Server device, system, and server device control method and program

Abstract

Provided is a server device that reduces the number of redeliveries of parcels to a housing complex and the like. The server device comprises an acquisition means and a delivery control means. The acquisition means acquires storage situation information indicating the presence or absence of parcels in storage spaces for storing parcels destined for a plurality of houses. The delivery control means calculates, on the basis of at least the storage situation information, a delivery route for delivering, to a delivery destination, a parcel stored in each of the storage spaces and a predicted delivery time at which the parcel is to be delivered to the delivery destination. The delivery control means notifies a worker of the calculated delivery route. The delivery control means notifies a resident at the delivery destination of the calculated predicted delivery time.

Description

Server device, system, server device control method and storage medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a storage medium.

[0002] Technological development is underway regarding package delivery.

[0003] For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a service that safely receives packages from a delivery locker on behalf of a user and delivers them to the user. The information processing device in Patent Literature 1 includes a password generation unit that generates multiple different passwords for receiving a single package from the delivery locker. Alternatively, the information processing device includes a delivery locker management unit that sets multiple different passwords for receiving a single package in the delivery locker. Alternatively, the information processing device includes a communication unit that transmits a second password, which is different from a first password for the user to receive the package from the delivery locker, to an agent who receives the package from the delivery locker and delivers it to the user.

[0004] Patent Literature 2 describes an information processing device that can achieve efficient delivery. The information processing device in Patent Literature 2 includes a derivation unit, a notification unit, and an update unit. The derivation unit derives a delivery plan including at least one of a delivery route, a delivery order, and a delivery time to each of the multiple delivery destinations based on delivery information related to multiple delivery destinations. The notification unit notifies at least one of the multiple delivery destinations of a scheduled delivery time slot based on the delivery plan. If a non-receivable time slot is set during which delivery cannot be received at the delivery destination notified of the scheduled delivery time slot, and the scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination falls within the non-receivable time slot, the update unit updates the delivery plan so that the scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination does not fall within the non-receivable time slot.

[0005] JP 2021-144255 A JP 2021-147186 A

[0006] In recent years, the spread of electronic commerce (EC) and other technologies has led to problems with package delivery. This is particularly true for package delivery to residents of apartment complexes and other multi-unit housing. Specifically, when many delivery companies enter and leave apartment complexes, problems arise, such as a lack of parking space for delivery vehicles. This makes it necessary to ensure smooth delivery of packages. Furthermore, packages addressed to apartment complex residents take time to be delivered, so there is a need to reduce redeliveries. This is because the longer it takes to deliver packages, the more serious the problem of parking space for delivery vehicles becomes.

[0007] The main object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a storage medium that contribute to reducing the number of redeliveries of packages in apartment buildings and the like.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring storage status information indicating whether or not there is any luggage in each storage space that stores luggage addressed to each of a plurality of residences; and a delivery control means for calculating, based on at least the storage status information, a delivery route for delivering the luggage stored in each storage space to the delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the luggage to be delivered to the delivery destination, notifying a worker of the calculated delivery route, and notifying residents of the delivery destination of the calculated estimated delivery time.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system is provided which includes a worker terminal carried by a worker, a resident terminal carried by a resident, and a server device, wherein the server device is equipped with an acquisition means for acquiring storage status information indicating the presence or absence of luggage in each storage space which stores luggage addressed to each of a plurality of residences, and a delivery control means for calculating, based on at least the storage status information, a delivery route for delivering the luggage stored in each storage space to the delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the luggage to be delivered to the delivery destination, sending a luggage delivery instruction including the calculated delivery route to the worker terminal, and sending a luggage delivery notification including the calculated estimated delivery time to the resident terminal.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a server device, which acquires storage status information indicating the presence or absence of packages in each storage space that stores packages addressed to each of a plurality of residences, calculates a delivery route for delivering the packages stored in each storage space to the delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the packages to be delivered to the delivery destination based on at least the storage status information, notifies a worker of the calculated delivery route, and notifies residents of the delivery destination of the calculated estimated delivery time.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute the following processes: a process of acquiring storage status information indicating the presence or absence of packages in each storage space that stores packages addressed to each of a plurality of residences; and a process of calculating, based on at least the storage status information, a delivery route for delivering the packages stored in each storage space to the delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the packages to be delivered to the delivery destination, notifying a worker of the calculated delivery route, and notifying residents of the delivery destination of the calculated estimated delivery time.

[0012] According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a storage medium are provided that contribute to reducing the number of redeliveries of packages in apartment buildings and the like. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of the operation of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a delivery system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the delivery system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the delivery system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a worker terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a worker management database according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a resident terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a resident management database according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a delivery control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a delivery control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a storage shelf according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a worker terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a worker terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a worker terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration of a resident terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a resident terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the delivery system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration of a resident terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a resident terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a resident management database according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a worker terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the delivery system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal according to the present disclosure.

[0014] First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units, not hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of the main signal (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that in this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0015] The server device 100 according to one embodiment includes an acquisition unit 101 and a delivery control unit 102 (see FIG. 1 ). The acquisition unit 101 acquires storage status information indicating the presence or absence of packages in each storage space that stores packages addressed to each of a plurality of residences (step S1 in FIG. 2 ). The delivery control unit 102 calculates a delivery route for delivering the packages stored in each storage space to the delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the packages to be delivered to the delivery destination based on at least the storage status information (step S2). The delivery control unit 102 notifies a delivery worker of the calculated delivery route (step S3). The delivery control unit 102 notifies the residents of the delivery destination of the calculated estimated delivery time (step S4).

[0016] The server device 100 monitors the status of the storage space where packages are stored and determines whether there are any packages addressed to each residence. When there are packages that need to be delivered, the server device 100 calculates a delivery route (delivery schedule) for efficiently delivering the package and notifies a worker (a worker stationed at the apartment complex) of the delivery route. The server device 100 also calculates the estimated time for the package to be delivered to the resident based on the calculated delivery route and notifies the resident of the estimated time. Residents of the apartment complex only need to be aware of the worker's visit during the short time period when they are notified that the package will be delivered. As a result, the possibility of residents failing to receive their packages is reduced, thereby reducing the need for redelivery of packages.

[0017] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] First Embodiment The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] [System Configuration and General Operation] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the general configuration of a delivery system (information processing system) according to the first embodiment. The delivery system according to the first embodiment delivers packages addressed to residents of an apartment building.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, a waiting area 20 and a storage warehouse 30 are installed within the premises of the apartment building.

[0021] At the waiting area 20, workers are stationed to receive packages addressed to the residents of the apartment building on their behalf. The workers are employees of the transport company, etc. The transport company and the apartment building management company, etc., enter into a contract, and the workers are stationed at the apartment building. The workers' stationing hours may be limited to daytime hours or may be 24 hours a day.

[0022] When a package is brought onto the premises of the apartment building from outside, the worker confirms that the package is addressed to a resident of the apartment building before accepting the package.

[0023] The worker stores the received package in a storage shelf 40 installed inside the storage warehouse 30. The storage shelf 40 has a storage space for each residence (household) in the apartment building. The worker stores the received package in the corresponding storage space on the storage shelf 40. The storage space on the storage shelf 40 is assigned information that identifies the corresponding residence (for example, a room number).

[0024] The delivery system includes a server device 10. The server device 10 is a device that controls the entire delivery system. The server device 10 may be installed inside an apartment building or an apartment building management company, or may be installed on a network (on the cloud).

[0025] The server device 10 grasps the status of the luggage stored on the storage shelf 40. Specifically, the server device 10 transmits a "storage status transmission request" to the storage shelf 40. For example, the storage shelf 40 grasps the presence or absence of luggage in each storage space by using a sensor or the like attached to each storage space. The storage shelf 40 notifies the server device 10 of the grasped luggage status.

[0026] The server device 10 instructs the on-site worker to deliver the package periodically or at a predetermined timing. For example, the server device 10 instructs the worker to deliver the package at a frequency and timing such as once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

[0027] At this time, the server device 10 calculates an optimal delivery route (delivery schedule) according to the delivery destination of the package, etc. The server device 10 notifies the worker of the calculated delivery route. More specifically, the server device 10 transmits a "package delivery instruction" including the delivery route to the worker terminal 50 carried by the worker (see FIG. 4).

[0028] The worker follows instructions from the server device 10 and delivers the packages stored on the storage shelf 40 to each resident of the apartment building.

[0029] When calculating the delivery route, the server device 10 also estimates the estimated time that the package will arrive at each resident. The server device 10 notifies the corresponding resident of the estimated time (hereinafter referred to as the "estimated delivery time"). Specifically, the server device 10 transmits a "package delivery notification" including the estimated delivery time to the resident terminal 60 carried by the resident (see FIG. 5).

[0030] If a desired delivery time slot is set in advance by the user when calculating the delivery route, the server device 10 calculates the delivery route taking into account the desired delivery time slot. For example, if a package for which delivery in the afternoon is desired arrives in the morning, the server device 10 excludes the package from the list of packages to be delivered in the morning and calculates the delivery route.

[0031] Here, information on the workers who enter and leave the apartment building is registered in advance in the server device 10. Specifically, the server device 10 stores biometric information of the workers.

[0032] Examples of biometric information include data (features) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as a face, fingerprint, voiceprint, veins, retina, or iris pattern. Alternatively, the biometric information may be image data such as a face image or fingerprint image. The biometric information may be any information that includes the user's physical characteristics. In the embodiment disclosed herein, a case where biometric information related to a person's "face" (a face image or features generated from a face image) is used will be described.

[0033] 3, a camera device 80 is installed near an entrance door 70 of an apartment building. When a worker carrying luggage arrives in front of the entrance door 70, the camera device 80 acquires image data showing the worker.

[0034] The server device 10 performs biometric authentication using image data acquired from the camera device 80. If the biometric authentication is successful, the server device 10 opens the entrance door 70 and allows the worker to enter the building.

[0035] The worker follows the delivery route notified by the server device 10 and delivers the package to each resident's house.

[0036] The configuration of the delivery system shown in Figure 3 is an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the system may include multiple server devices 10. Also, although Figure 3 shows one worker, multiple workers may be stationed in the apartment building.

[0037] The server device 10 is connected to each device and apparatus included in the delivery system. Specifically, the server device 10, the storage shelf 40, the camera device 80, etc. are connected by wired or wireless communication means and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0038] Next, details of each device included in the delivery system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0039] [Server Device] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to Fig. 6, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a worker information management unit 202, a resident information management unit 203, a storage status acquisition unit 204, a delivery control unit 205, an authentication unit 206, and a storage unit 207.

[0040] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the worker terminal 50. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the worker terminal 50. The communication control unit 201 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0041] The worker information management unit 202 is a means for managing information about workers who receive packages addressed to apartment building residents on their behalf. The worker information management unit 202 acquires information about workers (e.g., name, contact information, company affiliation, biometric information, etc.) from the workers or employees of the company to which the workers belong. The information about workers acquired by the worker information management unit 202 is referred to as "worker information."

[0042] For example, when the worker terminal 50 or the like accesses the server device 10, the worker information management unit 202 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for acquiring worker information on the worker terminal 50 or the like.

[0043] For example, the worker information management unit 202 acquires worker information using a GUI such as that shown in FIG. 7 . The worker information management unit 202 assigns an ID (worker ID) to the worker whose worker information has been acquired. The worker ID may be any information that can uniquely identify the worker. For example, the worker information management unit 202 may assign a unique value each time worker information is acquired and use this value as the worker ID.

[0044] Once the worker ID is determined, the worker information management unit 202 generates feature quantities from the face image of the worker.

[0045] The worker information management unit 202 can use existing technology for generating feature quantities, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the worker information management unit 202 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from a facial image as feature points. The worker information management unit 202 then calculates the positions of each feature point and the distances between each feature point as feature quantities (generating a feature vector consisting of multiple feature quantities).

[0046] The worker information management unit 202 associates the generated worker ID, worker name, biometric information (feature amount), etc., and stores them in the worker management database (see FIG. 8). Note that the worker management database shown in FIG. 8 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, a "face image" may be registered in the worker management database as biometric information. Alternatively, the worker's working hours (hours of operation) may be registered in the worker management database.

[0047] The resident information management unit 203 is a means for managing information about apartment building residents. The resident information management unit 203 acquires information about the residents (e.g., name, address (room number), contact information, etc.) from the apartment building residents. The information about the residents acquired by the resident information management unit 203 is referred to as "resident information."

[0048] The resident information management unit 203 also acquires information about package delivery for each resident living in the apartment building (hereinafter referred to as desired delivery information). For example, the resident information management unit 203 acquires a desired package delivery time (desired delivery time). Alternatively, the resident information management unit 203 may acquire, as the desired delivery information, the day of the week (e.g., weekday, holiday) on which the resident desires the package to be delivered.

[0049] For example, when the resident terminal 60 accesses the server device 10, the resident information management unit 203 displays a GUI for acquiring resident information on the resident terminal 60.

[0050] For example, the resident information management unit 203 acquires resident information using a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 9. The resident information management unit 203 assigns an ID (resident ID) to the resident whose resident information has been acquired. The resident ID may be any information that can uniquely identify a resident of the apartment building. For example, the resident information management unit 203 may assign a unique value each time resident information is acquired and use this as the resident ID.

[0051] Once the resident ID is determined, the resident information management unit 203 associates the generated resident ID with the resident's name, address (room number), desired delivery time, etc., and stores them in the resident management database (see Figure 10). Note that the resident management database shown in Figure 10 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, a "face image" may be registered in the resident management database as biometric information.

[0052] The storage status acquisition unit 204 is a means for acquiring storage status information indicating whether or not there is any luggage in each storage space that stores luggage addressed to each of a plurality of residences.

[0053] For example, at a predetermined time, the storage status acquisition unit 204 checks the status of the storage shelf 40. If the result of checking the status shows that at least one package is stored on the storage shelf 40, a delivery route for a worker to deliver the package is calculated.

[0054] The storage status acquisition unit 204 acquires the room number corresponding to the storage space where the package is stored from the storage shelf 40. Specifically, the delivery control unit 205 sends a "storage status transmission request" to the storage shelf 40. The storage status acquisition unit 204 acquires storage status information in response to the storage status transmission request sent to the storage shelf 40 that has each storage space. In response to the request, the storage status acquisition unit 204 acquires the room number corresponding to the storage space where the package is stored.

[0055] For example, the storage status acquisition unit 204 acquires a list of room numbers (room number list) in which luggage is stored as storage status information. Alternatively, the storage status acquisition unit 204 acquires the presence or absence of luggage for each room (house) in an apartment building as storage status information.

[0056] The storage status acquisition unit 204 passes the acquired storage status information to the delivery control unit 205.

[0057] The delivery control unit 205 is a means for controlling deliveries by workers. Based on at least the storage status information, the delivery control unit 205 calculates a delivery route for delivering packages stored in each storage space to the delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the package to be delivered to the delivery destination. The delivery control unit 205 notifies the worker of the calculated delivery route and notifies the residents of the delivery destination of the calculated estimated delivery time.

[0058] The delivery control unit 205 calculates a delivery route based on the delivery destination of the package (resident's residence), information about the internal structure of the apartment building (location of each residence, number and location of elevators), and delivery preference information of each resident.

[0059] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the delivery control unit 205 according to the first embodiment. The operation of the delivery control unit 205 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0060] After acquiring the storage status information, the delivery control unit 205 determines the parcel to be delivered (step S101). For example, the delivery control unit 205 uses the storage status information to identify the residence to which the parcel that needs to be delivered has arrived, and then identifies the parcel to be delivered using delivery preference information regarding the delivery of the parcel of the resident living in the identified residence.

[0061] Specifically, the delivery control unit 205 searches the resident management database using the room number included in the room number list as a key, and identifies the corresponding entry.

[0062] The delivery control unit 205 references the desired delivery time slot field of the identified entry, acquires the desired delivery time slot, and determines whether the package stored on the storage shelf 40 is eligible for delivery based on the current time and the desired delivery time slot.

[0063] If the current time is within the desired delivery time period, the delivery control unit 205 determines that the package stored on the storage shelf 40 is eligible for delivery. If the current time is outside the desired delivery time period, the delivery control unit 205 determines that the package stored on the storage shelf 40 is not eligible for delivery.

[0064] The delivery control unit 205 then calculates a delivery route that will take the delivery recipients of the package (step S102). At this time, the delivery control unit 205 uses information about the interior structure of the apartment building to calculate a delivery route that will allow the worker to complete delivery of the package in the shortest time.

[0065] For example, the delivery control unit 205 determines a delivery route (package delivery order) that minimizes the total travel distance of the worker. For example, the delivery control unit 205 extracts the delivery destination on the highest floor from among multiple delivery destinations. Then, the delivery control unit 205 determines the delivery destination closest to the elevator entrance closest to the entrance door 70 as the first delivery destination from among the extracted delivery destinations.

[0066] The delivery control unit 205 also extracts the delivery destination on the lowest floor from among the multiple delivery destinations. Then, the delivery control unit 205 determines the delivery destination closest to the elevator doorway that is closest to the entrance door 70 as the final delivery destination.

[0067] For example, the delivery control unit 205 sets the first delivery destination as the start point and the last delivery destination as the end point and determines the delivery route using the Dijkstra algorithm.

[0068] The delivery control unit 205 calculates the estimated delivery time for each delivery destination based on the determined delivery route (delivery order) (step S103). At that time, the delivery control unit 205 calculates the estimated delivery time taking into consideration the movement speed of the worker, the movement speed of the elevator, the stay time at each delivery destination (the time required to exchange the package), etc.

[0069] For example, consider the case in Figure 12 where the delivery destinations are rooms 501, 603, 701, and 703. In this case, the delivery control unit 205 determines the delivery route (delivery order) to be "room 701, room 703, room 603, room 501." The delivery control unit 205 also calculates the estimated delivery times for each delivery destination as "10:00," "10:03," "10:08," and "10:12."

[0070] Once the calculation of the delivery route and estimated delivery time is complete, the delivery control unit 205 transmits a package delivery instruction to the worker terminal 50 carried by the worker (step S104). The package delivery instruction includes the delivery route.

[0071] The delivery control unit 205 also transmits a package delivery notification to the resident terminal 60 carried by each resident at each delivery destination (step S105). The package delivery notification includes the time when the worker is expected to arrive at each resident's residence (estimated delivery time).

[0072] The authentication unit 206 is a means for authenticating a worker. Specifically, the authentication unit 206 performs biometric authentication of the worker when the worker enters the apartment building to deliver a package. If the authentication unit 206 successfully authenticates the worker's biometrics, the authentication unit 206 permits the worker to enter the apartment building.

[0073] When the authentication unit 206 acquires image data from the camera device 80, it attempts to extract a facial image from the image data.

[0074] Note that since existing technology can be used for the facial image extraction process by the authentication unit 206, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the authentication unit 206 may extract a facial image (face region) from image data using a learning model trained by a convolutional neural network (CNN). Alternatively, the authentication unit 206 may extract a facial image using a technique such as template matching.

[0075] If a facial image cannot be extracted from the image data, the authentication unit 206 does not perform any particular process.

[0076] If a facial image can be extracted from the image data, the authentication unit 206 performs a matching process using the facial image (biometric information) extracted from the image data and the biometric information stored in the worker management database.

[0077] Specifically, the authentication unit 206 generates features from the extracted facial image. The authentication unit 206 sets the generated features as targets for matching and performs a matching process (one-to-N matching; N is a positive integer, the same applies hereinafter) with features registered in the worker management database.

[0078] The authentication unit 206 calculates the similarity between the feature to be matched and each of the multiple feature values ​​on the registration side. The similarity can be calculated using chi-square distance, Euclidean distance, or the like. Note that the greater the distance, the lower the similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the similarity.

[0079] The authentication unit 206 determines that the matching process has failed if there is no feature among the multiple feature amounts registered in the worker management database whose similarity with the feature amount to be matched is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0080] The authentication unit 206 determines that the matching process is successful if there is a feature among the multiple feature amounts registered in the worker management database that has a similarity with the feature amount to be matched that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0081] If the matching process fails, the authentication unit 206 does not perform any particular process.

[0082] If the matching process is successful, the authentication unit 206 determines that the authentication of the person to be authenticated (the worker standing in front of the camera device 80) has been successful. If the authentication of the worker is successful, the authentication unit 206 instructs the entrance door 70 to "unlock."

[0083] The authentication unit 206 authenticates the residents of the apartment building, etc., as necessary. Since this is outside the scope of the present disclosure, a description of the authentication of the residents of the apartment building, etc., and the unlocking of the entrance door 70 will be omitted.

[0084] Furthermore, if the apartment building (or apartment management company) has a contract with only one worker, it is sufficient for the authentication unit 206 to perform one-to-one authentication instead of one-to-many authentication. That is, if one-to-one authentication using pre-registered biometric information of the worker and biometric information obtained from image data transmitted by the camera device 80 is successful, the authentication unit 206 may unlock the entrance door 70.

[0085] The storage unit 207 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10 .

[0086] [Storage Shelf] The storage shelf 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and communication means, and processes the “package status notification request” received from the server device 10 .

[0087] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the storage shelf 40 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, the storage shelf 40 includes a communication control unit 301, a transmission request processing unit 302, and a storage unit 303.

[0088] The communication control unit 301 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 301 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 also transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 301 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 301. The communication control unit 301 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0089] The transmission request processing unit 302 processes a storage status transmission request. Upon receiving the storage status transmission request, the transmission request processing unit 302 determines whether or not an item is stored in each storage space of the storage shelf 40.

[0090] For example, the transmission request processor 302 determines whether or not there is luggage based on an output signal from a weight sensor installed in each storage space. Alternatively, the transmission request processor 302 may determine whether or not there is luggage by analyzing image data obtained by photographing each storage space.

[0091] The transmission request processing unit 302 transmits a list of room numbers (room number list) corresponding to the storage spaces where the luggage is stored as a response (storage status information) to the storage status transmission request to the server device 10. Alternatively, the transmission request processing unit 302 may transmit the presence or absence of luggage for each room in the apartment building as storage status information to the server device 10.

[0092] The storage unit 303 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the storage shelf 40 .

[0093] [Worker Terminal] Examples of the worker terminal 50 include a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a game console, or a tablet, a computer (personal computer, laptop computer), etc. The worker terminal 50 can be any equipment or device that can accept operations by a worker and communicate with the server device 10, etc.

[0094] 14 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing module) of the worker terminal 50 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, the worker terminal 50 includes a communication control unit 401, a delivery instruction processing unit 402, and a storage unit 403.

[0095] The communication control unit 401 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 401 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. The communication control unit 401 also transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 401 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 401 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 401. The communication control unit 401 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0096] The delivery instruction processing unit 402 is a unit that processes package delivery instructions received from the server device 10. Upon receiving a package delivery instruction, the delivery instruction processing unit 402 notifies a worker that the package needs to be delivered.

[0097] For example, the delivery instruction processing unit 402 notifies the worker that the package needs to be delivered by voice, screen display, etc. At that time, the delivery instruction processing unit 402 presents the worker with a delivery route.

[0098] For example, the delivery instruction processing unit 402 displays a message such as that shown in Fig. 15. The worker retrieves the package from the storage space corresponding to the room number displayed on the worker terminal 50. The worker delivers the retrieved package to the delivery destination instructed by the worker terminal 50.

[0099] Alternatively, the delivery instruction processing unit 402 may display a message that allows the worker to more visually understand the delivery route. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 , the delivery instruction processing unit 402 may display the delivery route superimposed on the structure of an apartment building. In this case, the delivery instruction processing unit 402 may color the home to be delivered to or indicate the delivery route with an arrow or the like. In the example of FIG. 16 , the delivery route displayed shows the worker taking the elevator (EV) on the west side to the seventh floor and then using the elevator on the east side to go to the sixth and fifth floors.

[0100] The storage unit 403 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the storage shelf 40 .

[0101] [Resident Terminal] Examples of the resident terminal 60 include mobile terminal devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, game consoles, tablets, and computers (personal computers, laptops), etc. The resident terminal 60 can be any equipment or device that can accept operations from apartment building residents and communicate with the server device 10, etc.

[0102] 17 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing module) of the resident terminal 60 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 17 , the resident terminal 60 includes a communication control unit 501, a delivery notification processing unit 502, and a storage unit 503.

[0103] The communication control unit 501 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 501 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. The communication control unit 501 also transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 501 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 501 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 501. The communication control unit 501 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0104] The delivery notification processing unit 502 is a unit that processes the package delivery notification received from the server device 10. Upon receiving the package delivery notification, the delivery notification processing unit 502 notifies the resident that the package is scheduled to be delivered to their home.

[0105] For example, the delivery notification processing unit 502 displays a message as shown in Fig. 18. The delivery notification processing unit 502 notifies the apartment resident of the estimated delivery time.

[0106] The storage unit 503 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the resident terminal 60 .

[0107] [Camera Device and Entrance Door] Detailed description of the processing configurations of the camera device 80 and the entrance door 70 will be omitted. For example, the camera device 80 uses a motion sensor or the like to detect a person standing in front of the entrance door 70. When the camera device 80 detects the person, it may take an image of the area in front of the entrance door 70 and transmit the image data to the server device 10.

[0108] The entrance door 70 may be unlocked based on an instruction from the server device 10. The entrance door 70 may be locked after a person (worker) passes through the door.

[0109] [System Operation] Next, the operation of the delivery system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0110] 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the delivery system according to the first embodiment. The operation of the delivery system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0111] The server device 10 periodically or at a predetermined timing checks the status of the storage shelf 40. Specifically, the server device 10 transmits a "storage status transmission request" to the storage shelf 40 at a predetermined time or the like (step S01).

[0112] If luggage is stored on the storage shelf 40, the server device 10 acquires, for example, a room number list as storage status information.

[0113] If there is a package that needs to be delivered, the server device 10 calculates a delivery route for the package (step S02), and at the same time, the server device 10 also calculates an estimated delivery time.

[0114] The server device 10 transmits package delivery instructions including the delivery route to the worker terminal 50 (step S03).

[0115] Before or after sending the package delivery instruction, the server device 10 sends a package delivery notification including an estimated delivery time to the resident terminal 60 (step S04).

[0116] When receiving the package delivery instruction, the worker terminal 50 notifies the worker of the delivery route (step S05).

[0117] When receiving the package delivery notification, the worker terminal 50 notifies the resident of the estimated delivery time (step S06).

[0118] As described above, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment establishes a delivery (shipping) system for an apartment complex with many residences. In the first embodiment, a worker waits outside the apartment complex and stores packages received from a carrier in the corresponding storage space (the storage space of the storage shelf 40). A worker stationed at the apartment complex receives packages addressed to residents living in the apartment complex on behalf of the residents, ensuring smooth delivery of the packages. Furthermore, since the delivery company simply hands over the packages to the worker stationed at the apartment complex, there is no need to park the delivery vehicle for a long period of time. In other words, there are no problems with parking the delivery vehicle when delivering packages to residents of an apartment building.

[0119] Furthermore, in the delivery system according to the first embodiment, the server device 10 calculates the delivery route that a worker will take when delivering a package and notifies the worker of the calculated delivery route. At that time, the server device 10 calculates the estimated time that the package will be delivered to each resident according to the delivery route. Therefore, an accurate estimated delivery time is calculated. The estimated delivery time is notified to the resident who will receive the package, so the resident only needs to be aware of the worker's visit during the short time period when the package is being delivered. As a result, the possibility that a resident will fail to receive their package is reduced, and the need for redelivery of packages is reduced.

[0120] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0121] In the first embodiment, the server device 10 notifies a resident that a package is scheduled to be delivered. In the second embodiment, the server device 10 acquires the resident's preference regarding the delivery method before a worker delivers the package.

[0122] The configuration of the delivery system according to the second embodiment can be the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description corresponding to FIG. 3 will be omitted.

[0123] The following description will focus on the differences between the first and second embodiments.

[0124] The storage status acquisition unit 204 of the server device 10 according to the second embodiment acquires storage status information such as a room number list from the storage shelf 40 by transmitting a storage status transmission request to the storage shelf 40. The delivery control unit 205 identifies the residences to which packages need to be delivered based on the room number list.

[0125] The delivery control unit 205 transmits a "delivery format inquiry" to the resident terminal 60 carried by a resident at the delivery destination of the package who has a matching desired delivery time slot.

[0126] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing module) of the resident terminal 60 according to the second embodiment. Referring to Fig. 20, an inquiry processing unit 504 has been added to the configuration of the resident terminal 60 according to the first embodiment.

[0127] In response to receiving the inquiry regarding the delivery format, the inquiry processor 504 displays a GUI for acquiring the delivery format preference of the resident (the resident who received the package from outside). For example, the inquiry processor 504 displays a GUI such as that shown in FIG. 21.

[0128] For example, the inquiry processing unit 504 displays a GUI that allows the resident to select one of "in-person collection," "drop-off delivery," and "mid-house delivery." "Drop-off delivery" is a delivery format in which a worker leaves a package in front of the house without calling the resident. "Mid-house delivery" is a delivery format in which a worker leaves a package inside the house (for example, at the entrance).

[0129] Drop-off and mid-day delivery are delivery methods that allow packages to be delivered even when the resident is not at home. Mid-day delivery is a delivery method that is possible only if the resident has trust in the workers contracted by the condominium (or condominium management company). As shown in Figure 21, when mid-day delivery is selected, the resident terminal 60 preferably notifies the resident that a stranger (worker) will be entering their home.

[0130] The resident decides the delivery method for the package stored on the storage shelf 40, taking into consideration their own situation (at home, not at home), the contents of the package (expensive package, inexpensive package), etc. The inquiry processing unit 504 transmits a response (response to the delivery method inquiry) including the resident's preference (in-person pickup, delivery to a designated location, delivery within a designated location) to the server device 10.

[0131] In most cases, residents who request mid-term delivery are not at home. In such cases, the doors to the homes are locked. Therefore, workers must enter the homes of residents who have selected mid-term delivery (they must unlock the doors).

[0132] Each residence in the apartment building according to the second embodiment is compatible with biometric authentication (face authentication). Specifically, each residence is equipped with a camera device (not shown) capable of capturing an image of a person standing in front of the door. Image data obtained by capturing the image is transmitted to the server device 10. The server device 10 performs biometric authentication using biometric information obtained from the captured image data and pre-registered biometric information of residents. If the biometric authentication is successful, the server device 10 unlocks the door of the residence.

[0133] The delivery system according to the second embodiment performs the same process for workers (workers who perform interim delivery) as the biometric authentication for residents described above.

[0134] The delivery control unit 205 of the server device 10 stores information about the worker who will enter the home of a resident who requests mid-term delivery in the resident management database. Specifically, the delivery control unit 205 stores the biometric information of the worker who is permitted to enter the home (authorized person biometric information) and the time period during which entry is permitted (permitted time period) for the resident who requested mid-term delivery in the resident management database (see FIG. 22 ).

[0135] In addition, the delivery control unit 205 reads the biometric information (characteristics) of the worker heading out to make the delivery from the worker management database, and stores the read biometric information in the authorized person biometric information field of the entry for the resident who requested delivery.

[0136] The delivery control unit 205 also calculates the permitted time slot based on the estimated delivery time when a worker will arrive at the residence of the resident who requested mid-term delivery. The delivery control unit 205 determines the permitted time slot, for example, by setting a predetermined period (margin) before and after the estimated delivery time. Alternatively, the delivery control unit 205 may set the desired delivery time slot of the resident who requested mid-term delivery as the permitted time slot.

[0137] Once the information has been entered into the resident management database, the delivery control unit 205 sends package delivery instructions to the worker terminal 50. At that time, the delivery control unit 205 also notifies each resident (resident living at the delivery destination of the package) of their desired delivery format. Specifically, the delivery control unit 205 sends package delivery instructions to the worker terminal 50, including the delivery route and the delivery format desired by the resident at each delivery destination along the delivery route.

[0138] The delivery instruction processing unit 402 of the worker terminal 50 notifies the worker of the delivery method desired by each resident. For example, the delivery instruction processing unit 402 displays a display such as that shown in Fig. 23. As shown in Fig. 23, the delivery instruction processing unit 402 displays the delivery method desired by each resident of each delivery destination near the corresponding residence.

[0139] The worker delivers the package according to instructions from the server device 10.

[0140] When the camera device in each house detects a person standing in front of the door using a motion sensor or the like, it transmits image data and a house ID (for example, a room number) to the server device 10 .

[0141] The authentication unit 206 of the server device 10 authenticates the person to be authenticated (worker) using the image data acquired from the camera device in each home and the home ID.

[0142] The authentication unit 206 searches the resident management database using the house ID acquired from the camera device as a key to identify the corresponding entry. The authentication unit 206 references the permitted time period of the identified entry and determines whether the processing time (current time) is within the permitted time period.

[0143] If the processing time is not within the permitted time period, the authentication unit 206 does not perform any special processing.

[0144] If the processing time falls within the permitted time period, the authentication unit 206 extracts a facial image from the image data acquired from the camera device and generates features. The authentication unit 206 then performs biometric authentication (one-to-one authentication) using the generated features and the authorized person's biometric information (features) of the identified entry.

[0145] If the biometric authentication fails, the authentication unit 206 does not perform any particular process.

[0146] If the biometric authentication is successful, the authentication unit 206 instructs the door of the house corresponding to the camera device that transmitted the image data and the house ID to be unlocked.

[0147] In this way, when a resident who is to receive a package requests delivery to the resident, the authentication unit 206 performs biometric authentication on the worker when the worker arrives in front of the resident's house. If the authentication unit 206 successfully authenticates the worker, the authentication unit 206 allows the worker to enter the resident's house.

[0148] When a worker arrives at the home of a resident who has selected mid-day delivery during the permitted hours, the door to the home will open. The worker enters the home and places the package at the entrance or other location. In contrast, the door will not open if a worker arrives at the home of a resident who has selected a method other than mid-day delivery (in-person collection, drop-off). Furthermore, the door will not open if the worker stands in front of the home of a resident who has selected mid-day delivery outside of the permitted hours.

[0149] [System Operation] Next, the operation of the delivery system according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0150] Fig. 24 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the delivery system according to the second embodiment. The operation of the delivery system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 24 .

[0151] The server device 10 transmits a "storage status transmission request" to the storage shelf 40 at a predetermined time or the like (step S11).

[0152] If there is a package that needs to be delivered, the server device 10 sends a delivery format inquiry to the resident terminal 60 (step S12).

[0153] The resident terminal 60 acquires the resident's preference regarding the delivery format, and transmits a response including the acquired delivery format to the server device 10 (step S13).

[0154] The server device 10 calculates the delivery route, estimated delivery time, etc. (Step S14). Furthermore, if necessary, the server device 10 registers the worker's biometric information, etc. in the resident management database.

[0155] The server device 10 transmits package delivery instructions, including the delivery route and the delivery method desired by the resident, to the worker terminal 50 (step S15).

[0156] When receiving the package delivery instruction, the worker terminal 50 notifies the worker of the delivery route, etc. (step S16).

[0157] As described above, the server device 10 according to the second embodiment uses storage status information to identify each residence where a package that needs to be delivered has arrived, and sends an inquiry regarding the delivery method of the delivered package to the residents of each identified residence. The server device 10 notifies the worker of the delivery method desired by each resident who inquired about the delivery method and the calculated delivery route. The worker delivers the package according to the resident's desired delivery method. If the resident is not at home, the resident can select "leave to door" or "delivery within 24 hours." As a result, the number of package redeliveries is further reduced.

[0158] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the delivery system will be described. Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0159] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 25. For example, the server device 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0160] However, the configuration shown in Fig. 25 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 may include hardware not shown, and may not include the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Fig. 25, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0161] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0162] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0163] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like that accepts user operations.

[0164] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0165] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the processing modules can be realized by semiconductor chips.

[0166] The worker terminal 50, resident terminal 60, etc. can also be configured using information processing devices similar to the server device 10, and their basic hardware configurations are no different from those of the server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0167] The server device 10 is equipped with a computer, and the computer executes a program to realize the functions of the server device 10. The server device 10 also executes a control method for the server device 10 by the program.

[0168] [Modification] The configuration, operation, etc. of the delivery system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 has been described as allowing a worker to enter the apartment building if the worker's biometric authentication is successful. However, the worker may enter the apartment building using a physical key (hard key) provided by the apartment building management company or the like. Alternatively, the worker may enter the apartment building through authentication using a two-dimensional barcode or the like.

[0170] The delivery system according to the present disclosure may be targeted at an apartment complex consisting of multiple buildings, i.e., homes in multiple buildings on the same premises may be delivery destinations for packages.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the explanation is given assuming that one worker is stationed in the apartment building. However, multiple workers may be stationed in the apartment building at the same time (at the same time). In this case, the server device 10 may calculate a delivery route for each worker so that packages that need to be delivered are delivered promptly, and instruct each worker to make deliveries according to the calculated delivery route. For example, the server device 10 may instruct worker A to make deliveries within building A and worker B to make deliveries within building B, which is located on the same site. Alternatively, the server device 10 may instruct at least one of the multiple workers to wait in the waiting area 20.

[0172] When presenting the delivery route to the worker, the server device 10 may also instruct the worker on the order in which to load the packages. The server device 10 may instruct the worker on the order in which to load the packages so that the packages with the earliest delivery order are placed at the top of the loading platform. In this case, the delivery control unit 205 may transmit package delivery instructions including the order in which to load the packages to the worker terminal 50.

[0173] The server device 10 may store the authentication process history for the worker. The server device 10 may store, as authentication history, the time the worker entered the apartment building, the time the worker entered the residence for delivery, etc. The server device 10 may also provide an interface to the residents of the apartment building that allows each resident to check the authentication history. In other words, the information processing system disclosed herein may enable all residents of the apartment building to check the authentication history (behavior history) of the worker who is stationed in the apartment building. Alternatively, the server device 10 may store the authentication history of the worker in association with the delivery route. In this case, the server device 10 may verify whether the worker is making deliveries according to the instructions of the server device 10 based on the authentication history and delivery route of the worker. Furthermore, if it is determined that the worker is not following the instructions, the server device 10 may notify the worker or the worker's company, etc., of this fact.

[0174] If it is determined based on the resident's delivery preference information that a package already stored on the storage shelf 40 is not eligible for delivery, the server device 10 (delivery control unit 205) may send a notification to that effect to the resident terminal 60. In response to the notification, the resident terminal 60 of the resident may acquire the resident's intention as to whether or not to receive the package, and notify the server device 10 of the acquired intention. If the resident indicates their intention to receive the package, the server device 10 calculates a delivery route for the package addressed to the resident as eligible for delivery.

[0175] When notifying the worker terminal 50 of the delivery route, the delivery control unit 205 may also notify the names and other information of the residents living in the delivery destination home. The worker terminal 50 may display not only the room number of the delivery destination but also the notified names and other information. Alternatively, the resident information management unit 203 may obtain whether the resident allows information such as their name to be notified to the worker, and store the obtained selection in the resident management database.

[0176] If the server device 10 can control elevators in the apartment building, the server device 10 may control the elevators in accordance with the delivery route. For example, the server device 10 may move the elevator to the elevator hall in advance at the time when the delivery worker is expected to arrive at the elevator hall according to the delivery route.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 acquires the status of the luggage in each storage space from the storage shelf 40. However, the server device 10 may acquire the status from a worker who stores luggage in the storage space. Each time the worker stores luggage in a storage space, the worker may operate the worker terminal 50 to notify the server device 10 of the room number where the luggage is stored, etc.

[0178] In the second embodiment, the server device 10 transmits a delivery style inquiry to the resident terminal 60 while taking into consideration the resident's delivery preference information (desired delivery time zone). However, the server device 10 may transmit a delivery style inquiry to the resident terminal 60 without taking into consideration the delivery preference information. In this case, the resident terminal 60 may allow the resident to select "Do not desire delivery" in response to the inquiry. If the resident does not desire delivery, the server device 10 may exclude packages addressed to that resident from the delivery targets (targets for calculating the delivery route).

[0179] Residents can change the desired delivery information (desired delivery time slot) set in the server device 10 as needed. Residents who wish to change the delivery time can access the server device 10 using the resident terminal 60 and change the desired delivery time slot. Alternatively, when a "delivery style inquiry" is received from the server device 10, the resident may be unable to receive the package at the requested time. In this case, the resident may operate the resident terminal 60 to transmit to the server device 10 the time slot (date and time) during which the resident can receive the package as a response to the delivery style inquiry. The server device 10 may calculate a delivery route so that the package addressed to the resident is delivered during the time slot (date and time) specified by the resident. In this way, the server device 10 accepts a resident's change in the time slot for package delivery and controls the delivery so that the package is delivered during the changed time slot.

[0180] In the second embodiment, the server device 10 may transmit a delivery style inquiry including information about the worker (e.g., a facial image, name, company, etc.) to the resident terminal 60. The resident terminal 60 may provide the information about the worker to the resident. The resident may select a delivery style (in-person collection, drop-off, or mid-delivery) based on the provided information. In this case, for example, if the resident is familiar with the worker, the resident may select mid-delivery.

[0181] In the second embodiment, the server device 10 determines the permitted time slots (time slots during which workers can enter the home when an intermediate allocation is selected). However, the permitted time slots may be determined by the residents.

[0182] In the second embodiment, when the authentication unit 206 unlocks the door of a resident's home who requested mid-delivery during the same package delivery (when the worker's biometric authentication is successful), the authentication unit 206 may treat subsequent attempts to unlock the door as failures. In other words, because there is no need to enter a home where delivery has been completed more than once during the same package delivery, the authentication unit 206 may unconditionally treat subsequent attempts to unlock the door as failures. In this case, when the authentication unit 206 successfully authenticates the worker, it simply deletes the authorized person's biometric information from the corresponding entry in the resident management database.

[0183] In the second embodiment, the case where a resident can select from three delivery methods, namely, "in-person collection," "delivery to the door," and "delivery within the door," has been described. However, a resident may also be able to select other methods. For example, a resident may be able to select "to personally pick up the package from the storage shelf 40."

[0184] In the above embodiment, the case where the worker management database and the resident management database are configured inside the server device 10 has been described, but these databases may also be configured on an external database server or the like. That is, some of the functions of the server device 10 may be implemented in another device. More specifically, the above-described "storage status acquisition unit (storage status acquisition means)," "delivery control unit (delivery control means)," etc. may be implemented in any of the devices included in the system.

[0185] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a worker stationed in an apartment building stores packages received from a delivery company on the storage shelf 40. However, the storage of the packages may be achieved by other methods. For example, an employee of a delivery company that delivers a package to an apartment building may store the package on the storage shelf 40 and register information about the storage location (storage space) of the package and the destination of the package in the system (input to the server device 10).

[0186] The format of data transmission between the devices (server device 10, worker terminal 50, and resident terminal 60) is not particularly limited, but the data transmitted between these devices may be encrypted. Biometric information and the like is transmitted between these devices, and in order to appropriately protect this information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0187] In the flow charts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the steps shown in the drawings can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0188] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the above-described configurations are required. Furthermore, when multiple embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0189] From the above explanation, it is clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention can be suitably applied to a delivery system for delivering packages to residents of an apartment building or the like.

[0190] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. [Supplementary Note 1] A server device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires storage status information indicating the presence or absence of packages in each storage space that stores packages addressed to each of a plurality of residences; and a delivery control unit that calculates, based on at least the storage status information, a delivery route for delivering the packages stored in each storage space to the delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the packages to be delivered to the delivery destination, and notifies a worker of the calculated delivery route and a resident of the delivery destination of the calculated estimated delivery time. [Supplementary Note 2] The server device described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the delivery control unit uses the storage status information to identify a residence to which a package that needs to be delivered has arrived, and identifies the package to be delivered using delivery preference information for the resident living in the identified residence. [Supplementary Note 3] The server device described in Supplementary Note 2, wherein the delivery control unit uses the storage status information to identify each residence to which a package that needs to be delivered has arrived, and sends an inquiry regarding the delivery method of the delivered package to the resident living in each identified residence. [Supplementary Note 4] The server device of Supplementary Note 3, wherein the delivery control means notifies the worker of the delivery style desired by each resident who has inquired about the delivery style and the calculated delivery route. [Supplementary Note 5] The server device of Supplementary Note 4, wherein the delivery control means acquires from each resident who has inquired about the delivery style whether the delivery style is in person, delivery to a designated location, or delivery within a designated area. [Supplementary Note 6] The server device of Supplementary Note 5, wherein the plurality of residences are apartment buildings, and the worker stores the packages received from the delivery company in the corresponding storage space while waiting outside the apartment building. [Supplementary Note 7] The server device of Supplementary Note 6, further comprising authentication means that performs biometric authentication of the worker when the worker enters the apartment building to deliver the package to be delivered, and the authentication means allows the worker to enter the apartment building if the biometric authentication of the worker is successful.[Supplementary Note 8] The server device according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the authentication means, when the worker arrives in front of the residence of the resident who has requested the delivery, performs biometric authentication of the worker who has arrived, and if the biometric authentication of the worker is successful, permits the worker to enter the residence of the resident who has requested the delivery. [Supplementary Note 9] The server device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein the acquisition means acquires the storage status information in response to sending a storage status transmission request to a storage shelf having each of the storage spaces. [Supplementary Note 10] A system including: a worker terminal carried by a worker; a resident terminal carried by a resident; and a server device, wherein the server device comprises: an acquisition means for acquiring storage status information indicating the presence or absence of luggage in each storage space that stores luggage addressed to each of a plurality of residences; and a delivery control means for calculating, based on at least the storage status information, a delivery route for delivering the luggage stored in each storage space to the delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the luggage to be delivered to the delivery destination, sending a luggage delivery instruction including the calculated delivery route to the worker terminal, and sending a luggage delivery notice including the calculated estimated delivery time to the resident terminal. [Supplementary Note 11] The system described in Supplementary Note 10, wherein the worker terminal displays the delivery route. [Supplementary Note 12] The system described in Supplementary Note 10 or 11, wherein the resident terminal displays the estimated delivery time. [Supplementary Note 13] A control method for a server device, the method comprising: acquiring storage status information indicating whether or not there is any luggage in each storage space that stores luggage addressed to each of a plurality of residences; calculating a delivery route for delivering the luggage stored in each storage space to a delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the luggage to be delivered to the delivery destination based on at least the storage status information; notifying a worker of the calculated delivery route; and notifying residents of the delivery destination of the calculated estimated delivery time.[Supplementary Note 14] A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute the following processes: a process for acquiring storage status information indicating the presence or absence of packages in each storage space that stores packages addressed to each of a plurality of residences; and a process for calculating, based on at least the storage status information, a delivery route for delivering the packages stored in each storage space to the delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the packages to be delivered to the delivery destination, notifying a worker of the calculated delivery route, and notifying residents of the delivery destination of the calculated estimated delivery time.

[0191] The disclosures of the above-cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof.

[0192] 10 Server device 20 Waiting area 30 Storage warehouse 40 Storage shelf 50 Worker terminal 60 Resident terminal 70 Entrance door 80 Camera device 100 Server device 101 Acquisition means 102 Delivery control means 201 Communication control unit 202 Worker information management unit 203 Resident information management unit 204 Storage status acquisition unit 205 Delivery control unit 206 Authentication unit 207 Memory unit 301 Communication control unit 302 Transmission request processing unit 303 Memory unit 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input / output interface 314 Communication interface 401 Communication control unit 402 Delivery instruction processing unit 403 Memory unit 501 Communication control unit 502 Delivery notification processing unit 503 Memory unit 504 Inquiry processing unit

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring storage status information indicating the presence or absence of luggage in each storage space for storing luggage addressed to each of a plurality of residences; a delivery control means for calculating a delivery route for delivering the packages stored in each storage space to a delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the packages to be delivered to the delivery destination based on at least the storage status information, notifying a worker of the calculated delivery route, and notifying residents of the delivery destination of the calculated estimated delivery time; A server device comprising:

2. The delivery control means includes: The server device according to claim 1, further comprising: a server for identifying a residence to which a package that needs to be delivered has arrived using the storage status information; and identifying the package to be delivered using delivery preference information regarding delivery of packages of residents living in the identified residence.

3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the delivery control means uses the storage status information to identify each residence to which a package that needs to be delivered has arrived, and sends an inquiry to the residents living in each of the identified residences regarding the delivery format of the arrived package.

4. 4. The server device according to claim 3, wherein the delivery control means notifies the worker of the delivery style desired by each resident who has made an inquiry regarding the delivery style and the calculated delivery route.

5. The server device according to claim 4 , wherein the delivery control means acquires from each resident who has made an inquiry regarding the delivery style whether the delivery style is face-to-face collection, drop-off, or mid-delivery.

6. the plurality of residences are apartment buildings, The server device according to claim 5 , wherein the worker stores the parcel received from the delivery company in the corresponding storage space while waiting outside the apartment complex.

7. The method further includes an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of the worker when the worker enters the apartment building to deliver the package to be delivered, The server device according to claim 6 , wherein the authentication means permits the worker to enter the housing complex when biometric authentication of the worker is successful.

8. When the resident who receives the package requests the delivery, the authentication means performs biometric authentication of the worker when the worker arrives in front of the residence of the resident who requests the delivery, The server device according to claim 7 , wherein, if biometric authentication of the worker is successful, the worker is permitted to enter the home of the resident who has requested the intermediate placement.

9. The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the storage status information in response to a storage status transmission request being sent to a storage shelf that includes each of the storage spaces.

10. A worker terminal carried by a worker; A resident terminal owned by a resident; A server device; Including, The server device includes: An acquisition means for acquiring storage status information indicating the presence or absence of luggage in each storage space for storing luggage addressed to each of a plurality of residences; a delivery control means for calculating a delivery route for delivering the parcels stored in each storage space to a delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the parcels to be delivered to the delivery destination based on at least the storage status information, transmitting a parcel delivery instruction including the calculated delivery route to the worker terminal, and transmitting a parcel delivery notification including the calculated estimated delivery time to the resident terminal; A system comprising:

11. The system according to claim 10 , wherein the worker terminal displays the delivery route.

12. The system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the resident terminal displays the estimated delivery time.

13. In the server device, Acquire storage status information indicating the presence or absence of luggage in each storage space for storing luggage addressed to each of the plurality of residences; A control method for a server device, which calculates a delivery route for delivering the packages stored in each storage space to the delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the packages to be delivered to the delivery destination based on at least the storage status information, notifies a worker of the calculated delivery route, and notifies residents of the delivery destination of the calculated estimated delivery time.

14. A computer installed in the server device A process of acquiring storage status information indicating the presence or absence of luggage in each storage space for storing luggage addressed to each of a plurality of residences; A process of calculating a delivery route for delivering the packages stored in each storage space to a delivery destination and an estimated delivery time for the packages to be delivered to the delivery destination based on at least the storage status information, notifying a worker of the calculated delivery route, and notifying a resident of the delivery destination of the calculated estimated delivery time; A program for executing the above.