JP7596202B2 - Information processing system, management server, information processing method, and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing system, a management server, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

When transferring items through coin lockers, the user who has stored the item in the locker must somehow electronically or physically provide the locker key to the recipient who will receive the stored item. This key transfer process requires going through a variety of steps, which is time-consuming. Also, when temporarily lending an item through a locker, there is a risk that a malicious individual could pretend to be the person who placed the item in the locker. To prevent this, there is a method of identity verification, but this also requires many steps.

JP 2018-159229 A

From the perspective of preventing the spread of viruses and other infections, there is a need to make it possible to easily transfer items via lockers without any person-to-person contact. In addition, there is also a need for the recipient of the item to be able to easily and reliably know who has placed the item in the locker and to easily distinguish whether the recipient is malicious or the person in question.

In an embodiment, an information processing system includes a communication device and a management server that communicates with the communication device, the communication device includes a first communication unit that receives a first identifier from a first communication device and transmits communication information generated based on communication with the first communication device and the first identifier to the management server, and the management server includes a storage unit that stores the first identifier and item identification information associated with the first identifier and used for receiving and sending an item, a processor that acquires the item identification information based on the first identifier when triggered by receiving the communication information, and a second communication unit that transmits the item identification information to the first communication device and the second communication device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a user device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a communication device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a locker. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the facility equipment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the management server. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article delivery procedure in the information processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article delivery procedure in the information processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the facility server. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article delivery procedure in the information processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the vehicle-mounted device. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article delivery procedure in the information processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article delivery procedure in the information processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article delivery procedure in the information processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article delivery procedure in the information processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article delivery procedure in the information processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article delivery procedure in the information processing system shown in FIG.

The information processing system, management server, item delivery method, and item delivery program will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following embodiments, parts with the same numbers perform similar operations, and will not be described again.

[First embodiment]
(composition)
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system according to the first embodiment includes a user device 1 which is a communication device, a facility 2, and a management server 3. The management server 3 is connected to the user device 1 and the facility 2 via a network 5. The facility 2 includes a communication device 21, a locker 22, and a facility device 23. The user device 1 is capable of communicating with the communication device 21 of the facility 2.

The information processing system may have configurations other than those shown in FIG. 1 as needed, and certain configurations may be excluded from the fee processing system.

The user device 1 is a terminal used by a user. The user device 1 is a mobile terminal type device such as a smartphone. Note that although FIG. 1 shows one user device 1, there may be multiple user devices.

The facility 2 may be any facility that is available to a user who possesses the user device 1. For example, the facility 2 in the first embodiment may be a convenience store, a supermarket, a drugstore, a retail store, a restaurant, etc.

The communication device 21 of the facility 2 is placed in or near the facility 2, and when the user device 1 approaches or is held up over a specified location of the communication device 21, it is possible to detect the user device 1 and communicate with the user device 1.

The lockers 22 in the facility 2 are located within or around the facility 2. The lockers 22 are used to store items that are to be handed over to users by staff of the facility 2. Although only one locker 22 is shown in FIG. 1, there may be multiple lockers 22.

The facility equipment 23 in facility 2 is equipment that can be used by staff at facility 2. The facility equipment 23 may be, for example, a mobile terminal carried by the staff, or a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal in a POS system.

The management server 3 is installed in a management company that manages the facility 2. The management server 3 may also be installed within the facility 2. Therefore, the management server 3 may be a POS server, etc.

Note that in FIG. 1, the communication device 21 and the facility device 23 are shown as separate devices, but they may be a single device. For example, the communication device 21 may be part of the facility device 23.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the user device 1. As shown in FIG.
The user device 1 has a processor 101 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). A memory 102, a communication unit 103, and an input/output interface 104 are connected to the processor 101 via a bus 105. In addition, in Fig. 2, the "input/output interface" is written as "input/output IF".

The memory 102 can be a combination of a non-volatile memory that can be written to and read from at any time, such as an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD), and a non-volatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM). The memory 102 stores programs necessary for the processor 101 to execute various processes.

The memory 102 further includes a storage medium that combines a non-volatile memory, such as a HDD or a memory card, that can be written to and read from at any time, with a volatile memory, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 102 is capable of storing data acquired and generated in the course of the processor 101 executing a program and performing various processes.

The communication unit 103 is a communication interface including a wireless communication module. For example, the communication unit 103 includes a communication module that wirelessly connects to the management server 3 through the network 5. The communication unit 103 may further include a wireless communication module for wirelessly connecting to the communication devices 21, lockers 22, and facility equipment 23 of the facility 2 using short-range wireless communication technology such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy), Wi-Fi, infrared, or NFC (Near Field Communication). The communication unit 103 may be a general communication unit as long as it can communicate with devices such as the management server 3, communication devices 21, lockers 22, and facility equipment 23 under the control of the processor 101 and send and receive various information.

The input/output interface 104 is connected to, for example, an input unit and a display unit. The input unit is, for example, a device that receives voice data such as a microphone, a device that recognizes character data input by a user using an input detection sheet that employs an electrostatic or pressure method, and a device that receives image data such as a camera. The display unit is a display device that uses, for example, liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence), and displays voice, characters, images, etc. in response to signals input from the input/output interface 104. The display unit may, for example, display an electronic key or password used to unlock the storage section 224 of the locker 22 described below as a QR code (registered trademark).

Next, functions realized by the processor 101 of the user device 1 will be described. The functions realized by the processor 101 are realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the internal memory or the memory 102, etc.

The processor 101 has a function of transmitting registration information to the management server 3 through the communication unit 103 and the network 5. The registration information will be described later. The processor 101 has a function of transmitting order information to the management server 3 through the communication unit 103 and the network 5. The order information will be described later. The processor 101 has a function of transmitting locker key information to the locker 22 through the communication unit 103. The locker key information will be described later. The above functions are only examples of some of the functions that the processor 101 can perform. Therefore, it goes without saying that the functions that the processor 101 can perform are not limited to these functions.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device 21. As shown in FIG.
The communication device 21 has a processor 211 such as a CPU or an MPU. A memory 212 and a communication unit 213 are connected to the processor 211 via a bus 214.

The memory 212 can be a combination of a non-volatile memory such as an EPROM, HDD, or SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, as a storage medium. The memory 212 stores programs necessary for the processor 211 to execute various processes.

The memory 212 can be used as a storage medium by combining, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or a memory card that can be written to and read from at any time with a volatile memory such as a RAM. The memory 212 can store data acquired and generated in the process of the processor 211 executing a program and performing various processes.

The communication unit 213 is a communication interface including one or more wireless communication modules. For example, the communication unit 213 includes a communication module that wirelessly connects to the management server 3. The communication unit 213 may include a wireless communication module for wirelessly connecting to the user device 1 using short-range wireless communication technology. The communication unit 213 may be a general one that can communicate between the user device 1 and the management server 3 under the control of the processor 211 and send and receive various information.

Next, the functions realized by the processor 211 of the communication device 21 will be described. The functions realized by the processor 211 are realized by the processor 211 executing a program stored in the internal memory or the memory 212, etc.

The processor 211 has a function of transmitting attendance information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 213 and the network 5. The attendance information will be described later. The above-mentioned functions are only examples of some of the functions that the processor 211 can perform. Therefore, it goes without saying that the functions that the processor 211 can perform are not limited to these functions.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the locker 22.
The locker 22 has a processor 221 such as a CPU or an MPU. The processor 221 is connected to a memory 222, a communication unit 223, a storage unit 224, an input/output interface 225, and a bus 226. In FIG. 4, the "input/output interface" is written as "input/output IF."

The memory 222 can be a combination of a non-volatile memory such as an EPROM, HDD, or SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, as a storage medium. The memory 222 stores programs necessary for the processor 221 to execute various processes.

The memory 222 can be used as a storage medium by combining, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or a memory card that can be written to and read from at any time with a volatile memory such as a RAM. The memory 222 can store data acquired and generated in the process of the processor 221 executing a program and performing various processes.

The communication unit 223 is a communication interface including one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication unit 223 includes a communication module that wirelessly connects to the management server 3 via the network 5. Furthermore, the communication unit 223 may include a wireless communication module for wirelessly connecting to the user device 1 using short-range wireless communication technology. In other words, the communication unit 223 may be a general one that can communicate with devices such as the user device 1 or the management server 3 under the control of the processor 221 and send and receive various information.

There are multiple storage units 224, and each storage unit 224 is assigned a number (item identifier) corresponding to it. A space is provided for storing items in each storage unit 224. The storage units 224 are normally locked. When an electronic key or password corresponding to the storage unit 224 is received, the storage unit 224 is unlocked, and the user can open the door to store items in the storage unit 224 or retrieve items stored in the storage unit 224. When the user has finished storing or retrieving the items and closes the door of the storage unit 224, the storage unit 224 is locked.

The input/output interface 225 is connected to, for example, an input unit and a display unit. The input unit includes a device that recognizes character data input by a user using the locker 22, for example, by an input detection sheet that employs an electrostatic or pressure method. For example, the input unit may receive a password for unlocking the storage unit 224. Furthermore, the input unit may include, for example, a QR code reader for reading a QR code that is an electronic key or password for unlocking the storage unit 224. The display unit is a display device that uses, for example, liquid crystal, organic electroluminescence, etc., and outputs voice, text, images, etc. in response to a signal input from the input/output interface 304.

Next, the functions realized by the processor 221 of the locker 22 will be described. The functions realized by the processor 221 are realized by the processor 221 executing a program stored in the internal memory or the memory 222, etc.

The processor 221 has a function of transmitting locker pickup information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 223 and the network 5. The processor 221 has a function of transmitting locker usage information via the communication unit 223 and the network 5. The locker pickup information and locker usage information will be described later. The above-mentioned functions are only examples of some of the functions that the processor 221 can perform. Therefore, it goes without saying that the functions that the processor 221 can perform are not limited to these functions.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the facility equipment 23.
The facility equipment 23 has a processor 231 such as a CPU or an MPU. A memory 232, a communication unit 233, and an input/output interface 234 are connected to the processor 231 via a bus 235. In addition, in Fig. 5, the "input/output interface" is written as "input/output IF".

The memory 232 can be a combination of a non-volatile memory such as an EPROM, HDD, or SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, as a storage medium. The memory 232 stores programs necessary for the processor 101 to execute various processes.

The memory 232 further includes a storage medium that combines a non-volatile memory, such as a HDD or a memory card, that can be written to and read from at any time, with a volatile memory, such as a RAM. The memory 232 is capable of storing data acquired and generated in the course of the processor 231 executing a program and performing various processes.

The communication unit 233 is a communication interface including a wireless communication module. For example, the communication unit 233 includes a communication module that wirelessly connects to the management server 3 via the network 5. The communication unit 233 may further include a wireless communication module for wirelessly connecting to the user device 1 and the locker 22 using short-range wireless communication technology. In other words, the communication unit 233 may be a general communication unit as long as it can communicate with devices such as the management server 3, the user device 1, and the locker 22 under the control of the processor 231 and send and receive various information.

The input/output interface 234 is connected to, for example, an input unit and a display unit. The input unit is, for example, a device that receives voice data from a microphone or the like, a device that recognizes character data input by a staff member using the facility equipment 23 using an input detection sheet that employs an electrostatic or pressure method, and a device that receives image data from a camera or the like. The input unit may also be equipped with, for example, a reader that reads a QR code or alphanumeric characters displayed by the user equipment 1. The display unit is, for example, a display device that uses liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or the like, and displays voice, characters, images, and the like according to signals input from the input/output interface 234.

When the communication device 21 is part of the facility device 23, the processor 211, memory 212, and communication unit 213 are included as part of the processor 231, memory 232, and communication unit 233.

Next, the functions realized by the processor 231 of the facility device 23 will be described. The functions realized by the processor 231 are realized by the processor 231 executing a program stored in the internal memory or the memory 232, etc.

The processor 231 has the function of receiving locker storage information (locker information) through the communication unit 233 and the network 5. The locker storage information will be described later. The above-mentioned functions are only examples of some of the functions that the processor 231 can perform. Therefore, it goes without saying that the functions that the processor 231 can perform are not limited to these functions.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the management server 3.
The management server 3 has a processor 301 such as a CPU or an MPU. A memory 302, a communication unit 303, and an input/output interface 304 are connected to the processor 301 via a bus 305. In addition, in Fig. 5, the "input/output interface" is written as "input/output IF".

The memory 302 can be a storage medium that can be used in combination with a non-volatile memory such as an EPROM, HDD, or SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM. The memory 302 stores programs necessary for the processor 301 to execute various processes.

Furthermore, memory 302 includes a storage medium that combines non-volatile memory, such as a HDD or memory card, that can be written to and read from at any time, with volatile memory, such as a RAM. Memory 302 can store data acquired and generated in the process of processor 301 executing programs and performing various processes.

The communication unit 303 is a communication interface including one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication unit 303 includes a communication module that wirelessly connects to the user device 1, the communication device 21, the locker 22, and the facility device 23 located in the facility 2 via the network 5. The communication unit 303 may be a general one that can communicate with the user device 1, the communication device 21, the locker 22, and the facility device 23 under the control of the processor 301 and transmit and receive various information.

To the input/output interface 304, for example, an input unit and a display unit (not shown) are connected. The input unit is, for example, a device that receives voice data such as a microphone, a device that recognizes character data input by the administrator managing the management server 3 using an input detection sheet that employs an electrostatic or pressure method, and a device that receives image data such as a camera. The display unit is, for example, a display device that uses liquid crystal, organic electroluminescence, etc., and displays voice, characters, images, etc. in response to signals input from the input/output interface 304. For example, when changing the storage fee for the locker 22, the administrator managing the management server 3 makes the change via the input/output interface 304.

Next, the functions realized by the processor 301 of the management server 3 will be described. The functions realized by the processor 301 are realized by the processor 301 executing a program stored in the internal memory or the memory 302, etc.

The processor 301 has a function of, for example, periodically communicating with the lockers 22 installed in the facility 2 to store in the memory 302 information regarding which storage sections 224 of the lockers 22 are vacant, and the electronic keys or passwords for each storage section 224.

The processor 301 has a function of transmitting locker storage information to the facility equipment 23 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5. Furthermore, the processor 301 has a function of transmitting locker storage information (locker information) to the user equipment 1 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5. The locker storage information will be described later. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions are only examples of some of the functions that the processor 301 can perform. Therefore, it goes without saying that the functions that the processor 301 can perform are not limited to these functions.

(Operation)
Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article transfer procedure in the information processing system shown in Fig. 1. The operation of this sequence diagram is realized by the processor 101 of the user device 1, the processor 211 of the communication device 21, the processor 221 of the locker 22, the processor 231 of the facility device 23, and the processor 301 of the management server 3 reading and executing programs stored in the memory 102, the memory 212, the memory 222, the memory 232, and the memory 302, respectively.

First, the processor 301 of the management server 3 communicates periodically with the lockers 22 installed in the facility 2, for example, and stores in the memory 302 information regarding which numbered storage section 224 in the locker 22 is available, as well as the electronic key or password corresponding to each storage section 224.

The processor 101 of the user device 1 transmits registration information including personal identification information and payment method information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 103 and the network 5 (ST101). Here, the personal identification information is information for identifying the user of the user device 1, such as the user's name, address, telephone number, and email address. The payment method information is information indicating how to pay various fees such as parking fees, and includes, for example, a bank account number if the payment is made by debit from a bank account, or a credit card number if the payment is made by credit card. The user of the user device 1 may also input the registration information on a web screen using the input/output interface 104, or may input the registration information on an input screen of a specific application. The processor 301 of the management server 3 receives the registration information via the communication unit 303 and stores the received registration information in the memory 302.

The processor 101 transmits order information including personal identification information and item information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 103 and the network 5 (ST102). Here, the item information includes the product name and pick-up information of the item purchased by the user. The item information may also include information such as a product code, which is a model number. The pick-up information indicates which facility 2 the user wishes to pick up the item at. For example, the user of the user device 1 uses the input/output interface 104 to purchase an item from a web screen or a specific application. The processor 101 then transmits order information about the purchased item to the management server 3. The processor 301 of the management server 3 also receives the order information via the communication unit 303. The processor 301 then associates the order information with the registration information based on the personal identification information included in the received order information and stores it in the memory 302.

The item purchased by the user may be an item that can be prepared at facility 2. For example, the item may be food or drink for takeout. Alternatively, after processor 101 transmits the order information to management server 3, normal distribution processing may be used to cause the item based on the order information to arrive at facility 2 specified in the pick-up information. In any case, after processor 101 transmits the order information to management server 3, it is assumed that the item included in the order information is prepared within facility 2. In addition, management server 3 may notify the user that the item has arrived at the specified facility 2 by using an application or an email address included in the personal identification information. The user then heads to facility 2 to pick up the item.

The processor 211 transmits the attendance information including the communication information and the personal identification information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 213 and the network 5 (ST103). The processor 211 of the communication device 21 installed in or near the facility 2 establishes a connection with the user device 1 and acquires the personal identification information from the user device 1. The processor 211 then transmits the attendance information, which is the acquired personal identification information plus the communication information, to the management server 3. Here, the communication information may be a flag indicating that the user has come to pick up an item, or may be location information acquired through communication between the user device 1 and the communication device 21. In other words, the communication information may be information indicating that the user device 1 is within a range where it can communicate with the communication device 21 using short-range wireless communication technology.

The processor 301 of the management server 3 transmits the number of one of the storage sections 224 of the locker 22, the electronic key or password corresponding to the number, and locker storage information (locker information) including information on the item to the facility equipment 23 through the communication unit 303 and the network 5 (ST104). Here, the number is item identification information. The processor 301 receives the visit information through the communication unit 303. The processor 301 confirms that the visit information includes communication information. If the visit information includes communication information, the user has come to the facility 2. The processor 301 acquires order information associated with the personal identification information stored in the memory 302 based on the personal identification information included in the visit information, that is, the communication information is used as a trigger. If there are multiple lockers 22, the processor 301 determines which locker 22 to use based on the communication information included in the visit information. For example, the processor 301 can determine to use the locker 22 closest to the communication equipment 21 that transmitted the visit information. Furthermore, the processor 301 acquires the number of an empty storage section 224 in the determined locker 22 and the electronic key or password corresponding to the number. Furthermore, the processor 301 selects an attendant, i.e., a facility device 23, to store the item in the determined locker 22. For example, the processor 301 may select the facility device 23 closest to the locker 22. Furthermore, the processor 301 transmits the locker storage information generated based on the personal identification information and communication information included in the visitor information to the selected facility device 23 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5.

The processor 301 further transmits the locker storage information to the user device 1 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5 (ST105). The processor 301 transmits the locker storage information to the user device 1, including the same storage unit 224 number as that transmitted to the facility device 23 and the electronic key or password corresponding to that number. Note that steps ST104 and ST105 may be performed in different orders, or may be processed simultaneously.

The attendant operating the facility equipment 23 stores the item in the locker 22 (ST106). The processor 231 of the facility equipment 23 receives the locker storage information through the communication unit 233. The processor 231 then displays the item information contained in the order information and the number of the storage unit 224 of the locker 22 on the display unit of the input/output interface 234. For example, the processor 231 transmits an electronic key or password to the locker 22 through the communication unit 233, which uses a short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC, to unlock the storage unit 224. The attendant then stores the item in the storage unit 224 corresponding to the displayed number.

The processor 101 transmits the locker key information, including the electronic key or password, to the locker 22 via the communication unit 103 (ST107). After the attendant has stored the item in the locker 22, the user of the user device 1 approaches the locker 22 to collect the item. The processor 101 then transmits the electronic key or password, included in the locker key information, to the locker 22 via the communication unit 103, which uses a short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC. After the storage unit 224 is unlocked, the user collects the item.

The processor 221 transmits the locker receipt information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 223 and the network 5 (ST108). The processor 221 transmits the locker receipt information, including the number of the storage unit 224, to the management server 3 to indicate that the user has received the item.

(Effects of the First Embodiment)
According to the embodiment described above, the communication information included in the attendance information is used as a trigger for the management server 3 to transmit the electronic key or password of the storage unit 224 to the user device 1 and facility device 23 that have communicated with the communication device. In other words, multiple people will share a key for using the locker, facilitating the delivery of items via the locker 22. Furthermore, delivery of items using the locker does not require contact between people.

[First Modification of the First Embodiment]
(composition)
The first modified example of the first embodiment is the same as the information processing system shown in FIG. 1, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

(Operation)
Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article transfer procedure in the information processing system shown in Fig. 1. The operation of this sequence diagram is realized by the processor 101 of the user device 1, the processor 211 of the communication device 21, the processor 221 of the locker 22, the processor 231 of the facility device 23, and the processor 301 of the management server 3 reading and executing programs stored in the memory 102, the memory 212, the memory 222, the memory 232, and the memory 302, respectively.

Steps ST201 to ST205 are the same as steps ST101 to ST104 and ST106 in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted here.

The processor 221 of the locker 22 transmits locker usage information, including the number of the storage unit 224 of the locker 22, via the communication unit 223 and the network 5 (ST206). When an item is stored in the storage unit 224, the processor 221 transmits the locker usage information, including the number of the storage unit 224, to the management server 3 to indicate that an item has been stored in the locker.

The processor 301 transmits the locker storage information to the user device 1 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5 (ST206). The processor 301 transmits the locker storage information, including the number of the storage unit 224 and the electronic key or password transmitted to the facility device 23, to the user device 1.

Steps ST208 to ST209 are the same as steps ST107 to ST108 in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted here.

(Functions and Effects of the First Modification of the First Embodiment)
According to the embodiment described above, the management server 3 transmits the electronic key or password of the storage unit 224 to the user device 1 and facility device 23 that have communicated with the communication device, triggered by the communication information included in the visit information. In other words, multiple people share a key for using the locker, facilitating the transfer of items via the locker 22. Furthermore, transferring items using the locker does not require contact between people. Furthermore, since the electronic key or password is transmitted to the user device 1 after the attendant places the item in the locker, it is no longer necessary for the user to come to collect the item before the attendant places the item in the locker 22.

[Second Modification of the First Embodiment]
(composition)
9 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the information processing system according to the second modification of the first embodiment includes a user device 1, a facility 2, and a management server 3.

The difference from the first embodiment is that a facility server 24 is provided within the facility 2.

The facility server 24 may typically be a POS server included in a POS system.

The facility server 24 is connected to the management server 3 and the user device 1 via the network 5. The facility server 24 can also communicate with the communication device 21, the locker 22, and the facility device 23.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the facility server 24. As shown in FIG.
The facility server 24 has a processor 241 such as a CPU or an MPU. A memory 242, a communication unit 243, and an input/output interface 244 are connected to the processor 241 via a bus 245. In addition, in Fig. 6, the "input/output interface" is written as "input/output IF".

The processor 241, memory 242, communication unit 243, and input/output interface 244 each have the same configuration as the processor 301, memory 302, communication unit 303, and input/output interface 304 of the management server 3 described with reference to FIG. 6. That is, the functions realized by the processor 241 of the facility server 24 may include some or all of the functions realized by the processor 301 of the management server 3. Furthermore, the processor 241 has a function of transmitting locker storage information including the number of one of the storage units 224 of the locker 22, the electronic key or password corresponding to that number, and order information to the facility equipment 23 via the communication unit 243.

(Operation)
Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article transfer procedure in the information processing system shown in Fig. 1. The operation of this sequence diagram is realized by the processor 101 of the user device 1, the processor 211 of the communication device 21, the processor 221 of the locker 22, the processor 231 of the facility device 23, the processor 241 of the facility server 24, and the processor 301 of the management server 3 reading and executing programs stored in the memory 102, the memory 212, the memory 222, the memory 232, the memory 242, and the memory 302, respectively.

As in the first embodiment, the processor 301 of the management server 3, for example, periodically communicates with the lockers 22 installed in the facility 2, and stores in the memory 302 information on which storage sections 224 of the lockers 22 are vacant, as well as the electronic keys or passwords of each storage section 224.

The processor 101 of the user device 1 transmits registration information including personal identification information and payment method information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 103 and the network 5 (ST301). Here, step ST301 is the same as step ST101.

Next, the processor 101 transmits the order information, including the personal identification information and the item information, to the facility server 24 via the communication unit 103 and the network 5 (ST302). Here, step ST302 is the same as step ST102, except that the order information is transmitted to the facility server 24 instead of the management server 3.

As in the first embodiment, the item is an item that can be prepared at the facility 2 or arrives at the facility 2. Then, the user goes to the facility 2 to pick up the item.

The processor 211 transmits the attendance information, including the communication information and the personal identification information, to the management server 3 via the communication unit 213 and the network 5 (ST303). The processor 211 of the communication device 21 installed in or near the facility 2 establishes a connection with the user device 1 and acquires the personal identification information from the user device 1. The processor 211 then transmits the attendance information, which is the acquired personal identification information plus the communication information, to the management server 3.

The processor 301 of the management server 3 transmits facility information including the personal identification information, the number of one of the storage sections 224 of the locker 22, and the electronic key or password corresponding to that number to the facility server 24 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5 (ST304). Here, the number is item identification information. The processor 301 determines which locker 22 to use based on the communication information included in the visit information. For example, the processor 301 can determine to use the locker 22 close to the communication device 21 that transmitted the visit information. Furthermore, the processor 301 obtains the number of an empty storage section 224 of the determined locker 22 and the electronic key or password corresponding to that number. The processor 301 then transmits the facility information including the personal identification information, the number of the storage section 224, and the electronic key or password to the determined facility device 23 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5.

The processor 241 of the facility server 24 transmits the locker storage information, including the number of one of the storage units 224 of the locker 22, the electronic key or password corresponding to that number, and the order information, to the facility equipment 23 via the communication unit 243 (ST305). The processor 241 receives the facility information via the communication unit 303. The processor 241 then extracts the order information associated with the personal identification information stored in the memory 242 based on the personal identification information included in the facility information. The processor 241 then transmits the locker storage information, including the number of one of the storage units 224 of the locker 22 included in the facility information, the electronic key or password corresponding to that number, and the order information, to the facility equipment 23 via the communication unit 243.

Steps ST306 to ST310 are the same as steps ST205 to ST209 in the first modified example of the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted here.

(Functions and Effects of the Second Modification of the First Embodiment)
According to the embodiment described above, the communication information included in the attendance information is used as a trigger for the management server 3 to transmit the electronic key or password of the storage unit 224 to the user device 1 and facility device 23 that have communicated with the communication device. In other words, multiple people will share a key for using the locker, facilitating the delivery of items via the locker 22. Furthermore, delivery of items using the locker does not require contact between people.

Second Embodiment
(composition)
Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the information processing system according to the second embodiment includes a user device 1, a facility 2, a management server 3, and a vehicle 4. The vehicle 4 includes an on-board device 41 which is an apparatus. The management server 3 is connected to each of the user device 1, the facility 2, and the on-board device 41 via a network 5. The facility 2 includes a communication device 21 and a facility device 23.

In the second embodiment, the facility 2 has a parking lot where the parking of the vehicle 4 is left to an attendant, i.e., a valet parking lot. The communication device 21 is capable of communicating with the vehicle-mounted device 41 of the vehicle 4 and is located near the entrance/exit of the parking lot. It should be noted that the second embodiment is not limited to facilities 2 having valet parking lots, and can of course also be applied to, for example, delivery of goods via a drive-through.

The vehicle 4 may be a general vehicle that is available to the user. For example, the vehicle 4 may be a car-sharing vehicle in which multiple people share the vehicle 4.

The vehicle-mounted device 41 can use an ETC (electronic toll collection) system, for example, by inserting an ETC card.

In the second embodiment, functions realized by the processor 101 of the user device 1 other than those described in the first embodiment will be described. The processor 101 has a function of transmitting participation reservation information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 103 and the network 5. The participation reservation information will be described later. The processor 101 has a function of transmitting delivery confirmation information to the facility device 23 via the communication unit 233. The delivery confirmation information will be described later.

In the second embodiment, functions realized by the processor 211 of the communication device 21 other than those described in the first embodiment will be described. The processor 211 has a function of transmitting entry information or exit information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 213 and the network 5. The entry information and exit information will be described later.

In the second embodiment, functions realized by the processor 231 of the facility equipment 23 other than those described in the first embodiment will be described. The processor 231 has a function of confirming a delivery ID, which is item identification information.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, functions realized by the processor 301 of the management server 3 other than those described in the first embodiment will be described. The processor 301 has a function of transmitting participation confirmation information to the facility equipment 23 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5. The participation confirmation information will be described later.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 41. As shown in FIG.
The vehicle-mounted device 41 has a processor 411 such as a CPU or an MPU. A memory 412, a communication unit 413, a card processing unit 414, and an input/output interface 415 are connected to the processor 411 via a bus 416. In addition, in Fig. 12, the "input/output interface" is written as "input/output IF".

The memory 412 can be a storage medium that can be used in combination with a non-volatile memory such as an EPROM, HDD, or SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM. The memory 412 stores programs necessary for the processor 411 to execute various processes.

The memory 412 can further use, as a storage medium, a combination of a non-volatile memory that can be written to and read from at any time, such as an HDD or a memory card, and a volatile memory, such as a RAM. The memory 412 can store data acquired and generated in the process of the processor 411 executing a program and performing various processes. For example, the memory 412 stores in advance vehicle identification information that identifies the vehicle 4.

The communication unit 413 is a communication interface including one or more wireless communication modules. For example, the communication unit 413 includes a communication module that wirelessly connects to the communication device 21. The communication unit 413 may be a general one that can communicate with the communication device 21 under the control of the processor 411 and transmit and receive various information.

The card processing unit 414 processes payment cards such as ETC cards. The card processing unit 414 has a structure into which a payment card can be inserted. The card processing unit 414 acquires a card ID and the like from the payment card according to control from the processor 411. The card processing unit 414 may also store various data on the payment card according to control from the processor 411.

The input/output interface 415 is connected to, for example, an input unit and a display unit. The input unit is, for example, a device that receives voice data from a microphone or the like, a device that recognizes data input by the user using an input detection sheet that employs an electrostatic or pressure method, and a device that receives image data from a camera or the like. The display unit is, for example, a display device that uses liquid crystal, organic electroluminescence, or the like, and displays voice, text, images, and the like in response to signals input from the input/output interface 415. The input/output interface 415 may also convey various information to the user by voice, for example, when entering or exiting a parking lot of facility 2.

Next, the functions realized by the processor 411 of the vehicle-mounted device 41 will be described. The functions realized by the processor 411 are realized by the processor 411 executing a program stored in the internal memory or memory 412, etc.

The processor 411 has a function of transmitting vehicle information to the communication device 21 through the communication unit 413. The vehicle information will be described later. The above-mentioned functions are only examples of some of the functions that the processor 411 can perform. Therefore, it goes without saying that the functions that the processor 411 can perform are not limited to these functions.

(Operation)
Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article transfer procedure in the information processing system shown in Fig. 12. The operation of this sequence diagram is realized by the processor 101 of the user device 1, the processor 211 of the communication device 21, the processor 231 of the facility device 23, the processor 301 of the management server 3, and the processor 411 of the vehicle-mounted device 41 reading and executing programs stored in the memory 102, the memory 212, the memory 232, the memory 302, and the memory 412, respectively.

First, the processor 301 of the management server 3 communicates periodically with the lockers 22 installed in the facility 2, for example, and stores in the memory 302 information regarding which numbered storage section 224 in the locker 22 is available, as well as the electronic key or password corresponding to each storage section 224.

The processor 101 of the user device 1 transmits registration information including vehicle identification information, personal identification information, and payment method information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 103 and the network 5 (ST401). The vehicle identification information is any identifier capable of identifying the vehicle 4, such as the vehicle number written on the license plate attached to the vehicle 4, the automobile registration number, or an identifier unique to the on-board device 41. Note that if the vehicle 4 is a car sharing vehicle, the vehicle identification information does not need to be included in the registration information because the memory 302 of the management server 3 already stores the vehicle identification information. After the registration information is registered in the management server 3, the user drives the vehicle 4 to the facility 2.

If the user wishes to receive the item via a drive-through or the like, the processor 101 may send the order information to the management server 3, as in the first embodiment.

The processor 411 of the vehicle-mounted device 41 transmits vehicle information, including vehicle identification information, to the communication device 21 via the communication unit 413 (ST402). When the vehicle 4 enters the parking lot of the facility 2, the processor 211 of the communication device 21 detects the vehicle-mounted device 41 and establishes a connection. The processor 211 then requests vehicle identification information from the vehicle-mounted device 41. The processor 411 transmits the vehicle information, including the vehicle-mounted device information stored in the memory 412, to the communication device 21.

The processor 211 transmits the entry information including the communication information and the vehicle identification information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 213 and the network 5 (ST403). The processor 211 receives the vehicle information via the communication unit 213. The processor 211 then transmits the entry information, which is the vehicle identification information included in the acquired vehicle information plus the communication information, to the management server 3. Here, the communication information may be a flag indicating that the vehicle 4 has entered the parking lot, or may be location information acquired by communication between the on-board unit 41 and the communication device 21. In other words, the communication information may be information indicating that the vehicle 4 is within a range where it can communicate with the communication device 21 using short-range wireless communication technology.

The processor 301 of the management server 3 transmits the delivery information including the delivery ID to the user device 1 through the communication unit 303 and the network 5 (ST404). Here, the delivery ID is the item identification information. The processor 301 receives the entrance information through the communication unit 303. The processor 301 confirms that the entrance information includes communication information. If the entrance information includes communication information, the user has come to the facility 2. When the entrance information includes communication information, that is, when the communication information is received, the processor 301 generates a delivery ID based on the vehicle identification information included in the entrance information. The delivery ID may be a QR code or a predetermined alphanumeric character that can identify the vehicle 4. The processor 301 acquires the registration information stored in the memory 302 from the vehicle identification information, associates the delivery ID with the registration information, and stores it in the memory 302. The processor 301 transmits the delivery information generated based on the vehicle identification information to the user device 1 through the communication unit 303 and the network 5.

The user then parks vehicle 4 in a designated parking space and hands over the vehicle key to vehicle 4 to an attendant. The attendant parks vehicle 4 in a parking space in the designated facility 2. The attendant then stores the vehicle key in a specific location.

The processor 101 transmits the entry reservation information, including the personal identification information, to the management server 3 via the communication unit 103 and the network 5 (ST405). After the user has completed their business at the facility 2, they wish to exit from the facility 2. The user then inputs their wish to exit from the facility 2 using a specified website or a specified application. Based on this input, the processor 101 transmits the entry reservation information, indicating that the user and the vehicle 4 will exit from the facility 2, to the management server 3.

The processor 301 transmits the participation confirmation information including the vehicle identification information and the delivery ID to the facility equipment 23 via the communication unit 103 and the network 5 (ST406). The processor 301 receives the participation reservation information via the communication unit 303. The processor 301 acquires the delivery ID and the vehicle identification information associated with the personal identification information stored in the memory 302 based on the personal identification information included in the participation reservation information. The processor 301 then transmits the participation confirmation information including the acquired delivery ID and the vehicle identification information to the facility equipment 23.

The facility device 23 that receives the exit confirmation information displays the vehicle identification information, etc. on the display unit of the input/output interface to inform the attendant that the vehicle 4 will be exiting. The attendant uses the vehicle key for the vehicle 4 that is stored in his/her custody to move the vehicle 4 parked in the parking space to the designated parking space.

The processor 101 transmits delivery confirmation information including the delivery ID to the facility equipment 23 through the communication unit 233 (ST407). The user returns to the parking lot of the facility 2 and approaches the facility equipment 23. The processor 101 transmits the delivery confirmation information to the facility equipment 23 through the communication unit 103. Note that instead of transmitting the delivery confirmation information to the facility equipment 23, the processor 101 may display the delivery ID on the display unit of the input/output interface. For example, the processor 101 may display a QR code that is the delivery ID or predetermined alphanumeric characters that can identify the vehicle 4 on the display unit.

The processor 231 confirms the delivery ID (ST408). The processor 231 compares the delivery ID received from the management server 3 with the delivery ID received from the user device 1. If the comparison confirms that the delivery ID received from the user device 1 is valid, information indicating that the vehicle key may be handed over is displayed on the display unit of the input/output interface 234. The attendant hands over the vehicle key for vehicle 4 to the user based on this display. Note that if the user device 1 displays a QR code or specific alphanumeric characters that can identify the vehicle 4 as the delivery ID, the processor 231 reads the QR code or specific alphanumeric characters that can identify the vehicle 4 from the input unit of the input/output interface and confirms the delivery ID.

If the user picks up the item at the drive-through, step ST405 is omitted, and processor 301 sequentially processes steps ST404 and ST406. Processor 301 then includes the order information in the entry confirmation information of step ST406. This allows the staff member managing the facility equipment 23 to understand the contents of the user's order and prepare the item. Then, in step ST408, after processor 231 confirms the delivery ID, the staff member delivers the item to the user.

(Effects of the Second Embodiment)
According to the embodiment described above, the management server 3, using the communication information as a trigger, transmits a delivery ID to the user device 1 having personal identification information associated with the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 4 that communicated with the communication device 21. Since it is possible to identify to whom the delivery ID was sent, it is possible to reduce the risk that a malicious party will receive the goods.

[First Modification of the Second Embodiment]
(composition)
15 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. The difference from the second embodiment is that the facility 2 includes lockers 22. The lockers 22 are the same as the lockers 22 described in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. In addition, other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

In the first modified example of the second embodiment, the functions realized by the processor of the user device 1 and the processor 301 of the management server 3 described in the first and second embodiments will be described. The processor 101 has a function of transmitting locker key information including an electronic key or a password to the locker 22 through the communication unit 103. The processor 301 has a function of transmitting delivery information or locker storage information (locker information) to the user device 1 through the communication unit 303 and the network 5. The delivery information and locker storage information will be described later. The processor 301 has a function of transmitting locker collection information, delivery judgment information, vehicle delivery information, and an entry request to the facility device 23 through the communication unit 103 and the network 5. The locker collection information (locker information), delivery judgment information, vehicle delivery information, and an entry request will be described later.

(Operation)
Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article transfer procedure in the information processing system shown in Fig. 15. The operation of this sequence diagram is realized by the processor 101 of the user device 1, the processor 211 of the communication device 21, the processor 221 of the locker 22, the processor 231 of the facility device 23, and the processor 301 of the management server 3 reading and executing programs stored in the memory 102, the memory 212, the memory 232, the memory 302, and the memory 412, respectively.

Steps ST501 to ST503 are the same as steps ST401 to ST103 in the second embodiment, so the explanation is omitted here.

The processor 301 transmits locker storage information (locker information) including a delivery ID, a first number of one of the storage sections 224 of the locker 22, and a first electronic key or a first password corresponding to the first number to the user device 1 through the communication section 303 and the network 5 (ST504). Here, the first number is item identification information. The processor 301 receives the entrance information through the communication section 303. The processor 301 confirms that the entrance information includes communication information. If the entrance information includes communication information, it means that the user has come to the facility 2. Triggered by the fact that the entrance information includes communication information, i.e., by receiving the communication information, the processor 301 acquires the first number of the storage section 224 of the locker 22 based on the vehicle identification information included in the entrance information. Furthermore, the processor 301 acquires the first electronic key or the first password corresponding to the first number. The processor 301 also generates a delivery ID based on the vehicle identification information. Furthermore, the processor 301 acquires the registration information stored in the memory 302 from the vehicle identification information, associates the delivery ID with the registration information, and stores it in the memory 302. The processor 301 transmits the locker storage information to the user device 1 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5.

The processor 101 transmits locker key information, including the first electronic key or the first password, to the locker 22 via the communication unit 103. After parking the vehicle 4 in a specified parking space, the user approaches the locker 22. The processor 101 then transmits the first electronic key or the first password to the locker 22 via the communication unit 103, which uses a short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC. After the storage unit 224 is unlocked, the user stores the vehicle key in the storage unit 224.

The processor 221 of the locker 22 transmits the locker usage information including the first number of the storage unit 224 of the locker 22 via the communication unit 223 and the network 5 (ST506). When the vehicle key is stored in the storage unit 224, the processor 221 transmits the locker usage information including the first number of the storage unit 224 to the management server 3 to indicate that the vehicle key has been stored in the locker.

The processor 301 transmits locker collection information including a first number of one of the storage units 224 of the locker 22, a first electronic key or a first password corresponding to the first number, and vehicle identification information to the facility device 23 through the communication unit 303 and the network 5 (ST507) . Here , the locker collection information is information requesting the staff member managing the facility device 23 to collect the vehicle key stored in the locker.

The processor 231 of the facility equipment 23 receives the locker storage information through the communication unit 233. Furthermore, the processor 231 displays the vehicle identification information and the first number of the storage unit 224 of the locker 22 included in the locker storage information (locker information) on the display unit of the input/output interface 234. For example, the processor 231 transmits the first electronic key or the first password to the locker 22 through the communication unit 233 using a short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC to unlock the key of the storage unit 224. Then, the attendant collects the vehicle key of the vehicle 4 stored in the storage unit 224 corresponding to the displayed first number. Then, the attendant parks the vehicle 4 in a specified parking space and then stores the vehicle key in a specific place .

Steps ST508 to ST511 are the same as steps ST405 to ST408 in the second embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted here.

(Functions and Effects of the First Modification of the Second Embodiment)
According to the embodiment described above, the management server 3, using the communication information as a trigger, transmits the first electronic key or the first password to the user device 1 and the facility device 23 having personal identification information associated with the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 4 that communicated with the communication device 21. In other words, a key for using the locker is shared by multiple people, making it easier to hand over items via the locker 22. Furthermore, the management server 3 transmits a handover ID to the user device 1 and the facility device 23. Since it is possible to identify to whom the handover ID was sent, it is possible to reduce the risk of a malicious party receiving the item. Furthermore, by handing over the vehicle key through the locker, it is possible to reduce contact between people.
[Second Modification of the Second Embodiment]
(composition)
The second modified example of the second embodiment is the same as the information processing system shown in FIG. 15 and described in the first modified example of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

(Operation)
Fig. 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article transfer procedure in the information processing system shown in Fig. 15. The operation of this sequence diagram is realized by the processor 101 of the user device 1, the processor 211 of the communication device 21, the processor 221 of the locker 22, the processor 231 of the facility device 23, and the processor 301 of the management server 3 reading and executing programs stored in the memory 102, the memory 212, the memory 232, the memory 302, and the memory 412, respectively.

Steps ST601 to ST610 are the same as steps ST501 to ST510 in the first modified example of the second embodiment, and therefore will not be described here. Note that in step ST509, the processor 301 does not need to include the delivery ID in the participation confirmation information.

The processor 231 transmits a delivery determination including the delivery ID received from the user device 1 to the management server 3 via the communication unit 233 and the network 5 (ST611). The user returns to the parking lot of the facility 2 and approaches the facility device 23. The processor 101 transmits delivery confirmation information to the facility device 23 via the communication unit 103. Note that instead of transmitting the delivery confirmation information to the facility device 23, the processor 101 may display the delivery ID on the display unit of the input/output interface 104. For example, the processor 101 may display a QR code that is the delivery ID or a specific alphanumeric character that can identify the vehicle 4 on the display unit, and the processor 231 may read and obtain the displayed delivery ID.

The processor 301 checks the delivery ID (ST612). The processor 301 compares the delivery ID stored in the management server 3 with the delivery ID received from the facility equipment 23.

The processor 301 transmits the delivery determination information to the facility equipment 23 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5. If the comparison shows that the delivery ID received from the user equipment 1 is valid, the delivery determination information includes information that the vehicle 4 may be delivered to the user. On the other hand, if the comparison shows that the delivery ID received from the user equipment 1 is invalid, the delivery determination information includes information that the vehicle 4 cannot be delivered to the user. In this case, the attendant will request that the user provide the correct delivery ID.

(Functions and Effects of the Second Modification of the Second Embodiment)
According to the embodiment described above, the management server 3, using the communication information as a trigger, transmits the first electronic key or the first password to the user device 1 and the facility device 23 having personal identification information associated with the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 4 that communicated with the communication device 21. In other words, a key for using the locker is shared by multiple people, making it easier to hand over the item via the locker 22. Furthermore, the management server 3 transmits a handover ID to the user device 1 and the facility device 23. Since it is possible to identify to whom the handover ID was sent, it is possible to reduce the risk of a malicious party receiving the item. Furthermore, by handing over the item via the locker, it is possible to reduce contact between people.
[Third Modification of the Second Embodiment]
(composition)
The third modified example of the second embodiment is the same as the information processing system shown in FIG. 15 and described in the first modified example of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

(Operation)
Fig. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article transfer procedure in the information processing system shown in Fig. 15. The operation of this sequence diagram is realized by the processor 101 of the user device 1, the processor 211 of the communication device 21, the processor 221 of the locker 22, the processor 231 of the facility device 23, and the processor 301 of the management server 3 reading and executing programs stored in the memory 102, the memory 212, the memory 232, the memory 302, and the memory 412, respectively.

Steps ST701 to ST703 are the same as steps ST501 to ST503 in the first modified example of the second embodiment, so their explanation is omitted here.

The processor 301 of the management server 3 transmits, via the communication unit 303 and the network 5, delivery information including the first number of one of the storage units 224 of the locker 22 and the first electronic key or first password corresponding to the first number to the user device 1 (ST704). The difference from step ST504 is that the locker storage information does not include a delivery ID. Other than this, it is the same as step ST504.

Steps ST705 to ST708 are the same as steps ST505 to ST508 in the first modified example of the second embodiment, so their explanation is omitted here.

The processor 301 transmits vehicle delivery information including the delivery ID to the user device 1 through the communication unit 303 and the network 5 (ST709). The processor 301 receives the entry reservation information through the communication unit 303 and the network 5. The processor 301 acquires the delivery ID associated with the personal identification information stored in the memory 302 based on the personal identification information included in the entry reservation information. The processor 301 then transmits the vehicle delivery information to the user device 1. The difference from the first modified example of the second embodiment is that the delivery ID is transmitted to the user device 1 after the entry reservation is received. In this way, by transmitting the delivery ID to the user device 1 immediately before entry, the risk of a malicious person taking possession of the vehicle 4 by impersonating the user can be reduced.

(Functions and Effects of the Third Modification of the Second Embodiment)
Using the communication information as a trigger, the management server 3 transmits a first electronic key or a first password to the user device 1 and the facility device 23 having personal identification information associated with the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 4 that communicated with the communication device 21. In other words, a key for using the locker is shared by multiple people, making it easier to hand over items via the locker 22. Furthermore, the management server 3 transmits a delivery ID to the user device 1 and the facility device 23. Since it is possible to identify to whom the delivery ID was sent and the delivery ID is sent immediately beforehand, it is possible to reduce the risk of a malicious party receiving the item. Furthermore, by handing over the item through the locker, it is possible to reduce contact between people.

Steps ST710 to ST712 are the same as steps ST509 to ST511 in the first modified example of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.
[Fourth Modification of the Second Embodiment]
(composition)
The fourth modified example of the second embodiment is the same as the information processing system shown in FIG. 15 and described in the first modified example of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

(Operation)
Fig. 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article transfer procedure in the information processing system shown in Fig. 15. The operation of this sequence diagram is realized by the processor 101 of the user device 1, the processor 211 of the communication device 21, the processor 221 of the locker 22, the processor 231 of the facility device 23, and the processor 301 of the management server 3 reading and executing programs stored in the memory 102, the memory 212, the memory 232, the memory 302, and the memory 412, respectively.

Steps ST801 to ST808 are the same as steps ST501 to ST508 in the first modified example of the second embodiment, so their explanation is omitted here.

The processor 301 transmits an entry request including the vehicle identification information to the facility equipment 23 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5 (ST809). The processor 301 receives the entry reservation information via the communication unit 303 and the network 5. The processor 301 acquires the vehicle identification information associated with the personal identification information stored in the memory 302 based on the personal identification information included in the entry reservation information. The processor 301 then transmits the entry request information including the acquired vehicle identification information to the facility equipment 23.

Based on the received exit request, the processor 231 displays information indicating that the user of vehicle 4 wishes to exit facility 2 and the vehicle identification information on the display unit of the input/output interface 104. Then, the staff member managing the facility equipment 23 retrieves the vehicle key for vehicle 4 from the storage location and takes vehicle 4 to the designated parking space. Note that since the designated parking space is outside the parking lot, the staff member will have to pass through the communication equipment 21.

The processor 411 of the vehicle-mounted device 41 transmits vehicle information, including vehicle identification information, to the communication device 21 via the communication unit 413 (ST810). When the vehicle 4 driven by the attendant leaves the parking lot of the facility 2, the processor 211 of the communication device 21 detects the vehicle-mounted device 41 and establishes a connection. The processor 211 then requests vehicle identification information from the vehicle-mounted device 41. The processor 411 transmits vehicle information, including information about the vehicle-mounted device 41 stored in the memory 412, to the communication device 21. The attendant then parks the vehicle 4 in a designated parking space.

The processor 211 transmits the entry information including the vehicle identification information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 213 and the network 5 (ST811). The processor 211 receives the vehicle information via the communication unit 213. Then, the processor 211 transmits the entry information including the acquired vehicle identification information to the management server 3.

The processor 301 transmits vehicle handover information including the handover ID to the user device 1 and the facility device 23 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5 (ST812, ST813). The processor 301 receives entry information via the communication unit 303 and the network 5. Upon receiving the entry information, the processor 301 transmits the vehicle handover information to the user device 1 and the facility device 23. Note that steps ST812 and ST813 may be processed simultaneously, or either one may be processed first.

Steps ST814 to ST814 are the same as steps ST407 to ST408 in the second embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted here.

(Functions and Effects of the Fourth Modification of the Second Embodiment)
According to the embodiment described above, the management server 3, using the communication information as a trigger, transmits the first electronic key or the first password to the user device 1 and the facility device 23 having personal identification information associated with the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 4 that communicated with the communication device 21. In other words, a key for using the locker is shared by multiple people, making it easier to hand over the item via the locker 22. Furthermore, the management server 3 transmits a handover ID to the user device 1 and the facility device 23. Since it is possible to identify to whom the handover ID was sent, it is possible to reduce the risk of a malicious party receiving the item. Furthermore, by handing over the item via the locker, it is possible to reduce contact between people.

[Fifth Modification of the Second Embodiment]
(composition)
The second modified example of the second embodiment is the same as the information processing system shown in FIG. 15 and described in the first modified example of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

(Operation)
Fig. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an article transfer procedure in the information processing system shown in Fig. 15. The operation of this sequence diagram is realized by the processor 101 of the user device 1, the processor 211 of the communication device 21, the processor 221 of the locker 22, the processor 231 of the facility device 23, and the processor 301 of the management server 3 reading and executing programs stored in the memory 102, the memory 212, the memory 232, the memory 302, and the memory 412, respectively.

Steps ST901 to ST908 are the same as steps ST501 to ST508 in the first modified example of the second embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted here.

The processor 301 transmits vehicle delivery information including the second number of the storage unit 224 and the second electronic key or second password corresponding to the second number to the user device 1 through the communication unit 303 and the network 5 (ST909). The processor 301 receives the entry reservation information through the communication unit 303. In response to receiving the entry reservation information, the processor 301 obtains the second number of an empty storage unit 224 in the locker 22 and the second electronic key or second password corresponding to the second number. Here, the second number may be the same as or different from the first number. In other words, the second electronic key or second password may be the same as or different from the first electronic key or first password. The processor 301 transmits vehicle delivery information including the second number of the storage unit 224 and the electronic key or password corresponding to the second number to the user device 1.

The processor 301 further transmits an entry request including the second number of the storage unit 224, the second electronic key or second password corresponding to the second number, and the vehicle identification information to the facility equipment 23 via the communication unit 303 and the network 5 (ST910). The processor 301 acquires the vehicle identification information associated with the personal identification information stored in the memory 302 based on the personal identification information included in the entry reservation information. The processor 301 then transmits an entry request to the facility equipment 23 including the vehicle identification information in addition to the second number of the storage unit 224 and the second electronic key or second password corresponding to the second number acquired in step ST908.

The processor 231 displays information indicating that the user of the vehicle 4 wishes to exit the facility 2 and the vehicle identification information on the display unit of the input/output interface 234 based on the received exit request. Then, the staff member managing the facility equipment 23 retrieves the vehicle key for the vehicle 4 from the storage location and takes the vehicle 4 to a designated parking space.

The attendant who operates the facility equipment 23 stores the vehicle key of the vehicle 4 in the locker 22 (ST911). For example, the processor 231 unlocks the locker 224 by transmitting the second electronic key or the second password to the locker 22 via the communication unit 233 that uses a short-range wireless technology such as NFC. The attendant then stores the vehicle key in the unlocked storage unit 224.

The processor 101 transmits the locker key information, including the second electronic key or the second password, to the locker 22 through the communication unit 103 (ST912). After the vehicle key is stored in the locker 22 by the attendant, the user of the user device 1 approaches the locker 22 to receive the vehicle key. The processor 101 then transmits the locker key information to the locker 22 through the communication unit 103, which uses a short-range wireless technology such as NFC. After the storage unit 224 is unlocked, the user receives the vehicle key.

The processor 221 transmits the locker receipt information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 223 and the network 5 (ST913). The processor 221 transmits the locker receipt information, including the second number of the storage unit 224, to the management server 3 to indicate that the user has received the vehicle key.

(Functions and Effects of the Fifth Modification of the Second Embodiment)
According to the embodiment described above, the management server 3, using the communication information as a trigger, transmits the first electronic key or the first password to the user device 1 and the facility device 23 having personal identification information associated with the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 4 that communicated with the communication device 21. In other words, a key for using the locker is shared by multiple people, facilitating the delivery of items via the locker 22. Furthermore, the management server 3 transmits a delivery ID to the user device 1 and the facility device 23. Since it is possible to identify to whom the delivery ID was sent, it is possible to reduce the risk of a malicious party receiving the item. Furthermore , by delivering the item through the locker, it is possible to eliminate contact between people.

[Other embodiments]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the first modified example of the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment and each modified example of the second embodiment. That is, the facility server 24 may also be provided in the second embodiment. In this case, the locker collection information, the exit information, and the delivery determination information are transmitted via the facility server 24.

In short, this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in combination as appropriate as possible, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the multiple constituent elements disclosed.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 1...user device 2...facility 21...communication device 22...locker 23...facility device 24...facility server 3...management server 4...vehicle 41...vehicle-mounted device 5...network 101...processor 102...memory 103...communication unit 104...input/output interface 105...bus 202...processor 211...processor 212...memory 213...communication unit 214...bus 221...processor 222...memory 223...communication unit 224...storage unit 225...input/output interface 226...bus 231...processor 232...memory 233...communication unit 234...input/output interface 235...bus 241...processor 242...memory 243...communication unit 244...input/output interface
2 45 ... bus 301 ... processor 302 ... memory 303 ... communication unit 304 ... input/output interface 305 ... bus 411 ... processor 412 ... memory 413 ... communication unit 414 ... card processing unit 415 ... input/output interface 416 ... bus

Claims (15)

Communication devices,
a management server that communicates with the communication device;
An information processing system comprising:
the communication device includes a first communication unit that receives a first identifier from a first communication device and transmits, to a management server, communication information generated based on communication with the first communication device and the first identifier;
The management server includes:
A storage unit that stores the first identifier and item identification information associated with the first identifier and used for receiving and transferring an item;
A processor that, when triggered by receiving the communication information, acquires the item identification information based on the first identifier;
a second communication unit that transmits the item identification information to the first communication device and the second communication device;
An information processing system comprising: The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the communication information indicates that the first communication device is within a range where it can communicate with the communication device using short-range wireless communication technology. the first communication device is a user device, the second communication device is a facility device, the first identifier is personal identification information that identifies a user who uses the user device, and the item identification information is a storage unit number of a locker located in the facility,
The second communication unit includes the item identification information in first locker information and transmits the first locker information to the facility equipment, and includes the item identification information in second locker information and transmits the second locker information to the user equipment;
The information processing system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first locker information further includes an electronic key or password for unlocking the storage section corresponding to the number and order information for the item, and the second locker information further includes the electronic key or password. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the second communication unit transmits the first locker information to the facility device, receives locker usage information indicating that an item has been stored in the locker, and transmits the second locker information to the user device in response to receiving the locker usage information. The information processing system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second communication unit transmits the first locker information to the facility device via a facility server. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first communication device is a vehicle, the second communication device is a facility device, the first identifier is an identifier that identifies the vehicle, and the item identification information is a delivery ID for receiving an item. the first communication device is a vehicle, the second communication device is a facility device, the first identifier is a vehicle identifier that identifies the vehicle, and the item identification information is a storage unit number of a locker located in the facility;
The second communication unit is
Transmitting third locker information including a first electronic key or a first password for unlocking the storage unit corresponding to the number to a user device together with the item identification information;
receiving locker usage information indicating that an item has been stored in the locker;
transmitting fourth locker information including the first electronic key or the first password, the fourth locker information further including the item identification information to the facility device;
3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2. The third locker information further includes a delivery ID for receiving the item,
The second communication unit is
receiving entry reservation information indicating that the vehicle will exit from the facility;
transmitting participation confirmation information including the delivery ID to the facility equipment in response to receiving the participation reservation information;
The information processing system according to claim 7. The storage unit further stores a delivery ID for delivering the item, which is associated with the vehicle identifier. The third locker information further includes a delivery ID for receiving the item.
The second communication unit is
receiving delivery determination information including the delivery ID from the facility device;
The processor,
comparing the received delivery ID with a delivery ID stored in the storage unit, and if the received delivery ID is valid, generating delivery determination information indicating that the item may be delivered to a user who owns the user device;
The second communication unit transmits the delivery determination information to the facility equipment.
The information processing system according to claim 7. The second communication unit is
receiving entry reservation information indicating that the vehicle will exit from the facility;
In response to receiving the participation reservation information, a delivery ID for receiving the item is transmitted to the user device and the facility device.
The information processing system according to claim 7. the second communication unit receives exit reservation information indicating that the vehicle will exit from the facility;
The communication device receives vehicle identification information from the vehicle;
In response to receiving the vehicle identification information, the second communication unit transmits a delivery ID for receiving the item to the user device and the facility device.
The information processing system according to claim 7. The second communication unit is
receiving entry reservation information indicating that the vehicle will exit from the facility;
transmitting a second number of the storage unit of the locker and a second electronic key or a second password for unlocking the storage unit corresponding to the second number to the user device and the facility device;
The information processing system according to claim 7. A management server,
A storage unit that stores a first identifier and item identification information associated with the first identifier and used for receiving and transferring an item;
a communication unit that receives the first identifier and communication information from a communication device that communicates with the management server ;
A processor that, when triggered by receiving the communication information, acquires the item identification information based on the first identifier;
wherein the communication unit transmits the item identification information to a first communication device and a second communication device. An information processing method executed by a management server, comprising:
storing a first identifier and item identification information associated with the first identifier and used for receiving and delivering an item;
receiving the first identifier and communication information from a communication device that communicates with the management server ;
acquiring the item identification information based on the first identifier, triggered by receiving the communication information;
transmitting the item identification information to a first communication device and a second communication device;
An information processing method comprising: An information processing program comprising instructions to be executed by a processor of a management server,
storing a first identifier and item identification information associated with the first identifier and used for receiving and delivering an item;
receiving the first identifier and communication information from a communication device that communicates with the management server;
acquiring the item identification information based on the first identifier, triggered by receiving the communication information;
transmitting the item identification information to a first communication device and a second communication device;
An information processing program comprising :