Baggage claim device, baggage claim method, and program

Abstract

To make it possible to, if reception of a new cargo is attempted, ship the cargo to an apparatus in which an amount of received cargoes has reached an allowable value..SOLUTION: A cargo reception apparatus 10 receives a cargo 30 as a delivery object, and conveys the cargo 30 to a storage region 120. The cargo reception apparatus 10 has a mounting region 110, a conveyance unit 130, and a control unit 140. In the mounting region 110, the cargo 30 is mounted by a sender. The conveyance unit 130 conveys the cargo 30 mounted in the mounting region 110 to the storage region 120. The control unit 140 uses a storage unit 150 for storing a vacancy state of the storage region 120 to determine whether or not a new cargo 30 can be received. If it is determined that the new cargo 30 cannot be received, the control unit 140 output guidance information indicating a location of another cargo receiving apparatus 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a baggage receiving device and a baggage receiving method.

Background Art

[0002] A shipper who wishes to send a package needs to hand over the package to a delivery carrier. Patent Document 1 describes a shipping support device that supports the shipper's shipping procedures. Specifically, in this shipping support device, the user places the package on a mounting table. This package is photographed by an upward imaging unit and a side imaging unit. A processor that performs control related to shipping support measures the size of the package placed on the mounting unit based on the captured images of the upward imaging unit and the side imaging unit, and determines whether it is acceptable for receipt. Further, when the number of received packages reaches a threshold value, the processor issues an alert for consolidation request.

[0003] Note that Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for supporting delivery. Specifically, in a box reservation table, reservation status is registered for each storage box that is a candidate for a delivery destination for storing a delivery item. The delivery management server reserves the date and time and location of the storage box based on at least one of the difference from the date and time desired by the requester or the difference from the delivery destination address which is the desired location in the box reservation table. Further, the delivery management server transmits the permission of the reserved box to a terminal of a delivery person who delivers the delivery item to the reserved box and to a terminal of a requester who picks up the delivery item from the reserved box and carries it to the delivery destination address, respectively.

[0004] Also, when the system described in Patent Document 3 determines that a manned distribution center does not have sufficient capacity and / or possibility to accept the delivery of a package, the package is transferred to another location or held for delivery at a later time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document Ⅰ

[0006] The inventors considered installing devices at multiple locations for senders to deposit packages to be delivered. Packages deposited at these devices are collected by a delivery company. However, before collection, some devices may reach their capacity limit due to the volume of accepted packages. In this case, senders who attempt to deposit packages at these devices may be unable to ship their packages.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to enable the dispatch of new packages when an attempt is made to accept new packages into a device whose accepted package volume has reached an acceptable level. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a package receiving device that receives a package to be delivered and transports the package to a storage area, The loading area where the package is placed by the sender, A transport means for transporting the cargo placed in the loading area to the storage area, A determination means that uses a storage means to store the availability status of the storage area to determine whether or not to accept new packages, When the determination means determines that it is not possible to receive a new package, the output means outputs guidance information indicating the location of another package receiving device, A baggage receiving device equipped with the following is provided.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for receiving parcels of parcels to be delivered, using a parcel receiving device that receives parcels to be delivered and transports them to a storage area, The aforementioned parcel receiving device is The loading area where the package is placed by the sender, A transport means for transporting the cargo placed in the loading area to the storage area, It has, The aforementioned parcel receiving device is A storage means for storing the availability status of the storage area is used to perform a decision process to determine whether or not it is possible to receive a new package, When the determination means determines that it is not possible to receive a new package, an output process outputs guidance information indicating the location of another package receiving device. A method for receiving packages is provided.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a program used in a parcel receiving device that receives parcels to be delivered and transports said parcels to a storage area, The aforementioned parcel receiving device is The loading area where the package is placed by the sender, A transport means for transporting the cargo placed in the loading area to the storage area, It has, The program is configured for the package receiving device. A storage means for storing the availability status of the storage area is used to determine whether or not it is possible to receive a new package, and When the aforementioned determination means determines that it is not possible to receive a new package, it has an output function that outputs guidance information indicating the location of another package receiving device, A program is provided to give it this feature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, even if an attempt is made to accept a new package into a package receiving device where the amount of accepted packages has reached an acceptable level, the sender can still ship the package. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a baggage receiving device according to an embodiment together with a baggage management device. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit of the baggage receiving device. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of the process when the baggage receiving device accepts a new piece of baggage. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing a modified example of the process shown in FIG. 4.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a baggage receiving device 10 according to an embodiment together with a baggage management device 20. The baggage receiving device 10 receives baggage 30 to be delivered from the sender and stores it until the delivery carrier collects it. The baggage receiving device 10 is installed, for example, in at least one of a store that sells goods, near the entrance of this store, and the parking lot of this store. The baggage receiving device 10 is installed in a plurality of locations. For example, the baggage receiving device 10 is installed in each of a plurality of convenience stores. And the sender deposits the baggage in the nearest baggage receiving device 10 from his / her home, for example.

[0015] The baggage management device 20 is managed by the delivery carrier, manages the delivery status of the baggage 30 to be delivered, and manages a plurality of baggage receiving devices 10. For example, the baggage management device 20 stores the baggage identification information of the baggage 30 in association with the delivery status of the baggage 30, such as the current location and the delivery history up to this location. Further, the baggage management device 20 stores the status of the baggage receiving device 10, such as the vacancy status of the storage area 120 for storing the baggage 30, in association with the device identification information of the baggage receiving device 10.

[0016] The package receiving device 10 includes a loading area 110, a storage area 120, a transport unit 130, a control unit 140, and a storage unit 150.

[0017] The loading area 110 is the area where the package is placed by the sender. Sensors for detecting the package 30 are provided around the loading area 110. An example of such a sensor is an imaging sensor, but other types of sensors may also be used.

[0018] The storage area 120 is an area for storing packages 30. The storage area 120 may store only the packages 30 received from the sender, or it may store these packages 30 plus packages 30 that should be delivered to the recipient. The latter packages 30 are deposited with the package receiving device 10 by the delivery company. However, the storage area 120 may be located outside the package receiving device 10.

[0019] In the example shown in this figure, the storage area 120 has multiple sub-areas 122. Depending on the attributes of the package 30, the environment in which it is stored, such as temperature, may be specified. The multiple sub-areas 122 maintain an environment corresponding to the attributes of the package 30. The attributes of the package 30 are at least one of the following: information indicating that it is this way, perishable (requires refrigeration), requires freezing, is precision machinery, or is fragile, and information indicating that it is forbidden to place other packages on top of it. Furthermore, the first sub-area 122 is at room temperature and is an area where stacking packages 30 is prohibited, the temperature of the second sub-area 122 is maintained at a temperature suitable for storing refrigerated packages 30, and the third sub-area 122 is maintained at a temperature suitable for storing frozen packages 30.

[0020] The transport unit 130 transports the package 30 placed in the loading area 110 to the storage area 120. This process is performed, for example, when the sender deposits the package 30 with the package receiving device 10, but it may also be performed when a delivery company deposits the package 30 with the package receiving device 10.

[0021] The transport unit 130 also transports the packages 30 stored in the storage area 120 to the loading area 110 as needed. This process is performed, for example, when the recipient comes to pick up the packages 30, but it may also be performed when a delivery company collects the packages 30 that have been deposited with the package receiving device 10.

[0022] The control unit 140 controls other parts of the package receiving device 10, such as the transport unit 130. The control unit 140 also manages the packages 30 stored in the storage area 120. Specifically, the control unit 140 stores in the storage unit 150 the package identification information of the package 30 and the information indicating the location of the package 30 within the storage area 120, associating them with each other. The functional configuration of the control unit 140 will be explained using other diagrams.

[0023] The memory unit 150 stores the package identification information of the packages 30 stored in the storage area 120, linked to the location information of the packages 30 within the storage area 120, and information indicating whether the packages 30 were entrusted to it by the sender or by a delivery company.

[0024] Furthermore, the memory unit 150 also stores information indicating the availability of the storage area 120, such as the number of packages 30 that have already been received or the number of packages 30 that can be received in the future, or at least one of these. Hereinafter, this information will be referred to as availability information. The availability information may also indicate the availability of each sub-area 122. For example, if each sub-area 122 is partitioned into multiple areas that can receive one package 30, the memory unit 150 stores a flag as availability information for each of these multiple partitions indicating whether or not that partition is available.

[0025] When luggage 30 is loaded or unloaded, the control unit 140 updates the available space information stored in the memory unit 150. The control unit 140 also transmits the updated available space information, along with the device identification information of the luggage receiving device 10, to the luggage management device 20. This allows the luggage management device 20 to store the available space information for each of the multiple luggage receiving devices 10.

[0026] The memory unit 150 may further store delivery information linked to package identification information. The delivery information includes, for example, the sender's name, address, and telephone number, the recipient's name, address, and telephone number, and the attributes of the package 30.

[0027] The control unit 140 may also acquire delivery information from the package management device 20 at the necessary timing. In this case, the control unit 140 transmits package identification information to the package management device 20. The package management device 20 then transmits delivery information corresponding to this package identification information to the package receiving device 10.

[0028] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 140 of the parcel receiving device 10. In the example shown in this figure, the control unit 140 includes a detection unit 142, a determination unit 144, an output unit 146, and a communication unit 148.

[0029] The communication unit 148 communicates with the baggage management device 20.

[0030] The detection unit 142 detects that a package 30 has been placed on the placement area 110 using the detection results of a sensor installed on the placement area 110. For example, if the sensor is an imaging sensor, the detection unit 142 detects that a package 30 has been placed by processing the image generated by this imaging sensor. At this time, the detection unit 142 may also calculate the size of the package 30 in order to determine the shipping fee.

[0031] The determination unit 144 acquires delivery information. The delivery information is entered into the package receiving device 10 by the customer, for example. This input may be done using a keyboard (including a keyboard displayed on a touch panel) or using an OCR (Optical Character Reader) function.

[0032] Alternatively, the customer may register the delivery information with the package management device 20 before bringing the package to the package receiving device 10. In this case, the package management device 20 transmits identification information, such as a code, to the customer's terminal. Instead of directly inputting the delivery information into the package receiving device 10, the customer inputs this identification information into the package receiving device 10. The determination unit 144 then transmits this identification information to the package management device 20 via the communication unit 148. The package management device 20 transmits the delivery information corresponding to this identification information to the package receiving device 10. The determination unit 144 then retrieves this delivery information via the communication unit 148.

[0033] Furthermore, the determination unit 144 uses the information stored in the memory unit 150 to determine whether the package 30 detected by the detection unit 142 can be accepted. Specifically, the determination unit 144 determines that the package 30 can be accepted if there is space in the storage area 120, and that the package 30 cannot be accepted if there is no space in the storage area 120. In this case, the determination unit 144 may also use the attributes included in the delivery information, i.e., the attributes of the package. Specifically, the determination unit 144 determines that the package 30 can be accepted if there is space in the sub-area 122 corresponding to that attribute, and that the package 30 cannot be accepted if there is no space in the sub-area 122.

[0034] When the decision unit 144 determines whether or not to accept the package 30, it may also use one of the following pieces of information. For example, the communication unit 148 obtains this information from the package management device 20. • Information indicating the scheduled date and time for the delivery company to collect the 30 packages stored in storage area 120. Hereafter, this information will be referred to as the collection schedule information. • Information indicating the scheduled date and time when the recipient will pick up a package 30, given that at least one package 30 to be handed over to the recipient is stored in storage area 120. Hereafter, this information will be referred to as the pickup schedule information. • When a package 30 to be delivered to the recipient is stored in storage area 120, information indicating the date and time the delivery company will deliver the package 30 to storage area 120 and the number of packages 30 to be delivered. Hereinafter, this information will be referred to as delivery schedule information.

[0035] The determination unit 144 can use the collection schedule information and the pickup schedule information to estimate the decrease in the number of packages 30 stored in the storage area 120 after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, the decrease after 1 hour. The determination unit 144 uses the number of packages 30 currently accepted by the storage area 120, the collection schedule information, and the pickup schedule information to estimate the amount of packages 30 that the storage area 120 can accept after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0036] Furthermore, the determination unit 144 can use the delivery schedule information to estimate the increase in the number of packages 30 stored in the storage area 120 after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, the increase after one hour. When the determination unit 144 estimates the amount of packages 30 that the storage area 120 can accept after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is preferable to use the delivery schedule information in addition.

[0037] The judgment unit 144 then uses the estimated acceptance capacity to determine whether or not to accept the new package 30. For example, if the storage area 120 currently has 0 available slots, but the acceptance capacity after a predetermined time has elapsed is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, for example, 1 or more, the unit accepts the new package 30, on the premise that it will be temporarily stored in the transport unit 130. However, this is limited to cases where the attributes of the new package 30 allow for storage in the transport unit 130, for example, if it is not a refrigerated or frozen item.

[0038] The output unit 146 selects another package receiving device 10 when the determination unit 144 determines that it cannot receive the new package 30. Hereinafter, this package receiving device 10 will be referred to as the second package receiving device 10, and the package receiving device 10 that is about to accept the package 30 will be referred to as the first package receiving device 10. For example, the output unit 146 selects the package receiving device 10 that is closest to the first package receiving device 10 from among several package receiving devices 10 that have been listed as candidates for the second package receiving device 10 as the second package receiving device 10. The output unit 146 may select multiple package receiving devices 10 as the second package receiving device 10.

[0039] Here, the output unit 146 may use the information stored in the luggage management device 20 to select a candidate luggage receiving device 10 for the second luggage receiving device 10. For example, the luggage management device 20 transmits information to the first luggage receiving device 10 indicating a luggage receiving device 10 that has space in the storage area 120. Hereinafter, this information will be referred to as candidate information. The luggage management device 20 may also obtain the attributes of the luggage 30 placed in the loading area 110 from the first luggage receiving device 10 and use information indicating a luggage receiving device 10 that has space in the sub-area 122 corresponding to these attributes as candidate information. Furthermore, when generating candidate information, the luggage management device 20 may select a luggage receiving device 10 from among luggage receiving devices 10 located within a predetermined distance from the said luggage receiving device 10.

[0040] The output unit 146 of the first package receiving device 10 then selects the package receiving device 10 indicated by the candidate information as a candidate for the second package receiving device 10.

[0041] The output unit 146 then outputs guidance information indicating the location of the second package receiving device 10. The output unit 146 may output the guidance information to, for example, a display on the package receiving device 10, or to a mobile terminal held by the sender using short-range wireless communication, or it may be printed on paper. By confirming the output information, the sender can move to the second package receiving device 10 and have the package 30 accepted by the second package receiving device 10.

[0042] When outputting guidance information, the output unit 146 may also output information indicating that a service will be provided when the new package 30 is deposited with the second package receiving device 10 indicated in the guidance information. Hereinafter, this information will be referred to as service provision information. An example of service provision information is a discount coupon. The service provision information may be provided to the sender, for example, by printing it on paper, or by sending it to the sender's mobile device. This will give the sender an incentive to deposit the new package 30 with the second package receiving device 10.

[0043] As described above, the communication unit 148 communicates with the package management device 20. The communication unit 148 also determines whether the availability of the storage area 120 meets the criteria each time the package receiving device 10 accepts a package 30. When this criterion is met, the communication unit 148 sends collection recommendation information to the package management device 20 to prompt the collection of the packages 30 stored in the storage area 120. The criterion used here is, for example, that the number of available slots is below a predetermined number, for example, two or fewer. Upon receiving the collection recommendation information, the package management device 20 instructs an operator to temporarily collect the packages from the package receiving device 10.

[0044] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 140. The control unit 140 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0045] Bus 1010 is a data transmission path for the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060 to send and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the other components to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0046] The 1020 processor is a processor implemented in components such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0047] Memory 1030 is a main memory device implemented using RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0048] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device implemented as a removable media such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or memory card, or as ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage device 1040 stores program modules that implement each function of the control unit 140 (for example, the detection unit 142, the judgment unit 144, the output unit 146, and the communication unit 148). The processor 1020 reads these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 may also function as a memory unit 150.

[0049] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the control unit 140 with various input / output devices.

[0050] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the control unit 140 to a network. This network may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method by which the network interface 1060 connects to the network may be wireless or wired. The control unit 140 may communicate with the luggage management device 20 via the network interface 1060.

[0051] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process when the package receiving device 10 receives a new package 30. The sender places the package 30 in the placement area 110 of the package receiving device 10. The detection unit 142 detects that the package 30 has been placed in the placement area 110 (step S10). The determination unit 144 then determines whether or not it can receive the package 30 (step S20). The details of the process performed by the determination unit 144 are as explained using Figure 2.

[0052] If the package receiving device 10 is able to receive the package 30 (step S20: Yes), it performs the necessary processing to receive the package 30. This processing includes obtaining sender and recipient information, processing the attributes of the package 30, attaching a shipping label, processing the shipping fee, and transmitting the shipping information to the package management device 20.

[0053] Subsequently, the transport unit 130 transports the cargo 30 placed in the loading area 110 to the storage area 120. At this time, the transport unit 130 transports the cargo 30 to a sub-area 122 corresponding to the attributes of the cargo 30 (step S40).

[0054] On the other hand, if the package receiving device 10 is unable to receive the package 30 (step S20: No), the output unit 146 selects a second package receiving device 10 to introduce to the sender (step S50) and outputs guidance information indicating the location of the selected second package receiving device 10 (step S60). The details of the processing performed by the output unit 146 here are explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0055] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the process shown in Figure 4. The example shown in this figure is the same as the process shown in Figure 4, except for the following points.

[0056] After selecting the second package receiving device 10 (step S50), the output unit 146 outputs service provision information along with guidance information (step S62). The details of the processing performed by the output unit 146 here are explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0057] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the amount of received packages 30 reaches an acceptable value, and an attempt is made to receive a new package 30, the package receiving device 10 outputs guidance information to the sender indicating the location of the second package receiving device 10. Therefore, the sender can move to the second package receiving device 10 and ship the package 30.

[0058] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0059] Furthermore, while the flowcharts used in the above description show multiple steps (processes) in sequence, the execution order of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order in which they are described. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that it does not impede the content. Also, the above embodiments can be combined to the extent that their contents do not conflict.

[0060] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: 1. A package receiving device that receives packages to be delivered and transports them to a storage area, The loading area where the package is placed by the sender, A transport means for transporting the cargo placed in the loading area to the storage area, A determination means that uses a storage means to store the availability status of the storage area to determine whether or not to accept new packages, When the determination means determines that it is not possible to receive a new package, the output means outputs guidance information indicating the location of another package receiving device, A baggage receiving device equipped with the following features. 2. In the parcel receiving device described in item 1 above, The output means selects a package receiving device that has available space in the storage area as the other package receiving device. 3. In the parcel receiving device described in item 1 or 2 above, The storage area has sub-areas corresponding to the attributes of the cargo, The storage means stores the availability status for each sub-region. The determination means is a package receiving device that determines whether or not to accept the new package using the availability status of the sub-area corresponding to the attributes of the new package. 4. In the parcel receiving device described in item 3 above, The output means selects, as the other package receiving device, the package receiving device having the sub-region corresponding to the attributes of the new package. 5. In the parcel receiving device described in any one of items 1 to 4 above, A parcel receiving device equipped with communication means that, when the availability of the aforementioned storage area meets the criteria, transmits collection recommendation information to a device managed by a delivery company that collects parcels, prompting the collection of parcels stored in the aforementioned storage area. 6. In the parcel receiving device described in any one of items 1 to 5 above, The output means further includes a package receiving device that determines whether or not to accept new packages using collection schedule information indicating the date and time when packages stored in the storage area will be collected. 7. In the parcel receiving device described in any one of items 1 to 6 above, The aforementioned storage area also stores packages that will be picked up by the destination. The output means further includes a package receiving device that determines whether or not to accept a new package using pickup schedule information indicating that the recipient is scheduled to pick up the package. 8. In the parcel receiving device described in item 7 above, The output means further includes a package receiving device that determines whether or not to accept a new package using delivery schedule information indicating the date and time and the number of packages that the recipient is to pick up and which will be delivered to the package receiving device. 9. In the parcel receiving device described in any one of items 1 to 8 above, The output means outputs service provision information along with the guidance information. The service provision information indicates that the service will be provided when the new package is deposited with the other package receiving device indicated in the guidance information. 10. A method for receiving packages using a package receiving device that receives packages to be delivered and transports them to a storage area, The aforementioned parcel receiving device is The loading area where the package is placed by the sender, A transport means for transporting the cargo placed in the loading area to the storage area, It has, The aforementioned parcel receiving device is Using a storage means that stores the availability status of the storage area, it is determined whether or not a new package can be received. A package receiving method that, when it is determined that it is not possible to receive a new package, outputs guidance information indicating the location of another package receiving device. 11. In the method of receiving packages described in item 10 above, A method for receiving parcels, wherein the parcel receiving device selects a parcel receiving device that has available space in the storage area as another parcel receiving device. 12. In the method of receiving packages described in item 10 or 11 above, The storage area has sub-areas corresponding to the attributes of the cargo, The storage means stores the availability status for each sub-region. The package receiving device determines whether or not to accept the new package using the availability status of the sub-area corresponding to the attributes of the new package. 13. In the method of receiving packages described in item 12 above, A method for receiving luggage, wherein the luggage receiving device is selected as the other luggage receiving device, the luggage receiving device having the sub-region corresponding to the attributes of the new luggage. 14. In any of the methods for receiving packages described in any one of the above items 10 to 13, A package receiving method comprising: a package receiving device transmitting collection recommendation information to a device managed by a delivery company that collects packages, prompting the collection of packages stored in the storage area when the availability of the storage area meets the criteria. 15. In any of the methods for receiving packages described in any one of items 10 to 14 above, The aforementioned package receiving device further includes a package receiving method that determines whether or not to accept new packages using collection schedule information indicating the date and time on which packages stored in the storage area will be collected. 16. In any of the methods for receiving packages described in any one of items 10 to 15 above, The aforementioned storage area also stores packages that will be picked up by the destination. The aforementioned package receiving device further includes a package receiving method that determines whether or not to accept a new package using pickup schedule information indicating that the recipient is scheduled to pick up the package. 17. In the method of receiving packages described in item 16 above, The aforementioned package receiving device further includes a package receiving method that determines whether or not to accept a new package using delivery schedule information indicating the date and time and the number of packages that the recipient is to pick up will be delivered to the package receiving device. 18. In any of the methods for receiving packages described in any one of items 10 to 17 above, The aforementioned parcel receiving device outputs service provision information along with the guidance information, A method of receiving luggage in which the service provision information indicates that the service will be provided when the new luggage is deposited with the other luggage receiving device indicated in the guidance information. 19. A program used in a package receiving device that receives packages to be delivered and transports them to a storage area, The aforementioned parcel receiving device is The loading area where the package is placed by the sender, A transport means for transporting the cargo placed in the loading area to the storage area, It has, The program is configured for the package receiving device. A storage means for storing the availability status of the storage area is used to determine whether or not it is possible to receive a new package, and When the aforementioned determination function determines that it is not possible to receive a new package, it outputs guidance information indicating the location of another package receiving device, A program to give it a hand. 20. In the program described in item 19 above, The output function is a program that selects a package receiving device for which there is available space in the storage area, as the other package receiving device. 21. In the program described in item 19 or 20 above, The storage area has sub-areas corresponding to the attributes of the cargo, The storage means stores the availability status for each sub-region. The aforementioned determination function is a program that determines whether or not to accept the new package using the availability status of the sub-area corresponding to the attributes of the new package. 22. In the program described in item 21 above, The output function is a program that selects, as the other package receiving device, a package receiving device having the sub-region corresponding to the attributes of the new package. 23. In any of the programs described in items 19 to 22 above, A program that provides the parcel receiving device with a communication function that, when the availability of the storage area meets the criteria, transmits collection recommendation information to a device managed by a delivery company that collects parcels, prompting the collection of parcels stored in the storage area. 24. In any of the programs described in items 19 to 23 above, The output function further includes a program that determines whether or not to accept new packages using collection schedule information indicating the date and time when packages stored in the storage area will be collected. 25. In any of the programs described in items 19 to 24 above, The aforementioned storage area also stores packages that will be picked up by the destination. The output function is further a program that uses pickup schedule information, which indicates the recipient's planned pickup date, to determine whether or not to accept a new package. 26. In the program described in item 25 above, The output function further includes a program that determines whether or not to accept a new package using delivery schedule information indicating the date and time and the number of packages that the recipient is to pick up will be delivered to the package receiving device. 27. In any of the programs described in items 19 to 26 above, The output function outputs service provision information along with the guidance information. The service provision information is a program that indicates that the service will be provided when the new package is deposited with the other package receiving device indicated in the guidance information. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 10. Luggage receiving device 20. Luggage management device 30 pieces of luggage 110 Mounting area 120 storage area 122 Subregions 130 Conveying section 140 Control Unit 142 Detection unit 144 Judgment Department 146 Output section 148 Communications Department 150 Storage section

Claims

1. A package receiving device that receives packages to be delivered and transports them to a storage area, The loading area where the package is placed by the sender, A transport means for transporting the cargo placed in the loading area to the storage area, A determination means that uses a storage means to store the availability status of the storage area to determine whether or not to accept new packages, When the determination means determines that it is not possible to receive a new package, the output means outputs guidance information indicating the location of another package receiving device, Equipped with, The aforementioned determination means further determines whether or not to accept new packages using collection schedule information indicating the date and time when packages stored in the storage area will be collected.

2. A package receiving device that receives packages to be delivered and transports them to a storage area, The loading area where the package is placed by the sender, A transport means for transporting the cargo placed in the loading area to the storage area, A determination means that uses a storage means to store the availability status of the storage area to determine whether or not to accept new packages, When the determination means determines that it is not possible to receive a new package, the output means outputs guidance information indicating the location of another package receiving device, Equipped with, The aforementioned storage area also stores packages that will be picked up by the destination. The aforementioned determination means further includes a package receiving device that uses pickup schedule information indicating the recipient's planned pickup date to determine whether or not it is possible to receive a new package.

3. In the package receiving device according to claim 2, The aforementioned determination means further includes a package receiving device that determines whether or not to accept a new package using delivery schedule information indicating the date and time and the number of packages that the recipient is to pick up and which will be delivered to the package receiving device.

4. In the parcel receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The output means selects a package receiving device that has available space in the storage area as the other package receiving device.

5. In the parcel receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A parcel receiving device equipped with communication means that, when the availability of the aforementioned storage area meets the criteria, transmits collection recommendation information to a device managed by a delivery company that collects parcels, prompting the collection of parcels stored in the aforementioned storage area.

6. In the parcel receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The output means outputs service provision information along with the guidance information. The service provision information indicates that the service will be provided when the new package is deposited with the other package receiving device indicated in the guidance information.

7. A method for receiving packages using a package receiving device that receives packages to be delivered and transports them to a storage area, The aforementioned parcel receiving device is The loading area where the package is placed by the sender, A transport means for transporting the cargo placed in the loading area to the storage area, It has, The aforementioned parcel receiving device is Using a storage means that stores the availability status of the storage area, it is determined whether or not a new package can be received. When it is determined that it is not possible to receive a new package, it outputs guidance information indicating the location of another package receiving device. The parcel receiving device further determines whether or not to accept a new parcel using collection schedule information indicating the date and time when the parcels stored in the storage area will be collected.

8. A method for receiving packages using a package receiving device that receives packages to be delivered and transports them to a storage area, The aforementioned parcel receiving device is The loading area where the package is placed by the sender, A transport means for transporting the cargo placed in the loading area to the storage area, It has, The aforementioned parcel receiving device is Using a storage means that stores the availability status of the storage area, it is determined whether or not a new package can be received. When it is determined that it is not possible to receive a new package, it outputs guidance information indicating the location of another package receiving device. The aforementioned storage area also stores packages that will be picked up by the destination. The aforementioned package receiving device further includes a package receiving method that determines whether or not to accept a new package using pickup schedule information indicating that the recipient is scheduled to pick up the package.

9. A program used in a package receiving device that receives packages to be delivered and transports them to a storage area, The aforementioned parcel receiving device is The loading area where the package is placed by the sender, A transport means for transporting the cargo placed in the loading area to the storage area, It has, The program is configured for the package receiving device. A storage means for storing the availability status of the storage area is used to determine whether or not it is possible to receive a new package, and When the aforementioned determination function determines that it is not possible to receive a new package, it outputs guidance information indicating the location of another package receiving device, Give it to him The aforementioned decision function is a program that further determines whether or not to accept new packages using collection schedule information indicating the date and time when packages stored in the storage area will be collected.

10. A program used in a package receiving device that receives packages to be delivered and transports them to a storage area, The aforementioned parcel receiving device is The loading area where the package is placed by the sender, A transport means for transporting the cargo placed in the loading area to the storage area, It has, The program is configured for the package receiving device. A storage means for storing the availability status of the storage area is used to determine whether or not it is possible to receive a new package, and When the aforementioned determination function determines that it is not possible to receive a new package, it outputs guidance information indicating the location of another package receiving device, Give it to him The aforementioned storage area also stores packages that will be picked up by the destination. The aforementioned decision-making function is a program that further determines whether or not to accept a new package, using pickup schedule information that indicates the recipient is scheduled to pick up the package.

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