JP7671069B2 - Method and system for delivering parcels - Google Patents

Description

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for delivering packages and a system and server for implementing the method.

When a package is delivered to a user, the user may be unable to receive it for various reasons. In this case, the package is delivered to a delivery box installed in, for example, an apartment building where the user lives, or in a commercial facility such as a train station or a convenience store, and the user is notified that the package has been delivered, allowing the user to remove the package from the delivery box at any time. This reduces the burden and cost of delivering the package again, and also relieves the user from time constraints as they no longer need to wait for the package to be delivered. It can also prevent theft of goods and leakage of personal information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-64072 A

One of the embodiments of the present invention aims to provide a new home delivery method, and a system and server for implementing this home delivery method. Alternatively, one of the embodiments of the present invention aims to provide a home delivery method that reduces the burden on home delivery companies, home delivery staff, and users, and enables packages to be delivered at low cost, and a system and server for implementing this home delivery method.

One embodiment of the present invention is a delivery method. This delivery method includes acquiring locker information including the usage status of the lockers from a plurality of delivery boxes, each of which has a plurality of lockers; acquiring from each of a plurality of delivery companies the size and quantity of packages and a box identifier that identifies one of the delivery boxes designated as a storage location for the packages; identifying one of the lockers in the designated delivery box for each of the plurality of packages based on the size and quantity of the package and the locker information; and providing the delivery company with a locker identifier that identifies the identified locker for each of the plurality of packages.

One embodiment of the present invention is a management server. This management server is configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of delivery boxes, each having a plurality of lockers, via a network, and to be able to communicate with delivery servers managed by a plurality of delivery companies. This management server is further configured to receive locker information signals including the usage status of the plurality of lockers from the plurality of delivery boxes, receive designation request signals including information regarding the size and quantity of packages and a box identifier that identifies one of the delivery boxes designated as a storage destination for the packages from each of the plurality of delivery servers, identify one of the number of lockers owned by the designated delivery box based on the size and quantity of the packages and the above-mentioned usage status for each of the plurality of packages, and transmit a locker identification signal including a locker identifier that identifies the identified locker to the delivery server for each of the plurality of packages.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a home delivery method and a home delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional home delivery method. Schematic top view and perspective view of a container that can be used in a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic front view for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a home delivery method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention, and should not be interpreted as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below.

In the drawings, the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part may be shown diagrammatically compared to the actual embodiment in order to make the explanation clearer, but this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In this specification and each figure, elements having the same function as those explained in the previous figures may be given the same reference numerals and duplicate explanations may be omitted. This reference numeral is used to collectively represent multiple identical or similar structures, and a hyphen and a natural number are added after the reference numeral when representing each of these individually. In addition, a lowercase alphabet may be added after the reference numeral when indicating part of a structure.

1. Delivery System FIG. 1(A) shows a schematic diagram of a delivery method according to one embodiment of the present invention. This delivery method can be used to pick up products ordered by a user from a provider (hereinafter, simply referred to as a seller) 130 of products and services (hereinafter, products and services are collectively referred to as products) in electronic commerce using a terminal 120 at a logistics warehouse 140, and deliver the products directly or via a hub (not shown) from the logistics warehouse 140 to a delivery box 150 available to the user. The order for the product may be made directly to the seller 130, or may be made on an electronic commerce platform (hereinafter, simply referred to as a platform) 180 provided by a third party (platform provider) for the user or seller 130. The former is called a company-site type electronic commerce, and the latter is called a mall type electronic commerce. This delivery method can also be used by a user to ship packages, and can be used, for example, not only for products put up for sale in electronic commerce, but also for shipping packages unrelated to electronic commerce.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the delivery system 100 includes a management server 110, a seller server 132 managed by the seller 130, a delivery server 142 for managing a logistics warehouse 140 where goods are stored, a platform server 182 for building a platform 180, and a delivery box 150 that is the destination for storing and delivering packages. The delivery system 100 may include multiple seller servers 132, multiple delivery servers 142, multiple platform servers 182, and multiple delivery boxes 150, and FIG. 1B shows an example including first to third seller servers 132-1 to 132-2, first to third delivery servers 142-1 to 142-2, first to third platform servers 182-1 to 182-3, and first to third delivery boxes 150-1 to 150-2. The management server 110, seller server 132, delivery server 142, platform server 182, and delivery box 150 are connected via network 102 so that they can communicate with each other. Here, network 102 is a communication network such as the Internet or a wide area network, and mediates communication between various communication terminals and servers.

The delivery box 150 may be an existing delivery box. The multiple delivery boxes 150 may all be managed by one business operator, or may be configured with multiple delivery boxes managed by multiple businesses. The specifications of the multiple delivery boxes 150 may be the same as each other, or at least one of the specifications may be different from the others. Each delivery box 150 has multiple lockers. The sizes of the multiple lockers in each delivery box 150 may be the same as each other, or at least one may be different from the others. Each delivery box 150 is assigned an identifier (box ID) to identify it, and each of the multiple lockers in each delivery box 150 is assigned an identifier (locker ID) to identify each locker.

Each locker of the delivery box 150 may be equipped with a sensor or camera for grasping the presence or absence of luggage in the locker and the arrangement state. Various information acquired by the sensor or camera is transmitted to the management server 110 via the network 102. The delivery box 150 may further be equipped with a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of each locker. For this reason, the delivery box 150 may be configured so that, for example, when the locker is opened, a camera is used to capture the internal arrangement state as an image (still image or video), and when the locker is closed, the image data is transmitted to the management server 110 together with the time of opening and closing the locker. Note that instead of placing a camera inside the locker to grasp the state inside the locker, an external camera may be provided outside the delivery box 150, and the external camera may be used to capture the situation inside the locker and the state of the delivery staff storing and collecting the luggage. This associates the log of the locker opening and closing with the image, and the luggage is appropriately arranged in the locker, enabling more secure delivery. For example, even when storing multiple luggage in one locker, it can have a deterrent effect against unstable and inappropriate arrangement and loading. The locker opening and closing logs may be sent from the management server 110 to the delivery server 142.

The delivery server 142 may have the function of managing the products stored in the logistics warehouse 140, as well as managing delivery in response to user orders and shipping instructions. Alternatively, product management may be handled by another server (product management server), and the delivery server 142 may handle delivery management in response to instructions from this product management server. In this case, the product management server is included in the delivery system 100, and the delivery server 142 is primarily managed by a delivery company. Alternatively, the seller server 132 may manage the products in the logistics warehouse 140, and the delivery server 142, managed by the delivery company, may handle delivery management. Below, an explanation will be given using an example of a case where the company that manages the logistics warehouse 140 also handles delivery management.

The platform server 182 is a server that constructs a platform. Sellers 130 can use the platform to sell products even if they do not have their own websites, and users can view and order various products on the platform.

The terminal 120 is a terminal equipped with a communication function that can be operated by a user, and examples of the terminal include a stationary (desktop) computer, a notebook computer, or a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone, tablet, or smartphone.

In addition, with this delivery method, the delivery area of the parcel may be limited. For example, only large cities or major cities may be specified as the delivery area, and this delivery method may not be applied to other areas. Considering the reality that the majority of users want delivery to large cities and their suburbs, sufficient customer satisfaction can be achieved even if the applicable area of this delivery method is limited in this way.

2. Home Delivery Method 2-1. Delivery of Package First, this home delivery method will be described using a case where a product ordered by a user from a seller 130 is delivered to a home delivery box 150.

As shown in FIG. 2(A), a user uses a terminal 120 to access a seller server 132 via a network 102 and place an order for a product. The product is stored in a logistics warehouse 140, where the product is picked up and delivered, either packaged or unpackaged (packaging-less), as parcels from the logistics warehouse 140 to a delivery box 150, either directly or via a hub (not shown). The following explanation mainly uses a company-owned website-type electronic commerce as an example, but in a mall-type electronic commerce, a platform server 182 functions in place of the seller server 132.

There are no restrictions on the type of product, and a wide variety of products, such as clothing, shoes, books, stationery, toys, food, and cosmetics, can be handled as parcels using this delivery method and delivery system. In addition, the products may be rental items (rental shoes, rental costumes, rental bags, etc.) or samples (sample cosmetics, sample food, etc.).

When a user orders a product, the user can specify any delivery box 150 as the delivery destination, i.e., the place where the package will be stored. For example, the user may specify a delivery box 150 provided in the apartment complex where the user lives, or a delivery box 150 installed near a commercial facility such as a train station or a convenience store. If the recipient of the package is not the user who ordered the product, the user may specify a delivery box 150 of the recipient's choice.

When the order is confirmed, the seller 130 accesses the delivery server 142 via the seller server 132 and issues a delivery instruction to deliver the product for each order. Specifically, along with this delivery instruction, a signal (delivery command signal) containing information about the product order (order information) is sent to the delivery server 142. The order information may include information for identifying the product (e.g., product name, identifier attached to the product, product number or model number, etc.), quantity, user information (user name, address, user ID for identifying the user, etc.), information about the delivery destination of the package (recipient information for identifying the recipient, such as the name, address, email address of the recipient of the package, delivery box 150 selected by the user or recipient, etc.), and desired delivery date and time. The delivery instruction may be issued to a specific delivery server 142, or may be issued to the delivery server 142 by appropriately selecting one of multiple delivery companies' logistics warehouses 140 according to the package.

After that, the products are picked in the logistics warehouse 140 based on the delivery instruction, and are bundled as parcels to be delivered to the delivery box 150. At this time, an identifier is assigned to each parcel on the delivery server 142, and delivery information associated with this identifier is generated. The delivery information is broadly divided into information about the parcel and information about the delivery. The information about the parcel includes the size and shape of the parcel, whether it is upside down or not, whether it is fragile, etc. The size and shape of the parcel may be obtained by measuring each parcel with a 3D scanner, and is determined from the specifications of the packaging material when the products are packaged using a standard packaging material. Alternatively, when a container described later is used, it is determined from the specifications of the container. The information about the delivery includes user information, recipient information, and, if the user or recipient specifies a delivery box 150, the box ID, the desired delivery date and time, etc.

After this, the delivery information is provided to the management server 110. That is, along with some or all of the delivery information, a signal (designation request signal) is sent from the delivery server 142 to the management server 110, requesting that the delivery box 150 at the delivery destination be specified and that the locker be identified. The delivery information included in the designation request signal may include the size, shape, and quantity of the package, whether it is upside down or not, information about the delivery destination of the package, the desired delivery date and time, etc., and if the user or recipient has designated a delivery box 150, the box ID may also be included. Furthermore, the delivery information included in the designation request signal may include recipient information.

The management server 110 receives a designated request signal provided from the multiple delivery servers 142 to obtain delivery information for each of the multiple packages. Furthermore, the management server 110 obtains information on the usage status (locker information) from each delivery box 150. Specifically, the management server 110 is configured to grasp the usage status of each delivery box 150 by obtaining the locker IDs of lockers that are in use (i.e., lockers in a state where packages are stored) and lockers that are not in use (i.e., empty) from each delivery box 150 at any time or periodically. Furthermore, a storage device (not shown) is connected to the management server 110, and information on the size (opening size, depth, height) of the locker associated with the locker ID is stored in the storage device. In this way, in this delivery method, the delivery information provided by the multiple delivery servers 142 and the locker information obtained from the multiple delivery boxes 150 are consolidated in the management server 110 and centrally managed.

The management server 110 matches the lockers of each delivery box 150 with the parcels. More specifically, first, a delivery box 150 for storing each of the multiple parcels is specified based on the delivery information. The delivery box 150 may be specified by selecting one of the delivery boxes 150 installed in a location closest to the parcel's delivery destination (i.e., the address of the recipient), or, if a delivery box 150 is installed at the destination of the parcel, by selecting that delivery box 150. If multiple delivery boxes 150 are installed at the destination of the parcel (e.g., an apartment building, etc.) and their usage times are limited (e.g., only at night, only during the day, etc.), a delivery box 150 that can be used at the scheduled delivery time may be specified. For example, a delivery box 150 whose usage time is limited to daytime (e.g., from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., etc.) may be specified preferentially. Note that if a delivery box 150 is specified by the user or the recipient, the delivery box 150 is automatically specified.

Next, the management server 110 identifies the optimal locker for storing each package based on the delivery information and the locker information. Specifically, for each package, a locker that can store the package and has the smallest storage volume is selected from the empty lockers in the specified delivery box 150. For example, a locker that is larger than the volume of the package and has the smallest storage volume may be selected. Alternatively, a locker that has a height larger than the height of the package and has the smallest storage volume may be selected. After that, a locker identification signal including the locker ID of the identified locker is sent to the delivery server 142. This allows each delivery company to know the locker identified for storing the package. Note that if there is no empty locker in the specified delivery box 150, a signal to notify the delivery server 142 that the delivery box 150 is currently unavailable may be sent to the delivery server 142. In this case, a locker identification signal may be sent to the delivery server 142 at the time when a locker that can store the package is secured based on the locker information. Also, if the package is large and cannot be stored in any of the lockers in the specified delivery box 150, a signal to notify the delivery server 142 that the delivery method cannot be used may be sent to the delivery server 142. Alternatively, if the specified delivery box 150 is unavailable for some reason such as those described above, an available delivery box in the vicinity of the specified delivery box 150 may be specified, and a signal may be sent to the delivery server 142 to notify the delivery server of the box ID and locker ID.

In this delivery method, even if multiple parcels are delivered from different logistics warehouses 140 or by different delivery companies, the parcels for the same recipient are delivered and stored in the same locker, making it possible to use the delivery box 150 more efficiently. Specifically, the management server 110 determines whether there are multiple parcels for the same recipient among the multiple parcels based on the delivery information including recipient information obtained from the multiple delivery servers 142. If it is determined that there are multiple parcels for the same recipient, the management server 110 further matches these multiple parcels with the lockers and identifies a locker that can simultaneously store multiple parcels for the same recipient from the lockers of the specified delivery box 150. For example, a locker may be identified by appropriately using an algorithm that provides a certain solution to a three-dimensional packing problem based on the shape and size of each of the multiple parcels for the same recipient. Examples of the algorithm that may be used at this time include a genetic algorithm, a bottom-left (BL) method, and a three-dimensional best-fit (3BF) method. Alternatively, a locker that has a height greater than the sum of the heights of the parcels and has the smallest storage volume may be selected. Alternatively, a locker with a capacity volume greater than the sum of the volumes of the luggage and with the smallest storage volume may be selected.

When a locker capable of simultaneously storing multiple packages for the same recipient is identified, the locker ID of the identified locker is sent from the management server 110 to the delivery server 142 of one or more delivery companies that will deliver the packages. As a result, each delivery company can store the packages they handle in the same locker 152, making it possible to reduce the number of lockers 152 used. This contributes to more efficient use of the delivery boxes 150. In this case, by sending a log of the locker 152 opening and closing times from the management server 110 to the delivery server 142, the delivery company can also keep track of the locker opening and closing history, which can help prevent crimes such as theft and delivery accidents.

As described above, in this home delivery system 100, the product management server may function independently of the home delivery server 142. In this case, the product management server receives the home delivery command signal from the seller server 132, and the products are packed into parcels in the logistics warehouse 140 according to the home delivery instructions contained in the home delivery command signal. The identifier assigned to each parcel and the home delivery information associated with this are then transmitted from the product management server to the home delivery server 142.

As described above, in this delivery method, the delivery information and the locker information are managed in a centralized manner by the management server 110, and matching between the luggage and the locker 152 is performed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2B, each luggage 104 can be stored in a locker 152 suitable for it. For example, a luggage 104-1 having a large volume can be stored in a locker 152-1 having a large storage volume, and a luggage 104-2 having a small volume can be stored in a locker 152-2 having a small storage volume. In other words, it is possible to prevent inefficient use of lockers caused by storing a luggage 104-2 having a small volume in a locker 152-1 having a large storage volume. In addition, since delivery is possible after a locker 152 for storing the luggage 104 is secured in advance, it is possible to prevent an increase in delivery costs and a waste of human resources, such as when the luggage 104 is delivered to the designated delivery box 150, but there is no available locker 152 for storing the luggage, and therefore redelivery is necessary.

In contrast, in the conventional delivery method, as shown in FIG. 3(A), the delivery information and locker information of multiple delivery companies are not managed in a centralized manner, so each delivery company cannot grasp the usage status of the delivery box 150 at the delivery destination. Therefore, it is not possible to grasp whether the locker 152 of the delivery box 150 at the delivery destination is available before delivery, and even if the package is delivered to the delivery box 150, if there is no available locker 152, it is necessary to deliver it again. In addition, since the locker 152 and the package 104 are not matched, there are frequent cases where the locker 152 cannot be used effectively due to mismatching between the locker 152 and the package 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(B), small packages 104-3 and 104-4 may be stored in lockers 152-3 and 152-4, which have large storage volumes, respectively. In this case, even if other empty lockers 152 are available, the locker that can store the large package 104-5 may not be available. In this case, redelivery is necessary, which causes an increase in delivery costs and a waste of human resources.

Therefore, this delivery method can be said to be a more efficient method, capable of delivering parcels at a lower cost than conventional delivery methods, and capable of making effective use of human resources.

In this delivery method, the product may be delivered without packaging. That is, a container of the same size and shape may be used, the product may be stored in the container either directly or in a flexible bag, and the container may be delivered to the delivery box 150 as luggage. The product is removed from the container and stored in a specified locker 152 either directly or in a flexible bag. Note that the product may be packaged in cardboard or the like and stored in the container, and the container may be delivered to the delivery box 150 as luggage.

The container may have any configuration, but may be, for example, a container 160 as shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B). The container 160 has a main body 162 as its basic configuration, and may further have a lid 164, a handle 168, a trench 172, a lock 176, a protrusion 174, a tag 170, etc.

The main body 162 provides a space for storing goods and may be entirely or partially transparent. For example, the front panel may be transparent so that the inside can be observed. There are no restrictions on the size of the container 160, but for example, the length of the inner dimension of the main body 162 in the y direction is 150 mm to 600 mm, 200 mm to 500 mm, or 200 mm to 400 mm, typically a length corresponding to A4 size (297 mm). The length of the inner dimension in the width direction (x direction) of the frontage is 100 mm to 500 mm, 150 mm to 400 mm, or 200 mm to 300 mm, typically a width corresponding to A4 size (210 mm). The height of the inner dimension (length in the z direction) is 50 mm to 20 mm, 75 mm to 150 mm, or 90 mm to 125 mm, typically 100 mm. Since the size of the products ordered by most users is within the above-mentioned range, by configuring the container 160 to satisfy the above parameters, it is possible to deliver most of the products using the container 160.

Although not shown, a cushioning material for protecting the product from impact may be provided on the inner surface of the main body 162. Examples of cushioning materials include sheets containing animal fibers such as felt, sponges such as urethane foam and polystyrene foam, (air) cushions, and sheets containing artificial polymers such as polysiloxane and polyethylene.

The optional lid 164 has the function of closing the space formed by the main body 162, thereby preventing the product from falling out of the container 160 during home delivery of the container 160. The lid 164 may be configured so as to be removable from the main body 162 without being fixed thereto, or may be connected to the main body 162 via a hinge 166 or the like. The structure of the lid 164 is not limited to the structure described above. For example, the main body 162 may be configured so that a part of the main body 162 (front panel, side panel, or end panel) can be opened and closed, and the openable front panel, side panel, or end panel may function as a lid. In this case, a top panel may be provided on the main body 162.

A handle 168 is provided on the front panel, allowing the container 160 to be easily transported. The lock 176 is a mechanism for preventing the lid 164 from opening unintentionally, and its configuration is determined appropriately. It is preferable that the lock 176 has a structure that allows it to be locked and unlocked without the use of a key. For example, it may be a rotating pin or plate that engages with the main body 162. By configuring the lock 176 so that it can be locked and unlocked without the use of a key, it is no longer necessary to require the delivery person who delivers the package to have a key, making it possible to easily remove the product.

The tag 170 has the function of storing or displaying an identifier for identifying each container 160, and for example, a two-dimensional code or a barcode is printed on it. Alternatively, the tag 170 may be an ID chip capable of short-range wireless communication.

Although not shown, a sensor or camera for determining whether or not a product is present may be provided inside the main body 162. An example of the sensor is a reflective sensor that uses laser light. An example of the camera is a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. The presence or absence of a product is determined by a signal from the sensor or by analyzing an image captured by the camera, which can prevent products from being left behind.

The trench 172 and the protrusion 174 are provided so as to mesh with each other when multiple containers 160 are stacked, and are preferably provided so as to extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the container 160 (the y direction in Figures 4(A) and 4(B)). By providing the trench 172 and the protrusion 174 at the same time in this way, when multiple containers 160 are stacked, the x-direction shift between the containers 160 is prevented, and the containers 160 can be stacked safely while being high and preventing the load from collapsing. This not only improves the safety of the work, but also contributes to space saving when sorting the containers 160. Furthermore, when multiple containers 160 are loaded onto a transport cart 178 called a basket cart, since all the containers 160 have the same size and shape, many containers 160 can be loaded onto the transport cart 178 in an orderly manner without creating any wasted space (see Figure 5). Therefore, a large number of containers 160 can be delivered efficiently and safely using a small number of transport carts 178. This will also contribute to reducing the number of vehicles used for home delivery, improving work safety and reducing delivery costs.

Furthermore, by delivering the container 160 as parcel and storing the product removed from the container 160 in the locker 152, the need to use packaging materials such as cardboard used in the delivery of products is reduced. Also, the need to use cushioning materials, which take up a large volume of packaging materials, is eliminated or greatly reduced. Therefore, not only is the burden of folding and disposing of packaging materials and cushioning materials eliminated or reduced, but the amount of waste resulting from packaging materials and cushioning materials can be significantly reduced. This can be said to contribute to preventing environmental pollution and establishing a carbon-free society.

2-2. Delivery of a package As described above, this home delivery method can also be applied when a user delivers a package as a sender. As an example, a case in which a user delivers a product that he or she has put up for sale using the platform 180 to another user (hereinafter also referred to as an orderer or recipient) as a package will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Descriptions of configurations that are the same as or similar to those described for home delivery of packages may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the user receives a notification from the platform provider that the product he put up has been ordered by the buyer. That is, the user's terminal 120 receives from the platform server 182 one or more signals including order information including information for identifying the product, the quantity of the product, and information about the buyer (such as name, address, shipping destination, and the box ID of the delivery box 150 at the shipping destination), along with the notification that the product he put up has been ordered. The user who received this notification packs the product appropriately, selects a delivery company of his choice, and notifies the selected delivery company of a shipping request to ship the product as a package. More specifically, together with the shipping request, a signal (shipping request signal) including information about the shipment of the package (shipping information) is sent from the terminal 120 to the delivery server 142 managed by the delivery company. The delivery company at this time may be a company that also manages the logistics warehouse 140, or may not manage the logistics warehouse 140. The shipping information includes user information (here, sender information for identifying the sender), as well as the size, shape, and quantity of the package, the box ID of the delivery box 150 designated by the user to store the package, and may further include the planned date and time when the user will store the package in the delivery box 150. The shipping information may further include information for identifying the product (such as the product name and type of product), the shipping destination (recipient information for identifying the recipient, such as the recipient's address, name, and email address, and the delivery box 150 of the shipping destination), and the like. Note that instead of the size, shape, and quantity of the package, image data of the package acquired by the user may be included in the shipping information. In this case, the image data may be analyzed on the delivery server 142 to estimate the size, shape, and quantity. Alternatively, if the product can be stored in the container 160, the shipping information may include a notification that the user will ship the product using the container 160. When the container 160 is used, the user does not need to excessively pack the product using packing materials such as cardboard or cushioning materials, which not only reduces the delivery cost but also saves resources by saving packing time and reducing the amount of packaging materials.

As shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 6, the user may not select a delivery company by themselves, but may send a shipping request signal directly to the management server 110 via the terminal 120. In this case, the shipping information may include the desired delivery company. The management server 110 selects a delivery company (or, if the user has specified a delivery company, the selected delivery company) and sends a shipping request signal to the delivery server 142.

The delivery server 142 that receives the shipping request signal transmits all or part of the shipping information to the management server 110. That is, along with all or part of the shipping information, the delivery server 142 transmits a designation request signal to the management server 110 requesting that the locker of the delivery box 150 designated by the user to store the package be identified. The shipping information included in the designation request signal may include the size, shape, and quantity of the package, whether it is upside down or not, the delivery destination of the package, recipient information, the date and time the user plans to store the package, the desired delivery date and time, and the box ID may be included if the user specifies a delivery box 150 in which the package will be stored or a delivery box 150 as the recipient's shipping destination. As a result, similar to when delivering packages, the shipping information provided by multiple delivery servers 142 and the locker information obtained from multiple delivery boxes 150 are consolidated and centrally managed by the management server 110.

As in the case of parcel delivery, the management server 110 further performs matching between the lockers of each delivery box 150 and the parcel. That is, based on the shipping information and the locker information, the management server 110 identifies the most suitable locker 152 from among the lockers 152 of the delivery box 150 designated by the user to store the parcel. Specifically, the management server 110 identifies the locker that can store the parcel and has the smallest storage volume from among the empty lockers of the delivery box 150 designated by the user to store the parcel. Then, it transmits a locker identification signal including the locker ID of the identified locker 152 to the delivery server 142. The locker identification signal is also transmitted to the user's terminal 120 directly or via the delivery server 142. This locker identification signal may include information (collection information) such as the name and address of the delivery box 150, the number of the locker 152, and the collection date and time of the parcel. This allows the user and each delivery company to know the locker 152 identified to store and collect the parcel.

If there is no vacant locker in the specified delivery box 150, a signal may be sent to the delivery server 142 to notify that the delivery box 150 is currently unavailable. In this case, after a locker that can store the package is secured based on the locker information, the locker is identified and a locker identification signal including the locker ID is sent to the user's terminal 120 and the delivery server 142. If the package is large and cannot be stored in any of the lockers 152 in the specified delivery box 150, a signal may be sent to the user's terminal 120 and the delivery server 142 to notify that this delivery method is unavailable. Alternatively, if the specified delivery box 150 is unavailable for some reason as described above, a delivery box that is available near the specified delivery box 150 may be specified, and a signal may be sent to the delivery server 142 to notify the box ID and locker ID.

An authentication key for the user to operate the delivery box 150 may be transmitted to the user's terminal 120 together with the locker identification signal or separately from the locker identification signal. The authentication key is generated in the management server 110 or the delivery server 142. The authentication key generated directly in the management server 110 is transmitted to the terminal 120 from the management server 110 directly or via the delivery server 142. If the authentication key is generated in the delivery server 142, it is transmitted from the delivery server 142 to the terminal 120. The format of the authentication key is arbitrary, and may be a two-dimensional code, a barcode, a password, or a personal identification number, and is configured to be displayed on the display screen of the terminal 120. The user can unlock the identified locker 152 by having the delivery box 150 recognize the authentication key or by entering a password or a personal identification number.

If the delivery box 150 designated by the user for storing packages is provided in the apartment building in which the user lives, a signal to allow the user to use the locker 152 may be sent from the delivery server 142 or the management server 110 to the delivery box 150 without generating and sending an authentication key. In this case, the user can unlock the specified locker 152 by operating the delivery box 150 using a dedicated key or card for operating the delivery box 150 that the user possesses.

When the user places the package in the identified locker 152, the sensor 154 (see FIG. 2(B)) can confirm that the package has been placed therein. For this reason, the delivery box 150 may be configured to transmit a signal (a placement notification signal) to the management server 110 and/or the delivery server 142 notifying the user that the package has been placed therein, based on information obtained from the sensor 154. This allows the delivery person to begin retrieving the package after confirming that the user has placed the package therein, thereby enabling efficient use of human resources.

3. Flow of the Home Delivery Method An example of applying the above-mentioned home delivery method to business-to-customer transactions (BtoC model) and customer-to-customer transactions (CtoC model) will be described using a flowchart.

3-1. Delivery method of parcels in the BtoC model Here, the seller 130 is a company that provides products, and a user places an order for products with the seller 130 without going through the platform 180. In the case of a mall-type BtoC model, the seller 130 corresponds to the platform provider. As shown in FIG. 7, the user first uses the terminal 120 to access the seller server 132 and place an order for a product. At this time, the user transmits a signal including information required for ordering the product (order information) to the seller server 132 (S100). As described above, the order information may include the box ID of the delivery box 150 at the delivery destination, together with information specifying the product. When the user receives the package, the user becomes the recipient.

When an order for a product is placed, the seller server 132 transmits a delivery command signal including order information to the delivery server 142 (S102). The delivery server 142 checks the inventory status and expected arrival status of the product at the logistics warehouse 140 and determines whether the product can be ordered. Although not shown, if it is determined that the product can be ordered, a signal to notify the terminal 120 or the seller server 132 that the order by the user has been confirmed may be transmitted. When the order is confirmed, the product is picked and packed in the logistics warehouse 140 according to the order contents and is compiled as a parcel to be delivered. The packaging may be cardboard or a flexible bag (for example, a bag made of an artificial polymer such as polyethylene, nylon, or cellophane, or a paper envelope). The bag may be transparent or non-transparent.

At this time, the size and shape of the package are determined. For example, if the packaging material is a standardized cardboard, the size and shape of the package are determined by the standard. If the product is packaged in a flexible bag, a 3D scanner may be used to measure the shape and size of the packaged product. The product may be stored in the container 160 without being packaged, or packaged in a flexible bag. In this case, the shape and size of the product or the product packaged in the flexible bag will be the shape and size of the package. By using the container 160, the movement of the product within the container 160 is restricted, so the need to pack cushioning materials such as air cushions, recycled paper, and polystyrene foam with the product is greatly reduced. This makes it possible to greatly reduce the consumption of waste associated with home delivery of products.

Then, the delivery server 142 sends a designation request signal to the management server 110 along with the delivery information of the package in order to identify the locker 152 that will store the package (S104). As described above, the delivery information may include the package's size, shape, quantity, whether it is upside down or not, the package's delivery destination, delivery date and time, etc., and may also include the box ID if the user has designated a delivery box 150 as the package's delivery destination. Furthermore, the delivery information included in the designation request signal may include recipient information. Typically, a delivery company handles multiple packages, so designation request signals for multiple packages will be sent from the delivery server 142.

A signal (locker information signal) including locker information is sent from the multiple delivery boxes 150 at any time or periodically to the management server 110 (S106). Therefore, the management server 110 can always grasp the usage status of the locker 152 of each delivery box 150. When the management server 110 receives a designation request signal from the delivery server 142, it matches the locker 152 of each delivery box 150 with the package. If the user does not designate a delivery box 150, one of the delivery boxes 150 installed in a location closest to the address of the recipient is designated, and matching is performed with the locker 152 of that delivery box 150. If there are multiple packages for the same recipient and a locker 152 that can simultaneously accommodate multiple packages is available, one locker 152 may be specified for these multiple packages. When the locker 152 is specified for each package, a locker identification signal including the box ID and locker ID of the delivery box 150 is sent to the delivery server 142 (S108). If an authentication key is generated by the management server 110, the authentication key may be sent to the delivery server 142 simultaneously or individually. Although not shown, the authentication key may be sent directly from the management server 110 to the terminal 120.

The delivery server 142, which has received the locker identification signal, checks the arrangements for a vehicle for delivery and the loading status of the vehicle, and estimates the scheduled delivery date and time of the package. It then transmits a signal (delivery information signal) to the terminal 120 together with the authentication key or separately from the authentication key, to notify the terminal 120 of the scheduled delivery date and time, and the delivery box 150 and locker 152 in which the package will be stored (S110). This allows the user to know the scheduled delivery date and time of the package. The delivery server 142 may further transmit a signal including the scheduled delivery date and time to the seller server 132 (S112).

After this, the parcel is delivered. The parcel is delivered by storing it in the specified locker 152. When a container 160 is used, the product is removed from the container 160 and stored in the locker 152, and the container 160 is collected by a delivery person. Since the locker 152 is reserved in advance, there is no need to redeliver the parcel due to the locker 152 being unavailable at the time of delivery, and this can prevent an increase in costs for redelivery and a waste of human resources. When the delivery is completed, the delivery server 142 transmits a signal including a delivery completion notification to the terminal 120 and the seller server 132 (S114, S116). This delivery completion notification may be transmitted to the management server 110. This allows the seller 130 to recognize that the product has been delivered to the user, and the user to recognize that the ordered product has been delivered. The delivery completion notification may include the number of parcels delivered in a day, the number of parcels stored in the specified locker 152, the number of parcels currently stored in the specified locker 152, and the like. If such information is included, the user can remove the packages from the locker 152 after all of the packages that are to be delivered have been delivered. Also, if multiple packages are being delivered, the user can remove the packages from the locker 152 as each package is delivered.

The user then operates the delivery box 150 using the authentication key or a dedicated key or card to unlock the locker 152 containing the package and remove the package. After the package has been removed, a signal (receipt notification signal) notifying the user that the package has been removed may be sent from the delivery box 150 to the management server 110 and/or the delivery server 142 based on information obtained from the sensor 154 (S118, S120). At this time, an external camera installed inside the locker 152 or outside the delivery box 150 may be used to capture images of the state inside the locker 152 and the state of the delivery person placing the package, and the captured images may be sent to the management server 110 and/or the delivery server 142 along with the opening and closing times of the locker 152.

Even when one user orders products individually from multiple sellers 130 and multiple companies deliver these products as parcels, this delivery method can be used to provide a highly efficient delivery service. For example, an example in which one user orders products individually from a first seller 130-1 and a second seller 130-2, and the products of the first seller 130-1 and the second seller 130-2 are managed in a first logistics warehouse 140-1 and a second logistics warehouse 140-2, respectively, will be described using Figure 8.

The user uses the terminal 120 to access the first seller server 132-1 and the second seller server 132-2 individually to place an order for the product. At this time, the user transmits a signal including information required for ordering the product (order information) to the first seller server 132-1 and the second seller server 132-2, respectively (S130, S132).

When an order for a product is placed, the first seller server 132-1 and the second seller server 132-2 access the first home delivery server 142-1 and the second home delivery server 142-2 of the first logistics warehouse 140-1 and the second logistics warehouse 140-2 where the product is stored, respectively, and transmit a home delivery command signal including the order information (S134, S136). Each home delivery server 142 checks the inventory status and expected arrival status of the product at each logistics warehouse 140 and determines whether or not the product can be ordered. If it is determined that the product can be ordered, a signal may be transmitted to the terminal 120 and/or the seller server 132 to notify that the user's order has been confirmed.

After this, the first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2 send a designation request signal to the management server 110 together with the delivery information of the parcels in order to identify the locker 152 that will store each parcel (S138, S140). When the management server 110 receives the designation request signal, it matches the locker 152 with the parcel based on the delivery information and the locker information sent from the delivery box 150 (S142). As described above, the delivery information may include recipient information. Therefore, by using the recipient information, the management server 110 can easily determine whether there are multiple parcels to the same recipient among the parcels to be delivered. If it is determined on the management server 110 that there are multiple parcels to the same recipient, it identifies the locker 152 that can simultaneously store the parcels to the same recipient, and sends a locker identification signal including the box ID of the delivery box 150 and the locker ID of the identified locker to the first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2 (S144, S146).

The first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2, which have received the locker identification signal, check the arrangement of a vehicle for delivery and the loading status of the vehicle, and estimate the scheduled delivery date and time of the package. Although not shown, a delivery information signal is then sent to the terminal 120 to notify the scheduled delivery date and time and the delivery box 150 in which the package will be stored and its locker 152. An authentication key may be included in the delivery information signal, or a separate authentication key may be sent from the first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2 to the terminal 120. The first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2 may further send a signal including all or part of the information included in the delivery information signal to the first seller server 132-1 and the second seller server 132-2, respectively. The first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2 may transmit the delivery information signal and the authentication key to the management server 110 instead of to the terminal 120 (S148, S150). The first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2 may not generate the authentication key, and the management server 110 may generate the authentication key. In this case, the delivery information and the authentication key may be transmitted from the management server 110 to the terminal 120 together (S152), thereby preventing confusion among the user.

After this, the parcels are delivered, and after the delivery is completed, a signal including a delivery completion notification is sent from the first delivery server 142-1 and the second delivery server 142-2, or from the management server 110 to the terminal 120 (S154). The delivery completion notification may be sent from the management server 110 or the delivery server 142 to the seller server 132 (S156, S158). After the parcels are removed, a receipt notification signal may be sent from the delivery box 150 to the management server 110 and/or the delivery server 142 (S160, S162, S164). In this delivery method, even if the parcels are delivered by different delivery companies, multiple parcels ordered by the user are stored in one locker 152. Therefore, the user can remove multiple parcels at the same time by operating the delivery box 150 once.

3-2. Method of shipping parcels in the CtoC model In this section, an example of applying this home delivery method to the CtoC model will be described. Here, the explanation will be given assuming a case in which a first user uses the platform 180 to put up a product and a second user (i.e., the orderer and product recipient) orders this product. Explanations of configurations that are the same as or similar to the configurations described in the application example to the BtoC model may be omitted.

When an item is ordered, the platform server 182 sends a signal including the order information to the first user's terminal 120-1 along with a notification that the item has been ordered (S180). The orderer may specify a delivery box 150 as the delivery destination for the item, in which case the order information includes the box ID of the delivery box 150 specified by the orderer.

The first user accesses the delivery server 142 managed by a delivery company selected by the user, and transmits a shipping request signal including shipping information from the terminal 120-1 to the delivery server 142 (S182). If the first user directly accesses the management server 110, the shipping request signal is transmitted from the terminal 120-1 to the management server 110 (S184). In this case, the shipping request signal is further transmitted to the delivery server 142 of the delivery company selected by the management server 110 or the delivery company desired by the first user (S186). Having received the shipping request signal, the delivery server 142 transmits a specification request signal from the delivery server 142 to the management server 110, requesting that the locker of the delivery box 150 specified by the user to store the package be specified (S188).

The management server 110, which has received the designation request signal, matches the lockers 152 with the packages based on the locker information sent from the multiple delivery boxes 150 (S190), and the size, shape, quantity, whether the package is upside down, or image data included in the designation request signal. In other words, it identifies the locker 152 that matches the size, shape, and quantity of the package from the lockers 152 of the delivery box 150 specified by the user. If the user has not specified a delivery box 150 to store the package, the designation request signal does not include the box ID of the delivery box 150. In this case, it is sufficient to specify one of the delivery boxes 150 closest to the user's address. After the locker 152 has been identified, a locker identification signal including the locker ID is sent to the delivery server 142 (S192).

When the locker identification signal is received by the delivery server 142, the delivery server 142 transmits a signal including collection information to the terminal 120 (S194). At this time, the delivery server 142 may transmit an authentication key to the terminal 120. Note that the signal including the collection information and authentication key may be transmitted from the management server 110 to the terminal 120 (S196).

The user operates the delivery box 150 using an authentication key or a dedicated key or card to store the package in the specified locker 152. If the delivery box 150 can determine the presence or absence of the package using the sensor 154, it may send a signal (a storage notification signal) to notify the management server 110 and/or the delivery server 142 that the package has been stored (S198, S200). This allows the delivery server 142 to know that the package has been stored in the locker 152 specified on the delivery server 142, so the delivery staff can reliably collect the package. After this, the delivery server 142 sends a signal to the terminal 120 to notify the completion of the collection of the package (S202). As with the storage of the package by the delivery staff in the BtoC model, an external camera installed inside the locker 152 or outside the delivery box 150 may be used to capture images of the state inside the locker 152 and the state of the delivery staff collecting the package, and the captured images may be sent to the management server 110 and/or the delivery server 142 along with the opening and closing times of the locker 152.

4. Applications As described below, by applying the home delivery method according to one embodiment of the present invention, it becomes possible to use the home delivery box 150 more efficiently and to provide a variety of user services.

For example, since the management server 110 can receive user information, the number of times the user has used the delivery system 100 can be counted using the user information, and the number of times can be stored as a user score in a storage device provided in the management server 110 as needed. The management server 110 can be configured to provide services such as preferential reservation of lockers 152 when shipping packages and setting of dedicated lockers to users with high user scores. For example, the upper limit of the number of lockers available can be set high for users with high user scores, and low for users with low user scores. Alternatively, information regarding the user score can be sent from the management server 110 to the delivery server 142 at any time, periodically, or in response to a request from the delivery server 142. This allows delivery companies and the like to manage user scores, and services such as discounts on delivery and shipping fees and cashbacks can be provided based on the user score.

Alternatively, the management server 110 may be configured to preferentially identify, among the lockers 152 of each delivery box 150, a locker 152 that is easier to use, i.e., a locker 152 that allows easy storage and removal of luggage, according to the user score. More specifically, when a user with a low user score uses the delivery system 100, a locker 152 is randomly identified from among multiple lockers 152 that are suitable for the luggage, or is identified in order of least frequent use. This makes it possible to equalize the frequency of use of the lockers 152, suppress deterioration of some or specific lockers 152, and prevent breakdowns. On the other hand, when a user with a high user score uses the delivery system 100, the delivery program may be configured to preferentially select a specific locker 152 from among the lockers 152 that are suitable for the luggage. The specific locker 152 may be appropriately determined taking into consideration convenience, such as ease of storage and removal of luggage.

Alternatively, the user score may be weighted using the occupancy time of the locker 152. For example, in a BtoC model, the occupancy time of the locker 152 may be the time from the time when the parcel delivery completion notification is sent to the terminal 120 or the time when the delivery completion notification is received by the management server 110 to the time when the receipt notification signal is sent to the management server 110. In a CtoC model, the occupancy time may be the time from the time when the signal including the collection information is sent from the management server 110 to the terminal 120 to the time when the collection notification signal is received by the management server 110. The user score may be weighted using an average occupancy time obtained by dividing the occupancy time of each user by the number of times the delivery system 100 is used. Alternatively, the user score may be weighted when the occupancy time is shorter than a predetermined time.

The management server 110 may also be configured to notify the delivery server 142 of the occupancy time from the management server 110 at any time, periodically, or in response to a request from the delivery server 142. This allows the delivery company or the like to know the occupancy time for each locker 152. Therefore, in this delivery method, the parcels of a user who has occupied a locker 152 for a long period of time (for example, three days or more, one week or more, or one month or more) may be collected. This makes it possible to secure more available lockers 152 and increase the turnover rate of the lockers 152.

Alternatively, the user may be given an opportunity to earn a user score by utilizing the time the locker 152 is occupied. For example, a higher user score may be awarded to a user if the user collects or stores the luggage within a certain period from the time when the management server 110 transmits a signal including a delivery completion notification or a signal including collection information to the user's terminal 120. In this case, the signal including a delivery completion notification or the signal including collection information may be configured so that a display can be displayed on the terminal 120 indicating that a higher user score can be earned by collecting or storing the luggage within the certain period. Furthermore, the signal including a delivery completion notification or the signal including collection information may include an instruction to display a screen on the user's terminal 120 on which the user can respond as to the date and time when the user will collect or store the luggage. A higher user score may be awarded if the user collects or stores the luggage by the date and time responded by the user.

Alternatively, the user may be given an opportunity to earn a user score based on the number of empty lockers 152 in the delivery box 150. If the user is delayed in collecting the package, the number of empty lockers 152 will decrease, affecting the delivery of other packages. In order to prevent such adverse effects, when the ratio of empty lockers 152 decreases (for example, when the ratio of the number of empty lockers 152 to the total number of lockers 152 in each delivery box 150 becomes 30% or less, 20% or less, or 10% or less), a signal including a promotion notice to encourage the user who has not picked up the package to pick up the product may be sent from the management server 110 to the terminal 120. At this time, the signal including the promotion notice may be configured so that it is possible to display on the terminal 120 that the user score can be earned by picking up the package. Furthermore, the signal including the promotion notice may be configured so that it is possible to display on the terminal 120 that the shorter the time until picking up the package, the higher the user score can be earned. When the user picks up the package, the management server 110 may add a certain user score, or may add a user score according to the time from the time of the notification of the promotion notice to the time the user picks up the package.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention may be combined as appropriate to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent. In addition, a display device according to any of the embodiments may be combined as appropriate by a person skilled in the art to add or remove components or modify the design, or to add or omit processes or modify conditions, and this is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it satisfies the gist of the present invention.

Even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the aspects of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, if they are clear from the description in this specification or can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art, they are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

100: Delivery system, 102: Network, 104: Parcel, 104-1: Parcel, 104-2: Parcel, 104-3: Parcel, 104-4: Parcel, 104-5: Parcel, 110: Management server, 120: Terminal, 120-1: Terminal, 130: Seller, 130-1: First seller, 130-2: Second seller, 132: Seller server, 132-1: First seller server, 132-2: Second seller server, 132-2: Second seller server, 140: Logistics warehouse, 140-1: First logistics warehouse, 140-2: Second logistics warehouse, 140-3: Third logistics warehouse, 142: Delivery server, 142-1: First delivery server, 142-2: Second delivery server, 142-3: Third logistics warehouse 3 delivery server, 150: delivery box, 150-1: third delivery box, 150-2: second delivery box, 150-3: third delivery box, 152: locker, 152-1: locker, 152-2: locker, 152-3: locker, 154: sensor, 160: container, 162: main body, 164: lid, 166: hinge, 168: handle, 170: tag, 172: trench, 174: protrusion, 176: lock, 178: transport cart, 180: platform, 182: platform server, 182-1: first platform server, 182-2: second platform server, 182-3: third platform server

Claims (16)

A method for delivering parcels by storing the parcels in a plurality of parcel delivery boxes each having a plurality of lockers,
A management server that is communicatively connected to the delivery box and configured to acquire identifiers of the lockers in use and the lockers not in use from the delivery box acquires the size, shape, and quantity of the parcels from a delivery server that is communicatively connected to the management server and configured to manage the delivery of the parcels;
The method includes the management server identifying one of the plurality of lockers based on the size, shape, and quantity of the luggage and the size of each of the plurality of lockers. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the management server determining whether there are multiple packages for the same recipient among the packages . The method of claim 2, further comprising the management server transmitting the identifier of the identified locker to the delivery server. The method of claim 2, further comprising the delivery server transmitting an identifier of the delivery box to the management server. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying the one of the plurality of lockers is performed by selecting the locker that can accommodate the package and has the smallest volume. The method of claim 1, further comprising the management server transmitting the identifier of the identified locker to a terminal of a recipient of the package. The method of claim 2, further comprising the delivery server transmitting the identifier of the identified locker to a terminal of a recipient of the package. The method further includes storing the cargo in one container selected from a plurality of containers having the same shape and size;
The method according to claim 1 , wherein storing the package in the delivery box is performed by storing the selected container in the identified locker. A delivery system including a delivery box having a plurality of lockers and a management server connected in communication therewith,
The management server includes:
The size, shape, and quantity of the parcels to be delivered to the parcel box are acquired from a parcel server that is communicatively connected to the management server and configured to perform parcel delivery management of the parcels;
A home delivery system configured to identify one of the plurality of lockers based on the size, shape, and quantity of the package and the size of each of the plurality of lockers. The home delivery system according to claim 9 , wherein the management server is further configured to determine whether or not there are multiple packages for the same recipient among the packages . The delivery system according to claim 10, wherein the management server is configured to transmit an identifier of the identified locker to the delivery server. The delivery system according to claim 10, wherein the delivery server is configured to transmit an identifier of the delivery box to the management server. The delivery system of claim 9, wherein the management server is configured to identify the one of the plurality of lockers by selecting the locker that can accommodate the package and has the smallest volume. The delivery system according to claim 9, wherein the management server is configured to transmit an identifier of the identified locker to a terminal of a recipient of the package. The delivery system according to claim 10, wherein the delivery server is configured to transmit an identifier of the identified locker to a terminal of a recipient of the package. The home delivery system according to claim 9, wherein each of the lockers is configured to store the parcel and to accommodate one selected from a plurality of containers having the same shape and size.

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