Logistics system and logistics support method for logistics system

Abstract

The present invention functions as a warehouse useful in various product manufacturing processes by expanding the function of a locker device.　According to the present invention, a logistics system, in which communicated with each other via a prescribed communication medium are: a locker device comprising a plurality of storage compartments; a plurality of data terminals operated by a plurality of users who use the locker device; and a server device that continuously manages the occupancy state of different users in any one of the storage compartments, is characterized by comprising a registration step (3) for registering, in a user information storage means, a user management table for recognizing a state in which users temporarily occupy the same storage compartment in a plurality of logistics processes, commercial distribution processes, and storage processes in which the plurality of users are involved with one another, and an update step (16) for updating the user management table on the basis of a handover request from a user who operates any of the data terminals.

Description

Logistics System and Logistics Support Method for Logistics System

[0001] The present invention relates to a logistics system in which a server device manages the changing state of the possessors of goods stored in a plurality of storage facilities, and a logistics support method for the logistics system.

[0002] Conventionally, locker operating companies have installed lockers separately at various locations within railway stations, etc. For depositing and retrieving luggage, a charge is set on a daily basis, and cash such as coins is inserted to open and close the key for use. Therefore, the administrator goes to the installation location to collect the cash and grasp the usage status.

[0003] Since the conventional lockers are used in a state where the user cannot be identified, unauthorized use of the lockers is likely to occur. Also, when using them, small change must be prepared, and since the fee is set on a daily basis, unnecessary fees are generated for short-term use, for example, use for only one hour.

[0004] In addition, a system for paying locker usage fees by utilizing an electronic money card (transportation electronic money card) has been put into practical use.

[0005] In the normal locker usage mode, a business model in which multiple users deposit heavy luggage in one of the storage facilities for a fee for a short time, go shopping and sightseeing lightly, and then repeat the process of retrieving the deposited luggage is common.

[0006] Patent Document 1 below discloses a logistics system that utilizes a locker device as a logistics warehouse, which includes "a control program for a logistics management device that manages a logistics system that uses a first storage facility for storing first type items received by users of the items, a second storage facility for storing second type items to be transported to users of each of the multiple first storage facilities, and a third storage facility for storing third type items to be transported to users of each of the multiple first storage facilities corresponding to each of the multiple second storage facilities, wherein the processor of the logistics management device functions as an acquisition means for acquiring the frequency of use of the items by each user, and as a classification means for classifying the items corresponding to the first usage frequency as first type items, the items corresponding to the second usage frequency which is lower than the first usage frequency as second type items, and the items corresponding to the third usage frequency which is lower than the second usage frequency as third type items, based on the usage frequencies of multiple users belonging to a transport target area set for the third storage facility."

[0007] Patent No. 7130884

[0008] However, there is a need to explore a usage model in which multiple vendors occupy the same storage unit that makes up a locker system for a certain period, for example, during the process of manufacturing a product from parts, and then, after the final process is completed, the goods are stored in the storage unit of the locker system as products for sale. For this reason, a system is needed to manage the same storage unit in a detailed manner, including occupant registration and occupant usage status, at a level different from that of a normal locker system.

[0009] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a logistics system and a logistics support method for a logistics system that expands the functionality of a locker device by allowing multiple parties to manage one selected storage unit from among multiple storage units while changing its occupancy status, thereby enabling it to function as a useful warehouse in various logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes.

[0010] The logistics system of the present invention that achieves the above objective has the following configuration: A logistics system in which a locker device equipped with multiple storage units, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users using the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of any of the storage units by different users communicate via a predetermined communication medium, and is characterized by comprising: a user information storage means that stores a user management table that recognizes the state in which each user temporarily occupies the same storage unit in multiple logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes in which the multiple users are involved, and an update means that updates the user management table based on a succession request from a user operating any of the data terminals.

[0011] According to the present invention, the functionality of a locker device can be extended, allowing it to function as a useful warehouse in various product manufacturing processes while enabling the flexible construction of a new logistics system.

[0012] The drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention, including not only essential components of the invention but also selective and preferred embodiments. A block diagram illustrating the configuration of the logistics system shown in this embodiment. A block diagram illustrating the configuration of the logistics system shown in this embodiment. A block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device shown in Figure 2. (a) is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first to third data terminals shown in Figure 2, and (b) is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the program deployed in the RAM shown in (a). (a) is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device shown in Figure 2, and (b) is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the program deployed in the RAM shown in (a). A diagram showing an example of a locker information management table stored in the logistics database shown in Figure 5. A diagram showing an example of a listing information table stored and managed by the server device shown in Figure 1. A flowchart illustrating the storage unit occupancy transfer process in the server device shown in Figure 1. A flowchart illustrating the storage unit occupancy transfer process in the server device shown in Figure 1. A flowchart illustrating the storage unit occupancy transfer process in the server device shown in Figure 1.

[0013] Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are provided for those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention and do not limit it in any way. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can modify or improve the embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention. Any modified or improved embodiments will fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0014] <System Configuration Description> [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a logistics system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a logistics system is given as an example in which a locker device equipped with multiple storage compartments, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users utilizing the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of one of the storage compartments by different users communicate via a predetermined communication medium. However, it also includes cooperation with systems that provide other services related to logistics.

[0015] In Figure 1, L1 to LN are locker devices, and the attributes of the contents stored in each storage unit R1 to R9 are linked and managed by a server device 3-1 connected via network 21.

[0016] CONT is a locker management controller equipped with hardware resources described later, and controls communication with users operating data terminals 4-1 to 4-N via network 21, as well as data communication with server devices 3-1 and 3-2.

[0017] Furthermore, the locker management controller CONT controls the locking and unlocking of the doors of each storage unit R1 to R9. In addition, it processes the settlement of usage fees each time there is a change in the occupancy status of each storage unit R1 to R9.

[0018] Furthermore, server device 3-2 is equipped with a platform and provides information on products stored in any of the storage units R1 to R9 in conjunction with the e-commerce site.

[0019] Furthermore, the locker management controller CONT is configured to read key information (two-dimensional code) issued by the server device 3-1 using a camera installed on the control panel to receive opening and closing requests for the doors of each storage unit R1 to R9, and to unlock or lock the corresponding storage unit R1 to R9.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the logistics system shown in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the server device 3-1 has a function to manage the state in which multiple users (multiple data terminals (first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, and third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N)) have exclusive use of items deposited in any of the empty boxes (storage spaces) of the locker devices L1 to LN via the network 21.

[0021] Specifically, the server device 3-1 stores and manages the attributes of the contents of one of the storage compartments R1 to R9 provided by the locker devices L1 to LN connected to the network 22, as well as the attributes of the delivery person and the information of the occupant.

[0022] Furthermore, the server device 3-2 has the function of publishing information on products available for sale, stored in one of the locker devices L1 to LN, on platform 3-2A, and accepting purchase requests from general users.

[0023] Furthermore, the storage facilities to be occupied may be configured to manage the occupation status of multiple facilities as a single group.

[0024] Server device 3-1 allows users to configure access permissions based on the attributes of the packages they place in the lockers and the attributes of the delivery person, by operating data terminals 6-1 to 6-N. Server device 3-2 provides service support by delivering products (products that are available for sale and are packaged) stored in any of the storage facilities managed by server device 3-1 to the user, including the user-specified locker for which payment was made using platform 3-2A, or by transferring the occupant of the locker containing the product after payment to the payer.

[0025] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device 3-2 shown in Figure 2. In Figure 3, 11 is the communication unit, which controls the communication processing that connects to the first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, the second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, the third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N, and the server device 3-1, all of which are connected to the network 21, which serves as the communication medium.

[0026] 13 is the CPU, which starts the operating system (OS) stored in the external memory 18 connected to the internal bus 12, and starts various applications installed via the API. It also executes the processing of various programs deployed on RAM 16.

[0027] 14 is a logistics database that stores information identifying each locker device L1 to LN managed by server device 3-1 (location coordinates, locker identification information, locker empty box information, occupant, items used, and attribute changes of the delivery person). Server device 3-1 centrally manages this information (location coordinates, locker identification information, locker empty box information, occupant, attributes of items used, and attribute changes) stored in the logistics database 14.

[0028] 15 is the keyboard, used for numerical input, text input, and icon selection for running applications.

[0029] 16 is a RAM with expandable capacity that stores the basic program of platform 3-2A installed in external memory 18. 17 is a display that shows the program's startup status via various UI screens (not shown).

[0030] In this embodiment, the server device 3-2 has its basic program deployed in RAM 16. The server device 3-1 is connected to data terminals 6-1 to 6-N via network 23.

[0031] Specifically, the CPU 13 includes an update unit 16-1 that updates the user management table based on a succession request from a user operating any of the data terminals, an introduction unit 16-2 that introduces the sale of products stored in the same storage unit among the locker devices L1 to LN, including delivery, via a predetermined platform 3-2A, a settlement unit 16-3 that settles the usage fee each time the user occupying the same storage unit changes, and a service processing unit 16-4 that provides delivery service to a delivery company that delivers the product from the same storage unit when the introduction unit 16-2A receives a purchase request for a product. Note that this also includes cases where products stored in the same storage unit among the locker devices L1 to LN are sold without delivery.

[0032] In this embodiment, the following four usage patterns are envisioned for the items stored in the locker and the right to possess them.

[0033] (1) Moving an object + transferring possession rights Specifically, the location of the locker containing the object changes, and the possession rights to the locker containing the object are transferred, resulting in a change of possessor. This is a manner in which the combination of object and possessor changes.

[0034] (2) Moving an object + not transferring possession Specifically, the location of the locker containing the object changes, but the right of possession is not transferred, and the possessor of the locker containing the object does not change. The combination of the object and the possessor remains unchanged.

[0035] (3) The object does not move, but the right of possession is transferred. Specifically, the locker containing the object does not move, and its location remains the same, but only the right of possession is transferred, and the possessor changes. The combination of the object and the possessor changes in this manner.

[0036] (4) The object is not moved and the right of possession is not transferred. Specifically, the locker containing the object is not moved, the right of possession is not transferred, and the possessor does not change. The combination of the object and the possessor remains unchanged, and the object continues to be stored in the same location by the same possessor.

[0037] In this case, the usage described in (2) above involves using the locker for the purpose of moving objects, and the locker's occupancy status is maintained in the same state as the previous occupant's right of possession.

[0038] In (2) above, for example, if a user occupies one of the lockers and orders multiple specific parts, and the next process (e.g., the assembly process) cannot proceed until multiple parts are available, transferring the user's right of occupancy to the parts supplier would make the management of locker occupancy status extremely complicated.

[0039] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, the second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, and the third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N shown in Figure 2.

[0040] The first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, the second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, and the third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N are envisioned to be devices such as tablet devices, PC devices, and smartphones.

[0041] In Figure 4(a), 301 is the CPU, which loads the OS and control programs stored in ROM 302 into RAM 303 and executes them to run various applications. 304 is the communication unit, which controls communication for connecting to the server device 3-2 connected to the network 21. 310 is the keyboard, which is configured to work in conjunction with a pointing device (not shown) to input text on a screen displayed on a display device (not shown), and to select tabs and icons on the displayed screen.

[0042] In the RAM 303 shown in Figure 4(b), 303-1 is a UI control unit that executes browser function processing and performs control to display information from the platform 3-2A provided by the server device 3-2 shown in Figure 2 to the display units 322 of the first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, the second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, and the third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N.

[0043] Note that the UI control unit 303-1 executes a functional process of browsing the coordinates identifying the locker devices L1 to LN in which the stored items are being stored and made public on the platform 3-2A, and the delivery information identifying the delivery destination.

[0044] The CPU 301 includes an occupant entry unit 303-2 that enters the platform 3-2A as a carrier responsible for shared transportation of items awaiting delivery in any of the locker devices L1 to LN managed by the server device 3-1 on the RAM 303, and a key information acquisition unit 303-3 that acquires key information for opening and closing the door of any BOX in a specific locker device L1 to LN from the server device 3-1 after receiving a delivery request notification from the service processing unit 16-4 of the server device 3-2. After acquiring the key information from the server device 3-1, the CPU 301 acquires the open / closed state of the doors of the in-use BOX in the locker device L1 to LN serving as the occupancy destination and the empty BOX in the locker device L1 to LN into which new items are to be stored, and the state information on the storage or removal of the stored items from the server device 3-1.

[0045] The delivery notification unit 303-4 notifies a delivery request to a delivery company that delivers a product from any of the occupied storage facilities to a person who purchased the product.

[0046] Note that the CPU 301 manages the account information (user ID, password) registered by the user on the platform 3-2A published by the server device 3-2 using an external storage device such as an SSD (not shown).

[0047] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the server device 3-1 shown in FIG. 2.

[0048] In FIG. 5(a), reference numeral 401 denotes a CPU, which executes various applications by loading the OS and control programs stored in the ROM 402 into the RAM 403 and executing them. Reference numeral 404 denotes a communication unit, which executes communication control for connecting to the communication units 304 of the server device 3-2, the first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, the second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, and the third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N connected to the network 21. Reference numeral 405 denotes an input / output interface (I / O), which controls the input / output to and from the logistics database 406. Reference numeral 422 denotes a display unit.

[0049] 410 is a keyboard for the administrator to input necessary text and numerical values, or to instruct the startup of installed applications.

[0050] The logistics database 406 stores position information obtained from locker devices L1 to LN arranged at fixed points, and attributes of BOXes (as an example, the number of BOXes, the number of empty BOXes, the occupant, the occupancy period, and the attributes of the stored items (for example, parts → semi-finished products → finished products → re-stored items → stored items)).

[0051] The server device 3-1 stores while updating a user management table that recognizes a state in which a plurality of users who occupy the same storage in the locker devices L1 to LN selected by the CPU 401 are involved in a plurality of logistics processes, business flow processes, and storage processes, and each user temporarily occupies the same storage.

[0052] Thus, the first data terminals 4-1-1 to 4-1-N, the second data terminals 4-2-1 to 4-2-N, and the third data terminals 4-3-1 to 4-3-N are configured to be able to acquire empty BOXes of any of the locker devices L1 to LN stored in the logistics database 14 of the server device 3-2 via the network 21.

[0053] In the RAM 403 shown in (b) of FIG. 5, the BOX occupancy information registration unit 403-1 executes a process of registering in the logistics database 14 of the server device 3-2 by associating the installation coordinates of a plurality of locker devices L1 to LN that can be root-connected with the empty BOX information acquired from each of the locker devices L1 to LN. The key information issuing unit 403-2 executes a process of issuing key information (two-dimensional code) for opening and closing the BOX doors of each of the locker devices L1 to LN to any of the data terminals.

[0054] Since the empty BOX information update unit 403-3 executes real-time update processing on the logistics database 14 by identifying available empty BOXes and in-use BOXes as the usage status of each of the locker devices L1 to LN, it is configured to be able to specify the location of the available empty BOXes.

[0055] In this embodiment, the basic program of the server device 3-1 includes a BOX occupancy information registration unit 403-1 that links the installation coordinates of multiple locker devices L1 to LN that can be route-connected with empty BOX information obtained from each locker device L1 to LN and registers it in the logistics database 14 provided by the server device 3-2; a key information issuing unit 403-2 that issues key information for opening and closing the doors of the BOXes of each locker device L1 to LN to any data terminal; and an empty BOX information update unit 403-3 that updates the information stored in the logistics database 14 as needed based on the empty BOX information of the locker devices L1 to LN. These programs are deployed on the RAM 403 and executed.

[0056] Figure 6 shows an example of a locker information management table stored in the logistics database 406 shown in Figure 5.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 6, for locker number (LNo. 1), the process from occupancy parameters SP-1 to SP-10 manages the occupancy start date, a two-dimensional code for locking and unlocking the storage compartment door, the occupant ID, and the attributes of the stored items. In occupancy parameter SP-10, a shipping ID (corresponding to the ID managed by server device 3-1) is set to identify the product (including if packaged) as a shippable item in any of the storage compartments.

[0058] In this embodiment, the locker information management table shown in Figure 6 is configured to identify and store four types of usage patterns based on the usage patterns of any of the storage units: a first usage pattern in which an object is moved and the right to occupy the same storage unit is transferred; a second usage pattern in which an object is not moved and the right to occupy the same storage unit is transferred; a third usage pattern in which an object is moved and the right to occupy the same storage unit is not transferred; and a fourth usage pattern in which an object is not moved and the right to occupy the same storage unit is not transferred. In the example shown in Figure 6, the attributes of the usage patterns are indicated by (Zx: x is one of 1 to 4), and the system is managed in a way that allows identification using individual parameters based on the first to fourth usage patterns.

[0059] Figure 7 shows an example of a listing information table stored and managed by the server device 3-2 shown in Figure 1. In the example shown in Figure 7, information such as entry ID, locker ID, locker location (identified by GPS information), transaction price, order acceptance, and transaction completion are centrally managed for items for which a shipping ID shown in Figure 6 has been issued.

[0060] Furthermore, the CPU 13 of server device 3-2 registers products (in a ready-to-ship state) registered with the above-mentioned shipping ID on the EC site on platform 3-2A to EC-related sites, making the information on products ready to ship public to both individual users and corporations, and enabling the acceptance of purchase applications.

[0061] Figures 8 to 10 are flowcharts illustrating the transfer of possession of storage R1 to R9 in the server device 3-1 shown in Figure 1. (1) to (17) indicate each step.

[0062] The CPU 401 determines whether the user requesting the connection is a user registration request in the locker information management table shown in Figure 6 (1). If the CPU 401 determines that the user is not already registered, it terminates this process.

[0063] On the other hand, if step (1) determines that it is a request for registration of an occupied user, and after receiving the occupant name and the attributes of the contents from a user of one of the first to third data terminals that is connected (2), the CPU 401 registers the received occupant name and the attributes of the contents in the user management table (3).

[0064] Next, if the CPU 401 determines that it has received a request from the user to use one of the locker devices L1 to LN (4), it presents the available locker devices that are not currently containing any items to the first to third data terminals operated by the user (5).

[0065] In this case, the user can select a conveniently located locker device by operating one of the first to third data terminals to input location information. The CPU 401 can then present the user with a list of available empty boxes (not shown).

[0066] Therefore, when the CPU 401 confirms that a user has selected one of the available boxes by operating one of the first to third data terminals (6), it links the occupied locker device (including the selected box number) with the occupant and registers it in the user management table (7).

[0067] Next, the CPU 401 issues a two-dimensional code (8) to open and close the storage door of the locker L1 to LN selected by the user, and registers it in the corresponding column of the user management table.

[0068] Next, in order for the user to bring parts into the storage compartments of locker devices L1 to LN, they perform an operation to open the storage door of the box registered for their occupancy using the issued two-dimensional code. At that time, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the storage door registered in the user management table has been opened or closed (9).

[0069] At this point, if the CPU 401 determines that the storage door registered in the user management table has been opened or closed, it updates the information in the user management table (16) and proceeds to step (12).

[0070] On the other hand, in step (9), if the CPU 401 determines that the storage door registered in the user management table has not been opened or closed, it determines whether it has received a registration request for the next user to become the occupant of the same storage unit (10). Note that the contents of steps (9) and (10) may be changed as appropriate to suit the four usage patterns described above.

[0071] If the CPU 401 determines that it has not received a registration request for the next user to become the occupant of the same storage unit, it returns to step (9).

[0072] On the other hand, in step (10), if the CPU 401 determines that it has received a registration request for the next user to become the occupant of the same storage unit, the CPU 401 newly registers the information (see Figure 6) as the next occupant in the user management table (11).

[0073] Next, the CPU 401 determines, based on the information of the contents attribute managed in the user management table, whether the contents stored in any of the boxes L1 to LN of the locker devices that are subject to exclusive management are available for retrieval (assembled and packaged as products) (12).

[0074] This step corresponds to a situation where the items stored in the boxes of locker devices L1 to LN are finished products, with no further assembly processes to be carried out. Rather, they are managed as products that have been confirmed for sale and are awaiting delivery. The occupancy of newly stored items does not change, and the system is fulfilling its original function as a warehouse. Furthermore, it can also manage situations where the stored items have been sold to a third party and are being used as a warehouse by the product purchaser for resale purposes.

[0075] Furthermore, if the product purchased is a seasonal item, such as a gas fan heater, and the current season is mid-summer, it may be preferable to store the product in locker boxes L1 to LN rather than having the product picked up.

[0076] Furthermore, even when a buyer stores a gas fan heater in one of the locker boxes L1 to LN on an auction site and transfers possession of the box to the successful bidder (a usage where the object does not move, but possession is transferred), the server device 3-1 can identify and manage these usage patterns.

[0077] If the CPU 401 determines that the stored item is not available for retrieval, it then determines whether there is a next occupant based on the stored item attribute information managed in the user management table (17).

[0078] If the CPU 401 determines that there is another user, it returns to step (3) and repeats the same process. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines in step (17) that there is no other user, it returns to step (12) and repeats the same process.

[0079] On the other hand, in step (12), if the CPU 401 determines that the stored items can be released, the CPU 401 requests the server device 3-2 to publish the products available for sale on a web page (13). Step (13) corresponds to the case in the usage mode described above where the item does not move, but the right of possession is transferred.

[0080] Next, the CPU 401 determines whether it has received notification from the server device 3-2 that a sales transaction has been concluded with the prospective buyer (14).

[0081] If the CPU 401 determines that it has not received notification from the server device 3-2 that a sales transaction with the prospective buyer has been completed, it returns to step (13).

[0082] On the other hand, in step (14), if the CPU 401 determines that it has received notification from the server device 3-2 that a sales transaction has been concluded with the prospective buyer, it arranges for delivery to one of the data terminals 6-1 to 6-N operated by the delivery person (15), and terminates the process. Here, the delivery person includes both a delivery company and a private individual.

[0083] In step (15), the server device 3-1 issues a two-dimensional code managed in the user management table, allowing the vendor to start the delivery of the packaged product from one of the boxes reserved by a specific locker device to the designated delivery destination.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the server device 3-1 may calculate the usage fee for the occupied BOX, taking into account the occupant's start date of occupation (occupancy period), number of days of occupation, BOX attributes, and regional characteristics, and bill each occupant equally, or a representative may pay the usage fee according to the contract attributes such as an annual contract or a weekly contract, so that the usage fee can be billed flexibly based on the usage status and utilization rate.

[0085] [Effects of the First Embodiment] According to this embodiment, the functions of the locker device can be extended, allowing it to function as a useful warehouse in various logistics processes, commercial flows, and storage processes, while enabling the flexible construction of new logistics systems.

[0086] [Second Embodiment] In the above embodiment, a case was described in which changes in the occupant of a specific storage unit among a plurality of storage units are stored and managed. However, a configuration in which the occupancy status of specific storage units of separate locker devices is managed in a coordinated manner is also possible.

[0087] [Effects of the Second Embodiment] According to this embodiment, since it is not always the case that a parts manufacturer and an assembly manufacturer will be located in the same area during the process from parts to finished products, by managing storage facilities in association with each locker device, it is possible to improve product processing efficiency while reducing the cost of moving physical goods by using multiple storage facilities in a distributed manner until the finishing process leading to the final product. This example assumes a scenario in which both the goods and the occupants move, as described in the usage mode above.

[0088] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by a process in which one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0089] (1) A logistics system comprising a locker device equipped with multiple storage units, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users of the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of any of the storage units by different users, communicating via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the system includes a user information storage means that stores a user management table that recognizes the state in which each user temporarily occupies the same storage unit in multiple logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes in which the multiple users are involved, and an update means that updates the user management table based on a succession request from a user operating any of the data terminals.

[0090] (2) The system is characterized by providing a means for introducing the sale of products stored in the same storage facility via a predetermined platform.

[0091] (3) The server device is characterized by being equipped with a settlement means for settling usage fees each time the user occupying the same storage facility changes.

[0092] (4) The server device is characterized in that, when it receives a purchase request for the product via the platform through the referral means, it provides a service processing means to deliver the product to a delivery person who delivers the product from the same storage facility.

[0093] (5) The product is characterized in that, each time the user changes, it evolves into a product that can be sold to consumers through different manufacturing processes.

[0094] (6) The server device is characterized in that, when the occupant of the storage facility changes, it stores the usage status of the storage facility in an identifiable manner in the user management table so as to maintain the occupied status for a certain period of time, rather than leaving the storage facility empty, in order for the stored items to be taken out and deposited again.

[0095] (7) A logistics support method for a logistics system in which a locker device equipped with multiple storage units, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users using the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of one of the storage units by different users communicate via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a registration step of registering a user management table in a user information storage means that recognizes the state in which each user temporarily occupies the same storage unit in multiple logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes in which the multiple users are involved; and an update step of updating the user management table based on a succession request from a user operating one of the data terminals.

[0096] (8) A logistics system in which a locker device having multiple storage compartments, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users using the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of any of the storage compartments by different users communicate via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the server device includes a management table that identifies and stores, based on the usage patterns of any of the storage compartments, a first usage pattern in which goods are moved and the right of occupation of the same storage compartment is transferred, a second usage pattern in which goods are not moved and the right of occupation of the same storage compartment is transferred, a third usage pattern in which goods are moved and the right of occupation of the same storage compartment is not transferred, and a fourth usage pattern in which goods are not moved and the right of occupation of the same storage compartment is not transferred.

[0097] In the embodiments described above, we explained the case where the server device 3-1 that manages the locker devices L1 to LN is designed as the system's base. However, by coordinating with upstream and downstream systems of the logistics system, a highly convenient system can be constructed.

[0098] 3-1, 3-2 Server equipment 4-1-1 to 4-1-N First data terminal 4-2-1 to 4-2-N Second data terminal 4-3-1 to 4-3-N Third data terminal

Claims

1. A logistics system comprising a locker device equipped with multiple storage units, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users of the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of any of the storage units by different users, communicating via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the system includes a user information storage means that stores a user management table that recognizes the state in which each user temporarily occupies the same storage unit in multiple logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes in which the multiple users are involved, and an update means that updates the user management table based on a succession request from a user operating any of the data terminals.

2. The logistics system according to claim 1, further comprising a means for introducing the sale of products stored in the same storage facility via a predetermined platform.

3. The logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that the server device is equipped with a settlement means for settling usage fees each time the user occupying the same storage facility changes.

4. The logistics system according to either claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the server device includes a service processing means that, when it receives a purchase request for the product via the platform through the referral means, provides a delivery service to a delivery person who delivers the product from the same storage facility.

5. The logistics system according to claim 4, characterized in that the product evolves into a product that can be sold to consumers through different manufacturing processes each time the user changes.

6. The logistics system according to claim 1, characterized in that the server device stores the usage status of the storage unit in an identifiable manner in the user management table so as to maintain the occupied status of the storage unit for a certain period of time, rather than leaving it empty, when the occupant of the storage unit changes, in order to retrieve the stored items and deposit them again.

7. A logistics support method for a logistics system in which a locker device equipped with multiple storage units, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users of the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of one of the storage units by different users communicate via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a registration step of registering a user management table in a user information storage means that recognizes the state in which each user temporarily occupies the same storage unit in multiple logistics processes, commercial processes, and storage processes in which the multiple users are involved; and an update step of updating the user management table based on a succession request from a user operating one of the data terminals.

8. A logistics system comprising a locker device equipped with multiple storage compartments, multiple data terminals operated by multiple users of the locker device, and a server device that manages the continuous occupation status of any of the storage compartments by different users, wherein the server device includes a management table that identifies and stores, based on the usage patterns of any of the storage compartments, a first usage pattern in which goods are moved and the right of occupation of the same storage compartment is transferred, a second usage pattern in which goods are not moved and the right of occupation of the same storage compartment is transferred, a third usage pattern in which goods are moved and the right of occupation of the same storage compartment is not transferred, and a fourth usage pattern in which goods are not moved and the right of occupation of the same storage compartment is not transferred.

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