Information processing system, method for controlling an information processing system

Abstract

This reduces the decrease in convenience caused by the unintended use of delivery lockers. [Solution] The information processing system (100) includes a delivery box (33), a registration unit (413) that registers identification information of the delivery box, first unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box, and contact information of a terminal device held by the user in a storage unit (42), a notification control unit (414) that notifies the terminal device of the first unlocking information when user information is registered, a reception unit (612) that can receive input of the first unlocking information, and a delivery box control unit (614) that unlocks the delivery box if the delivery box identified by the identification information corresponding to the first unlocking information received by the reception unit is empty, and the delivery box control unit locks the delivery box when a delivery item is placed in the delivery box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system that performs processing related to a delivery box, and a control method for the information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a delivery box having a storage for storing deliveries addressed to residents of an apartment building may be installed within the site of the apartment building. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a delivery box is installed in a shared area of an apartment building.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a delivery box, a usage method is assumed in which a delivery company stores a delivery and a recipient receives the stored delivery. However, the delivery box may be used in a method that is not originally assumed, and when the delivery box is used in a method that is not originally assumed, the convenience of the delivery box may decrease.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to reduce a decrease in convenience due to the delivery box being used in an unexpected method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a delivery box having a storage section capable of accommodating a delivery item; a registration unit that registers user information in a storage unit, which is associated with identification information of the delivery box, first unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box, and contact information indicating the contact information of a terminal device owned by a user of the delivery box; a notification control unit that, when the user information is registered, notifies the terminal device indicated by the contact information of the first unlocking information associated with the contact information; a reception unit that can receive input of the first unlocking information notified to the terminal device; and a delivery box control unit that unlocks the delivery box if the delivery box identified by the identification information corresponding to the first unlocking information received by the reception unit is empty, wherein the delivery box control unit locks the delivery box when a delivery item is placed inside the delivery box.

[0007] To solve the above problems, a control method for an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a registration step of registering user information in a storage unit, which is associated with identification information of a delivery box having a storage compartment capable of accommodating a delivery item, first unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box, and contact information indicating the contact information of a terminal device owned by a user of the delivery box; a notification control step of notifying the terminal device indicated by the contact information of the first unlocking information associated with the contact information when the user information has been registered; a reception step of receiving input of the first unlocking information notified to the terminal device; and a delivery box control step of unlocking the delivery box if the delivery box identified by the identification information corresponding to the first unlocking information received in the reception step is empty, wherein in the delivery box control step, the delivery box is locked when a delivery item is placed in the delivery box.

[0008] Each aspect of the present invention may be implemented by a computer, in which case a control program for the information processing system that enables the computer to implement the information processing system by operating the computer as each part (software element) of the information processing system, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the decrease in convenience caused by the use of delivery boxes in unintended ways. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing an example of the exterior appearance of a delivery box. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a contract information database. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example of the first screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the second screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the third screen. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the fourth screen. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a box information database. [Figure 9] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow for contracts related to the use of delivery lockers. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow for contracts related to the use of delivery lockers. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow when a delivery item is deposited for shipment. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow that takes place when a delivery is received. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] [Embodiment 1] <Overview of Information Processing System 100> Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 100 comprises an elevator 1, an elevator control device 2, a delivery box system 3 having a delivery box 33, a management device 4, a terminal device 5, and a delivery box control device 6. In this embodiment, the information processing system 100 according to the present invention is applied to a building equipped with an elevator 1, and the configuration in which the delivery box 33 is installed in the car 11 of the elevator 1 will be described as an example.

[0012] The information processing system 100 is a system that notifies users who have entered into a contract to use the delivery box 33 of first unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box 33. Upon receiving input of the first unlocking information notified to the user, the information processing system 100 unlocks the delivery box 33 corresponding to the first unlocking information. This allows the user to deposit a delivery item into the delivery box 33. In this embodiment, a user is a person who uses the delivery box 33, for example, a delivery company that deposits a delivery item into the delivery box 33. The person who enters into a contract to use the delivery box 33, the person who deposits a delivery item into the delivery box 33 (delivery company), and the recipient who receives the delivery item from the delivery box 33 may be different people. In this embodiment, these people are collectively referred to as users of the delivery box 33.

[0013] <Elevator 1 and elevator control device 2> The elevator 1 includes a car 11 capable of accommodating passengers. The elevator 1 moves between floors and opens and closes doors according to the control of the elevator control device 2. The elevator control device 2 controls the operation of the elevator 1. Based on the landing calls registered by the operation panel at the landing and the car calls registered by the operation panel in the car 11, it controls the movement of the car 11 between floors and the opening and closing of the doors. The elevator control device 2 may be communicably connected to the delivery box control device 6. During the period when the delivery box 33 in the car 11 is being operated, the elevator control device 2 may perform control to maintain the door open state of the car 11.

[0014] <Delivery box system 3> The delivery box system 3 is a system related to the delivery box 33. As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery box system 3 includes an input unit 31, a display unit 32, and a delivery box 33. The input unit 31, the display unit 32, and the delivery box 33 may be an integrated device or separate devices. In the present embodiment, the delivery box system 3 includes a plurality of delivery boxes 33, and a configuration in which the input unit 31, the display unit 32, and the delivery box 33 are separate devices in the delivery box 33 will be described as an example.

[0015] (Input unit 31) The input unit 31 is an operation panel that receives input of operations for depositing a delivery into the storage unit 331 and receiving a delivery from the storage unit 331. The input unit 31 transmits a signal indicating the content of the received input operation to the delivery box control device 6. The input unit 31 may be a physical key or a touch panel integrated with the display unit 32.

[0016] The input unit 31 can receive a deposit operation from a delivery company to initiate the deposit of a delivery item. The deposit operation is, for example, pressing a button to indicate that the delivery item is to be deposited. When the input unit 31 receives a deposit operation, it sends a signal to the delivery box control device 6 indicating that the deposit operation has been received. When the input unit 31 receives a deposit operation, it waits for the delivery company to input first unlocking information. When the delivery company performs an operation to input first unlocking information to the input unit 31, the input unit 31 sends the input first unlocking information to the delivery box control device 6.

[0017] Furthermore, the input unit 31 can receive a receiving operation from the recipient to initiate the receipt of the delivered item. The receiving operation is, for example, pressing a button to indicate that the recipient is going to receive the delivered item. When the input unit 31 receives a receiving operation, it sends a signal to the delivery box control device 6 indicating that the receiving operation has been received. When the input unit 31 receives a receiving operation, it waits for the recipient to input second unlocking information. When the recipient inputs second unlocking information to the input unit 31, the input unit 31 sends the input second unlocking information to the delivery box control device 6.

[0018] (Display section 32) The display unit 32 is a display capable of displaying various screens. In the delivery box control device 6, if authentication based on the first unlocking information or the second unlocking information input to the input unit 31 is successful, the display unit 32 receives information from the delivery box control device 6 indicating that authentication was successful. Upon receiving this information, the display unit 32 may display a screen including a comment indicating that authentication was successful. If the display unit 32 receives identification information of the delivery box 33 to be unlocked along with this information, it may further display a screen showing the delivery box 33 to be unlocked. On the other hand, if authentication based on the first unlocking information or the second unlocking information input to the input unit 31 fails in the delivery box control device 6, the display unit 32 receives information from the delivery box control device 6 indicating that authentication failed. Upon receiving this information, the display unit 32 may display a screen including a comment indicating that authentication failed (error screen).

[0019] Furthermore, the display unit 32 may display a screen based on the information entered into the input unit 31. For example, if a deposit operation is performed on the input unit 31, the display unit 32 may display a comment prompting the user to enter the first unlocking information. Also, if a withdrawal operation is performed on the input unit 31, the display unit 32 may display a comment prompting the user to enter the second unlocking information. In addition, the display unit 32 may acquire the first unlocking information or the second unlocking information entered by the user on the input unit 31 and display the acquired information.

[0020] (Delivery box 33) Figure 2 shows an example of the exterior of a delivery box 33. The delivery box 33 is used for so-called contactless delivery. The delivery box 33 is equipped with a storage section 331 capable of accommodating delivered items. Delivery companies can deposit delivered items into the delivery box 33, and recipients of delivered items (e.g., residents) can retrieve the delivered items from the delivery box 33. Each of the multiple delivery boxes 33 is provided with a door that can be unlocked or locked based on the control of the delivery box control device 6. As shown in Figure 2, each of the delivery boxes 33 is assigned identification information (box number) to identify each delivery box 33.

[0021] For example, the delivery box 33 may be installed inside the elevator car 11 of the elevator 1. When the delivery box 33 is installed inside the elevator car 11 of the elevator 1, the location of installation is not particularly limited, as long as it is inside the car 11 and allows for the deposit of deliveries by delivery companies and the retrieval of deliveries by recipients. For example, the storage section 331 may be installed on any wall surface different from the surface on which the door of the car 11 is located, or it may be installed under the floor of the car 11 or in the upper space inside the car 11. When the delivery box 33 is installed inside the elevator car 11 of the elevator 1, the input section 31 and the display section 32 may be installed on the wall surface of the car 11.

[0022] <Management device 4> The management device 4 is a device that manages information related to the usage contract for the delivery box 33. The management device 4 may be a server device such as a cloud server that is communicatively connected to the terminal device 5 and the delivery box control device 6. As shown in Figure 1, the management device 4 comprises a control unit 41 and a storage unit 42. The control unit 41 comprises a contract unit 411, a setting unit 412, a first registration unit 413 (registration unit), and a notification control unit 414.

[0023] The storage unit 42 stores the contract information DB (database) 421. Figure 3 shows an example of the contract information DB 421. The contract information DB 421 is a database that includes information about the delivery box 33 and information about the usage contract for the delivery box 33. In the contract information DB 421, information about the delivery box 33 is registered for each delivery box 33. As shown in Figure 3, the contract information DB 421 stores identification information (box ID) and information indicating the size of the delivery box 33 (size) for each delivery box 33. In addition, the identification information of the delivery box 33 is associated with the identification information (elevator ID) of the elevator 1 in which the delivery box 33 is installed.

[0024] Furthermore, for delivery boxes 33 that users are permitted to use, information about the user who has entered into a contract to use the delivery box 33 is registered. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the identification information of the delivery box 33 is associated with the first unlocking information that the delivery company uses to unlock the delivery box 33, and contact information indicating the contact information of the terminal device 5 held by the user who will use the delivery box 33. In addition, as information about the user, number information (telephone number) indicating the telephone number of the user's terminal device 5 may also be associated. The contact information may be, for example, the email address or telephone number of the user's terminal device 5.

[0025] Furthermore, the identification information (box ID) of the delivery box 33 may be associated with a second unlocking information that the recipient can use to unlock the delivery box 33. The first unlocking information and the second unlocking information may be different or the same. The following explanation will use the case where the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information are different as an example.

[0026] If the delivery box 33 becomes available upon payment by the user, contract information, which is information regarding the user's payment of the fee, may be further associated with it. Contract information may be, for example, a credit card number or account number. If the user has a contract to pay using carrier billing, the telephone number registered as number information may be considered as contract information.

[0027] The contract that a user enters into to use the delivery box 33 may be a so-called subscription contract in which, upon payment of a predetermined fee, the user is permitted to use the designated delivery box 33 for the duration of the contract. The contract period may be on a monthly basis, a yearly basis, or an hourly basis. Alternatively, the contract may be one in which, upon payment of a predetermined fee, the user is permitted to use the designated delivery box 33 a predetermined number of times.

[0028] (Contracts Department 411) The contract unit 411 executes processing related to the user's contract for the use of the delivery box 33. When the contract unit 411 receives start information from the user's terminal device 5 to begin processing related to the user's contract for the use of the delivery box 33, it starts the processing. The start information includes identification information indicating the building or elevator 1 where the delivery box 33 that the user wishes to use is installed. Upon receiving the start information, the contract unit 411 generates a web page (first screen) prompting the user to enter the telephone number of the terminal device 5, and transmits information indicating the generated screen to the terminal device 5, which is the source of the start information.

[0029] When the terminal device 5 accesses the website through user operation, a screen generated by the contract department 411 is displayed. When the user enters the telephone number information of the terminal device 5, the contract department 411 receives information from the terminal device 5 that includes the identification information of elevator 1 and the said telephone number information.

[0030] When the contract unit 411 receives the information, it identifies the delivery box 33 installed in elevator 1 indicated by the received identification information. Specifically, the contract unit 411 refers to the contract information DB 421 based on the received identification information of elevator 1 and identifies the delivery box 33 associated with the identification information of elevator 1, and whether or not the delivery box 33 can be contracted. In the contract information DB 421, the contract unit 411 identifies delivery boxes 33 that do not have number information, contact information, first unlocking information, second unlocking information, and contract information associated with them as delivery boxes 33 that can be contracted. In the contract information DB 421, the contract unit 411 identifies delivery boxes 33 that have number information, contact information, first unlocking information, second unlocking information, and contract information associated with them as delivery boxes 33 that cannot be contracted. Furthermore, if there are multiple delivery boxes 33 associated with the identification information of elevator 1, the contract unit 411 identifies all of the delivery boxes 33 associated with the identification information of elevator 1, and whether or not each of these delivery boxes 33 is eligible for a contract.

[0031] Once the delivery box 33 and the availability of a contract for the delivery box 33 are identified, the contract unit 411 generates screens (second and third screens) for a website to enter into a contract for using the delivery box 33. The second screen includes information indicating the delivery box 33 identified by the contract unit 411 and information indicating the availability of a contract for each identified delivery box 33. The third screen includes input fields for entering contract information used for the contract. After generating the second and third screens, the contract unit 411 transmits information indicating the URL for accessing the second screen to the terminal device 5 based on the number information received from the terminal device 5.

[0032] When a user selects a contractable delivery box 33 and enters contract information through the operation of the terminal device 5, the contract unit 411 receives information from the terminal device 5 indicating the delivery box 33 selected by the user and the entered contract information. Upon receiving this information, the contract unit 411 enters into a user contract with the user. For example, if it receives information such as a credit card number as contract information, the contract unit 411 accesses the credit card company's server and makes a query based on the received information. If the query is successful, the contract unit 411 determines that the user's user contract has been concluded. On the other hand, if the query fails, the contract unit 411 determines that the user's user contract has failed.

[0033] The contract information received by the contract unit 411 is not limited to credit card numbers, but may also include account numbers, telephone numbers, or other payment method information. The contract unit 411 may make appropriate inquiries based on the received information and determine whether a contract can be formed based on the results of those inquiries. Alternatively, the contract unit 411 may determine whether a user's contract can be formed based on input from a terminal device (not shown) held by the person managing the delivery box 33.

[0034] If a user agreement is concluded, the contract unit 411 outputs information to the setting unit 412 indicating that the user agreement has been concluded. Hereinafter, the delivery box 33 for which processing related to the user agreement has been performed in the contract unit 411, that is, the delivery box 33 selected by the user and for which the contract unit 411 has determined that the user agreement has been concluded, will also be referred to as the "contracted delivery box 33". On the other hand, if the user agreement fails, the contract unit 411 outputs information to the notification control unit 414 indicating that the user agreement has failed.

[0035] The setting unit 412 sets first unlocking information and second unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box 33. When a user's service agreement is concluded, the setting unit 412 obtains information from the contract unit 411 indicating that the user's service agreement has been concluded. Upon obtaining this information, the setting unit 412 sets first unlocking information and second unlocking information for unlocking the contracted delivery box 33. The setting unit 412 outputs the set first unlocking information and second unlocking information to the first registration unit 413. The setting unit 412 may set first unlocking information and second unlocking information based on predetermined rules. The predetermined rules may, for example, include a predetermined number of digits. In addition, if a service agreement has already been concluded for another delivery box 33 belonging to the same delivery box system 3 as the contracted delivery box 33, the first unlocking information and second unlocking information for that other delivery box 33 are registered in the contract information DB 421. In this case, the setting unit 412 may set information that is at least different from the first unlocking information and second information of the other delivery box 33 as the first unlocking information and second information of the contracted delivery box 33.

[0036] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information may be different or the same. If the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information are different, the second unlocking information cannot be used to unlock an empty delivery box 33. Therefore, the possibility of an empty delivery box 33 being used by someone other than the delivery company can be reduced. In addition, the recipient can use the second unlocking information to unlock a delivery box 33 containing a delivery item.

[0037] On the other hand, if the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information are the same, the delivery box 33 will be unlocked using the same information both at the time of deposit and at the time of retrieval. In this way, the information for unlocking a single delivery box 33 is standardized, so users such as delivery companies do not need to be aware of multiple pieces of information for a single delivery box 33. Therefore, the burden on users can be reduced.

[0038] The first registration unit 413 registers user information in the storage unit 42. User information is registered in the storage unit 42, which is associated with the identification information of the delivery box 33, the first unlocking information for the delivery company to unlock the delivery box 33, and contact information indicating the contact information of the terminal device 5 held by the user who will use the delivery box 33.

[0039] The first registration unit 413 registers user information when the contract unit 411 executes processing related to a user's contract for the use of the delivery box 33. "When processing related to a user contract is executed" means when the contract unit 411 has concluded a contract for the use of the delivery box 33 based on information received from the terminal device 5. If the contract unit 411 has not concluded a contract for the use of the delivery box 33, the first registration unit 413 does not register user information.

[0040] In the contract unit 411, processing related to the user's contract for the use of the delivery box 33 is executed. Once the user's contract is concluded, the first registration unit 413 obtains the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information set by the setting unit 412. Upon obtaining the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information, the first registration unit 413 registers the identification information of the contracted delivery box 33 in the contract information DB 421, associating it with the first unlocking information set by the setting unit 412 and the contact information indicating the contact details of the terminal device 5, which the contract unit 411 received from the terminal device 5.

[0041] Furthermore, the first registration unit 413 registers second unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box 33, further associating it with the contact information. In addition, the first registration unit 413 registers contract information for entering into a contract for the use of the delivery box 33, which the contract unit 411 has received from the terminal device 5, associating it with the identification information of the contracted delivery box 33. Once the first registration unit 413 has completed the registration of user information and contract information, it transmits box information, including the identification information of the contracted delivery box 33 and the first unlocking information and second unlocking information corresponding to the contracted delivery box 33, to the delivery box control device 6 that controls the contracted delivery box 33.

[0042] The notification control unit 414 controls notifications to the user's terminal device 5. When registration is performed by the first registration unit 413, the notification control unit 414 notifies the terminal device 5 indicated by the contact information of the first unlocking information associated with the contact information. The notification control unit 414 also notifies the terminal device 5 indicated by the contact information associated with the second unlocking information set by the setting unit 412.

[0043] When box information relating to the contracted delivery box 33 is registered in the delivery box control device 6 that controls the contracted delivery box 33, the notification control unit 414 receives registration completion information from the delivery box control device 6 indicating that the registration of the box information has been completed. Upon receiving the registration completion information, the notification control unit 414 notifies the terminal device 5, which is indicated by contact information associated with the identification information of the contracted delivery box 33, of result information indicating the result of the contract. This result information includes information indicating that a contract for the use of the delivery box 33 has been concluded, information indicating the delivery box 33 for which the user has entered into a contract, and first unlocking information and second unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box 33.

[0044] According to the above configuration, when a user enters into a contract to use the delivery box 33, the first unlocking information is notified to the user's terminal device 5. The contract may be, for example, a so-called subscription contract that permits the use of the delivery box 33 for a predetermined period after the user has paid a fee. The predetermined period may be, for example, one week or one month. This makes it possible for users to use the delivery box 33 by entering into a contract. On the other hand, the first unlocking information is not notified to those who have not entered into a contract. Therefore, the possibility of unintended use of the delivery box 33 by those who have not entered into a contract can be reduced.

[0045] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the delivery company can convey the second unlocking information, which has been notified to the terminal device 5, to the recipient, allowing the recipient to access the second unlocking information. The recipient can then use this second unlocking information to unlock the delivery box 33 containing their package and retrieve it. In addition, it was sometimes a burden for the delivery company to have to come up with a password (second unlocking information) for the recipient to unlock the delivery box 33. However, with the above configuration, since the second unlocking information set by the setting unit 412 is notified to the terminal device 5, the delivery company does not need to come up with a password. Therefore, the burden on the delivery company can be reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, if the notification control unit 414 obtains information from the contract unit 411 indicating that the user's service contract has failed, it uses the contact information to send result information indicating that the service contract has failed to the user's terminal device 5.

[0047] <Number of terminal devices> Terminal device 5 is an information processing device such as a smartphone owned by the user. Terminal device 5 is capable of receiving input operations from the user and displaying various screens. In addition, terminal device 5 is capable of reading QR codes (registered trademark). The user can use terminal device 5 to scan a QR code attached to the delivery box 33 that the user wishes to use, or to a delivery box 33 near the delivery box 33. The QR code contains the URL of the website for initiating the contract processing, identification information of the elevator 1 in which the delivery box 33 with the QR code is installed, and the name of the building, etc., in which the elevator 1 is installed.

[0048] When terminal device 5 reads the QR code, it sends start information to management device 4. The start information includes the identification information of elevator 1 read from the QR code. This generates the first screen in management device 4. When terminal device 5 receives a predetermined input operation from the user, it accesses the website generated by management device 4 and displays the first screen.

[0049] Figure 4 shows an example of the first screen. The first screen is for initiating the contract process and includes input fields for the name of the building where elevator 1 is installed and the contact information of the user's terminal device 5, such as a telephone number. Upon receiving the user's telephone number input operation and other predetermined operations, terminal device 5 transmits the number information indicating the entered telephone number, along with the identification information of elevator 1 read from the QR code, to the management device 4. The predetermined operation may be, for example, selecting the button labeled "Register" displayed on the first screen.

[0050] When the management device 4 receives the number information, a screen (second screen) for the website to enter into a contract for using the delivery box 33 is generated, and the URL of the website is notified to the terminal device 5 based on the number information transmitted by the terminal device 5. For example, the notification is made via SMS using the number information. When the terminal device 5 receives an operation from the user, it accesses the website based on the notified URL and displays the second screen.

[0051] Figure 5 shows an example of the second screen. The second screen is a page of a website generated by the management device 4, and is a screen for users to select the delivery box 33 they wish to use. As shown in Figure 5, the second screen includes information indicating each of the delivery boxes 33 included in the delivery box system 3 installed in the elevator 1. In addition, the second screen distinguishes between delivery boxes 33 that can be contracted and delivery boxes 33 that cannot be contracted. In the second screen, delivery boxes 33 that have been contracted by other users may be displayed as delivery boxes 33 that cannot be contracted. For example, in Figure 5, the delivery box 33 with a penalty mark is a delivery box 33 that cannot be contracted. The second screen may also include information indicating the usage fee for the delivery box 33.

[0052] When terminal device 5 receives an operation from the user to select a delivery box 33, it then displays a third screen. Figure 6 shows an example of the third screen. The third screen is a screen for entering contract information used for the contract, and can accept input of number information such as a telephone number, contact information such as an email address, and contract information such as a credit card number for payment of usage fees.

[0053] Once the user has finished entering their contract information, terminal device 5 transmits the entered contract information and information indicating the selected delivery box 33 on the second screen to management device 4. Upon receiving the result information, management device 4 processes the contract for the use of the delivery box 33. Terminal device 5 receives result information from management device 4 indicating whether or not the contract has been concluded.

[0054] If a contract is concluded, terminal device 5 receives result information from management device 4, which includes information indicating that a contract has been concluded, the contracted delivery box 33, and first and second unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box 33. Upon receiving this result information, terminal device 5 displays the fourth screen. Figure 7 shows an example of the fourth screen. As shown in Figure 7, the fourth screen includes the box number (identification information) of the delivery box 33 contracted by the user, and first and second unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box 33.

[0055] If the contract is not concluded, terminal device 5 receives result information from management device 4, which includes information indicating that the contract failed. Upon receiving this result information, terminal device 5 displays screen 5. Screen 5 includes information indicating that the user was unable to enter into a contract to use the delivery box 33.

[0056] <Delivery box control device 6> The delivery box control device 6 is a device that controls a delivery box system 3 equipped with delivery boxes 33. If the information processing system 100 includes multiple delivery box systems 3, the information processing system 100 may include multiple delivery box control devices 6, each controlling one of the multiple delivery box systems 3. Examples of cases where the information processing system 100 includes multiple delivery box systems 3 include cases where multiple delivery box systems 3 are installed in elevators 1 of multiple buildings, or in multiple elevators 1 of one building.

[0057] The delivery box control device 6 authenticates the user based on the first unlocking information or second unlocking information set in the management device 4 and the information entered by the user for the delivery box 33. If user authentication is successful and the target delivery box 33 is in a predetermined state, the delivery box control device 6 unlocks the delivery box 33. As shown in Figure 1, the delivery box control device 6 comprises a control unit 61 and a storage unit 62. The control unit 61 comprises a second registration unit 611, a reception unit 612, an authentication unit 613, and a delivery box control unit 614.

[0058] The storage unit 62 stores the box information DB (database) 621. Figure 8 shows an example of the box information DB 621. The box information DB 621 is a database that stores box information related to the delivery boxes 33 that are controlled by the delivery box control device 6. As shown in Figure 8, the box information DB 621 associates the following box information with each delivery box 33: identification information (box ID) of the delivery box 33, first unlocking information corresponding to the delivery box 33, and second unlocking information. The storage unit 62 also stores availability information, which indicates the availability status of each delivery box 33. The availability information indicates either that a delivery item is stored in the storage compartment 331 of the delivery box 33, or that the storage compartment 331 is empty.

[0059] (Second Registration Section 611) The second registration unit 611 registers the box information of the delivery box 33 configured in the management device 4. When a contract for a user to use the delivery box 33 is established in the management device 4, first unlocking information and second unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box 33 are registered. When the first unlocking information and second unlocking information are registered in the management device 4, the second registration unit 611 receives the box information from the management device 4. The box information includes the identification information of the delivery box 33 that the user is permitted to use, and the first unlocking information and second unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box 33. When the second registration unit 611 receives the box information, it registers the received box information in the box information DB 621. Specifically, the second registration unit 611 associates the received first unlocking information and second unlocking information with the identification information of the delivery box 33 that matches the identification information contained in the received box information and registers it in the box information DB 621. When the registration of the box information is complete, the second registration unit 611 transmits registration completion information to the management device 4 to indicate that the registration is complete.

[0060] (Reception Desk 612) The reception unit 612 receives input to the input unit 31 of the delivery box 33. For example, the reception unit 612 can receive input of first unlocking information. The delivery company performs a deposit operation to the input unit 31 of the delivery box system 3. For example, as part of this operation, the delivery company presses a button to start depositing the delivery item, and then inputs first unlocking information to unlock the delivery box 33. Alternatively, as part of this operation, the delivery company inputs first unlocking information to the input unit 31, which is in a standby state where no operation has been performed. When first unlocking information is input to the input unit 31, the reception unit 612 receives the input first unlocking information from the input unit 31. The reception unit 612 outputs the received first unlocking information to the authentication unit 613.

[0061] Furthermore, the reception unit 612 can accept input of second unlocking information. The recipient performs a retrieval operation to the input unit 31 of the delivery box system 3. For example, as part of this operation, the recipient presses a button to start receiving the delivery, and then inputs second unlocking information to unlock the delivery box 33. Alternatively, as part of this operation, the recipient inputs second unlocking information to the input unit 31, which is in a standby state where no operation has been performed. When second unlocking information is input to the input unit 31, the reception unit 612 receives the input second unlocking information from the input unit 31. The reception unit 612 outputs the received second unlocking information to the authentication unit 613.

[0062] (Authentication section 613) The authentication unit 613 performs authentication based on the information entered by the delivery company or recipient to unlock the delivery box 33. When the delivery company enters the first unlocking information into the input unit 31, the authentication unit 613 obtains the first unlocking information from the reception unit 612. Upon obtaining the first unlocking information from the reception unit 612, the authentication unit 613 refers to the box information DB 621 based on the first unlocking information. The authentication unit 613 extracts the first unlocking information from the box information DB 621 that matches the first unlocking information received by the reception unit 612. If the first unlocking information can be extracted, the authentication unit 613 determines that authentication has been successful.

[0063] If authentication is successful, the authentication unit 613 identifies the successfully authenticated delivery box 33. Hereinafter, the successfully authenticated delivery box 33 will be referred to as the "attention delivery box 33". The authentication unit 613 identifies the delivery box 33 identified as the attention delivery box 33 in the box information DB 621 by the identification information associated with the first unlocking information that matches the first unlocking information received by the reception unit 612. Once the attention delivery box 33 is identified, the authentication unit 613 outputs to the delivery box control unit 614 information indicating that authentication based on the first unlocking information was successful, and the identification information of the attention delivery box 33. If the first unlocking information could not be extracted, that is, if the first unlocking information that matches the first unlocking information received by the reception unit 612 was not registered in the box information DB 621, the authentication unit 613 determines that authentication has failed. In this case, the authentication unit 613 outputs to the delivery box control unit 614 information indicating that authentication has failed.

[0064] The input unit 31 of the delivery box system 3 may also accept an operation by a delivery company to specify a delivery box 33. The recipient may, for example, enter the box number of the delivery box 33 in which they will deposit their delivery into the input unit 31. When the input unit 31 accepts an operation by a delivery company to specify a delivery box 33, the authentication unit 613 may obtain information for specifying the delivery box 33 via the reception unit 612 and perform authentication based on this information and the first unlocking information. For example, the authentication unit 613 may identify the delivery box 33 based on the box number entered by the delivery company and perform authentication based on whether the first unlocking information associated with the delivery box 33 matches the first unlocking information entered by the delivery company into the input unit 31.

[0065] When the recipient enters the second unlocking information into the input unit 31, the authentication unit 613 obtains the second unlocking information from the reception unit 612. Upon obtaining the second unlocking information from the reception unit 612, the authentication unit 613 refers to the box information DB 621 based on the second unlocking information. The authentication unit 613 extracts the second unlocking information from the box information DB 621 that matches the second unlocking information received by the reception unit 612. If the second unlocking information can be extracted, the authentication unit 613 determines that authentication has been successful.

[0066] If authentication is successful, the authentication unit 613 identifies the target delivery box 33 that was successfully authenticated. The authentication unit 613 identifies the delivery box 33 identified as the target delivery box 33 in the box information DB 621 by the identification information associated with the second unlocking information that matches the second unlocking information received by the reception unit 612. Once the authentication unit 613 has identified the target delivery box 33, it outputs to the delivery box control unit 614 information indicating that authentication based on the second unlocking information was successful, along with the identification information of the target delivery box 33. If the second unlocking information could not be extracted, that is, if the second unlocking information that matches the second unlocking information received by the reception unit 612 was not registered in the box information DB 621, the authentication unit 613 determines that authentication has failed. In this case, the authentication unit 613 outputs to the delivery box control unit 614 information indicating that authentication has failed.

[0067] Furthermore, the input unit 31 of the delivery box system 3 may accept an operation by the recipient to specify a delivery box 33. The recipient may, for example, input the box number of the delivery box 33 containing the package they are receiving to the input unit 31. In addition, the box information DB 621 may associate the identification information of the delivery box 33 containing the package with information indicating the delivery destination of the package, such as the room number. In this case, the recipient may, for example, input the room number of the room in which they reside as the operation to specify a delivery box 33.

[0068] When the input unit 31 receives an operation by the recipient to specify a delivery box 33, the authentication unit 613 may obtain information for specifying the delivery box 33 via the reception unit 612 and perform authentication based on that information and the second unlocking information. For example, the authentication unit 613 may identify the delivery box 33 based on the room number entered by the recipient and perform authentication based on whether the second unlocking information associated with the delivery box 33 matches the second unlocking information entered by the recipient into the input unit 31.

[0069] (Delivery box control unit 614) The delivery box control unit 614 controls the operation of the delivery box system 3. If the delivery box 33 identified by the identification information corresponding to the first unlocking information received by the reception unit 612 is empty, the delivery box control unit 614 unlocks the delivery box 33. If the authentication unit 613 succeeds in authentication based on the first unlocking information, the delivery box control unit 614 obtains from the authentication unit 613 information indicating that authentication based on the first unlocking information was successful, and the identification information of the delivery box 33 of interest. Upon obtaining this information, the delivery box control unit 614 determines whether or not the delivery box 33 of interest is empty.

[0070] If the designated delivery box 33 is empty, the delivery box control unit 614 will unlock the designated delivery box 33. Specifically, the delivery box control unit 614 will send a signal to the designated delivery box 33 instructing it to unlock. On the other hand, if the designated delivery box 33 is not empty, the delivery box control unit 614 will not unlock the designated delivery box 33. In this case, the delivery box control unit 614 will send information to the display unit 32 instructing it to display a screen indicating that a delivery item has already been placed in the designated delivery box 33.

[0071] If a delivery is placed in an empty designated delivery box 33, the delivery box control unit 614 locks the designated delivery box 33. If the delivery box control unit 614 receives a signal from the designated delivery box 33 indicating that the door has been opened and then closed, it sends a signal to the designated delivery box 33 to instruct it to lock. Subsequently, the delivery box control unit 614 updates the availability information of the designated delivery box 33. Specifically, the delivery box control unit 614 updates the availability information of the designated delivery box 33 stored in the memory unit 62 to indicate that a delivery is placed inside.

[0072] With the above configuration, the user can obtain the first unlocking information from the terminal device 5 and unlock the corresponding empty delivery box 33 by inputting the first unlocking information. Furthermore, after the delivery box 33 is unlocked based on the first unlocking information, it is locked once a delivery item is placed inside. This allows the user to deposit a delivery item into the delivery box 33.

[0073] Conventional delivery boxes are often designed so that anyone can unlock and lock them when they are empty. Such delivery boxes were sometimes used in ways not originally intended. For example, people other than delivery personnel would temporarily deposit personal belongings in the delivery boxes, or people would lock the delivery boxes as a prank. In addition, delivery personnel would sometimes temporarily reserve delivery boxes. Temporary reservation means that a delivery person or other party temporarily locks the delivery box without depositing any packages, and then unlocks it when they need to use it. When such unintended uses occurred, the intended users, namely delivery personnel who came to deliver packages, were unable to deposit their packages in the delivery boxes, which reduced their convenience.

[0074] In contrast, with the above configuration, an empty delivery box 33 is unlocked when the first unlocking information is entered. Therefore, when the delivery box 33 is empty, no one who does not know the first unlocking information can unlock it. Furthermore, after the delivery box 33 is unlocked based on the first unlocking information, it is locked when a delivery item is deposited into the storage compartment 331. This reduces the possibility of unintended use, such as someone other than the user depositing personal belongings into an empty delivery box 33 or locking an empty delivery box 33 for mischief. In addition, since only those who know the first unlocking information can unlock the delivery box 33, delivery companies whose contact information is not registered cannot use the delivery box 33. Therefore, the possibility of delivery companies whose contact information is not registered temporarily reserving the delivery box 33 is also reduced.

[0075] The delivery box control unit 614 unlocks the delivery box 33 if the delivery box 33 identified by the identification information corresponding to the second unlocking information received by the reception unit 612 is not empty. If the authentication unit 613 successfully authenticates based on the second unlocking information, the delivery box control unit 614 obtains from the authentication unit 613 information indicating that authentication based on the second unlocking information was successful, and the identification information of the delivery box 33 in question. Upon obtaining this information, the delivery box control unit 614 determines whether or not a delivery item is contained in the delivery box 33 in question.

[0076] If a delivery is placed in the designated delivery box 33, the delivery box control unit 614 will unlock the designated delivery box 33. Specifically, the delivery box control unit 614 will send a signal to the designated delivery box 33 instructing it to unlock. On the other hand, if there is no delivery placed in the designated delivery box 33, the delivery box control unit 614 will not unlock the designated delivery box 33. In this case, the delivery box control unit 614 will send information to the display unit 32 instructing it to display a screen indicating that there is no delivery placed in the designated delivery box 33.

[0077] If a delivery is removed from the designated delivery box 33, the delivery box control unit 614 locks the designated delivery box 33. If the delivery box control unit 614 receives a signal from the designated delivery box 33 indicating that the door has been opened and then closed, it sends a signal to the designated delivery box 33 to instruct it to lock. Subsequently, the delivery box control unit 614 updates the availability information of the designated delivery box 33. Specifically, the delivery box control unit 614 sets the availability information of the designated delivery box 33 stored in the memory unit 62 to an empty state. The delivery box control unit 614 may also determine whether a delivery has been removed based on a signal from a photoelectric sensor (not shown) or a weight sensor (not shown) installed in the designated delivery box 33. If the door of the designated delivery box 33 is closed without a delivery being removed, the delivery box control unit 614 does not need to update the availability information of the designated delivery box 33 after locking it.

[0078] According to the above configuration, a recipient of a delivery can unlock the delivery box 33 containing their package by entering a second unlocking information. Furthermore, when the second unlocking information is entered, the delivery box 33 will only be unlocked if it is not empty, that is, if a package has been deposited in the delivery box 33. Therefore, a recipient cannot use the second unlocking information to unlock an empty delivery box 33. This reduces the possibility of the delivery box 33 being used in a manner other than that originally intended.

[0079] Furthermore, if the authentication unit 613 fails to authenticate based on the first unlocking information or the second unlocking information, the delivery box control unit 614 acquires information indicating that authentication failed. Upon acquiring this information, the delivery box control unit 614 transmits a signal to the display unit 32 instructing it to display a screen containing the information indicating that authentication failed.

[0080] <An example of the processing flow performed by the information processing system 100> Figures 9 to 12 are flowcharts and sequence diagrams illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the information processing system 100. The processing flow performed by the information processing system 100 will be explained below using Figures 9 to 12.

[0081] (Process when a contract is made) Figures 9 and 10 are sequence diagrams showing the processing flow related to the contract for use of the delivery box 33. The processing related to the contract for use of the delivery box 33 will be explained below using Figures 9 and 10.

[0082] First, refer to Figure 9. Based on the user's operation, the terminal device 5 reads the QR code attached to the delivery box 33 that the user wishes to use, or to the vicinity of the delivery box 33, and displays the information attached to the QR code. Specifically, the terminal device 5 displays the URL of the website for initiating the contract-related processing. When the terminal device 5 receives an operation from the user to initiate the contract-related processing (contract processing) (YES in S1), it transmits start information, including the identification information of elevator 1 read from the QR code, to the management device 4.

[0083] When the contract unit 411 of the management device 4 receives start information from the user's terminal device 5 (YES in S11), it starts processing related to the contract. Based on the identification information of elevator 1 included in the start information, the contract unit 411 identifies the elevator 1 in which the delivery box 33 is installed (S12). Next, the contract unit 411 generates a first screen, which is a web page for prompting the user to enter the number information of the terminal device 5 (S13), and sends information indicating the generated first screen to the terminal device 5, which was the source of the start information.

[0084] When terminal device 5 receives information from management device 4 indicating the first screen, it accesses the website generated by management device 4 and displays the first screen (S2). After S2, if it receives an operation to terminate the process (termination operation), for example, selecting the "Terminate" button on the first screen shown in Figure 4 (YES in S3), terminal device 5 terminates the process. On the other hand, if terminal device 5 does not receive a termination operation (NO in S3) and receives input of number information from the user (YES in S4), it transmits the input number information and the identification information of elevator 1 read from the QR code to management device 4.

[0085] When the contract unit 411 receives number information and elevator 1 identification information from the terminal device 5 (YES in S14), it identifies the delivery box 33 installed in elevator 1 indicated by the received identification information (S15). Specifically, the contract unit 411 refers to the contract information DB 421 based on the received elevator 1 identification information and identifies the delivery box 33 associated with the identification information of elevator 1, and whether or not the delivery box 33 is available for contract. After S14, the contract unit 411 generates screens (second and third screens) for a website to make a contract for using the delivery box 33 (S16). The second screen includes information indicating the delivery box 33 identified by the contract unit 411, and information indicating whether or not each of the identified delivery boxes 33 is available for contract. The third screen includes input fields for receiving contract information. After generating the second and third screens, the contract unit 411 sends information indicating the URL for accessing the second screen to the terminal device 5 based on the number information received from the terminal device 5.

[0086] Next, using Figure 10, the processes that occur after the second and third screens are generated will be explained. Terminal device 5 notifies the user that it has received information indicating a URL. When terminal device 5 receives an operation from the user to display the second screen, it displays the second screen based on the notified URL (S21). When terminal device 5 receives an operation from the user to select a delivery box 33 (YES in S22), it then displays the third screen (S23). When terminal device 5 is displaying the third screen, and receives an operation to return to the second screen, for example, selecting the "Back" button on the third screen shown in Figure 6 (YES in S24), it returns to the process in S21 and displays the second screen. This makes it possible for the user to change the delivery box 33 that they previously selected.

[0087] When terminal device 5 receives input of contract information from the user while displaying the third screen (YES in S25), it transmits information indicating the delivery box 33 selected on the second screen and the contract information entered on the third screen to management device 4.

[0088] Once the terminal device 5 has finished inputting the contract information, the contract unit 411 receives the contract information from the terminal device 5. When the contract unit 411 receives the contract information (YES in S31), it enters into a user contract with the user. If the user contract is concluded (YES in S32), the contract unit 411 outputs information to the setting unit 412 indicating that the user contract has been concluded. When the setting unit 412 receives the information from the contract unit 411 indicating that the user contract has been concluded, it sets the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information for unlocking the contract delivery box 33 (S33-S34). The setting unit 412 outputs the set first unlocking information and the second unlocking information to the first registration unit 413.

[0089] When the first registration unit 413 obtains the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information set by the setting unit 412, it registers user information (S35: registration step). Specifically, the first registration unit 413 associates the first unlocking information, the second unlocking information, and the contact information of the terminal device 5 with the identification information of the contracted delivery box 33 in the contract information DB 421 and registers it as user information. Furthermore, the first registration unit 413 registers the contract information in association with the identification information of the contracted delivery box 33. Once the first registration unit 413 has completed the registration of user information and contract information, it transmits box information, including the identification information of the contracted delivery box 33 and the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information corresponding to the contracted delivery box 33, to the delivery box control device 6 that controls the contracted delivery box 33.

[0090] When the second registration unit 611 of the delivery box control device 6 receives box information from the management device 4 (YES in S41), it registers the received box information in the box information DB 621 (S42). Specifically, in the box information DB 621, the second registration unit 611 associates the received first unlocking information and second unlocking information with the identification information of the delivery box 33 that matches the identification information contained in the received box information and registers them. Once the registration of the box information is complete, the second registration unit 611 transmits registration completion information to the management device 4 to indicate that the registration is complete.

[0091] When the notification control unit 414 of the management device 4 receives registration completion information from the delivery box control device 6 (YES in S36), it notifies the terminal device 5, indicated by contact information associated with the identification information of the contracted delivery box 33, of result information indicating the result of the contract (S37: notification control step). The result information includes information indicating that a contract for the use of the delivery box 33 has been concluded, information indicating the delivery box 33 for which the user has entered into a contract, and first unlocking information and second unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box 33.

[0092] On the other hand, if the user's service contract fails (NO in S32), the contract unit 411 outputs information indicating the user's service contract failure to the notification control unit 414. When the notification control unit 414 receives information from the contract unit 411 indicating the user's service contract failure, it uses the contact information to send result information indicating the service contract failure to the user's terminal device 5 (S38).

[0093] If a contract is concluded, terminal device 5 receives result information from management device 4, which includes information indicating that a contract has been concluded, the contracted delivery box 33, and first and second unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box 33. Terminal device 5 receives result information from management device 4 (YES in S26), and if the result information includes information indicating that a contract has been concluded (YES in S27), displays the fourth screen (S28). As shown in Figure 7, the fourth screen includes the box number (identification information) of the delivery box 33 contracted by the user, and first and second unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box 33.

[0094] If the contract is not concluded, terminal device 5 receives result information from management device 4 that includes information indicating that the contract failed. Terminal device 5 receives result information from management device 4 (YES in S26), and if the result information includes information indicating that the contract failed (NO in S27), displays the fifth screen (S29). The fifth screen includes information indicating that the user was unable to enter into a contract to use the delivery box 33.

[0095] (Processing when a delivery item is deposited) Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow when a delivery is deposited with a delivery company. The following explanation will use Figure 11 to describe the processing flow when a delivery is deposited with a delivery company.

[0096] The delivery company performs a deposit operation at the input unit 31 of the delivery box system 3. For example, the delivery company may press a button to start depositing the delivery item, and then input first unlocking information to unlock the delivery box 33. Alternatively, the delivery company may input first unlocking information to the input unit 31, which is in a standby state where no operation has been performed.

[0097] When the input unit 31 receives a deposit operation (YES in S51), it waits for the delivery company to input the first unlocking information. When the input unit 31 receives an operation to input the first unlocking information (YES in S52: reception step), the input unit 31 transmits the input first unlocking information to the delivery box control device 6.

[0098] When the reception unit 612 receives the first unlocking information entered by the delivery company from the input unit 31, it outputs the received first unlocking information to the authentication unit 613. When the authentication unit 613 obtains the first unlocking information from the reception unit 612, it performs authentication based on the first unlocking information. Based on the obtained first unlocking information, the authentication unit 613 refers to the box information DB 621 and extracts the first unlocking information registered in the box information DB 621 that matches the first unlocking information obtained from the reception unit 612. If the first unlocking information can be extracted, the authentication unit 613 determines that authentication has been successful.

[0099] If authentication is successful (YES in S53), the authentication unit 613 identifies the target delivery box 33 that was successfully authenticated (S54). Once the target delivery box 33 is identified, the authentication unit 613 outputs to the delivery box control unit 614 information indicating that authentication based on the first unlocking information was successful, along with the identification information of the target delivery box 33.

[0100] When the delivery box control unit 614 obtains from the authentication unit 613 information indicating that authentication based on the first unlocking information was successful, and identification information of the delivery box of interest 33, it determines whether the delivery box of interest 33 is empty or not (S55). If the delivery box of interest 33 is empty (YES in S55), the delivery box control unit 614 unlocks the delivery box of interest 33 (S56: delivery box control step). Specifically, the delivery box control unit 614 sends a signal to the delivery box of interest 33 instructing it to unlock. The delivery box of interest 33 unlocks its door based on the signal from the delivery box control device 6. This makes it possible for the delivery person to deposit their delivery into the storage compartment 331 of the delivery box 33.

[0101] When a delivery is placed in the empty delivery box 33 and a locking operation is performed on the delivery box 33, the delivery box control unit 614 receives a signal from the delivery box 33 indicating that the locking operation has been accepted. When the delivery box 33 accepts the locking operation (YES in S57) and the delivery box control unit 614 receives a signal indicating that the delivery box 33 accepts the locking operation, the delivery box control unit 614 locks the delivery box 33 (S58). Specifically, the delivery box control unit 614 sends a signal to the delivery box 33 instructing it to lock. The delivery box 33 locks its door based on the signal from the delivery box control device 6. After that, the delivery box control unit 614 updates the availability information of the delivery box 33 (S59). Specifically, the delivery box control unit 614 updates the availability information of the delivery box 33 stored in the memory unit 62 to indicate that a delivery is placed inside.

[0102] On the other hand, if the designated delivery box 33 is not empty (NO in S55), the delivery box control unit 614 does not unlock the designated delivery box 33. In this case, the delivery box control unit 614 transmits information to the display unit 32 instructing it to display a screen indicating that a delivery item has already been placed in the designated delivery box 33. When the display unit 32 receives this information from the delivery box control device 6, it sends an error notification to the delivery company (S60). Specifically, the display unit 32 displays a screen (error screen) indicating that a delivery item has already been placed in the box.

[0103] Furthermore, in the process of S53, if the authentication unit 613 fails to authenticate (NO in S53), that is, if the first unlocking information that matches the first unlocking information received by the reception unit 612 is not registered in the box information DB 621, the authentication unit 613 determines that authentication has failed. In this case, the authentication unit 613 outputs information indicating that authentication has failed to the delivery box control unit 614. When the delivery box control unit 614 receives the information indicating that authentication has failed from the authentication unit 613, it transmits the information indicating that authentication has failed to the display unit 32. When the display unit 32 receives this signal, it notifies the delivery company of an error (S60). Specifically, the display unit 32 displays a screen indicating that authentication has failed (error screen).

[0104] (Processing when a delivery is received) Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow when a delivery is received by the recipient. The following explanation will use Figure 12 to describe the processing flow when a delivery is received by the recipient.

[0105] The recipient performs a receiving operation on the input unit 31 of the delivery box system 3. For example, the recipient may press a button to start receiving the delivery and then input second unlocking information to unlock the delivery box 33. Alternatively, the recipient may input second unlocking information to the input unit 31, which is in a standby state where no operation has been performed.

[0106] When the input unit 31 receives a receipt operation (YES in S61), it waits for the recipient to input the second unlocking information. When the input unit 31 receives an operation to input the second unlocking information (YES in S62), it transmits the input second unlocking information to the delivery box control device 6.

[0107] When the reception unit 612 receives the second unlocking information entered by the recipient from the input unit 31, it outputs the received second unlocking information to the authentication unit 613. When the authentication unit 613 obtains the second unlocking information from the reception unit 612, it performs authentication based on the second unlocking information. Based on the obtained second unlocking information, the authentication unit 613 refers to the box information DB 621 and extracts the second unlocking information registered in the box information DB 621 that matches the second unlocking information obtained from the reception unit 612. If the second unlocking information can be extracted, the authentication unit 613 determines that authentication has been successful.

[0108] If authentication is successful (YES in S63), the authentication unit 613 identifies the target delivery box 33 that was successfully authenticated (S64). Once the target delivery box 33 is identified, the authentication unit 613 outputs to the delivery box control unit 614 information indicating that authentication based on the second unlocking information was successful, along with the identification information of the target delivery box 33.

[0109] When the delivery box control unit 614 obtains information from the authentication unit 613 indicating that authentication based on the second unlocking information was successful, and identification information of the delivery box of interest 33, it determines whether or not a delivery item is contained in the delivery box of interest 33 (S65). If a delivery item is contained in the delivery box of interest 33 (YES in S65), the delivery box control unit 614 unlocks the delivery box of interest 33 (S66). Specifically, the delivery box control unit 614 sends a signal to the delivery box of interest 33 instructing it to unlock. The delivery box of interest 33 unlocks its door based on the signal from the delivery box control device 6. This makes it possible for the recipient to receive the delivery item from the storage compartment 331 of the delivery box 33.

[0110] When a delivery is received from the designated delivery box 33 and a locking operation is performed on the delivery box 33, the delivery box control unit 614 receives a signal from the designated delivery box 33 indicating that the locking operation has been accepted. When the designated delivery box 33 accepts the locking operation (YES in S67) and the delivery box control unit 614 receives a signal indicating that the locking operation has been accepted, the delivery box control unit 614 locks the designated delivery box 33 (S68). The delivery box control unit 614 sends a signal to the designated delivery box 33 instructing it to lock. The designated delivery box 33 locks its door based on the signal from the delivery box control device 6. Subsequently, the delivery box control unit 614 updates the availability information of the designated delivery box 33 (S69). Specifically, the delivery box control unit 614 updates the availability information of the designated delivery box 33 stored in the memory unit 62 to indicate that the designated delivery box 33 is empty.

[0111] On the other hand, if there is no package in the designated delivery box 33 (NO in S65), the delivery box control unit 614 will not unlock the designated delivery box 33. In this case, the delivery box control unit 614 transmits information to the display unit 32 instructing it to display a screen indicating that there is no package in the designated delivery box 33. When the display unit 32 receives this information from the delivery box control device 6, it issues an error notification to the recipient (S70). Specifically, the display unit 32 displays a screen (error screen) indicating that there is no package inside.

[0112] Furthermore, in the process of S63, if the authentication unit 613 fails to authenticate (NO in S63), that is, if the second unlocking information that matches the second unlocking information received by the reception unit 612 is not registered in the box information DB 621, the authentication unit 613 determines that authentication has failed. In this case, the authentication unit 613 outputs information indicating that authentication has failed to the delivery box control unit 614. When the delivery box control unit 614 receives the information indicating that authentication has failed from the authentication unit 613, it transmits the information indicating that authentication has failed to the display unit 32. When the display unit 32 receives this signal, it notifies the recipient of an error (S70). Specifically, the display unit 32 displays a screen indicating that authentication has failed (error screen).

[0113] [Variation] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the setting unit 412 sets the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information, and the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information are associated with the identification information of the delivery box control unit 614 contracted by the user, but the system is not limited to this. For example, the setting unit 412 does not have to set the first unlocking information. In this case, when the user inputs the contract information into the terminal device 5, or at a desired timing after the contract is concluded, the terminal device 5 may accept input of information to be set as the first unlocking information. The terminal device 5 may transmit the input information to the management device 4. When the first registration unit 413 receives the information, it may associate the first unlocking information received from the terminal device 5 with the identification information of the delivery box 33 that the user has contracted to use and register it.

[0114] (Modification 2) Furthermore, the setting unit 412 does not have to set the second unlocking information. In this case, when a user, who is a delivery company, deposits a delivery item into the delivery box 33, the information to be set as the second unlocking information may be input to the input unit 31. In this case, the receiving unit 612 of the delivery box control device 6 receives the information input to the input unit 31 and may register the received information as the second unlocking information for the delivery box 33 into which the user deposited the delivery item, associating it with the identification information of the delivery box 33. The receiving unit 612 may also transmit the registered second unlocking information and the identification information of the delivery box 33 into which the second unlocking information is set to the management device 4. When the first registration unit 413 receives this information, it may register the received second unlocking information as association with the identification information of the delivery box 33 in the contract information DB 421.

[0115] (Variation 3) The first unlocking information and the second unlocking information may be changed at any desired time. For example, by changing the second unlocking information at any desired time, the possibility that a recipient who has previously received a delivery from the delivery box 33 may receive a delivery addressed to a different recipient can be reduced. Also, if the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information are the same, there is a possibility that a person other than the delivery company, such as a recipient, may use the second unlocking information to unlock an empty delivery box 33. However, even if a recipient becomes aware of the second unlocking information, changing the first and second unlocking information at any desired time, for example, each time a recipient receives a delivery, can reduce the possibility of the recipient using an empty delivery box 33.

[0116] (Modification 4) In the embodiment described above, the user inputs either the first unlocking information or the second unlocking information by performing an input operation on the input unit 31, but the system is not limited to this. For example, the delivery box system 3 may be equipped with a reading device such as a barcode reader or a QR code reader. Alternatively, the user's terminal device 5 may be notified of image data such as a QR code to which the first unlocking information is attached as the first unlocking information. The user, such as a delivery company, may be able to unlock an empty delivery box 33 by having the reading device read the QR code.

[0117] (Variation 5) In the embodiments described above, the delivery box system 3 was described as being installed inside the elevator car 11, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the delivery box system 3 may be installed in any desired location, such as the building lobby.

[0118] (Experimental variation 6) In the embodiment described above, an example was given in which the QR code is accompanied by identification information of the building where the delivery box 33 is installed or the elevator 1, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, multiple QR codes corresponding to each of the multiple delivery boxes 33 included in the delivery box system 3 may be attached to the door of each delivery box 33. Furthermore, each of the multiple QR codes may include not only the identification information of the elevator 1 but also the identification information of the delivery box 33 to which the QR code is attached. When the terminal device 5 reads the QR code, it may transmit the identification information of the elevator 1 along with the identification information of the delivery box 33 attached to the QR code to the management device 4. The contract unit 411 of the management device 4 may process the data by considering that the delivery box 33 indicated by the received identification information has been selected.

[0119] (Example 7) In the embodiment described above, the contract unit 411 may determine whether the usage contract for the delivery box 33 entered into by the user will be continued after the contract period for the delivery box 33 has ended. If the usage contract will not be continued, the contract unit 411 outputs information to the first registration unit 413 indicating that the usage contract for the delivery box 33 has ended. Upon receiving this information, the first registration unit 413 deletes the first unlocking information, the second unlocking information, and the contract information associated with the identification information of the delivery box 33. The first registration unit 413 also instructs the delivery box control device 6 to delete the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information for the delivery box 33. As a result, the user will not be able to unlock the delivery box 33 after the usage contract for the delivery box 33 has ended, thus improving security.

[0120] [Examples of implementation using software] The functions of the information processing system 100 (hereinafter referred to as "the system") are programs that cause the computer to function as the system, and these programs can be realized by programs that cause the computer to function as each control block of the system (particularly the control units 41 and 61 and each part included in the terminal device 5).

[0121] In this case, the system includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the program. By executing the program using this control device and storage device, the functions described in each of the embodiments are realized.

[0122] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporary ones. These recording media may or may not be provided by the system. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the system via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0123] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits functioning as each of the above control blocks are formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the above control blocks by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0124] Furthermore, each process described in the above embodiments may be performed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may operate on the control device described above, or it may operate on other devices (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0125] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0126] 〔summary〕 An information processing system according to aspect 1 of the present invention comprises: a delivery box having a storage section capable of accommodating a delivery item; a registration unit that registers user information in a storage unit, which is associated with identification information of the delivery box, first unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box, and contact information indicating the contact information of a terminal device owned by a user of the delivery box; a notification control unit that, when the user information is registered, notifies the terminal device indicated by the contact information of the first unlocking information associated with the contact information; a reception unit that can receive input of the first unlocking information notified to the terminal device; and a delivery box control unit that unlocks the delivery box if the delivery box identified by the identification information corresponding to the first unlocking information received by the reception unit is empty, wherein the delivery box control unit locks the delivery box when a delivery item is placed inside the delivery box.

[0127] The information processing system according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in aspect 1 above, further associates the registration unit with the contact information to register second unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box, the reception unit is capable of receiving input of the second unlocking information, and the delivery box control unit may unlock the delivery box if the delivery box identified by the identification information corresponding to the second unlocking information received by the reception unit is not empty.

[0128] An information processing system according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in aspect 2 above, includes a setting unit for setting the second unlocking information, and the notification control unit may notify the terminal device indicated by the contact information associated with the second unlocking information of the second unlocking information set by the setting unit.

[0129] In the information processing system according to aspect 4 of the present invention, the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information may be different information in aspect 2 or 3 described above.

[0130] In the information processing system according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in aspect 2 or 3 above, the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information may be the same information.

[0131] An information processing system according to aspect 6 of the present invention includes, in any of aspects 1 to 5 above, a contract unit that performs processing related to the user's contract for the use of the delivery box, the registration unit registers the user information when the processing is performed, and the notification control unit, when the registration unit has performed the registration, may notify the terminal device indicated by the contact information of the first unlocking information associated with the contact information.

[0132] In the information processing system according to embodiment 7 of the present invention, the delivery box may be installed inside the elevator car in any of embodiments 1 to 6 described above.

[0133] A control method for an information processing system according to aspect 8 of the present invention includes: a registration step of registering user information in a storage unit, which is associated with identification information of a delivery box having a storage section capable of accommodating a delivery item, first unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box, and contact information indicating the contact information of a terminal device owned by a user of the delivery box; a notification control step of notifying the terminal device indicated by the contact information of the first unlocking information associated with the contact information when the user information has been registered; a reception step of receiving input of the first unlocking information notified to the terminal device; and a delivery box control step of unlocking the delivery box if the delivery box identified by the identification information corresponding to the first unlocking information received in the reception step is empty, wherein in the delivery box control step, the delivery box is locked when a delivery item is placed in the delivery box. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0134] 100 Information Processing Systems 1 Elevator 11 baskets 33 Delivery Boxes 331 Storage Unit 411 Contracts Department 412 Settings Section 413 1st Registration Department (Registration Department) 414 Notification Control Unit 42 Storage section 5 Terminal devices 612 Reception Department 614 Delivery Box Control Unit S35 Registration Steps S37 Notification control step S52 Reception Steps S56 Delivery Box Control Step

Claims

1. A delivery box having a storage compartment capable of accommodating delivered items, A registration unit registers user information in a storage unit, which is associated with the identification information of the delivery box, first unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box, and contact information indicating the contact information of a terminal device held by a user who uses the delivery box. When the user information is registered, a notification control unit notifies the terminal device indicated by the contact information of the first unlocking information associated with the contact information, A receiving unit capable of receiving input of the first unlocking information notified to the terminal device, If the delivery box identified by the identification information corresponding to the first unlocking information received by the reception unit is empty, the delivery box control unit unlocks the delivery box. Equipped with, The delivery box control unit locks the delivery box when a delivery item is placed inside it. Information processing system.

2. The registration unit further registers the second unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box, associating it with the contact information. The reception unit is capable of receiving input of the second unlocking information, The delivery box control unit unlocks the delivery box if the delivery box identified by the identification information corresponding to the second unlocking information received by the reception unit is not empty. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The system includes a setting unit for setting the second unlocking information, The notification control unit notifies the terminal device, indicated by the contact information associated with the second unlocking information, of the second unlocking information set by the setting unit. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The first unlocking information and the second unlocking information are different pieces of information. The information processing system according to claim 2.

5. The first unlocking information and the second unlocking information are the same information. The information processing system according to claim 2.

6. The system includes a contract section that processes the user's agreement to use the delivery box, When the process is executed, the registration unit registers the user information. When registration is performed by the registration unit, the notification control unit notifies the terminal device indicated by the contact information of the first unlocking information associated with the contact information. The information processing system according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned delivery box is installed inside the elevator car. The information processing system according to claim 1.

8. A registration step involves registering user information in a storage unit, which is associated with identification information of a delivery box having a storage compartment capable of accommodating delivered items, first unlocking information for unlocking the delivery box, and contact information indicating the contact information of a terminal device held by a user who uses the delivery box. If the user information is registered, a notification control step is performed to notify the terminal device indicated by the contact information of the first unlocking information associated with the contact information, A reception step that receives input of the first unlocking information notified to the terminal device, If the delivery box identified by the identification information corresponding to the first unlocking information received in the reception step is empty, a delivery box control step is performed to unlock the delivery box. Includes, In the delivery box control step, when a delivery item is placed in the delivery box, the delivery box is locked. A method for controlling an information processing system.

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