JP2005023580A - Post office box unit and post office box control system using the unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a post office box unit through which articles such as mail articles, door-to-door delivery articles can be received at ease and a post office box control system using the unit while keeping a convenience by the installation at the outward of the post office. <P>SOLUTION: In the post office box unit 1, post office boxes 3, 3 are arranged so as to expose the delivery opening 7 of respective individual box 6 to the outside in the space surrounded by wall bodies 2, 2. Memberships who have entered into use contract can release the locking mechanism of a door 4 and enter the unit 1 by transmission and receiving of ID information using a cellular phone, and a locking mechanism which can be unlocked by transmission/receiving of the ID information using a cellular phone is installed also in the individual box 6, and further, a locking mechanism unlocked by transmission/receiving of ID information using a cellular phone is provided in the individual box 6. A sensor detecting presence or absence of mail articles is formed, and arrival of mails is informed periodically to memberships. Meanwhile, on the wall body 2 of the entrance 5 side, a delivery box 11 for articles such as door-to-door particle is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a post office box unit that can be installed in an arbitrary place such as a station premises, and a post office box management system that enables delivery of mail and the like using the unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A post office box installed at a post office may be used to receive mail. However, using this post office box is not always convenient because it requires a visit to the post office. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a personal post office box that can be used and contracted through the Internet or the like is simply installed at a station or a convenience store, and when the letter arrives, it is sent to the contractor's e-mail address or mobile phone. An invention of a simple post office box system that is in contact is presented.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-46828
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, although the system according to the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has the convenience of being able to receive postal items at a place and timing that is convenient for me, the post office box itself is installed in an open place in a crowded place. There was a risk of mischief, and theft or personal information leakage when mail was put in or taken out. Also, it was not possible to receive or deliver packages such as parcels.
[0005]
Therefore, the present invention provides a post office box unit that can receive articles such as postal items and parcels in a safe manner while maintaining the convenience of installation outside the post office, and a post office box management system using the unit. It is intended to do.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an individual box having a delivery port on one opposite side and an outlet that can be opened and closed with a door on the other side as an invention of a post office box unit. A plurality of rows and columns of post office box boxes, a wall body surrounding the post office box box with the delivery port open to the outside, an entrance provided on the wall body and openable and closable by a door; A first locking mechanism capable of locking the door, a second locking mechanism capable of individually locking the door of the individual box, an input means capable of inputting ID information of the user of the individual box, and storing the ID information Comparing the possible storage means, the ID information input by the input means and the ID information stored in advance in the storage means, and if the two match, the first and second locking mechanisms are respectively unlocked Control means Is obtained by a post office box unit formed comprises a.
[0007]
In addition to the object of claim 1, the invention described in claim 2 provides a detection means for detecting mails in each individual box and a communication network in order to obtain a post office box unit suitable for use in a management system. And a communicable communication means.
In addition to the object of claim 1 or 2, the invention described in claim 3 uses the ID information as the telephone number of the user's mobile phone in order to further improve the convenience of the user related to the ID information. is there.
In addition to the object of any one of claims 1 to 3, the invention described in claim 4 is provided with a third locking mechanism in order to improve the convenience of receiving articles such as parcels as well as mail. A transfer box comprising a plurality of lockers that can be opened and closed by a door having a door, provided on the wall body with the door side outside, and the control means unlocks the third locking mechanism by collating ID information between the input means and the storage means It is possible.
[0008]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is an invention of a management system, wherein one or a plurality of post office box units according to any of claims 2 to 4 and an ID of a user of the post office box unit. A post office box management system comprising a communication terminal capable of transmitting information and a management computer to which the post office box unit and the communication terminal are connected via a communication network, wherein the management computer is an individual in each post office box unit Information provision that enables the use information of the box to be provided to the communication terminal, and enables the use contract by selecting the individual box and inputting the ID information when the communication terminal is connected to the management computer Means and the information providing means when the individual box is contracted for use by the communication terminal. Contract information transmitting means for transmitting contract information to a selected post office box unit; and usage fee billing means for charging a user to use the individual box in accordance with the usage contract information, and the control means for the post office box unit comprises: And an arrival information transmitting means for detecting the mail in the individual box notified by the contract information transmitting means and transmitting the detected information to the communication terminal of the user of the individual box at a predetermined time. It is a feature.
[0009]
In addition to the object of claim 5, the invention described in claim 6 uses the communication terminal as a mobile phone in order to easily charge the usage fee of the individual box, and the management computer determines the usage fee of the individual box. In this configuration, the telephone number of the mobile phone is charged.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a post office box unit according to the present invention. A post office box unit (hereinafter referred to as “unit”) 1 has a pair of walls in a space surrounded by walls 2, 2. The post office box 3 and 3 are arranged in parallel with each other so that they can enter and exit the unit 1 through an inlet 5 that is opened and closed by a door 4 having a locking mechanism. Here, the post office box 3 is a metal box in which 8 individual boxes 6, 6... Are divided into 8 columns vertically and 8 rows horizontally, on one side of each individual box 6 facing each other. A mail delivery port 7 is formed to display each box number. In addition, a mail outlet is formed on the other surface side of each individual box 6, and this door has a locking mechanism and a horizontally-open door in which each box number is similarly displayed. 8 are provided. 9 is a glass window provided on the door 8, and 10 is a lamp indicating the locked state of the door 8. Each individual box 6 is provided with a sensor (in this case, an infrared sensor) as means for detecting mail. . These post office box boxes 3 and 3 are installed so that the surface on which the delivery port 7 is provided is exposed to the outside of the unit 1 and becomes a part of the wall 2.
[0011]
On the other hand, on the wall 2 on the entrance 5 side, a delivery box 11 for an article such as a delivery item is provided in such a manner as to become a part of the wall 2 in the same manner as the post-office box 3 with the front facing outward. The delivery box 11 is provided with a control panel 12 and a plurality of large and small lockers 13, 13... That can store articles of a certain size and have a locking mechanism. On the surface of each locker 13, a lamp 14 that informs the availability is provided, and a sensor (in this case, an infrared sensor) that detects the presence or absence of an article is provided inside.
The unit 1 is installed at one or more places in convenient places such as public facilities, shopping centers and convenience stores, as well as transportation facilities such as stations, airports and bus terminals.
[0012]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control system of the unit 1. First, the control panel 12 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 16 having various functions such as a calendar function and a timer function. In addition to various programs for the purpose, a control unit 15 as a control means including a memory (storage means) 17 capable of storing various data such as ID information, and a CPU 16 connected to the CPU 16 and having a telephone function, etc. The transmission / reception part 18 used as a communication means is provided. The transmission / reception unit 18 can access a management computer 22 provided in an external data center 21 via the Internet 20 as a communication network.
[0013]
Further, the control unit 15 can individually control the operation of the first locking mechanism 23 of the door 4, the second locking mechanism 24 of the door 8 for each individual box 6, and the third locking mechanism 25 for each locker 13. The detection signals of the first sensors 26, 26,... In each individual box 6 and the second sensors 27, 27,. The CPU 16 confirms the presence / absence of detection signals from the first and second sensors 26 and 27, that is, the usage status of the individual box 6 and the locker 13, and manages the usage status data via the transmission / reception unit 18. In addition, the member can be notified of the arrival of the mail according to the post office box management system described later.
[0014]
In addition, a numeric keypad 28, a liquid crystal display device 29, a speaker 30, and a printer 31 are arranged on the control panel 12, and are connected to the control unit 15, respectively. Similarly, the lamps 10 and 14 of each individual box 6 and the locker 13 are also connected to the control unit 15. The numeric keypad 28, the display device 29, and the speaker 30 are also installed on the operation panel 32 provided on the wall 2 in the unit 1, and are connected to the control unit 15, respectively.
[0015]
The cellular phone 19 used here is a cellular phone that can use the Internet, and can transmit its own telephone number as ID information. That is, various online services such as an Internet connection service can be used by an input operation using the display 33 and the numeric keypad 34 provided on the mobile phone 19, and so-called e between other mobile phones and personal computers. -Mail (e-mail) can be sent and received. As such a mobile phone, for example, a mobile phone compatible with i-mode (registered trademark) provided by NTT DoCoMo, Inc. can be used. Of course, PHS (Personal Handyphone System) is also included.
[0016]
A post office box management system (hereinafter referred to as “the present system”) using the unit 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
First, a person who desires to use this system for receiving mails and articles, in advance, on a website provided by a server device (not shown) of the data center 21 as information providing means on the Internet, an address, name, mobile phone You can become a member (user) by registering your phone number, bank account number, credit number, etc. In addition, since information on the unit 1 installed in one place or a plurality of places and the individual box 6 and the locker 13 which are not contracted in the unit 1 are provided on this website, the member Alternatively, the user can select a desired individual box 6 using a personal computer and conclude a use contract for a predetermined period (monthly or yearly etc.) (S1). Further, the usage fee is billed to the telephone number of the mobile phone 19 as a monthly or yearly fee (usage fee billing means). The specific payment is made by automatic withdrawal or transfer from a designated financial institution account.
[0017]
When the usage contract is concluded, in S2, necessary information such as the telephone number and contract box number of the member's mobile phone is sent from the data center 21 to the control unit 15 of the selected unit 1 via the transmission / reception unit 18. (Contract information transmitting means), stored in the memory 17. If a member who has obtained his / her own post office box (individual box 6) specifies the delivery location of the mail in advance as the box number of the unit 1, the mail is put into the delivery port 7 of the designated individual box 6. Will be.
When the postal matter is confirmed by the first sensor 26 in the determination of S3 and the predetermined notification time (a plurality of fixed times, every predetermined time, etc.) is reached in S4, the CPU 16 transmits the individual piece from the transmission / reception unit 18 in S5. Inform the member who uses the box 6 of the arrival of the mail (arrival information transmission means). This contact is made by voice, text, etc. to the member's mobile phone 19, personal digital assistant, personal computer or the like.
[0018]
The member who has received the notification goes to the corresponding unit 1 and calls the unlocking telephone number displayed on the display device 29 of the control panel 12 or in the vicinity of the entrance 5 with the mobile phone 19 (S6). Then, since the telephone number of the mobile phone 19 is transmitted to the transmission / reception unit 18 as ID information, the CPU 16 determines whether or not the received telephone number is a telephone number stored in the memory 17 in S7. If the numbers match, in the next S8, the user is prompted to select either the post office box 3 or the delivery box 11 for display on the display device 29 or voice guidance from the speaker 30, etc. 28 or the numeric keypad 34 of the cellular phone 19 is pressed (for example, “1 #” for the post office box 3, “2 #” for the delivery box 11, etc.). If the telephone numbers do not match in the determination of S7, the unlocking is not performed, and notification to that effect is given by display on the display device 29 or voice guidance (S9). If the use of the post office box 3 is selected in S8, the CPU 16 unlocks the first locking mechanism 23 and opens the door 4 of the entrance 5 to disconnect the telephone line in S10. Therefore, the member can enter the unit 1.
[0019]
The member who has entered the unit 1 makes a call again to the same telephone number as S6 with the mobile phone 19 (S11). Therefore, the CPU 16 which has obtained the telephone number of the mobile phone 19 compares it with the stored telephone number in S12, and if the telephone number matches, the display on the display device 29 of the operation panel 32 or voice guidance is performed in S13. The user is prompted to operate the numeric keypad 28 or 34 to input the number of the individual box 6 to be used. If the telephone numbers do not match, it may be notified in the display device 29 or the like that it cannot be used in S14, but since it has been confirmed once at the time of entering the room, it may be urged to call again. .
[0020]
When the number of the individual box 6 is input in S13, in S15, it is determined whether or not the box number is the box number of the member who has made a use contract. The second locking mechanism 24 is unlocked and the telephone line is disconnected. If the box numbers do not match, re-operation is prompted on the display device 29 or the like without unlocking in S17. In this case, it is desirable to make the system unusable if the mismatch continues multiple times (for example, twice).
[0021]
Next, in S18, when the member opens the door 8 of the individual box 6 and takes out the mail, and closes the door 8, the CPU 16 confirms that the mail is taken out by the first sensor 26 in S19. In S20, the second locking mechanism 24 is operated to lock the individual box 6. If the postal matter is not taken out within a predetermined time after unlocking, the postal matter is prompted to be taken out by display on the display device 29 or by voice guidance. If the postal matter is still not taken out, the door 8 is locked. Simultaneously with the confirmation of taking out the mail, the CPU 16 notifies the management computer 22 of the take-out information via the transmission / reception unit 18 and causes the management computer 22 to record it.
The member who has taken out the mail in this way leaves the unit 1. The door 4 of the entrance 5 can be unlocked and opened manually from the inside, and is automatically locked so that the first locking mechanism 23 automatically operates when the door 4 is closed.
[0022]
Next, a basic procedure when using the delivery box 11 will be described. First, when the use of the delivery box 11 is selected in the determination of S8 in FIG. 3, in S31 of FIG. 4, any number of goods entering and leaving (for example, “01 #” for warehousing, “02 #” for warehousing). ”Etc.) is urged to operate the numeric keypad 28 or 34. When an instruction for warehousing is given here, the lamps 14 of the empty lockers 13 that are not used in S32 are blinked to notify the lockers 13 that can be used.
[0023]
Therefore, when the number of the locker 13 that the member wants to use is designated with the numeric keypad 28 or 34 in S33, the CPU 16 unlocks the third locking mechanism 25 of the designated locker 13, so that the member opens the door of the locker 13. The article can be opened and put (S35). The basic charge related to the use of the locker 13 is charged to the telephone number of the mobile phone 19 with the unlocking at S34.
Next, the CPU 16 confirming the receipt of the article by the second sensor 27 in S36 locks the locker 13 by the third locking mechanism 25 in S37, and starts charging a time-based charge between the mobile phone 19 and the mobile phone 19. Disconnect the phone line. If no entry is confirmed within a predetermined time after unlocking, entry of the article is prompted by display on the display device 29, and if there is still no entry, the third locking mechanism 25 is operated.
[0024]
Next, the member designates the recipient according to the display device 29 and the voice instruction (S38). For example, an operation with the numeric keypad 28 is prompted such as “11 #” when the recipient is himself or “12 #” when the recipient is a third party. If the recipient is a third party, the member inputs a telephone number or e-mail address as the recipient's ID information using the numeric keypad 28 (S39). Note that the recipient can also designate a partner who has previously registered a telephone number or e-mail address in the management computer 22 for the transfer of goods ("13 #").
When the recipient is designated in this way, in S40, usage records such as usage date / time, depositor, recipient, locker number, etc. are recorded in the memory 17 and printed by the printer 31. Is also sent to the management computer 22. Then, the management computer 22 notifies the terminal of the designated recipient's mobile phone or computer of information such as the location of the unit 1 where the article is deposited, the delivery box 11 and the locker number, etc. via the Internet. .
[0025]
On the other hand, in the case of delivery, the recipient who has received the notice of deposit of goods (even if the recipient is himself) goes to the designated unit 1 and uses the mobile phone 19 by the procedure of S6 to S8 described in FIG. Call unit 1 and instruct delivery at S31.
Therefore, in the determination of S41, the CPU 16 collates the notified telephone number with the recorded telephone number of the recipient, and if it matches, inputs the number of the locker 13 used for the recipient. Prompt. If the locker number is input in S42 and if it matches the recorded locker number in the subsequent determination of S44, the third locking mechanism 25 of the locker 13 is unlocked, charging is stopped, and the telephone line is disconnected ( S45). If the telephone number does not match in S41 or the locker number does not match in S44, a message to that effect is displayed on the display device 29 to make the store impossible (S43, 46).
[0026]
When the recipient removes the article from the locker 13 and closes the door in S47, the CPU 16 confirms the removal of the article by the second sensor 27 in S48. When the removal is confirmed, the locker 13 is locked in S49, and usage records such as the reception date, depositor, recipient, locker number, etc. are printed by the printer 31, and at the same time, these usage records are sent from the transmission / reception unit 18 to the management computer. 22 is notified. If the recipient is different from the depositor, the management computer 22 notifies the depositor by e-mail or the like that the article has been taken out by the recipient.
[0027]
As described above, according to the unit 1 of the above form and the present system using the unit, in addition to the convenience of installation outside the post office, it is possible to take out mail in a space partitioned from the outside. The person can receive mail with peace of mind. Further, since entry into the unit 1 is permitted by collation of ID information, the security effect is further enhanced.
In particular, in the present system, since the use contract of the individual box can be made with the communication terminal and the arrival information of the mail can be periodically transmitted to the member, the unit 1 can be used more easily and efficiently.
[0028]
Further, since the first sensor 26 for detecting the mail in each individual box 6 and the transmission / reception unit 18 connectable to the Internet are provided, the unit 1 is suitable for use in the present system.
Further, since the ID information is used as the telephone number of the user's mobile phone, the convenience of the user related to the delivery of the ID information is higher.
In addition, since the delivery box 11 is provided in the unit 1 and the control unit 15 can also unlock the third locking mechanism 25 of the locker 25 by collating the ID information, the articles such as the delivery items in addition to the postal items are the same. The location can be received at the location, and the convenience of the user is further improved, and the configuration can be rationalized by sharing the control unit with the post office box 3.
[0029]
Since the communication terminal is the mobile phone 19 and the management computer 22 charges the usage fee of the individual box 6 to the telephone number of the mobile phone 19, it is easy to charge the usage fee of the individual box 6. It can be carried out.
[0030]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be modified as follows, for example, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
(1) Increase or decrease the number of PO Boxes provided in the unit. Alternatively, increase or decrease the number of individual boxes provided in the post office box. Further, depending on the number and arrangement of post office box boxes in the unit, a partition may be provided inside the unit, or a private room may be provided in the unit for opening mail items. Of course, the planar shape of the unit is not limited to a rectangle, and it may be an L shape or a convex shape, or a post office box may be arranged in a straight line on one side and elongated in one direction.
(2) Separate the entrance and exit to the unit. People go in and out smoothly, improving usability.
(3) A card reader is provided on the control panel or operation panel, and unlocking of each locking mechanism is performed by authentication by reading a JIS-2 standard card or the like.
(4) The unit is provided with a ceiling and a floor, or part or all of the wall is made of glass. If it is made of glass in particular, it will help prevent mischief and criminal acts inside the unit. In addition, instead of glazing, a surveillance camera may be provided in the unit so that it can be operated at all times or when entering the room.
[0031]
(5) In addition to the infrared sensor, other sensors such as a contact type sensor and a weight sensor are used as means for detecting mails and articles.
(6) The charging of the usage fee is not limited to the telephone number, but may be performed by reading a credit card with a card reader and inputting a personal identification number with a numeric keypad.
(7) The delivery box is not limited to being used only by members, but can also be used for an unspecified number of items by authentication using a mobile phone. In addition, it is possible to provide free locker information and make a reservation on the website, or use an arbitrary locker as a personal box for a certain period of time by signing a usage contract on a monthly basis, etc. like a post office box.
(8) As ID information, a personal identification number having a predetermined number of digits can be used in addition to the telephone number of the mobile phone.
(9) The mobile phone number authentication is not limited to two times when entering the unit and when unlocking the individual box, but the individual box corresponding to the authentication when entering the unit at the same time. The locking mechanism can also be unlocked.
[0032]
【The invention's effect】
According to the inventions of claims 1 and 5, in addition to the convenience provided by the installation outside the post office, the mail can be taken out in a space partitioned from the outside. Can receive. Moreover, since the entrance to the post office box unit is allowed by collation of the ID information, the security effect becomes higher.
Especially in the post office box management system, it is possible to use the post office box unit more easily and efficiently because it is possible to use individual boxes with a communication terminal and to periodically send mail arrival information to members. It becomes.
[0033]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, management is provided by including a detection unit that detects a mail item in each individual box and a communication unit that can be connected to a communication network. A post office box unit suitable for use in the system can be obtained.
According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, the convenience of the user related to the ID information is higher because the ID information is the telephone number of the user's mobile phone. It has become.
According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 3, the delivery box is provided, and the control means can also unlock the third locking mechanism by collating ID information. In addition to postal items, items such as parcels can be received at the same location, improving the convenience of the user and streamlining the configuration by sharing the control unit with the post office box. .
[0034]
According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effect of claim 5, the communication terminal is a mobile phone, and the management computer charges the usage fee of the individual box to the phone number of the mobile phone. Thus, it is possible to easily charge the usage fee of the individual box.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall view of a post office box unit.
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a post office box unit and a post office box management system.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a post office box management system.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an article delivery procedure in a delivery box.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ··· PO Box Unit 2 ··· Wall 3 ··· PO Box Box 5 · · Entrance 6 · · Individual Box 7 · · Delivery Port · 8 · · Door · 11 · · · Delivery Box · · · 12 Panel, 13. Locker, 15. Control unit, 16. CPU, 17. Memory, 18. Transmitter / receiver, 19. Mobile phone, 20. Internet, 21. Data center, 22. Management Computer, 23 .. First locking mechanism, 24 .. Second locking mechanism, 25 .. Third locking mechanism, 28 .. Numeric keypad, 29 ... Display device, 32 ... Operation panel.

Claims (6)

A post office box box in which individual boxes having delivery ports on one side facing each other and outlets that can be opened and closed by doors on the other side are connected in multiple rows in the vertical and horizontal directions;
A wall that surrounds the post office box with the delivery port open to the outside;
An entrance provided on the wall, which can be opened and closed by a door;
A first locking mechanism capable of locking the door; a second locking mechanism capable of individually locking the door of the individual box;
Input means capable of inputting ID information of users of the individual boxes; storage means capable of storing the ID information;
Control means for comparing the ID information input by the input means with the ID information stored in advance in the storage means, and unlocking each of the first and second locking mechanisms when they match. A post office box unit. The post office box unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit that detects a mail in each individual box; and a communication unit that is connectable to a communication network. The post office box unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ID information is a telephone number of a user's mobile phone. A delivery box comprising a plurality of lockers that can be opened and closed by a door having a third locking mechanism is provided on the wall body with the door side outward, and the control means is configured to check the first information by collating ID information between the input means and the storage means. The post office box unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the three locking mechanism is also unlockable. The one or more post office box units according to any one of claims 2 to 4, a communication terminal capable of transmitting ID information of a user of the post office box unit, and the post office box unit and the communication terminal via a communication network. A post office box management system consisting of a management computer connected
The management computer can provide usage information of the individual box in each post office box unit to the communication terminal, and when the communication terminal is connected to the management computer, the selection of the individual box and the ID information An information providing means that enables a use contract by input;
Contract information transmitting means for transmitting the usage contract information to the selected post office box unit when the usage contract of the individual box is made from the communication terminal in the information providing means;
Usage fee billing means for billing the user for the usage fee of the individual box according to the usage contract information,
When the control means of the post office box unit detects the mail in the individual box notified by the contract information transmitting means, the arrival information is sent to the communication terminal of the user of the individual box at a predetermined time. A post office box management system comprising an information transmission means. 6. The post office box management system according to claim 5, wherein the communication terminal is a mobile phone, and the management computer charges the usage fee of the individual box to the telephone number of the mobile phone.

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