 244, smartphone 241, PAD device 242, digital camera 243, and delivery PC 255 via a predetermined application.

[0039] The management unit 100 includes a controller unit 121, a memory unit 122, and a communication unit 123. The communication unit 123 communicates with a store PC 244, a smartphone 241, a PAD device 242, and a digital camera 243 via the Internet 200. It should be noted that a plurality of store PCs 244 may be connected to accommodate a plurality of stores that use the locker main body 1.

[0040] In this system, the items stored in each of the storage compartments 54-1 to 54-N are packaged in the store and stored in a state where they are sealed in a paper bag 300. Therefore, even if each of the storage compartments 54-1 to 54-N is opened or closed, neither the person depositing the item in the storage compartment nor the person removing the deposited item from the storage compartment can immediately see what kind of product is contained therein.

[0041] On the other hand, in this embodiment, even if the product is packaged in a paper bag 300 or the like, the IC tag 301 attached to the product can be read by any of the tag sensors A1-1 to A1-4, tag sensors A2-1 to A2-4, ... tag sensors AN-1 to AN-4, so the controller unit 121 recognizes the usage status (whether in use or empty) of each storage unit 54-1 to 54-N, and manages the locker number, TAG name, TAG identification code (corresponding to the product name), product price, two-dimensional barcode (e.g., QR code) used to open and close the storage unit, thumbnail image of the product, locking status (ON / OFF) of each door of each storage unit 54-1 to 54-N, etc. in a locker management table (details will be described later) for managing the locker body 1 secured in the memory unit 122.

[0042] In addition, the locker management table may also include information such as the time required from when the item was placed to when it was removed (storage time), information identifying the items that have not yet been collected, and contact information for inquiries regarding the disposal of the items.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a locker management table managed by the controller unit 121 shown in FIG. 2 using the memory unit 122. As shown in FIG.

[0044] In Figure 3, 400 is a locker management table, which shows an example of managing locker number 401, electronic tag determination information 402 indicating whether an electronic tag is attached, product information read from the electronic tag (TAG1) 403, product price (TAG2) 404, QR code 405, product thumbnail 406, electronic lock lock status 407, waybill number 408, and customer information 409. It is also possible to configure the system so that the occupancy time of each storage compartment of the locker device can be managed by linking the product deposit time with the product delivery time. Furthermore, if a store code is assigned to the electronic tag, it is possible to market which stores frequently use the tag. The locker management table 400 manages the product thumbnails 406 when products are stored in the locker device 1. The controller 121 notifies the smartphone 241 of the product image as needed, allowing the contents of the removed packaging bag 300 to be confirmed by reading the product image thumbnail stored in the memory 122. This allows the contents of the deposited product to be easily confirmed even when the product is still wrapped. This prevents users from accidentally removing products they have not purchased from the storage unit, and can also be used as useful information for subsequent processing.

[0045] Furthermore, if an unexpected accident occurs in the operation of the locker body 1, for example, if the product management status is lost due to a power outage, the person who deposited the product and the person who wants to retrieve the product can still reliably check the product.

[0046] In addition, the management company that operates the management PC 256 that manages the operating status of the locker main body 1 can also manage storage spaces that are not currently in use in the locker device in real time by communicating with the locker management unit 100. [First QR code processing]

[0047] An example of the process of issuing the QR code 405 shown in Fig. 3 will be described below. In this example, a store clerk deposits an item purchased at an online shop in the locker device 1, and the purchaser then picks up the item.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, assume that a product sold at a store PC 244 is sold online, and an app installed on a smartphone 241 or PAD device 242 is launched, and the desired product, for example, a dress, is purchased from a shop page provided by the store PC 244 via electronic payment.

[0049] First, the customer (user) launches the app on their smartphone 241 and requests the purchase of a dress that has already been given an electronic tag and delivery of the item using the locker main body 1. After this, once the electronic payment is completed, the store PC 244 identifies the locker device from which the customer will use the locker main body 1 to deliver the dress. The system may also be configured to allow the customer to specify the locker device from which to retrieve the purchased dress. This is because the user may prefer a locker device located in the store, or may prefer a store in front of a station that is a little further away from the store.

[0050] When the store PC 244 specifies this, the store PC 244 connects to the management unit 100 and inquires via the management application whether there is a locker device with an empty storage space that does not contain any products. In response to this, the management unit 100 searches the locker management table 400 stored in the memory unit 122 and notifies the store PC 244 of candidates for storage warehouses that can store the product.

[0051] When a store clerk at the store PC 244 notifies the management unit 100 via the management app that a storage unit that meets the customer's requirements has been selected, the management unit 100 creates a QR code for locking or unlocking the electronic lock of the selected storage unit and registers it in the QR code section 405 of the locker management table 400. Furthermore, the management unit 100 notifies the store PC 244 of the QR code registered in the locker management table 400.

[0052] Next, the store clerk at the store PC 244 notifies the user who purchased the dress of the QR code via email along with information about the locker device that stores the dress (installation location and installation location map). Note that the QR code is sent via email in a secure manner.

[0053] After this, the store clerk at the store PC 244 wraps the purchased dress, puts it in, for example, a paper bag, and seals the opening on both sides with tape, etc. The store clerk then takes the wrapped item to be deposited in the locker device and heads to the storage compartment of the locker device selected by the user.

[0054] In the online sales process for the above-mentioned product, the PAD device 242 operated by the store clerk reads and stores the QR code registered in the locker management table 400 managed by the management unit 100, and can be read and displayed on the screen as an image that unlocks the electronic lock.

[0055] Next, the store clerk stands in front of the designated locker device 1 and causes the camera 55 to read the QR code displayed on the screen of the PAD device 242. Note that the instruction to read the QR code is given to the camera 55 automatically or manually.

[0056] Here, the controller unit 121 determines whether the read QR code matches a QR code registered in the management table 400, and if it determines that the code is registered, displays one of the storage compartments (empty) of the locker device 1 on the display unit 50. At this timing, the controller unit 121 assumes that the electronic lock of the storage compartment of the locker device 1 being used is unlocked. Then, when the controller unit 121 confirms that a product with an electronic tag has been stored in the storage compartment unlocked by the store clerk, it sets the electronic information of that storage compartment to a locked state. This completes the process of depositing the product by the store staff.

[0057] Next, the controller unit 121 notifies the smartphone 241 of the customer who comes to retrieve the stored item by email that the customer's item (dress) has been stored in the designated locker device 1. It is assumed that the email address was notified to the store PC 244 by the user when purchasing the item. (Customer takes out the first item)

[0058] The following describes in detail what happens when a product purchaser receives a product storage notification email from the management unit 100 of the locker device 1 on the smartphone 241. Note that, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 4, when a product is to be delivered using a locker device, the customer must make a reservation for the locker device.

[0059] When the smartphone 241 receives the product storage notification email from the locker device 1, the customer (who has had the product deposited in the locker device 1 by a store employee) analyzes the location information of the locker installation notified by email using the GPS function, launches a map app, and navigates to the locker installation location (this may be different if the customer has specified it themselves). Next, the customer operates the smartphone 241 to display the QR code in the email received from the management unit 10 on the screen. This completes preparations for receiving the product. Next, the customer performs an operation to have the camera 55 of the locker device 1 read the QR code screen of the smartphone 241.

[0060] In response to this, the controller unit 121 determines whether the QR code read by the camera 55 matches a QR code in the group of QR codes registered in the QR code section 405 of the locker management table 400. If the controller unit 121 determines that there is no matching QR code, it notifies the display unit 51 of this fact and performs processing to notify a deposit error.

[0061] On the other hand, if the controller unit 121 determines that there is a matching QR code, the controller unit 121 displays the number (including the location) of the warehouse where the product is being stored to the customer who has come to collect the product on the display unit 51. Here, a voice notification function may be provided, and processing may be incorporated to notify the location by voice or to display the location by flashing an LED or the like (not shown).

[0062] Next, when the video from camera 55 detects that the customer who will receive the product has moved to the location of the storage unit, controller unit 121 unlocks the electronic lock of the corresponding storage unit. In this state, the customer opens the storage unit door, removes the packaged product, and closes the door. Controller unit 121 detects this operation using a door sensor (not shown), locks the electronic lock of the storage unit, and updates the storage unit status in locker management table 400. Thereafter, the controller unit 121 notifies the store PC 244 by email that the delivery of the product has been completed successfully. This allows the store staff managing the products on the store PC 244 to confirm that the customer has definitely picked up the product. [Customer removing the second item]

[0063] This section describes in detail the case where a customer receives a product storage notification email from the management unit 100 of the locker device 1 on the smartphone 241, informing them that a delivery company will deposit the product in the locker device. In this example, when a customer purchases a product from an online shop (store), if the product is out of stock, the system works with a delivery person from the shipping company to order stock and deposit the electronically tagged product in the storage space of the specified locker device, which is different from the first product retrieval process by the customer. As will be described in more detail later, when delivering goods using a locker device, the customer must make a reservation for the locker device.

[0064] When the online shop's electronic payment information is notified from the server, the store clerk managing the products at the store PC 244 searches the inventory management table stored in the memory of the store PC 244 to check whether the purchased product is in stock in the store, and displays the current product inventory on the screen of the store PC 244. If it is determined that the product purchased by the customer is out of stock, the store clerk operates the store PC 244 to request a delivery person from the shipping company to deposit the purchased product from the product management center (inventory warehouse) in the storage of the reserved locker device 1, thereby confirming the delivery order.

[0065] Upon receiving this, the delivery person goes to the product management center (inventory warehouse), picks up the product with the specified electronic tag, and moves it to the specified locker device 1. At this time, the store PC 244 notifies the delivery person by email of the waybill number that is used to operate the electronic lock on the storage door of the locker device 1.

[0066] This allows the delivery person to read the waybill number on the screen of a business data terminal provided by the company. The delivery person inputs the waybill number using the numeric keypad on the operation unit 52 of the locker device 1, opens the unlocked storage door of the locker device 1, and deposits the product for which delivery is instructed. The controller unit 121 then reads the electronic tag, updates the management table 400, and notifies the recipient of the product by email that the purchased product has been deposited in the storage of the locker device 1. At this time, the controller unit 121 also sends a similar notification by email to the store PC 244 based on the information in the electronic tag. The subsequent process is the same as when the customer took out the first product, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0067] This allows the store staff at the store PC 244 to confirm that out-of-stock items have been deposited in the storage space of the reserved locker device 1 by the product management center (inventory warehouse), and also to confirm that the customer has definitely picked up the items that were deposited in the locker device 1. [Product deposit and retrieval process using locker device]

[0068] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of product deposit and delivery in the smart locker device according to this embodiment. Note that S1 to S6 indicate steps executed by the smartphone 241, T1 to T3 indicate steps executed by the store PC 244, U1 to U3 indicate steps executed by the delivery company PC 250, and L1 to L7 indicate steps executed by the locker device 1. Note that each step is realized by the execution of a control program stored in each controller of the smartphone 241, store PC 244, and delivery company PC 250. The product deposit and product retrieval processes using a system including a smart locker device will be described in detail below.

[0069] A customer who operates a smartphone 244 to purchase a product purchases a product (a dress) from an online shop and completes electronic payment (S1), and then can select store delivery or locker delivery on a product delivery selection screen (not shown) (S2). Note that when shopping at an online shop, regular product delivery is the norm.

[0070] When the store PC 244 receives a notification that payment for the product purchased from the online page via the smartphone 241 has been completed and that locker pickup has been selected, it launches the app for this locker management system and issues information to be used in the pickup of the product (contact phone number, QR code for unlocking the electronic lock of the locker device 1) (T1). The QR code issuance process uses a common locker management application installed on the store PC 244 and the locker device 1.

[0071] Next, the store PC 244 determines whether an instruction for product delivery has been issued in step S2. If the store PC 244 determines that a locker delivery is being instructed (T2), the store PC 244 specifies the storage compartment of the locker device 1 on the PAD device 242 operated by the store clerk and receives a QR code for unlocking the electronic lock of the storage compartment (T2). Next, the store clerk begins the deposit process of moving the purchased product to the installation location of the locker device 1 (T3), and arrives at the locker device 1 determined in the processing of step S2.

[0072] Next, the PAD device used by the store clerk displays the received QR code on its screen, and has the camera of the locker device 1 read the QR code displayed on the screen (L2). The controller unit 121 confirms that the read QR code matches the QR code registered in the locker management table 400, and then unlocks the electronic lock of a storage unit selected from the empty storage units (one of storage units 54-1 to 54-N) (L3). Next, after the controller unit 121 confirms that the product has been deposited in the storage unit by the store clerk (L4), it locks the electronic lock of that storage unit and registers the status of the electronic lock in the management table 400.

[0073] Next, the controller unit 121 notifies the customer who is planning to pick up the product stored in the storage facility by email, which can be received on the customer's smartphone 244, in accordance with the contents of the updated management table 400, that the product has been deposited in the storage facility by a store clerk (S4). In response to this, the customer who has purchased the product begins to take action to pick up the product that has been deposited and stored in the locker device 1 at a convenient date and time (S5).

[0074] When the customer who has purchased the product arrives at the locker device 1 to receive the product notified by email, the customer reads the QR code notified to the smartphone 241 from the device memory onto the display screen and has the QR code read by the camera 55 of the locker device 1 (L5).

[0075] Next, if the controller unit 121 determines that the read QR code matches the QR code registered in the management table 400, it unlocks the electronic lock of the storage facility from which the product is to be picked up (L6), and the user receives the product taken out of the storage facility (S6), thereby completing the process.

[0076] On the other hand, in step T2, if the store PC 244 determines that the product purchased by the customer is out of stock at the store, or if it determines that the product is in stock at the product management center that is affiliated with the store and entrusted with product management, it instructs the shipping company PC 250 to receive the product at the product management center and deposit it in the designated locker device 1 (U1).

[0077] The shipping company PC 250 issues a shipping invoice number to be managed by the business in accordance with the instructions in step U1, and notifies the smartphone 241 operated by the customer who is scheduled to receive the product of this fact.

[0078] This allows the user of the smartphone 241 to confirm that the product purchased from the online shop will be deposited in the locker device 1 specified by the delivery person from the delivery company. The waybill number used by the delivery person functions as a key to unlock the electronic lock on the storage compartment of the locker device 1.

[0079] Next, the user (customer) of the smartphone 241 launches the app provided by this system and uses the waybill number received from the shipping company PC (delivery PC) 255 and personal identification information (password or mobile phone number) to reserve a locker at the locker device 1 installed in a location convenient for the user (customer) of the smartphone 241 (L1).

[0080] The smartphone 244 user can launch the locker management app and obtain current operating information for available locker devices identified by the user's GPS information or location information provided by a map app. This allows the smartphone 244 user to reserve the locker device 1 for receiving purchased items. The reserved locker information is managed centrally in the locker management table 400.

[0081] In this embodiment, the controller unit 121 of the locker device 1 uses the memory unit 122 to centrally manage the above-mentioned QR code, the waybill number 408, and the user information (customer information) 409. In the above embodiment, in step T2, if the store PC 244 determines that the product purchased by the customer is out of stock at the store, or if the product management center that is affiliated with the store and entrusted with product management determines that the product is in stock, it instructs the delivery company PC 250 to receive the product at the product management center and deposit it in the designated locker device 1 (U1).However, it is also possible to configure the product management center that is affiliated with the store and entrusted with product management to first determine whether the product is in stock, and if not, to determine whether the product is out of stock at the store.In this system, product management is largely dependent on the store's system, so the above processes can be flexibly switched around to accommodate different situations. [Effects of the first embodiment]

[0082] According to this embodiment, when managing the storage status of items with electronic tags attached in a locker device, by utilizing the advantage of electronic tags, which is the product identification process by wireless communication, it is possible to manage the storage status of various items (clothes, food (lunch boxes (cookable)), frozen food (ice cream), refrigerated products), documents, plants, etc.) that can be stored in the storage compartment of the locker device. "Cookable" means that part of the storage compartment of the locker device can be used as a cooking appliance (microwave oven).

[0083] In addition, the locker device can also be used to propose new business opportunities to entrepreneurs considering contactless business development, where the person who deposits an item in a storage facility is different from the person who receives the item.

[0084] In this embodiment, the business model has been described using as an example a non-contact business development in which the person who deposits the item in the storage facility and the person who receives the item are different, but the present invention can also be applied even if the person who deposits the item in the storage facility and the person who receives the item are the same person. Second Embodiment

[0085] In the above embodiment, a case where one item is deposited in one storage compartment of a locker device has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to cases where multiple items with electronic tags are deposited in a storage compartment. [Effects of the second embodiment] According to this embodiment, it is possible to significantly increase the utilization rate of the storage facility that stores items with electronic tags, while also managing the stored items individually. Third Embodiment

[0086] In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the system is such that products with electronic tags are deposited in a warehouse and the products are always picked up, but there are many cases where users forget to pick up their products.

[0087] Therefore, the system may be configured to determine from the management information in the management table 400 whether an item has been stored in the locker device 1 for a specified time or number of days, and send a message to the user indicating that the item has been forgotten to be picked up, urging them to purchase the item. [Effects of the third embodiment]

[0088] According to this embodiment, by reminding users who have inadvertently forgotten to pick up their deposited items, it is possible to prevent storage space from being unnecessarily occupied and improve the utilization rate of the locker device. [Fourth embodiment]

[0089] The product management method of the smart locker device shown in Figure 2 will be described below. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a product management method for a smart locker device according to this embodiment, where S1 to S12 represent the individual steps. The smart locker device is assumed to have the configuration shown in FIG.

[0090] When the power switch (not shown) of the locker device 1 is turned on (S1), the controller unit 121 initializes the memory unit 122 and the communication unit 123 (S2). This enables the management unit 100 to communicate with the locker device 1 via the interface 53 and with external devices via the Internet 200.

[0091] Furthermore, the controller unit 121 checks the detection states of the tag sensors A1-1 to A1-4, tag sensors A2-1 to A2-4, . . . , and tag sensors AN-1 to AN-4, and initializes the usage state of each of the storage compartments 54-1 to 54-N on the locker management table 400.

[0092] Next, when a user who wants to use locker device 1 holds up a QR code, controller unit 121 determines whether camera 55 is reading the QR code (S3). If controller unit 121 determines that a QR code has been read, controller unit 121 further refers to locker management table 400 to determine whether the QR code matches a QR code that has already been registered.

[0093] If the controller unit 121 determines that the QR code does not match any of the QR codes already registered, it displays a warning message on the display unit 50 and ends this process.

[0094] On the other hand, if the controller unit 121 determines in step S4 that the QR code matches an already registered QR code, it unlocks the electronic lock of the storage unit identified based on the locker management table 400 (S5).

[0095] In this state, when the controller unit 121 detects that the user has opened the unlocked door, deposited the item with the electronic tag attached, and closed the door, it locks the electronic lock and updates the information of the corresponding storage unit in the locker management table 400.

[0096] Next, the controller unit 121 determines whether the read electronic tag is a registered electronic tag by referring to the locker management table 400 (S7). If it is determined that the read electronic tag is not a registered electronic tag, the controller unit 121 issues a warning notice in step S10 and then terminates this process.

[0097] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the read electronic tag is a registered electronic tag, the controller unit 121 updates the locker management table 400 (S8). Next, the controller unit 121 refers to the locker management table 400 and sends an email to notify the user that the item has been stored in a specific storage unit (S9).

[0098] Next, the controller unit 121 determines whether or not an instruction to send the current locker management table 400 has been received from the management PC 256 (S10). If it is determined that an instruction to send the current locker management table 400 has not been received from the management PC 256, the process returns to step S3 and waits for the QR code to be read.

[0099] On the other hand, in step S11, if the controller unit 121 determines that it has received an instruction to send the current locker management table 400 from the management PC 256, it reads out the latest locker management table 400 from the memory unit 122 and sends it to the management PC 256 connected to the Internet 200 (S11).

[0100] Next, the controller unit 121 determines whether or not it has read another electronic tag in the same storage, that is, whether or not a plurality of items are stored in the same storage (S12). If the controller unit 121 determines that multiple items are not stored in the same storage unit, the process ends. On the other hand, if the controller unit 121 determines that a plurality of items are stored in the same storage unit, the process returns to step S7 and the same process is repeated.

[0101] This allows the system to manage the usage status of each storage unit by referencing the locker management table 400 managed by the controller unit 121. Furthermore, the management PC 256 provided by the locker management company can also obtain the locker management table 400 from each of the multiple locker devices, allowing the operating status of the locker system in use to be grasped in real time.

[0102] This makes it possible to optimally schedule maintenance that may occur over a certain period of time, significantly reducing the maintenance burden on locker management companies. [Effects of the fourth embodiment] According to this embodiment, even if the person who deposits the item is different from the person who comes to collect the item, the deposit and delivery of the item can be reliably managed to ensure safety and convenience. Furthermore, even if multiple items are deposited in one storage facility, it is possible to read the electronic tags attached to each item, so the storage status of each item can be confirmed by referring to a centrally managed locker management table. Furthermore, even if multiple items are deposited in one storage facility, it is possible to read the electronic tags attached to each item. Therefore, even if one item is removed and the others are left in storage, a centralized locker management table can be created, allowing the latest information on the items being stored to be confirmed. This allows information such as who left the item behind and who to contact to be obtained in real time, and in an environment where multiple locker devices are set up and the locker system communicates, it is possible to comprehensively manage the items stored in each storage space of the locker device that is in use. As an option, if this smart locker device is configured as a locker system that works in conjunction with a wirelessly operated external surveillance camera to monitor people who deposit or collect items in the device, as well as any burglaries or other incidents, it can also ensure security functions and contribute to the safety and security of locker users.

[0103] Each step of the present invention can also be realized by executing software (programs) acquired via a network or various storage media on a processing device (CPU, processor) such as a personal computer (computer).

[0104] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the respective embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Locker device 121 Controller 244 store PCs 250 Shipping company PC

Claims

1. A smart locker device that has multiple storage compartments and manages the status of either the storage compartment where an item is deposited or retrieved, an opening / closing control unit that locks / unlocks each storage unit using an electronic lock; a registration unit that, when an item is stored in one of the storage units, causes the opening / closing control unit to lock the storage unit and registers unlocking information for removing the item; a management unit that manages the locking / unlocking status of each storage facility controlled by the opening / closing control unit in association with the unlocking information; a storage unit for storing images of each product; a notification unit that acquires an image of a product included in the item from the storage unit and notifies the user's smartphone that the item is stored in the smart locker device; A reading unit that reads a predetermined two-dimensional code displayed on the smartphone; a determination unit that determines whether or not the predetermined two-dimensional code read by the reading unit matches the unlocking information managed by the management unit; a display unit that displays the content of the determination made by the determination unit, A smart locker device characterized in that the opening / closing control unit controls the locking / unlocking of the electronic lock in accordance with the judgment result of the judgment unit.

2. The smart locker device according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies the installation location of the locker device.

3. The smart locker device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the judgment unit determines that the specified two-dimensional code read by the reading unit matches the unlocking information managed by the management unit, the display unit displays the location of the storage unit where the user's items are deposited.

4. The smart locker device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of storage compartments include at least three or more storage compartments of different sizes, with the smallest size storage compartment located above the locker and the largest size storage compartment located below the locker.

5. The smart locker device according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification unit notifies the corresponding user to pick up the item if the item stored in each storage facility has been stored for more than a predetermined time or number of days.

6. A control method for a smart locker device that has multiple storage compartments, manages the status of each storage compartment where an item is deposited or retrieved, and locks / unlocks each storage compartment using an electronic lock, When an item is stored in one of the storage units, the storage unit is locked and unlocking information for removing the item is registered; The locking / unlocking status of each storage facility is linked to the unlocking information, and managed accordingly. Notifying the user's smartphone that the item is stored in the smart locker device and displaying images of the items included in the item; Read a predetermined two-dimensional code displayed on the smartphone, Determine whether the read two-dimensional code matches the unlocking information; The content of the judgment is displayed on a display unit, A control method characterized in that locking / unlocking of the electronic lock is controlled according to the result of the judgment.

7. A smart locker system including a smart locker device that has a plurality of storage compartments and manages the status of either the storage compartments where items are deposited or retrieved, and a smartphone that can communicate with the smart locker device, The smart locker device: an opening / closing control unit that locks / unlocks each storage unit using an electronic lock; a registration unit that, when an item is stored in one of the storage units, causes the opening / closing control unit to lock the storage unit and registers unlocking information for removing the item; a management unit that manages the locking / unlocking status of each storage facility controlled by the opening / closing control unit in association with the unlocking information; a notification unit that notifies the smartphone that the item is stored in the smart locker device and that an image of a product included in the item is included; A reading unit that reads a predetermined two-dimensional code displayed on the smartphone; a determination unit that determines whether or not the predetermined two-dimensional code read by the reading unit matches the unlocking information managed by the management unit; a first display unit that displays the content of the determination made by the determination unit, The smartphone The item is stored in the smart locker device, and a receiving unit receives an image of the item. a second display unit that displays the two-dimensional code, A smart locker system characterized in that the opening / closing control unit controls the locking / unlocking of the electronic lock in accordance with the judgment result of the judgment unit.

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