Lost article management device, lost article management method, and lost article management system

Abstract

A lost article management device (3) is configured to comprise: an identification code generation unit (11) that generates an identification code including information related to a lost article deposited in a lost article deposit machine (1); and a search unit (13) that, when a search condition of a lost article is given from a lost article owner terminal (2) that is a terminal used by a lost article owner searching for a lost article, searches for a lost article that matches the search condition from among one or more lost articles deposited in the lost article deposit machine (1), said search being made by collating the search condition and the information included in the identification code generated by the identification code generation unit (11). Further, the lost article management device (3) comprises: an identification code transmission unit (14) that transmits, from among the identification codes generated by the identification code generation unit (11), an identification code corresponding to the lost article found by the search unit (13), the code being transmitted to the lost article owner terminal (2); and a return instruction unit (15) that instructs the lost article deposit machine (1) to return the lost article when the identification code corresponding to the lost article found by the search unit (13) has been presented from the lost article owner terminal (2).

Description

Lost property management device, lost property management method, and lost property management system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lost property management device, a lost property management method, and a lost property management system.

[0002] There is a lost property management system that manages lost items. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lost property management system that includes a terminal used by the finder of the lost item (hereinafter referred to as the "finder terminal"), a terminal used by the owner of the lost item (hereinafter referred to as the "owner terminal"), and a management server. The finder terminal transmits information about the lost item to the management server. The information about the lost item includes, for example, information indicating the location where the lost item was found or information indicating the date and time the lost item was found. The management server stores the information about the lost item transmitted from the finder terminal in a database. The owner terminal transmits search conditions for the lost item to the management server. The management server searches for the owner's lost item by comparing the information about the lost item stored in the database with the search conditions transmitted from the owner terminal. If the owner's lost item is found, the owner who searched for the lost item can confirm the lost item information provided by the management server and retrieve the lost item kept by the finder or by another person.

[0003] JP 2010-204733 A

[0004] When the system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used to return lost items to their owners, there is a problem in that it is difficult to smoothly return lost items because the system does not take into consideration tasks such as confirming whether the person who actually comes to collect the lost item is the owner who searched for the lost item, or confirming which lost item in storage the person comes to collect.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a lost property management device that allows for smooth return of lost property.

[0006] The lost property management device according to the present disclosure includes an identification code generation unit that generates an identification code including information about a lost item deposited in a lost property deposit machine, and a search unit that, when search conditions for the lost item are provided from an owner terminal used by an owner searching for the lost item, searches for a lost item that matches the search conditions from one or more lost items deposited in the lost property deposit machine by comparing the search conditions with information included in the identification code generated by the identification code generation unit. The lost property management device also includes an identification code transmission unit that transmits to the owner terminal an identification code generated by the identification code generation unit that corresponds to the lost item searched for by the search unit, and a return instruction unit that instructs the lost property deposit machine to return the lost item when the owner terminal presents the identification code corresponding to the lost item searched for by the search unit.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, lost items can be returned smoothly.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a lost-item management system including a lost-item management device 3 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the hardware of the lost-item management device 3 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer in the case where the lost-item management device 3 is realized by software, firmware, or the like. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a lost-item management method, which is a processing procedure of the lost-item management device 3. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a lost-item management system including a lost-item management device 3 according to embodiment 2. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the hardware of the lost-item management device 3 according to embodiment 2. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a lost-item management system including a lost-item management device 3 according to embodiment 3. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a lost-item management system including a lost-item management device 3 according to embodiment 4. FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the hardware of the lost-item management device 3 according to embodiment 4. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a lost-item management method, which is a processing procedure of the lost-item management device 3.

[0009] In order to explain the present disclosure in more detail, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a lost property management system including a lost property management device 3 according to embodiment 1. The lost property management system shown in Fig. 1 comprises a lost property deposit machine 1, an owner terminal 2, and a lost property management device 3. Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the hardware of the lost property management device 3 according to embodiment 1.

[0011] The lost item deposit machine 1 accepts the deposit of lost items and stores them. The owner terminal 2 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet. The owner terminal 2 is a terminal used by the owner of the lost item. The owner uses the owner terminal 2 to set search conditions for the lost item, etc.

[0012] The lost item management device 3 includes an identification code generation unit 11, an identification code storage unit 12, a search unit 13, an identification code transmission unit 14, and a return instruction unit 15. The lost item management device 3 realizes the return of a lost item without the user of the owner terminal 2 knowing the finder's personal information, that is, the email address of the finder's terminal.

[0013] The identification code generation unit 11 is realized, for example, by the identification code generation circuit 31 shown in Fig. 2. The identification code generation unit 11 generates an identification code including information about the lost item deposited in the lost-item deposit machine 1. Specifically, the identification code generation unit 11 generates an identification code including, as information about the lost item, one or more of the following: information indicating the location where the lost item deposited in the lost-item deposit machine 1 was found, information indicating the date and time the lost item was found, or an image of the lost item. The identification code generation unit 11 outputs the identification code to the identification code storage unit 12.

[0014] The identification code storage unit 12 is realized by, for example, the identification code storage circuit 32 shown in Fig. 2. The identification code storage unit 12 stores the identification code output from the identification code generation unit 11.

[0015] The search unit 13 is realized, for example, by the search circuit 33 shown in Fig. 2. When search conditions for the lost item are given from the owner terminal 2, the search unit 13 searches for a lost item that matches the search conditions from among one or more lost items deposited in the lost-item deposit machine 1 by comparing the search conditions with information contained in the identification code stored in the identification code storage unit 12. The search unit 13 outputs the identification code corresponding to the lost item that matches the search conditions to the identification code transmission unit 14.

[0016] The identification code transmission unit 14 is realized, for example, by the identification code transmission circuit 34 shown in Fig. 2. The identification code transmission unit 14 acquires, from the identification codes generated by the identification code generation unit 11, an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched for by the search unit 13. The identification code transmission unit 14 transmits the acquired identification code to the owner terminal 2.

[0017] The return instruction unit 15 is realized, for example, by the return instruction circuit 35 shown in Fig. 2. When the owner terminal 2 presents an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched for by the search unit 13, the return instruction unit 15 instructs the lost-item deposit machine 1 to return the lost item.

[0018] 1, it is assumed that each of the components of the lost property management device 3, namely, the identification code generation unit 11, the identification code storage unit 12, the search unit 13, the identification code transmission unit 14, and the return instruction unit 15, is realized by dedicated hardware as shown in Fig. 2. That is, it is assumed that the lost property management device 3 is realized by an identification code generation circuit 31, an identification code storage circuit 32, a search circuit 33, an identification code transmission circuit 34, and a return instruction circuit 35. The identification code storage circuit 32 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, or a minidisk. Each of the identification code generation circuit 31, search circuit 33, identification code transmission circuit 34, and return instruction circuit 35 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0019] The components of the lost property management device 3 are not limited to those realized by dedicated hardware, and the lost property management device 3 may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software or firmware is stored as a program in the memory of a computer. A computer refers to hardware that executes a program, and includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a processor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0020] 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer when the lost property management device 3 is realized by software, firmware, etc. When the lost property management device 3 is realized by software, firmware, etc., the identification code storage unit 12 is configured on the computer's memory 51. Programs for causing the computer to execute the respective processing procedures of the identification code generation unit 11, search unit 13, identification code transmission unit 14, and return instruction unit 15 are stored in the memory 51. The computer's processor 52 then executes the programs stored in the memory 51.

[0021] 2 shows an example in which each of the components of the lost property management device 3 is realized by dedicated hardware, while Fig. 3 shows an example in which the lost property management device 3 is realized by software, firmware, etc. However, this is only an example, and some of the components in the lost property management device 3 may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the remaining components may be realized by software, firmware, etc.

[0022] Next, the operation of the lost-item management system shown in Fig. 1 will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a lost-item management method, which is the processing procedure of the lost-item management device 3. The finder of a lost item goes to a location where the lost-item deposit machine 1 is installed to deposit the lost item in the lost-item deposit machine 1. When the finder places the lost item into the lost-item deposit machine 1 through a lost-item deposit opening (not shown), a message prompting the finder to enter information about the lost item and information about the finder is displayed on a display (not shown) of the lost-item deposit machine 1. However, it is displayed that entering information about the finder is optional.

[0023] Information about lost property includes, for example, information indicating the location where the lost property was found and information indicating the date and time the lost property was found. Information about the finder includes, for example, the finder's name and contact information. The finder operates an operation unit (not shown) of the lost property deposit machine 1 to input information about the lost property and information about the finder. For the sake of convenience, it is assumed here that information about the finder has also been input, but this does not have to be the case. The lost property deposit machine 1 photographs the lost property deposited through the lost property deposit opening and outputs the photographed image of the lost property, information about the lost property, and information about the finder to the identification code generation unit 11 of the lost property management device 3. The lost property deposited through the lost property deposit opening is stored on a table or the like within the lost property deposit machine 1.

[0024] In this example, a photographed image of the lost item is output from the lost-and-found machine 1 to the identification code generation unit 11. In addition to the photographed image of the lost item, for example, the name of the lost item or characteristics of the lost item may be output from the lost-and-found machine 1 to the identification code generation unit 11. The item name may be input by the finder of the lost item by operating an operation unit (not shown) of the lost-and-found machine 1, or the lost-and-found machine 1 may identify the name of the lost item by comparing teacher images of multiple items with the photographed image of the lost item. Examples of characteristics of the lost item include the name of the owner printed on the lost item, the owner's fingerprints on the lost item, or scars on the lost item. The characteristics of the lost item may be input by the finder of the lost item by operating an operation unit (not shown) of the lost-and-found machine 1, or the lost-and-found machine 1 may identify the characteristics of the lost item by analyzing the photographed image of the lost item. Here, the finder of the lost item inputs information about the lost item by operating the operation unit of the lost item deposit machine 1, but the system may be such that information about the lost item is generated from a photographed image of the lost item, and the finder of the lost item does not need to input anything.

[0025] The identification code generation unit 11 acquires information about the lost item, including a photographed image of the lost item, and information about the finder from the lost-item deposit machine 1. The identification code generation unit 11 generates an identification code including the information about the lost item and the information about the finder (step ST1 in FIG. 4 ). The information about the lost item includes, for example, one or more of information indicating the location where the lost item was found, information indicating the date and time the lost item was found, a photographed image of the lost item, the name of the lost item, and characteristics of the lost item. The information about the finder includes, for example, one or more of the finder's name and contact information. The identification code may take any code format, but may be, for example, a two-dimensional barcode. The identification code generation unit 11 outputs the identification code to the identification code storage unit 12. As a result, the identification code corresponding to the lost item deposited in the lost-item deposit machine 1 is stored in the identification code storage unit 12.

[0026] The owner sets search conditions for the lost item by operating the owner terminal 2. Specifically, the owner can set search conditions for the lost item by using the owner terminal 2 to access a website or the like that manages storage information for lost items stored by the lost item deposit machine 1. Search conditions for the lost item include, for example, the location where the lost item was dropped, the date and time the lost item was dropped, an image of the lost item, the name of the lost item, or characteristics of the lost item.

[0027] The search unit 13 searches for lost items that match the search criteria among one or more lost items deposited in the lost-item deposit machine 1 by comparing the search criteria with the information contained in the identification code stored in the identification code storage unit 12 (step ST2 in FIG. 4 ). For example, if the search criteria for lost items include the location where the lost item was dropped, the date and time the lost item was dropped, and an image of the lost item, the following lost items will match the search criteria: A lost item will match the location where the lost item was dropped and the location where the lost item was found, as indicated by the information contained in the identification code; the date and time the lost item was dropped is earlier than the date and time the lost item was found, as indicated by the information contained in the identification code; and the similarity between the image of the lost item set and the photographed image of the lost item contained in the identification code is equal to or greater than a threshold. The process of calculating the image similarity is well-known technology, so a detailed description will be omitted. The threshold value may be stored in the internal memory of the search unit 13 or may be provided from outside the lost property management device 3 .

[0028] For example, if the search conditions for lost items are set to the item name and characteristics of the lost item, the following lost items will match the search conditions. A lost item will match the search conditions if the set item name matches the item name indicated by the information included in the identification code, and if the set characteristics match the characteristics indicated by the information included in the identification code. The search unit 13 outputs the identification code corresponding to the lost item that matches the search conditions to the identification code transmission unit 14.

[0029] The identification code transmission unit 14 obtains, from the search unit 13, an identification code corresponding to the lost item that matches the search criteria. The identification code transmission unit 14 transmits the identification code corresponding to the lost item that matches the search criteria to the owner terminal 2 (step ST3 in FIG. 4 ). When transmitting the identification code to the owner terminal 2, the identification code transmission unit 14 may also transmit information indicating the installation location of the lost item deposit machine 1 to the owner terminal 2. When the owner terminal 2 receives the identification code, the owner goes to the location where the lost item deposit machine 1 is installed to retrieve the lost item. In the lost item management system shown in FIG. 1 , the identification code transmission unit 14 transmits the identification code to the owner terminal 2. The identification code may be transmitted by any method, such as a reply from a website, email, SNS (Social Networking Service), or mail.

[0030] If the owner terminal 2 presents an identification code corresponding to a lost item that matches the search criteria (step ST4 in FIG. 4 : YES), the return instruction unit 15 instructs the lost-item deposit machine 1 to return the lost item that matches the search criteria (step ST5 in FIG. 4 ). If the owner terminal 2 does not present an identification code corresponding to a lost item that matches the search criteria (step ST4 in FIG. 4 : NO), the return instruction unit 15 does not instruct the lost-item deposit machine 1 to return the lost item that matches the search criteria. The identification code may be presented, for example, by holding the identification code displayed on the display of the owner terminal 2 over a code confirmation window (not shown) of the lost-item deposit machine 1, or by the owner terminal 2 transmitting the identification code to the return instruction unit 15 of the lost-item management device 3. An identification code reader is installed in the code confirmation window (not shown) of the lost-item deposit machine 1, and the reader transmits the read identification code to the return instruction unit 15.

[0031] When the lost-item deposit machine 1 receives an instruction to return a lost item from the return instruction unit 15, it transports the lost item stored on a table or the like to a lost-item return port (not shown) of the lost-item deposit machine 1. The owner can then retrieve the lost item transported to the lost-item return port. When the lost-item deposit machine 1 detects that the owner has received the lost item, it outputs the receipt detection information to the return instruction unit 15. When the return instruction unit 15 receives the receipt detection information from the lost-item deposit machine 1, if the identification code corresponding to the lost item contains information about the finder, it transmits the receipt detection information to the finder's terminal or the like. Furthermore, when the return instruction unit 15 receives the receipt detection information from the lost-item deposit machine 1, the lost-item management device 3 may delete information about the returned lost item from the lost-item management device 3. In the lost-item management system shown in FIG. 1 , the finder does not need to manage the lost item until it is returned to the owner. The finder does not have to return the lost item to the owner.

[0032] In the first embodiment described above, the lost property management device 3 is configured to include an identification code generation unit 11 that generates an identification code containing information about a lost item deposited in the lost property deposit machine 1, and a search unit 13 that, when search conditions for the lost item are provided from the owner terminal 2 used by the owner searching for the lost item, searches for a lost item that matches the search conditions from one or more lost items deposited in the lost property deposit machine 1 by comparing the search conditions with information contained in the identification code generated by the identification code generation unit 11. The lost property management device 3 also includes an identification code transmission unit 14 that transmits to the owner terminal 2 an identification code, from among the identification codes generated by the identification code generation unit 11, that corresponds to the lost item searched for by the search unit 13, and a return instruction unit 15 that instructs the lost property deposit machine 1 to return the lost item when the owner terminal 2 presents the identification code corresponding to the lost item searched for by the search unit 13. This allows the lost property management device 3 to smoothly return the lost item.

[0033] In the lost property management system shown in FIG. 1 , an identification code is sent from the identification code sending unit 14 to the owner's terminal 2, but the finder's terminal's email address, which is the finder's personal information, is not made known to the user of the owner's terminal 2. Therefore, the lost property management system shown in FIG. 1 is useful in that it can protect personal information. The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 involves direct communication between individuals. Direct communication includes the exchange of emails and the exchange of lost property. Some finders may prefer to avoid direct communication with strangers, which makes the system undesirable. In contrast, the lost property management system shown in FIG. 1 does not involve direct communication between individuals, and therefore can provide a service that is easier for finders to use.

[0034] Embodiment 2 In embodiment 2, a description will be given of a lost property management device 3 in which an identification code sending unit 16 issues a reception number for the return of a lost property found by a search unit 13, and sends the reception number and an identification code corresponding to the lost property found by the search unit 13 to an owner terminal 2.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a lost property management system including a lost property management device 3 according to embodiment 2. In Fig. 5, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1 indicate the same or corresponding parts, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. Fig. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the hardware of the lost property management device 3 according to embodiment 2. In Fig. 6, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 2 indicate the same or corresponding parts, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0036] The lost item management device 3 shown in Fig. 5 includes an identification code generation unit 11, an identification code storage unit 12, a search unit 13, an identification code transmission unit 16, and a return instruction unit 17. The identification code transmission unit 16 is realized, for example, by the identification code transmission circuit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 6. Similar to the identification code transmission unit 14 shown in Fig. 1, the identification code transmission unit 16 acquires an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched for by the search unit 13 from among the identification codes generated by the identification code generation unit 11. The identification code transmission unit 16 issues a reception number for the return of the lost item searched for by the search unit 13, and transmits the reception number and the acquired identification code to the owner terminal 2.

[0037] The return instruction unit 17 is realized by, for example, a return instruction circuit 37 shown in Fig. 6. When the receipt number and identification code are presented from the owner terminal 2, the return instruction unit 17 instructs the lost property deposit machine 1 to return the lost item found by the search unit 13.

[0038] 5, it is assumed that each of the components of the lost property management device 3, namely, the identification code generation unit 11, the identification code storage unit 12, the search unit 13, the identification code transmission unit 16, and the return instruction unit 17, is realized by dedicated hardware as shown in FIG. 6. That is, it is assumed that the lost property management device 3 is realized by an identification code generation circuit 31, an identification code storage circuit 32, a search circuit 33, an identification code transmission circuit 36, and a return instruction circuit 37. Each of the identification code generation circuit 31, the search circuit 33, the identification code transmission circuit 36, and the return instruction circuit 37 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0039] The components of the lost property management device 3 are not limited to those realized by dedicated hardware, and the lost property management device 3 may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. When the lost property management device 3 is realized by software, firmware, or the like, the identification code storage unit 12 is configured on the computer's memory 51. Programs for causing a computer to execute the respective processing procedures of the identification code generation unit 11, the search unit 13, the identification code transmission unit 16, and the return instruction unit 17 are stored in the memory 51 shown in FIG. 3. Then, the processor 52 shown in FIG. 3 executes the programs stored in the memory 51.

[0040] 6 shows an example in which each of the components of the lost property management device 3 is realized by dedicated hardware, while Fig. 3 shows an example in which the lost property management device 3 is realized by software, firmware, etc. However, this is only an example, and some of the components in the lost property management device 3 may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the remaining components may be realized by software, firmware, etc.

[0041] Next, the operation of the lost property management system shown in Fig. 5 will be described. However, since the lost property management system is the same as that shown in Fig. 1 except for the identification code transmission unit 16 and the return instruction unit 17, only the operation of the identification code transmission unit 16 and the return instruction unit 17 will be described here.

[0042] 1 , the identification code transmission unit 16 acquires, from among the identification codes generated by the identification code generation unit 11, an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched for by the search unit 13. The identification code transmission unit 16 issues a reception number for the return of the lost item searched for by the search unit 13. The identification code transmission unit 16 transmits the reception number and the acquired identification code to the owner terminal 2.

[0043] When the reception number and identification code are presented by the owner terminal 2, the return instruction unit 17 instructs the lost property deposit machine 1 to return the lost item found by the search unit 13. Here, the presentation of the reception number is a condition for return, so the possibility of the lost item being returned to someone other than the owner is reduced compared to when the return of the lost item is instructed simply by the presentation of the identification code.

[0044] In the second embodiment described above, the identification code sending unit 16 issues a reception number for the return of the lost item found by the search unit 13, and sends the reception number and the identification code corresponding to the lost item found by the search unit 13 to the owner's terminal 2. The lost property management device 3 shown in Fig. 5 is configured so that the return instruction unit 17 instructs the lost property deposit machine 1 to return the lost item when the reception number and identification code are presented by the owner's terminal 2. Therefore, the lost property management device 3 shown in Fig. 5 can increase the likelihood that the lost item will be returned to the true owner more than the lost property management device 3 shown in Fig. 1.

[0045] Embodiment 3 In embodiment 3, a lost property management device 3 will be described in which the return instruction unit 18 performs a personal authentication process for the owner of the lost item after the owner's terminal 2 presents an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched for by the search unit 13, and if the owner's identity is confirmed, the return instruction unit 18 instructs the lost property deposit machine 1 to return the lost item.

[0046] Fig. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a lost property management system including a lost property management device 3 according to embodiment 3. In Fig. 7, the same reference numerals as in Figs. 1 and 5 indicate the same or corresponding parts, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. Fig. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the hardware of the lost property management device 3 according to embodiment 3. In Fig. 8, the same reference numerals as in Figs. 2 and 6 indicate the same or corresponding parts, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0047] The return instruction unit 18 is realized, for example, by a return instruction circuit 38 shown in Fig. 8. The return instruction unit 18 performs a personal authentication process for the owner after the owner's terminal 2 presents an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched for by the search unit 13. After performing the personal authentication process for the owner, the return instruction unit 18 instructs the lost property deposit machine 1 to return the lost item searched for by the search unit 13, if the identity of the owner can be confirmed.

[0048] In the lost-item management system shown in Fig. 7, the return instruction unit 18 is applied to the lost-item management device 3 shown in Fig. 1. However, this is merely an example, and the return instruction unit 18 may also be applied to the lost-item management device 3 shown in Fig. 5.

[0049] 7, it is assumed that each of the components of the lost property management device 3, namely, the identification code generation unit 11, the identification code storage unit 12, the search unit 13, the identification code transmission unit 14, and the return instruction unit 18, is realized by dedicated hardware as shown in FIG. 8. That is, it is assumed that the lost property management device 3 is realized by an identification code generation circuit 31, an identification code storage circuit 32, a search circuit 33, an identification code transmission circuit 34, and a return instruction circuit 38. Each of the identification code generation circuit 31, the search circuit 33, the identification code transmission circuit 34, and the return instruction circuit 38 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0050] The components of the lost property management device 3 are not limited to those realized by dedicated hardware, and the lost property management device 3 may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. When the lost property management device 3 is realized by software, firmware, or the like, the identification code storage unit 12 is configured on the computer's memory 51. Programs for causing a computer to execute the respective processing procedures of the identification code generation unit 11, the search unit 13, the identification code transmission unit 14, and the return instruction unit 18 are stored in the memory 51 shown in FIG. 3. Then, the processor 52 shown in FIG. 3 executes the programs stored in the memory 51.

[0051] 8 shows an example in which each of the components of the lost property management device 3 is realized by dedicated hardware, while Fig. 3 shows an example in which the lost property management device 3 is realized by software, firmware, etc. However, this is only an example, and some of the components in the lost property management device 3 may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the remaining components may be realized by software, firmware, etc.

[0052] Next, the operation of the lost-item management system shown in Fig. 7 will be described. However, since the lost-item management system is the same as that shown in Fig. 1 except for the return instruction unit 18, only the operation of the return instruction unit 18 will be described here.

[0053] The return instruction unit 18 performs a personal authentication process for the owner after the owner's terminal 2 presents an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched for by the search unit 13. The personal authentication process performed by the return instruction unit 18 will be described in detail below.

[0054] In the lost property management system shown in Figure 7, a condition for transmitting an identification code is that personal identification information be presented before the identification code transmission unit 14 transmits the identification code to the owner's terminal 2. Examples of the presentation of personal identification information include the owner's identification card or biometric information. When the return instruction unit 18 receives the personal identification information from the owner's terminal 2, it links the personal identification information with the identification code and stores a pair of the identification code and the personal identification information (hereinafter referred to as "paired information"). After the return instruction unit 18 receives the personal identification information, the identification code transmission unit 14 transmits an identification code corresponding to the lost item that matches the search criteria to the owner's terminal 2.

[0055] When an identification code corresponding to a lost item that matches the search criteria is presented from the owner terminal 2, the return instruction unit 18 requests the presentation of personal identification information. When the personal identification information is presented, the return instruction unit 18 compares the personal identification information with the personal identification information included in the stored pair information. If the presented personal identification information matches the personal identification information included in the pair information, the return instruction unit 18 determines that the identity of the owner has been confirmed, and instructs the lost-item deposit machine 1 to return the lost item corresponding to the presented identification code. If the presented personal identification information does not match the personal identification information included in the pair information, the return instruction unit 18 determines that the identity of the owner has not been confirmed, and does not instruct the lost-item deposit machine 1 to return the lost item corresponding to the presented identification code.

[0056] In the third embodiment described above, the lost property management device 3 shown in Fig. 7 is configured so that the return instruction unit 18 performs a personal authentication process for the owner of the lost item after the owner's terminal 2 presents an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched for by the search unit 13, and if the owner's identity is confirmed, instructs the lost property deposit machine 1 to return the lost item. Therefore, the lost property management device 3 shown in Fig. 7 can increase the possibility that the lost item will be returned to the true owner more than the lost property management device 3 shown in Fig. 1.

[0057] Fourth Embodiment In a fourth embodiment, a lost property management system will be described in which a lost property deposited in a lost property deposit machine 1 is stored in a lost property storage machine 4 that is installed in a location different from the lost property deposit machine 1.

[0058] Fig. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a lost property management system including a lost property management device 3 according to embodiment 4. In Fig. 9, the same reference numerals as in Figs. 1, 5, and 7 indicate the same or corresponding parts, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. Fig. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the hardware of the lost property management device 3 according to embodiment 4. In Fig. 10, the same reference numerals as in Figs. 2, 6, and 8 indicate the same or corresponding parts, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0059] The lost property management system shown in Figure 9 includes a lost property deposit machine 1, an owner terminal 2, a lost property management device 3, and a lost property storage machine 4. The lost property storage machine 4 is installed in a different location from the lost property deposit machine 1, and stores lost property deposited in the lost property deposit machine 1.

[0060] The lost property management device 3 includes an identification code generation unit 21, an identification code storage unit 12, a search unit 23, an identification code transmission unit 14, and a return instruction unit 25. The identification code generation unit 21 is realized, for example, by an identification code generation circuit 41 shown in FIG. 10. The identification code generation unit 21 generates an identification code that includes at least information indicating the installation location of the lost property deposit machine 4 as information about the lost property deposited in the lost property deposit machine 1. The identification code generation unit 21 outputs the identification code to the identification code storage unit 12.

[0061] The search unit 23 is realized, for example, by a search circuit 43 shown in Fig. 10. When search conditions for a lost item are given from the owner terminal 2, the search unit 23 searches for a lost item that matches the search conditions from among one or more lost items stored in the lost-item storage device 4 by comparing the search conditions with information contained in the identification code stored in the identification code storage unit 12. The search unit 23 outputs the identification code corresponding to the lost item that matches the search conditions to the identification code transmission unit 14.

[0062] The return instruction unit 25 is realized, for example, by a return instruction circuit 45 shown in Fig. 10. When the owner terminal 2 presents an identification code corresponding to a lost item searched for by the search unit 23, the return instruction unit 25 instructs the lost-found storage machine 4 to return the lost item that matches the search criteria.

[0063] In the lost-item management system shown in Fig. 9, the identification code generation unit 21, the search unit 23, and the return instruction unit 25 are each applied to the lost-item management device 3 shown in Fig. 1. However, this is merely an example, and the identification code generation unit 21, the search unit 23, and the return instruction unit 25 may each be applied to the lost-item management device 3 shown in Fig. 5 or the lost-item management device 3 shown in Fig. 7.

[0064] 9 assumes that each of the components of the lost property management device 3, namely, the identification code generation unit 21, the identification code storage unit 12, the search unit 23, the identification code transmission unit 14, and the return instruction unit 25, is realized by dedicated hardware as shown in Fig. 10. That is, it assumes that the lost property management device 3 is realized by an identification code generation circuit 41, an identification code storage circuit 32, a search circuit 43, an identification code transmission circuit 34, and a return instruction circuit 45. Each of the identification code generation circuit 41, the search circuit 43, the identification code transmission circuit 34, and the return instruction circuit 45 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0065] The components of the lost property management device 3 are not limited to those realized by dedicated hardware, and the lost property management device 3 may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. When the lost property management device 3 is realized by software, firmware, or the like, the identification code storage unit 12 is configured on the computer's memory 51. Programs for causing a computer to execute the respective processing procedures of the identification code generation unit 21, search unit 23, identification code transmission unit 14, and return instruction unit 25 are stored in the memory 51 shown in FIG. 3. Then, the processor 52 shown in FIG. 3 executes the programs stored in the memory 51.

[0066] 10 shows an example in which each of the components of the lost property management device 3 is realized by dedicated hardware, while Fig. 3 shows an example in which the lost property management device 3 is realized by software, firmware, etc. However, this is merely an example, and some of the components in the lost property management device 3 may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the remaining components may be realized by software, firmware, etc.

[0067] Next, the operation of the lost-item management system shown in Fig. 9 will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a lost-item management method, which is a processing procedure of the lost-item management device 3. The finder of a lost item goes to a location where the lost-item deposit machine 1 is installed to deposit the lost item in the lost-item deposit machine 1. When the finder places the lost item in the lost-item deposit machine 1 through a lost-item deposit opening (not shown) of the lost-item deposit machine 1, a message prompting the finder to enter information about the lost item and information about the finder is displayed on a display (not shown) of the lost-item deposit machine 1. However, it is displayed that entering information about the finder is optional.

[0068] Information about lost property includes, for example, information indicating the location where the lost property was found and information indicating the date and time the lost property was found. Information about the finder includes, for example, the finder's name and contact information. The finder operates an operation unit (not shown) of the lost property deposit machine 1 to input information about the lost property and information about the finder. For the sake of convenience, it is assumed here that information about the finder has also been input. The lost property deposit machine 1 photographs lost property placed through the lost property entrance. Lost property deposited in the lost property deposit machine 1 is transported to a lost property storage machine 4 installed in a different location from the lost property deposit machine 1. The lost property storage machine 4 stores the lost property deposited in the lost property deposit machine 1. The lost property deposit machine 1 outputs information about the lost property, including a photographed image of the lost property and information indicating the installation location of the lost property storage machine 4, as well as information about the finder, to the identification code generation unit 21 of the lost property management device 3.

[0069] Here, a photographed image of the lost item is output from the lost-item deposit machine 1 to the identification code generation unit 21. In addition to the photographed image of the lost item, for example, the name of the lost item or characteristics of the lost item may also be output from the lost-item deposit machine 1 to the identification code generation unit 21.

[0070] The identification code generation unit 21 acquires information about the lost item, including information indicating the installation location of the lost-item storage unit 4, and information about the finder, from the lost-item deposit machine 1. The identification code generation unit 21 generates an identification code including information about the lost item, including information indicating the installation location of the lost-item storage unit 4, and information about the finder (step ST11 in FIG. 11). The identification code may be in any code format, but a two-dimensional barcode, for example, can be used as the identification code. The identification code generation unit 21 outputs the identification code to the identification code storage unit 12. As a result, the identification code corresponding to the lost item stored in the lost-item storage unit 4 is stored in the identification code storage unit 12.

[0071] The owner sets search conditions for the lost item by operating the owner terminal 2. The search unit 23 searches for lost items that match the search conditions from one or more lost items stored in the lost-item storage device 4 by comparing the search conditions with the identification code stored in the identification code storage unit 12 (step ST12 in FIG. 11 ). The search unit 23 outputs the identification code corresponding to the lost item that matches the search conditions to the identification code transmission unit 14.

[0072] The identification code sending unit 14 obtains, from the search unit 23, an identification code corresponding to the lost item that matches the search criteria. The identification code sending unit 14 sends the identification code corresponding to the lost item that matches the search criteria to the owner terminal 2 (step ST13 in FIG. 11 ). When sending the identification code to the owner terminal 2, the identification code sending unit 14 may also send information indicating the installation location of the lost item storage device 4 to the owner terminal 2. When the owner terminal 2 receives the identification code, the owner goes to the location where the lost item storage device 4 is installed to retrieve the lost item. In the lost item management system shown in FIG. 9 , the identification code sending unit 14 sends the identification code to the owner terminal 2. The identification code may be sent by any method, such as a reply from a website, email, SNS, or mail.

[0073] If the owner terminal 2 presents an identification code corresponding to a lost item that matches the search criteria (step ST14 in FIG. 11 : YES), the return instruction unit 25 instructs the lost-found repository 4 to return the lost item that matches the search criteria (step ST15 in FIG. 11 ). If the owner terminal 2 does not present an identification code corresponding to a lost item that matches the search criteria (step ST14 in FIG. 11 : NO), the return instruction unit 25 does not instruct the lost-found repository 4 to return the lost item that matches the search criteria. The identification code may be presented, for example, by holding the identification code displayed on the display of the owner terminal 2 over a code confirmation window (not shown) of the lost-found repository 4, or by the owner terminal 2 transmitting the identification code to the return instruction unit 25 of the lost-found management device 3. An identification code reader is installed in the code confirmation window (not shown) of the lost-found repository 4, and the reader transmits the read identification code to the return instruction unit 25.

[0074] When the lost-item storage machine 4 receives an instruction to return a lost item from the return instruction unit 25, it transports the stored lost item to a lost-item return port (not shown) of the lost-item deposit machine 1. The owner can then retrieve the lost item transported to the lost-item return port. When the lost-item storage machine 4 detects that the owner has received the lost item, it outputs the receipt detection information to the return instruction unit 25. When the return instruction unit 25 receives the receipt detection information from the lost-item storage machine 4, if the identification code corresponding to the lost item contains information about the finder, it transmits the receipt detection information to the finder's terminal, etc. Furthermore, when the return instruction unit 25 receives the receipt detection information from the lost-item storage machine 4, the lost-item management device 3 may delete information about the returned lost item from the lost-item management device 3. In the lost-item management system shown in FIG. 9 , the finder does not need to manage the lost item until it is returned to the owner. The finder does not have to return the lost item to the owner.

[0075] As described above, even if the lost property deposited in the lost property deposit machine 1 is stored in the lost property storage machine 4 installed in a place different from the lost property deposit machine 1, the lost property can be returned smoothly.

[0076] Embodiment 5 In the lost property management systems according to embodiments 1 to 4, the finder of a lost property deposits the lost property in the lost property deposit machine 1. However, this is merely an example, and it is also possible that the lost property is dropped in a facility, the finder is an employee of the facility, and the employee deposits the lost property in the lost property deposit machine 1.

[0077] In this case, the identification code generation units 11 and 21 may generate an identification code including information about the employee, etc. Furthermore, when the return instruction units 15, 17, 18 and 25 receive the receipt detection information from the lost-and-found deposit machine 1 or the lost-and-found storage machine 4, they transmit the receipt detection information to a terminal of the employee, etc.

[0078] In addition, the present disclosure allows for free combination of the respective embodiments, modification of any of the components of the respective embodiments, or omission of any of the components of the respective embodiments.

[0079] The present disclosure is suitable for a lost-item management device, a lost-item management method, and a lost-item management system.

[0080] 1 Lost property deposit machine, 2 Owner terminal, 3 Lost property management device, 4 Lost property storage machine, 11 Identification code generation unit, 12 Identification code storage unit, 13 Search unit, 14 Identification code transmission unit, 15 Return instruction unit, 16 Identification code transmission unit, 17 Return instruction unit, 18 Return instruction unit, 21 Identification code generation unit, 23 Search unit, 25 Return instruction unit, 31 Identification code generation circuit, 32 Identification code storage circuit, 33 Search circuit, 34 Identification code transmission circuit, 35 Return instruction circuit, 36 Identification code transmission circuit, 37 Return instruction circuit, 38 Return instruction circuit, 41 Identification code generation circuit, 43 Search circuit, 45 Return instruction circuit, 51 Memory, 52 Processor.

Claims

1. An identification code generation unit that generates an identification code including information on lost items deposited in a lost item deposit machine; when search conditions for a lost item are given from the owner terminal, which is a terminal used by the owner searching for the lost item, by collating the search conditions with the information included in the identification code generated by the identification code generation unit, a search unit that searches for lost items that match the search conditions from among one or more lost items deposited in the lost item deposit machine; an identification code transmission unit that transmits, to the owner terminal, an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched by the search unit among the identification codes generated by the identification code generation unit; and a return instruction unit that, when an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched by the search unit is presented from the owner terminal, instructs the lost item deposit machine to return the lost item. A lost item management device comprising:

2. The identification code generation unit generates an identification code including any one or more of information indicating the place where the lost item was picked up, information indicating the date and time when the lost item was picked up, or an image of the lost item as information on the lost item deposited in the lost item deposit machine. The lost item management device according to claim 1, characterized in that:

3. The identification code transmission unit issues a receipt number for the return of the lost item searched by the search unit, and transmits the receipt number and the identification code corresponding to the lost item searched by the search unit to the owner terminal. The return instruction unit, when the receipt number and the identification code corresponding to the lost item searched by the search unit are presented from the owner terminal, instructs the lost item deposit machine to return the lost item. The lost item management device according to claim 1, characterized in that:

4. After an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched by the search unit is presented from the owner terminal, the return instruction unit performs personal authentication processing of the owner, and if the identity of the owner is confirmed, instructs the lost item deposit machine to return the lost item. The lost item management device according to claim 1, characterized in that:

5. The lost items deposited in the lost item depositing machine are stored in a lost item storage machine installed at a location different from the lost item depositing machine. The identification code generation unit generates an identification code including information indicating the installation location of the lost item storage machine as information regarding the lost items deposited in the lost item depositing machine. The search unit, when a search condition for a lost item is given from the loser terminal, collates the search condition with the information included in the identification code generated by the identification code generation unit, and searches for a lost item that matches the search condition from among one or more lost items stored in the lost item storage machine. The return instruction unit, when an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched by the search unit is presented from the loser terminal, instructs the lost item storage machine to return the lost item. The lost item management device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. An identification code generation unit generates an identification code including information regarding the lost items deposited in the lost item depositing machine. A search unit, when a search condition for a lost item is given from the loser terminal, which is a terminal used by the loser searching for the lost item, collates the search condition with the information included in the identification code generated by the identification code generation unit, and searches for a lost item that matches the search condition from among one or more lost items deposited in the lost item depositing machine. An identification code transmission unit transmits, to the loser terminal, an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched by the search unit among the identification codes generated by the identification code generation unit. A return instruction unit, when an identification code corresponding to the lost item searched by the search unit is presented from the loser terminal, instructs the lost item depositing machine to return the lost item. A lost item management method.

7. A lost property management system comprising: a lost property depository that accepts the deposit of lost property; an identification code generation unit that generates an identification code including information regarding the lost property deposited in the lost property depository; a search unit that, when search conditions for the lost property are provided from the owner terminal, which is a terminal used by the owner searching for the lost property, searches for lost property that matches the search conditions from among one or more lost properties deposited in the lost property depository by collating the search conditions with the information included in the identification code generated by the identification code generation unit; an identification code transmission unit that transmits, to the owner terminal, an identification code corresponding to the lost property searched by the search unit among the identification codes generated by the identification code generation unit; and a return instruction unit that, when an identification code corresponding to the lost property searched by the search unit is presented from the owner terminal, instructs the lost property depository to return the lost property.

8. The lost property management system according to claim 7, wherein the lost property depository outputs reception detection information to the return instruction unit when detecting the reception of lost property by the owner.

9. The lost property deposited in the lost property depository is stored in a lost property storage unit installed at a location different from the lost property depository, and the lost property storage unit outputs reception detection information to the return instruction unit when detecting the reception of lost property by the owner. The lost property management system according to claim 7.

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