JP7731150B2 - Vehicle-mounted device, unlocking system, system and method for controlling vehicle-mounted device - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to an in-vehicle device, an unlocking system, a system, and a method for controlling an in-vehicle device.

With the expansion of online shopping, the number of redelivered parcels to individual homes has increased, becoming a social problem, and various companies and institutions are considering countermeasures. Non-Patent Document 1 mentions a project to build a logistics platform using delivery boxes and other systems.

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Commerce and Distribution Security Group, Logistics Planning Office, "Efforts to Reduce Redelivery of Home Delivery Packages" [online], September 25, 2015 [Retrieved April 28, 2017] (URL: http://www.mlit.go.jp//common/001106351.pdf)

However, delivering packages and other items remains a challenge, and current delivery lockers have a variety of problems.

The purpose of this invention is to make, for example, delivery of packages easier than ever before.

(1) For example, it may be an in-vehicle device that receives unlocking instruction information wirelessly transmitted from a delivery person's terminal, which is a terminal carried by the delivery person, and controls the unlocking of the vehicle doors.

The delivery person can unlock the door lock of the vehicle, so the delivery person can deliver the package to the vehicle. For example, the delivery person does not have to deliver the package to the recipient's house, but can simply unlock the recipient's car and put the package in. For example, even if the recipient is not at the house, the delivery person can simply deliver the package to the car. This reduces the effort required for redelivery of packages. When delivering to a home, the delivery person has to wait until the recipient comes to the front door of the home, but if the package is delivered to a vehicle, there is no need to wait until the recipient or sender of the package comes to the front door of the home. Furthermore, since vehicles can fit relatively large packages,
We can deliver even large quantities of luggage.

Recipients can also receive packages when they are not at home and can hand over packages that need to be delivered. Since there is no need to change into loungewear or put on makeup, even if they are at home, those who do not want to meet the delivery person or do not want to wait until the specified delivery time can hand over or receive their packages without having to meet the delivery person, wait until the specified delivery time, or wait until the pickup time.

The delivery person's terminal may be, for example, a dedicated terminal, or may be a smartphone or tablet. The delivery person need only possess the terminal; the deliverer does not need to own the terminal and may be loaned it to them. Of course, the deliverer may also own the terminal. Furthermore, the deliverer is preferably a delivery person from a delivery company, but does not have to be a delivery person from a delivery company. For example, the deliverer may be a non-delivery person, such as an ordinary person, who may place their own or other people's packages into the recipient's vehicle during their free time. In such a configuration, it is particularly desirable for the delivery person's terminal to be configured as an app on a smartphone or the like. Furthermore, for example, it is desirable for the package to be the item to be delivered. For example, whether the vehicle-mounted device has received the unlocking instruction information wirelessly transmitted from the deliverer's terminal can be determined from the unlocking instruction information wirelessly transmitted from the deliverer's terminal and the terminal identification information wirelessly transmitted from that terminal.

In addition, in configuration (1), the onboard device receives unlocking instruction information wirelessly transmitted from a delivery person's terminal, which is a terminal carried by the person delivering the package, and controls the unlocking of the vehicle's doors. However, it is also preferable for the onboard device to receive unlocking instruction information wirelessly transmitted from a collection person's terminal, which is a terminal carried by the person collecting the package, instead of the delivery person, and to control the unlocking of the vehicle's doors. Alternatively, the delivery person's terminal may be carried by the person collecting the package. Alternatively, the functions of the delivery person's terminal and the collection person's terminal may be provided in a single terminal. When a package to be collected is in the vehicle, the vehicle's doors can be unlocked and the package can be collected.

When collecting packages from a home, the person collecting the packages has to wait until the sender comes to the front door, but if the package is collected from a vehicle, there is no need to wait for the sender to come to the front door. Furthermore, unlike delivery lockers, vehicles can hold relatively large packages, so even large quantities of packages can be collected.

Shippers can also hand over their packages to be delivered without having to meet the person collecting them in person. Since there is no need to change into loungewear or put on makeup, even if they are at home, those who do not want to meet the person collecting the package or do not want to wait until the designated pickup time can hand over their package without having to meet the person collecting the package or wait until the designated pickup time.

In this way, vehicles can be used as locations for dropping off or receiving packages. Since packages can be dropped off or received even when not at home, they can be dropped off or received while out, and even early in the morning or at night. This means that the sender or recipient of the package does not have to wait for the delivery person to come to their home, and the deliverer does not have to collect or re-deliver the package, making it extremely convenient for all parties, including the sender, recipient, and deliverer.

The vehicle is a vehicle that is not a delivery person's vehicle. In particular, the vehicle may be a vehicle of a person who resides at the premises of the delivery address.
In particular, the on-board device is preferably an on-board device that is retrofitted to the vehicle after shipping from the vehicle manufacturer.
Furthermore, (A) an onboard device that has the function of unlocking the vehicle door lock based on a signal from a remote control, which is a device carried by the vehicle driver and is separate from the genuine key carried by the vehicle driver, may also be configured to receive unlocking instruction information wirelessly transmitted from a delivery person's terminal and control the unlocking of the vehicle door lock. In particular, it may be configured to change its operation depending on whether the unlocking is from the remote control or the delivery person's terminal.
The control for unlocking the vehicle door locks may be, for example, a complete control up to the point of unlocking the door locks, or it may be a partial control, for example, a control that outputs an instruction to unlock the door locks to a door lock control means provided in the vehicle.
The unlocking instruction information wirelessly transmitted from the delivery person's terminal (a terminal carried by the deliverer) can be received indirectly, such as via the cloud, a designated server, or the Internet (such as home Wi-Fi). However, it is particularly preferable to configure the system to directly receive the wireless signal of the unlocking instruction information wirelessly transmitted from the delivery person's terminal (a terminal carried by the deliverer). This ensures that unlocking is only possible within the range of the wireless signal. Even if the delivery person's terminal is stolen, the thief can only unlock the vehicle if they are near the vehicle, making it easier to capture the thief. The range of the wireless signal should be less than several tens of meters, and is particularly preferable to be between a dozen meters and a few meters.

(2) For example, after unlocking the doors based on the unlock instruction information, it is advisable to control the doors to lock based on the detection that the vehicle doors have been closed.

This prevents the vehicle doors from remaining unlocked when a delivery person delivers or collects packages from a vehicle. Even if the vehicle doors are unlocked based on unlocking instruction information from the delivery person's terminal, the doors are locked if the doors are subsequently detected as closed, preventing unauthorized persons from entering the vehicle. For example, if the onboard device detects that the doors are closed after unlocking the doors, it can assume that delivery to or collection from the vehicle has been completed, and the onboard device can control the doors to lock. In particular, when using the configuration (A), the vehicle doors may not be locked even if they are closed after unlocking based on an unlocking instruction from the driver's remote control, but may be locked when the vehicle doors are detected as closed after unlocking based on unlocking instruction information wirelessly transmitted from the delivery person's terminal, which is a terminal carried by the delivery person.
"After the doors are unlocked" may be, for example, after an instruction to unlock the doors has been output to the vehicle, but it is particularly preferable to be, for example, after an instruction to unlock the doors has been output to the vehicle and it has been detected that the doors have been locked.
The control of locking the doors based on the detection of the closure of the vehicle doors may be configured to output a door lock command to the vehicle, particularly when the closure of the vehicle doors is detected. The opening and closing of the vehicle doors may be detected directly using a sensor or the like, but it is also preferable to detect the opening and closing of the vehicle doors by inputting a signal from a sensor originally provided in the vehicle or by detecting a signal output in response to the opening or closing of a door originally provided in the vehicle.

In addition, it is advisable to disable the car security system based on the unlock command information, thereby preventing the car security system from sounding an alarm when the delivery person opens the vehicle door.
For example, the car security system could be armed when it detects that the delivery person has closed the vehicle door, allowing the car security system to also protect the package delivered to the vehicle.
The detection of the delivery person closing the vehicle doors may be, for example, when a door lock instruction signal transmitted from the delivery person's terminal is received, or when information output in conjunction with the delivery completion input transmitted from the delivery person's terminal is received. In particular, it is preferable to disable the car security based on the unlock instruction signal, thereby determining that the vehicle doors have been closed.

(3) For example, it is preferable to control the car security to be in a disarmed state based on the unlock instruction information, and to be in an armed state based on the detection that the vehicle door has been closed.
This prevents the car security from sounding an alarm when the delivery person opens the vehicle door, and also saves the delivery person or the owner of the vehicle the trouble of having to arm the car security when there is a package inside the vehicle.
The car security may be the vehicle's original car security or may be a third-party car security that is retrofitted to the vehicle.
For example, in a configuration where a vehicle is equipped with car security and the onboard device has a function for controlling the car security function, or in a configuration where the onboard device has a car security function, even if the car security is armed and the door is unlocked based on unlock instruction information from the delivery person's terminal, and an alarm is sounded if the door is opened, the car security is disarmed when an unlock instruction information is received from the delivery person's terminal, preventing the delivery person from opening the vehicle door and accidentally sounding an alarm from the car security.Furthermore, when the package delivery is completed and the vehicle door is closed, the car security is armed, preventing suspicious persons from entering the vehicle.

(4) For example, it is advisable to obtain information about the scheduled delivery time of the package and control the unlocking of the vehicle doors based on the obtained information about the scheduled delivery time of the package.

In this way, the vehicle doors of the recipient of the package can be unlocked more appropriately.
In particular, if the door locks were always unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information wirelessly transmitted from the delivery person's terminal, the delivery person's terminal would also unlock the vehicle doors if the delivery person's terminal was used fraudulently by a third party other than the deliverer. Since the vehicle doors are unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information transmitted from the delivery person's terminal based on the scheduled delivery time period information, it is possible to increase the possibility of preventing unauthorized door unlocking due to fraudulent use of the delivery person's terminal, and to increase the possibility of preventing unauthorized entry into the vehicle by a third party.
The control for unlocking the vehicle doors based on the acquired scheduled delivery time period information of the package may be configured such that if the current time period is outside the scheduled delivery time period of the acquired package, the vehicle doors will not be unlocked even if unlocking instruction information is received from the delivery person's terminal, and if the current time period is within the scheduled delivery time period of the acquired package, the vehicle doors will be unlocked if unlocking instruction information is received from the delivery person's terminal.

The scheduled delivery time period information for a package may be information specifying one or more time periods from a plurality of time periods divided into a single day. Time period 1 is particularly preferable. In particular, matching this time period to the existing desired delivery time period preset by the delivery company improves delivery efficiency. It is particularly preferable to prevent the vehicle doors from being unlocked during times other than the specified time period, even if unlocking instruction information is received from the delivery person's terminal.
Furthermore, for example, the information on the scheduled delivery time period of a package may be information specifying one or more time periods from information on the scheduled delivery date and a number of time periods divided into a day, and in particular, information specifying a specific time period on a specific day when delivery to a vehicle is to be made.
For example, the scheduled delivery time period information may include information about the scheduled delivery date, but not information about time periods that divide a day into multiple time periods. In particular, on the scheduled delivery date of the package, the vehicle doors may be unlocked by receiving unlocking instruction information from the delivery person's terminal during a normal, predetermined time period, but the vehicle doors may not be unlocked even if unlocking instruction information is received from the delivery person's terminal outside the predetermined time period. In this way, the vehicle will not be unlocked even if unlocking instruction information is received from the delivery person's terminal on days other than the scheduled delivery date, and the vehicle will not be unlocked even if unlocking instruction information is received from the delivery person's terminal outside the predetermined time period, even on the scheduled delivery date.
This predetermined time period may be, for example, the time period during which deliveries are usually made, for example, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

For example, it would be good to control the unlocking of vehicle doors based on unlocking instructions from the delivery person's terminal, in accordance with the scheduled delivery time period information for the package sent from the delivery management system.

Similarly, when collecting a package using a delivery person's terminal, the vehicle doors are unlocked during the time period specified by the scheduled collection time period information by receiving unlock instruction information from the delivery person's terminal, and the vehicle doors are not unlocked even if unlock instruction information is received from the delivery person's terminal during a time period other than the time period specified by the acquired scheduled collection time period information.

(5) For example, if the prohibition of unlocking the door based on the unlocking instruction information is set, control may be performed to prohibit unlocking the door based on the unlocking instruction information.

For example, if there are valuables or car keys inside the vehicle, you may not want the delivery person to enter the vehicle. By setting the door lock prohibition, the door will not be unlocked even if unlocking instruction information is wirelessly transmitted from the delivery person's terminal, so it is possible to prevent the delivery person from entering the vehicle against the user's will. The door lock prohibition setting can be done, for example, by sending unlock prohibition information from the user's terminal to the in-vehicle device.
In accordance with the setting of prohibition of unlocking of the door based on the unlocking instruction information, the control for prohibiting unlocking of the door based on the unlocking instruction information may be, for example, a control for prohibiting unlocking of the door based on the unlocking instruction information when prohibition of unlocking of the door based on the unlocking instruction information is set, and for permitting unlocking of the door based on the unlocking instruction information when prohibition of unlocking of the door based on the unlocking instruction information is not set.

(6) For example, the door may be opened based on the unlock instruction information, and when it is detected that the door has been closed, control may be performed to prohibit the vehicle engine from starting.

If a car key or other key is left inside the vehicle, the key can be used to start the engine when the door is unlocked, allowing delivery people or others to drive the vehicle without permission. By prohibiting the start of the vehicle engine, it is possible to prevent delivery people or others from driving the vehicle without the owner's permission. The control for prohibiting the start of the vehicle engine based on the detection that the door has been opened and closed based on the unlocking instruction information may, for example, prohibit the start of the vehicle engine when it is detected that the door has been opened based on the unlocking instruction information and then closed.
After the start of the vehicle engine is prohibited, the start of the vehicle engine may be permitted upon reception of an engine start permission signal from a terminal carried by the vehicle owner, or upon detection of a predetermined operation determined by the vehicle owner.

(7) For example, when it is detected that a delivery person is approaching the vehicle, control may be performed to photograph at least one of the exterior and interior of the vehicle for a specified period of time.

A delivery person may accidentally damage a vehicle when delivering a package to it. By filming at least one of the exterior and interior of the vehicle, it is possible to ascertain the circumstances of the damage if the delivery person does. Furthermore, even if the vehicle is damaged and it is unclear whether the damage was caused by the delivery person, filming the vehicle makes it possible to confirm whether the damage was caused by the delivery person. Such a camera may be installed in the vehicle and the video from the camera may be recorded, or, for example, the signal from a camera already installed in the vehicle may be acquired and recorded. For example, if the vehicle is equipped with a backup camera, the video may be taken using the backup camera. If the vehicle is equipped with an electronic mirror, the video may be taken using the electronic mirror camera. If multiple cameras are installed to film the area around the vehicle, the video may be taken using those cameras. Furthermore, a hemispherical camera may be installed on the ceiling of the vehicle to take video, or a camera installed above the windshield to film the driver's seat and passenger seat and a camera installed at the rear of the vehicle to film the rear seat may be installed. The video may also be recorded on a recording medium. Additionally, it is a good idea to keep the camera normally off and turn it on when taking pictures. For example, if the vehicle is equipped with a backup camera, you can turn on the backup camera to take pictures, if the vehicle is equipped with an electronic mirror, you can turn on the electronic mirror camera to take pictures, or if the vehicle is equipped with multiple cameras that take pictures around the vehicle, you can turn on those cameras to take pictures.

(8) For example, when it is detected that a delivery person is approaching the vehicle, it may transmit deactivation information to deactivate security around the vehicle, and when it is detected that the delivery person has left the vehicle, it may transmit alert information to deactivate security around the vehicle.

When security is set up near where a vehicle is parked to detect intruders, an alarm may be set off by the security when a delivery person approaches the vehicle. When a delivery person approaches the vehicle, deactivation information is sent to deactivate security around the vehicle, preventing the security from setting off an alarm even when the delivery person approaches the vehicle. When the delivery person leaves the vehicle, security around the vehicle is set to alert, allowing for security to guard against suspicious individuals.

For example, it would be good to know whether a delivery person is approaching the vehicle based on the delivery person's device responding to advertising sent by the in-vehicle device. For example, the surroundings of the vehicle should include the route the delivery person takes when delivering the package to the vehicle.
Security around the vehicle can be provided by a home security system, etc. Information to disable the security and information to alert the security around the vehicle can be sent to the home security system. Since homes and cars are usually within WiFi coverage, the in-vehicle device can be configured to connect to the home security system via WiFi, for example.

(9) For example, when it is detected that a vehicle door has been opened and closed based on the unlocking instruction information, control may be performed to prohibit unlocking of the vehicle door lock based on the unlocking instruction information.

When a package is delivered to a vehicle after another package is delivered to the same vehicle, the delivered package will already be inside the vehicle. If the vehicle door is unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information in such a situation, there is a risk that the package already inside the vehicle will be removed. When the vehicle door is opened and closed based on the unlocking instruction information, it is assumed that the delivered package is inside the vehicle, and unlocking the vehicle door based on the unlocking instruction information is prohibited. This prevents a later delivery person from removing the package.
The control for prohibiting unlocking of the vehicle door locks based on the unlocking instruction information based on detection that the vehicle door has been opened and closed based on the unlocking instruction information may be, for example, a control for prohibiting unlocking of the vehicle door locks based on the unlocking instruction information when it is detected that the door has been opened based on the unlocking instruction information and then that the door has been closed.

(10) For example, it would be useful to control the vehicle's air conditioner to start when a delivered package is placed inside the vehicle.

Starting the air conditioner is thought to keep the interior of the vehicle at a comfortable temperature for humans, preventing packages (especially foodstuffs or precision equipment) placed inside the vehicle from being adversely affected by the temperature becoming too high in the summer or too low in the winter. Whether a delivered package is still in the vehicle can be determined by taking photos of the interior of the vehicle at regular intervals using a camera or the like, comparing the images, and checking for any changes in the images.

When a package to be collected is placed inside the vehicle and the vehicle is opened using the delivery person's terminal to collect the package, control may be performed to start the air conditioner inside the vehicle.
The control for starting the vehicle's air conditioner (air conditioner) when a delivered package is placed inside the vehicle may be a control for starting the vehicle's air conditioner (air conditioner) particularly when a delivered package is placed inside the vehicle. The control for starting the vehicle's air conditioner (air conditioner) may be, for example, a control for turning on the vehicle's air conditioner. In a vehicle with an engine, the engine is turned off when the vehicle is parked, so the air conditioner does not operate. Therefore, the control for starting the vehicle's air conditioner (air conditioner) may be, for example, a control for starting the engine.
Whether or not the delivered package is placed inside the vehicle may be determined by checking whether an area where there is no package in an image of the seat or the like taken by a camera or the like changes to one where there is package, but it is particularly preferable to determine this based on the detection that the vehicle door has been closed after the door lock has been unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information.

(11) For example, when it is detected that the user has unlocked the vehicle, control may be performed to stop the vehicle's air conditioner.

If the air conditioner continues to run after the delivered package has been removed from the vehicle, it would be wasted. However, if the system detects that the user has unlocked the vehicle, it is assumed that the package has been removed by the user, and the vehicle's air conditioner is turned off. This prevents the air conditioner from running unnecessarily. For example, detecting the transmission of an unlock code from the user's electronic key can be considered to be detection that the user has unlocked the vehicle.

For example, the air conditioner may be shut off when it is detected that a delivered package has been removed from the vehicle. For example, whether a delivered package has been removed from the vehicle may be determined by continuously capturing images of the interior of the vehicle using a camera or the like and comparing the captured images.
The control for stopping the vehicle air conditioner may be, for example, a control for turning off the vehicle air conditioner, or in a vehicle having an engine, the control for stopping the vehicle air conditioner may be, for example, a control for turning off the engine.

(12) It is advisable to detect the location where the delivered package is placed and to control the system to notify the user of the detected location.

This is fine if the delivered package is placed in an easily visible location, but if it is not, it can be difficult to find. The system detects the location of the delivered package and reports the detected location, allowing users to immediately determine where the package is located in the vehicle. For example, the delivery person can set the location of the package in the vehicle, such as above the driver's seat, above the passenger seat, or above the rear seat, using a terminal carried by the delivery person, and information indicating the location of the delivered package can be sent from that terminal to the in-vehicle device. For example, when a user opens the vehicle door, information indicating the location of the package can be sent from the in-vehicle device to the user's terminal, and the user's terminal can report the location of the package. Similarly, when a package is to be collected and left in the vehicle, the user can set the location of the package, such as above the driver's seat, above the passenger seat, or above the rear seat, using a terminal carried by the user, and information indicating the location of the package can be sent from that terminal to the in-vehicle device. For example, when unlocking instruction information is wirelessly transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device, information indicating the location where the package should be left is transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device to the delivery person's terminal, and the delivery person's terminal notifies them of the location where the package has been left.

(13) For example, the vehicle door may be opened based on the unlocking instruction information, and when it is detected that the door has been closed, control may be performed to notify the user that the package delivery has been completed.

The user knows that the package has been delivered to the vehicle, and can go to the vehicle to pick up the package. When collecting a package that has been left in a vehicle, the user may be notified that the package collection has been completed based on the detection that the vehicle door has been opened and closed based on the unlock instruction information. Knowing that the package left in the vehicle has been collected, the user can then use the vehicle.
The control for notifying the user that delivery of the package has been completed may be performed by a server (e.g., a web server) that sends information to display that delivery has been completed when the user accesses an accessible site from the user's terminal, but it is preferable to use control for sending a so-called push notification to the user's terminal.

(14) For example, the notification control may be control to send information indicating that delivery of the package has been completed to a delivery management system, and the delivery management system may perform control to notify the user that delivery of the package has been completed.

In this way, the user can know when the delivery of the package has been completed.
In this way, the delivery management system may control the system to notify the user that delivery of the package has been completed, or the in-vehicle device may control the system to notify the user that placement of the package has been completed. Even when a package left in a vehicle is collected, information indicating that delivery of the package has been completed may be sent to the delivery management system, and the delivery management system may control the system to notify the user that delivery of the package has been completed.
The user may be, for example, a recipient of a package to be delivered. Furthermore, the user may particularly be, for example, a parcel delivery company. Preferably, the user may be both a recipient of a package to be delivered and a parcel delivery company.

(15) For example, if it is determined that luggage has been left in the vehicle for a predetermined period of time, control may be performed to notify the user of this.

The user can then know that the parcel that was delivered to the vehicle has been forgotten and is still in the vehicle, and can go and retrieve it. For example, the predetermined period may be a fixed period from the scheduled delivery time of the parcel. For example, the predetermined period may be set by the user in the vehicle device. For example, the determination of whether a parcel is left in the vehicle may be made by taking pictures of the interior of the vehicle at regular intervals and comparing the obtained images. Furthermore, when collecting a parcel that has been left in the vehicle, if it is determined that the parcel has not been left in the vehicle for the predetermined period, the user may be notified of this fact, and the user may know that the parcel has been missed, and may be urged to collect the parcel.
In particular, the control to notify the user when it is determined that luggage has been left in the vehicle for a predetermined period of time may be performed by directly determining whether the luggage itself has been left there based on images from a camera, etc., but the control to notify the user when it is determined that luggage has been left in the vehicle for a predetermined period of time should be performed when a predetermined period of time has passed during which the vehicle door has not been unlocked by the user after it has been detected that the vehicle door has been closed after the door lock has been unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information.

(16) For example, if a delivered package is placed inside a vehicle, control may be performed to notify the user that a package has arrived when the user approaches the vehicle or unlocks the vehicle door.

If the user is notified that a package has arrived as the user approaches the vehicle, the user will know that a package has arrived when they pass by the vehicle. This notification can trigger the user to open the vehicle door and retrieve the delivered package. Furthermore, if the user is notified that a package has arrived as the user unlocks the vehicle door, the user will know that the delivered package is inside the vehicle and can retrieve it from the vehicle. In particular, if the package is left in an obscure location inside the vehicle, the user is likely to forget to retrieve it. However, since the user is notified that a package has arrived as the user approaches the vehicle or unlocks the vehicle door, this prevents the user from forgetting to retrieve the package. For example, an onboard device may advertise, and the user's terminal may respond to that advertising, indicating that the user is approaching the vehicle. Furthermore, if the vehicle recognizes the user's vehicle key and the vehicle door is unlocked using that key, the user may unlock the vehicle door.

(17) For example, it would be advisable to control the system so that different notifications are sent depending on whether a delivered package is placed inside the vehicle or not.

Since the notification is made in different ways, the user can know that a delivered package has been placed in the vehicle simply by recognizing the notification manner. For example, the vehicle-mounted device may be provided with a lamp that can emit multiple colors, and the color of the lamp may change depending on whether a delivered package has been placed in the vehicle or not. By simply looking at the color of the lamp, the user can know whether the package to be delivered is in the vehicle. Similarly, when collecting a package that has been placed in a vehicle, control may be performed to notify in different ways depending on whether the package to be collected has been placed in the vehicle or not. By simply looking at the color of the lamp, the user can know whether the package to be collected is in the vehicle or not.
Whether or not the delivered package is placed inside the vehicle may be determined based on images of the seats, etc. taken by a camera, etc., but it is particularly preferable to determine whether or not the vehicle door has not been unlocked by the user after it is detected that the vehicle door has been closed after the door lock has been unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information.

The above notification may be made in the delivery management system under control of the onboard device.

(18) For example, it would be good to have control that notifies the driver that a package is to be delivered when a delivery person approaches the vehicle.

The deliverer will know that this is the vehicle that should deliver the package. It can be particularly difficult to find a vehicle that should deliver a package in a parking lot where many vehicles are parked, but this makes it relatively easy to find the vehicle. For example, the in-vehicle device could advertise, and when the user's terminal carried by the deliverer responds to that advertising, the deliverer could approach the vehicle. For example, the deliverer's terminal and the in-vehicle device could communicate, and a message could be sent to the deliverer's terminal that this is the vehicle that should deliver the package. For example, the vehicle that should deliver the package could simply be equipped with a lamp or the like, and the notification could be controlled by flashing the lamp, etc.

For vehicles that have packages to be collected, it is also a good idea to implement control that notifies the delivery person that the vehicle is the one that needs to collect the package when the delivery person approaches the vehicle, making it easier to find the vehicle.
The control that notifies the driver that a vehicle is a vehicle that should deliver a package when a delivery person approaches the vehicle may be, for example, a control that notifies the driver that a vehicle is a vehicle that should deliver a package while it detects that a delivery person is approaching the vehicle, and does not notify the driver that a vehicle is a vehicle that should deliver a package while it does not detect that a delivery person is approaching the vehicle.
Whether a delivery person is approaching the vehicle can be determined by, for example, whether a unique feature of the delivery person is recognized by image recognition using a camera, or by whether the delivery person's terminal is within the range of direct wireless communication with the in-vehicle device. For example, it can also be determined by whether the delivery person's terminal and the in-vehicle device can directly wirelessly communicate predetermined information. The direct wireless communication range can be, for example, within several tens of meters, and preferably within a few meters.

(19) For example, vehicle unlocking control based on the unlocking instruction information may be performed in response to information indicating that delivery to a vehicle has been selected, between delivery to a vehicle and delivery to a home.

A user may wish to have a package delivered to their home, rather than to their vehicle. When the user wishes to have the package delivered to their vehicle, the package can be delivered to their vehicle. Similarly, vehicle unlocking control may be performed based on the unlocking instruction information in response to information indicating that the package has been designated for collection at the vehicle. When the user wishes to have the package collected at their vehicle, the package can be collected at their vehicle.
Depending on the information indicating that delivery of a package to a vehicle has been designated, whether delivery of a package to a vehicle or delivery to a home, the vehicle unlocking control based on the unlocking instruction information may be such that, for example, when there is information indicating that delivery of a package to a vehicle has been designated, the vehicle is unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information, and when there is no information indicating that delivery of a package to a vehicle has been designated, the vehicle is not unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information.

(20) When the vehicle door lock is unlocked based on the unlock instruction information, billing data may be transmitted.

Once the vehicle door locks are unlocked, it is assumed that the package has been delivered to the vehicle, and charges can be made.
As a configuration for transmitting billing data in response to the vehicle door being unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information, for example, billing data may be transmitted when the vehicle door is unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information, but it is more preferable to transmit billing data when the vehicle door is locked after being unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information.
Furthermore, billing data can be sent in response to the vehicle not being unlocked at the scheduled delivery time. If the vehicle is not unlocked at the scheduled delivery time, it is assumed that the delivery of the package is delayed, and a charge can be made.

(21) For example, an onboard device installed in a vehicle other than the recipient's vehicle may be configured to control the unlocking of the vehicle's doors when the scheduled delivery time has passed.

It is possible to deliver a recipient's package to a vehicle other than the recipient's. This involves temporarily using a vehicle other than the recipient's as a vehicle to store the recipient's package. In this type of scenario, if the recipient does not come to collect the package after the scheduled delivery time has passed, the vehicle will no longer be available for use. Once the scheduled delivery time has passed, the vehicle's doors can be unlocked, allowing the recipient to remove the package and move it to another vehicle. To determine whether an onboard device is installed in a vehicle other than the recipient's vehicle, for example, a setting switch can be provided on the onboard device, and based on the setting of the setting switch, it can be determined that the onboard device is installed in a vehicle other than the recipient's vehicle.

(22) For example, the scheduled delivery time to the vehicle and the scheduled delivery time to the home may be different, and the vehicle doors may be unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information during the scheduled delivery time to the vehicle.

If the scheduled delivery time for the vehicle and the scheduled delivery time for the home differ, the vehicle doors can be unlocked based on the unlock instruction information during the scheduled delivery time for the vehicle. If the scheduled delivery time for the vehicle is later or earlier than the scheduled delivery time for the home, the package can be delivered even at a later or earlier time.
The scheduled delivery time to the vehicle and the scheduled delivery time to the home are different, and a configuration for unlocking the vehicle door lock based on the unlocking instruction information during the scheduled delivery time to the vehicle can be, for example, an in-vehicle device that can be used in a delivery system in which the scheduled delivery time to the vehicle and the scheduled delivery time to the home can be set separately, and the delivery person's terminal can be equipped with a function that can notify whether the delivery destination is a home or a vehicle depending on the time of day, and the in-vehicle device can be equipped with a function to obtain information on the scheduled delivery time to the vehicle, and can unlock the vehicle door lock based on the unlocking instruction information when the current time is within the scheduled delivery time to the vehicle.

(23) When priority delivery to a vehicle or priority delivery to a home can be set, the unlocking of the vehicle doors may be controlled based on the unlocking instruction information if priority delivery to a vehicle is set.

If priority delivery to a vehicle is set, the vehicle's doors can be unlocked based on unlocking instruction information wirelessly transmitted from the delivery person's terminal. If priority delivery to a home is set, it is recommended to control the system so that the vehicle's doors cannot be unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information. This prevents the delivery person from accidentally unlocking the vehicle's doors when priority delivery to a home is set.

(24) For example, it would be advisable to control the system to notify the recipient that the package has been received based on the recipient's instruction to unlock the vehicle doors.

In this way, the recipient can be notified that the package has been received based on the recipient's instruction to unlock the vehicle door.
For example, it is possible to control the system so that package receipt completion information is sent to the delivery management system based on the user's instruction to unlock the vehicle doors, allowing the delivery management system to recognize that the user has received the package.

(25) For example, the vehicle-mounted device set may include an on-board device described in any one of (1) to (24) above and a remote controller that controls the vehicle to permit door unlocking based on the unlocking instruction information.

By simply using the remote controller, it is possible to control the vehicle's doors to be unlocked based on unlocking instruction information transmitted wirelessly from the delivery person's terminal. For example, a button could be provided on the remote controller, and simply pressing that button would allow the vehicle's doors to be unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information.

(26) For example, the remote controller may be configured to issue different notifications depending on whether a delivered package is placed inside the vehicle or not.

The recipient can tell whether the delivered package is in the vehicle simply by checking the notification on the remote controller.

(27) For example, when a delivered package is placed inside a vehicle, the remote controller may be controlled to notify the recipient that the delivered package has been placed in the vehicle when the recipient carrying the remote controller approaches the vehicle.

When the recipient approaches the vehicle, the remote controller will notify the user that the delivered package has been placed inside the vehicle, allowing the user to know from this notification that the delivered package has been placed inside the vehicle without having to check the interior of the vehicle. For example, whether the delivered package has been placed inside the vehicle can be determined by taking images of the interior of the vehicle at regular intervals and comparing the resulting images. For example, if an item that was not present before the doors were unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information is captured in an image after the doors are unlocked based on the unlocking instruction information, it can be determined that the delivered package has been placed inside the vehicle. For example, whether the user has approached the vehicle can be determined based on whether the remote controller receives radio waves transmitted by the on-board unit.

(28) For example, the remote controller may transmit control information to the vehicle-mounted device to unlock the vehicle doors.

The remote controller can be used to unlock the vehicle doors. In particular, when the remote controller performs control to notify the user that a delivered package has been placed in the vehicle, the user can use the remote controller to unlock the vehicle doors based on the notification. This allows the user to know that a package has been placed in the vehicle using only the remote controller, and once it has been determined that the package has been placed in the vehicle, the user can use the remote controller to unlock the vehicle doors, making it possible to notify the user of the presence of a package and unlock the doors using just one remote controller.
In particular, the control information by which the remote controller causes the onboard device to unlock the vehicle doors may be a control separate from the control based on the unlocking instruction information described above, and may be a control different from the control based on the unlocking instruction information. In particular, even if the control based on the unlocking instruction information controls not to unlock the doors, it is preferable to control to unlock the doors based on the control information.

(29) For example, the unlocking system may include an in-vehicle device described in any one of (1) to (28) above and a delivery person terminal carried by the delivery person.

By wirelessly transmitting unlocking instruction information from the delivery person's terminal, the vehicle's doors can be unlocked by the onboard device.

(30) The on-board device may transmit the vehicle's parking location information in response to receiving the request information for the vehicle's parking location, and the delivery person terminal may perform control to notify at least one of the vehicle's parking location or the fact that the vehicle is not in the specified parking location based on the vehicle's parking location information transmitted from the on-board device.

If the delivery person's terminal is controlled to notify the user of the vehicle's parking location, the delivery person can simply move to that parking location and find that the vehicle that will deliver the package is there, eliminating the need to search for the vehicle and allowing the delivery person to reach the vehicle more quickly. Furthermore, if the delivery person's terminal is controlled to notify the user that the vehicle is not in the designated parking location, the delivery person will find that the vehicle is not parked there even when they go to the designated parking location, and by having the user confirm the vehicle's parking location, they can reach the vehicle relatively quickly.

For example, the onboard device may acquire the vehicle's current parking location information in response to inquiry data about the vehicle's parking location sent from the vehicle delivery management system and transmit it to the delivery management system, and the delivery person's terminal may report the vehicle's parking location based on the received parking location information sent from the delivery management system, or may report that the vehicle is not in the specified parking location. The current parking location information may be acquired using a GPS (Global Positioning System) or other means such as indoor positioning technology.

(31) For example, the delivery person terminal may receive information about the location of the package to be delivered within the vehicle and perform control to notify the user of the package's location.

Even if there is a package inside the vehicle, it can be difficult to know where it is. The location of the package inside the vehicle is notified, so the delivery person can find out relatively quickly where the package is inside the vehicle.

(32) A system comprising an onboard device according to any one of (1) to (31) above and an EC server, wherein the EC server is configured to transmit information to the delivery management system indicating that delivery of the package to the vehicle has been set when delivery of the package to the vehicle is set, out of settings for delivery of the package to the vehicle or delivery of the package to the home.

By recognizing that delivery of the package to the vehicle has been scheduled, the delivery management system can send information to the delivery person's terminal indicating that delivery of the package to the vehicle has been scheduled. The delivery person then knows to use their own terminal to deliver the package to the vehicle.

(33) For example, in response to a package delivery to a vehicle being scheduled, the EC server may perform at least one of the following controls: control of a discount on charges or control of including car-related products in the package.

By controlling the discount on charges, it becomes easier to deliver packages to vehicles, which are relatively easy to deliver packages to compared to homes. By delivering packages to vehicles, it becomes relatively easy for the deliverer. By controlling the inclusion of car-related products, car-related products can be delivered to vehicles together with the package. In particular, since users who have packages delivered by vehicles are likely to be relatively interested in cars, delivering car-related products together with the package can also lead to increased sales of car-related products. Car-related products could be, for example, car-related novelties or car-related flyers.

(34) For example, the EC server may record that delivery of a package has been completed based on unlocking instruction information from the delivery person's terminal.

The EC server can recognize that the package has been delivered.

(35) For example, the method may involve controlling the in-vehicle device to receive unlocking instruction information wirelessly transmitted from a delivery person's terminal, which is a terminal carried by the delivery person, and unlock the vehicle doors.

The delivery person can unlock the door lock of the vehicle, so the delivery person can deliver the package to the vehicle. For example, the delivery person can simply unlock the recipient's car and put the package in without having to deliver the package to the recipient's house, etc. For example, even if the recipient is not at the house, the delivery person can simply deliver the package to the car. This reduces the hassle of having to redeliver the package. The delivery person can unlock the door lock of the vehicle, so the delivery person can deliver the package to the vehicle. This reduces the hassle of having to redeliver the package. In addition, if the person collecting the package carries the delivery person terminal, the delivery person can unlock the door lock of the vehicle and collect the package when the package to be collected is left inside the vehicle. This eliminates the hassle of having to redeliver or collect the package again.
The components in the above description can be combined arbitrarily, except for configurations where there are factors that inhibit such combinations. For example, the inventions (1) to (35) can be combined arbitrarily. For example, it is possible to have at least one of the other components (2) to (35) without all or part of (1). However, it is particularly preferable to have the component (1) in combination with at least one of the components (2) to (35). It is also possible to extract and combine any of the components (1) to (35). The applicant intends to obtain patent rights for such configurations as well.

For example, delivery of packages and other items can be made easier than before.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a delivery system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the communication system. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the communication system and the user's vehicle-mounted device; FIG. 1 shows a camera mounted on a car. FIG. 10 is a registration state transition diagram of a user's vehicle-mounted device. FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of an LED of a user's vehicle-mounted device. FIG. 1 is a state transition diagram for car security. FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of the door lock. FIG. 1 is a state transition diagram of an engine starter. FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram of a delivery system. 1 is a vehicle delivery management system management table. FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram of a delivery system. 1 is an EC system user management table. FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram of a delivery system. 10 is an example of a receiving location selection screen. 10 is an example of a receiving location selection screen. 10 is an example of a receiving location selection screen. 1 is an EC system product management table. FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram of a delivery system. FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram of a delivery system. FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram of a delivery system. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a junction unit. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a junction unit. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a junction unit. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a junction unit. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a junction unit. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a junction unit. 10 is an example of a display screen of a user terminal. 1 shows the appearance of a user remote controller. FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram of a delivery system. 10 is an example of a receiving location selection screen.

[1. Delivery System]
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention, illustrating the overall configuration of a delivery system.

The delivery system in this embodiment allows delivery personnel to deliver packages to the inside of a vehicle. As will be described in more detail below, the delivery personnel can use their delivery personnel terminal to unlock and open the door of the user's vehicle. The delivery personnel then opens the door and delivers the package inside the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery system includes an EC (electronic commerce) system S1 (an example of an EC server), a user terminal group Tug, a vehicle delivery management system S2 (an example of a delivery management system), a home delivery system group Sg, a delivery person terminal group Tdg, and a user vehicle-mounted device group Vmg. The EC system S1 includes m EC sites and is configured, for example, by a server. The user terminal group Tug includes n user terminals. A user terminal is a terminal used by a user who receives or delivers a package using the delivery system of this embodiment. User terminals are, for example, smartphones, feature phones, tablet devices, personal computers, etc. The vehicle delivery management system S2 is also configured, for example, by a server. The home delivery system group Sg includes p delivery systems. Each of the p delivery systems is also configured by a server. There is a home delivery system for each delivery company. The delivery person terminal group Tdg includes q delivery person terminals. The delivery person terminal may be a dedicated terminal owned by the delivery company, or a smartphone or tablet terminal with an application installed. The user in-vehicle device group Vmg includes r user in-vehicle devices. Each of the user in-vehicle devices is not originally installed in the vehicle, but is installed in the vehicle after purchase, as described below.

The EC system S1, each of the n user terminals included in the user terminal group Tug, the vehicle delivery management system S2, each of the p delivery systems included in the delivery system group Sg, each of the q delivery staff terminals included in the delivery staff terminal group Tdg, and each of the r user vehicle-mounted devices included in the user vehicle-mounted device group Vmg are all capable of connecting to the Internet and communicating with each other.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of communication system 1.

The communication system 1 shown in Figure 2 controls the vehicle and is already installed in the vehicle when it leaves the factory, forming part of the vehicle.

The communication system 1 includes a CAN (Controller Area Network) 2. CAN 2 is connected to an engine control unit (ECU) 3, a transmission ECU 4, a body ECU 5, and a gateway ECU 6. The engine ECU 3 controls the engine system and is connected to sensors and devices (all not shown) such as an engine starter, throttle sensor, engine speed sensor, and water temperature sensor. The transmission ECU 4 controls the transmission system and is connected to devices such as a shift position detection sensor 7 that detects the position of the shift lever. The body ECU 5 controls the so-called body system. The body ECU 5 is connected to a door lock control device 8 that controls the locking and unlocking of the vehicle doors, a hazard light control device 9 that controls the illumination of the hazard lights, as well as devices (not shown) such as an air conditioner, car security, a detection device that detects when a vehicle door is opened, and a detection device that detects when a vehicle door is closed. The gateway ECU 6 acts as an intermediary between communication networks and controls the exchange of signals. It is connected to CAN 2 on one side and to a fault diagnosis connector 11 installed inside the vehicle cabin for connecting a fault diagnosis device to the CAN on the other side. In Figure 2, the engine ECU 3, transmission ECU 4, body ECU 5, and gateway ECU 6 are connected to CAN 2, but other ECUs such as the battery ECU are also connected and the vehicle operates using these ECUs.

The genuine portable device 10 (genuine key) attached to the vehicle transmits an unlock instruction signal or a lock instruction signal, which is received by the body ECU 5. Upon receiving the unlock instruction signal, the body ECU 5 controls the door lock control device 8, which then unlocks the vehicle's doors. Upon receiving the lock instruction signal, the body ECU 5 controls the door lock control device 8, which then locks the vehicle's doors.

ECUs 3 to 6 operate the devices connected to them and output signals to CAN2 that are generated based on information obtained from the devices. Therefore, the detection signal output from the shift position detection sensor, the door lock instruction signal and door unlock instruction signal output from the door lock control device 8, and the hazard light control signal output from the hazard light control device 9 all pass through CAN2, and the respective information can be obtained from CAN2. In addition, signals indicating the engine status (whether it is starting or running, etc.), the air conditioner status, and the car security status also pass through CAN2, and the respective information can be obtained from CAN2.

The communication system 1 is installed in a space that is not visible from the outside or inside the vehicle, such as inside the dashboard or under the hood.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the communication system 1 and the user vehicle device Vm.

As described above, the communication system 1 is already installed in the vehicle when it is shipped from the factory, but the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm is installed in the shipped vehicle later by an auto parts store or the like. The user's vehicle-mounted device Vm is one of the user's vehicle-mounted device group Vmg shown in Figure 1.

The user's vehicle-mounted device Vm includes a junction unit 20. The junction unit 20 includes a microcomputer 21, memory 22, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) circuit 23, a Bluetooth circuit 24, a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) circuit 25, and a communication circuit 26. The various functions of the junction unit 20 described below are realized by the microcomputer's CPU executing programs stored in the flash memory of the microcomputer 21, which is connected to each of the components described below, to control each component. The LTE circuit 23 enables the junction unit 20 to wirelessly communicate with mobile phone base stations, allowing it to connect to the Internet almost anywhere in the country via a mobile phone network. The Bluetooth circuit 24 has a communication area with a radius of approximately 10 meters from the vehicle, and can communicate with the Bluetooth circuit installed in the delivery person's terminal 51 (an example of a delivery person's terminal carried by a delivery person) when the Bluetooth circuit is within this communication area. The communication circuit 26 is a specified low-power wireless communication circuit in the 420 MHz band, and is capable of communicating with a user remote controller 52 equipped with a similar wireless communication circuit within a radius of approximately 300 m. At a car accessory store or the like, the junction unit 20 connects to the CAN 2 included in the communication system 1 that is already installed in the vehicle when it is shipped from the factory. The junction unit 20 also has an Ethernet connector 27, which is connected to a connector 28 that connects to the Ethernet 29, thereby connecting to the Ethernet 29.

Ethernet 29 connects the display device 31 and the first through fifth cameras 41 through 45. (In reality, they are connected via a hub, but this is not shown.)

As will be described in more detail below (see Figure 4), the first camera 41, second camera 42, third camera 43, and fourth camera 44 are mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and capture images of the area around the vehicle. The fifth camera 45 is mounted inside the vehicle and captures images of the interior of the vehicle. It is preferable that all of the cameras be wide-angle cameras, and it is particularly preferable that they be panoramic cameras.

The display device 31 is an Android terminal equipped with a control circuit having an SoC incorporating a microcomputer 21 and other components connected to the various components described below. The functions of the display device 31 described below are realized by the CPU of the microcomputer 21 executing programs stored in the flash memory of the control circuit to control the various components. The display device 31 has a display screen 32, on which images captured by the first camera 41 to the fifth camera 45 are displayed. The display device 31 also has a memory card 33 inserted, and records, via a memory card reader/writer (not shown) built into the display device 31, information representing images captured by the first camera 41 to the fifth camera 45, information instructed to be recorded by the junction unit 20, and information transmitted via the Ethernet 29, onto the memory card 33. The display device 31 not only displays images captured by the first camera 41 to the fifth camera 45, but also has the ability to composite these images and display them, and to composite characters, icons, and other elements other than the captured image onto the captured image. A touch panel is installed on the display screen 32, and commands are input to the display device 31 using this touch panel. In addition, the display device 31 is equipped with a red LED 34 that emits red light, a green LED 35 that emits green light, a blue LED 36 that emits blue light, and a yellow LED 37 that emits yellow light.

The junction unit 20 of the user vehicle device Vm connects to CAN2 included in the communication system 1, so it can obtain all information about the vehicle that flows through CAN2.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the car.

The upper side of Figure 4 corresponds to the front of the automobile 60, and the lower side of Figure 4 corresponds to the rear of the automobile 60. The left side of Figure 4 corresponds to the left side of the automobile 60, and the right side of Figure 4 corresponds to the right side of the automobile 60. A first camera 41 is fixed approximately in the center of the front of the automobile 60, a second camera 42 is fixed slightly forward on the left side of the automobile 60 when viewed from above, a third camera 43 is fixed slightly forward on the right side of the automobile 60 when viewed from above, and a fourth camera 44 is fixed approximately in the center of the rear of the automobile 60. Cameras 41 to 44 are fixed outside the automobile 60. A fifth camera 45 is fixed approximately in the center of the ceiling inside the automobile 60.

The first camera 41 photographs the front of the automobile 60, the second camera 42 photographs the left side of the automobile 60 when viewed from above, the third camera 43 photographs the right side of the automobile 60 when viewed from above, and the fourth camera 44 photographs the rear of the automobile 60. The first camera 41 to the fourth camera 44 photograph the area around the automobile 60. The fifth camera 45 photographs the interior of the automobile 60. The first camera 41 to the fourth camera 44 are fixed to the exterior of the automobile 60, but may be fixed inside the automobile 60 as long as they can photograph the front, left and right sides of the automobile 60, and the rear of the automobile. The fifth camera 45 is fixed inside the automobile 60, but may be fixed outside the automobile 60 as long as they can photograph the interior of the automobile.

Figures 5 to 9 are state transition diagrams. The states are held by the microcomputers in the junction unit 20 and display device 30 of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm. When a state transition occurs, communication is performed between the two microcomputers to synchronize the states held by both microcomputers.

Figure 5 shows the state transition diagram for the registration status of a user's in-vehicle device.

If the user's on-board device is not yet registered in the vehicle delivery management system S2, a registration request is made to the vehicle delivery management system S2, and the user's on-board device is registered in the vehicle delivery management system S2. If the memory 22 of the junction unit 20 stores the user's on-board device ID and user's on-board device password, the user's on-board device is registered in the vehicle delivery management system S2. If the memory 22 does not store the user's on-board device ID and user's on-board device password, the user's on-board device is not registered in the vehicle delivery management system S2.

The user's vehicle-mounted device ID and password are described in the user's vehicle-mounted device manual, as described in detail below, and the user's vehicle-mounted device ID and password are read from the manual and stored in the memory 22 of the junction unit 20.

Figure 6 shows the state transition diagram for LEDs 34 to 37 on the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm.

All of the above-mentioned parts, including the junction unit 20, are connected to and receive power from the automobile battery (not shown) installed in the automobile 60, and the level of the junction unit 20 detects the voltage level of the automobile battery (hereinafter referred to as the battery level).If the battery level is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the junction unit 20 is put into an operating state where it controls the LEDs 34 to 37 formed on the display device 31 of the user's on-board device Vm, and if the battery level is below the predetermined level, the LEDs 34 to 37 formed on the display device 31 of the user's on-board device Vm are kept off and control is stopped.
The predetermined battery level may be set to a level that allows the engine to be started several times, for example.

When the battery level is above a predetermined level and the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm is not registered with the vehicle delivery management system S2, the junction unit 20 turns on the red LED 34. If the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm is registered with the vehicle delivery management system S2, the junction unit 20 turns off the red LED 34 and turns on the green LED 35. For example, as described below, if the vehicle 60 is set up for receiving packages (settings for delivering packages to the vehicle 60), the junction unit 20 turns off the green LED 35 and turns on the blue LED 36. When the user receives the package delivered to the vehicle, the blue LED 36 is turned off and the yellow LED 37 is turned on. When the user receives the delivered package and sets the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm to cancel the setting, the junction unit 20 turns off the yellow LED 37 and turns on the green LED 35.

By simply looking at the lit LED among the red LED 34, green LED 35, blue LED 36, and yellow LED 37, it becomes possible to confirm whether the user vehicle-mounted device Vm is registered with the vehicle delivery management system S2, whether package reception settings have been made, whether a package has been delivered to the vehicle 60, and whether the package has been received. The LEDs may be configured to be the same color but with different lighting positions, or a single LED may be configured to emit light of different colors. However, by using a configuration in which both the color and the position are different, as in this embodiment, it becomes possible to more reliably confirm whether the user vehicle-mounted device Vm is registered with the vehicle delivery management system S2, whether package reception settings have been made, whether a package has been delivered to the vehicle 60, and whether the package has been received, as long as the LED light is visible even from a distance from the vehicle.

Figure 7 shows the state transition diagram for car security.

Car security will operate if the car battery level is above a certain level, and will stop if the car battery level is below a certain level.

When the battery level is above a predetermined level and the car security is in a disarmed state, and the car user sends security set instruction information to the body ECU 5 from the car security remote controller, the body ECU 5 puts the car security in an armed state. When the car security is in an armed state and the car user sends security deactivation instruction information to the body ECU 5 from the car security remote controller, the body ECU 5 puts the car security in a disarmed state. When an unlock instruction signal (an example of unlock instruction information) from the delivery person terminal 51 is sent to the junction unit 20, the junction unit 20 outputs a control signal to CAN 2 to put the car security in a disarmed state. The car security goes into a delivery disarmed state. When the car security is in a delivery disarmed state, if the door of the vehicle 60 is opened and a certain time, for example, five seconds, has elapsed since the door was detected as being closed, the junction unit 20 outputs a control signal to CAN2 to arm the car security. The car security enters the armed state.

When the doors of the vehicle 60 are unlocked based on an unlock command signal from the delivery person terminal 51, the car security is put into a disarmed state (delivery disarmed state), preventing the car security from sounding an alarm even if the delivery person opens the door of the vehicle 60.

Figure 8 shows the state transition diagram for door locks.

When the doors of the vehicle 60 are locked, and the body ECU 5 receives a genuine key unlocking command signal transmitted from the user's genuine portable device 10, the body ECU 5 controls the door lock control device 8 to unlock the vehicle doors. Furthermore, when the junction unit 20 receives an unlocking command signal transmitted from the user remote controller 52 (when the communication circuit 26 included in the junction unit 20 receives an unlocking command signal, it can be determined to be an unlocking command signal transmitted from the remote controller 52; the same applies to the locking command signal described below), the junction unit 20 outputs an unlocking command signal to CAN 2. Upon receiving this signal, the body ECU 5 controls the door lock control device 8 to unlock the vehicle doors.

In the user unlocked state (a state in which the vehicle doors are unlocked based on an unlock signal transmitted from the genuine portable device 10 or the user remote controller 52 owned by the user), when the body ECU 5 receives a genuine key lock instruction signal transmitted from the genuine portable device 10, the body ECU 5 controls the door lock control device 8 to lock the doors of the vehicle 60. Also, in the user unlocked state, when the junction unit 20 receives a door lock instruction signal transmitted from the user remote controller 52, the junction unit 20 outputs a lock instruction signal to CAN 2, and upon receiving this signal, the body ECU 5 controls the door lock control device 8 to lock the vehicle doors.

In the locked state, when the junction unit 20 receives an unlock instruction signal transmitted from the Bluetooth circuit included in the delivery person terminal 51 (when the Bluetooth circuit 24 included in the junction unit 20 receives an unlock instruction signal, it interprets it as an unlock instruction signal transmitted from the delivery person terminal 51), the junction unit 20 outputs a lock instruction signal to CAN2. Upon receiving this signal, the body ECU 5 controls the door lock control device 8 to unlock the doors of the vehicle 60, entering the delivery person unlocked state. In the delivery person unlocked state, the door lock control device 8 detects that the doors of the vehicle 60 have been opened, and the body ECU 5, upon receiving this detection result, outputs a door unlock signal to CAN2. The junction unit 20 acquires this signal, and when it detects that the doors of the vehicle have been closed, the doors of the vehicle 60 enter the locked state.

Figure 9 shows the state transition diagram for the engine starter.

The engine starter will operate if the vehicle battery level is above a certain level, and will stop if the battery level is below a certain level.

When the engine starter is operating and the engine is stopped by user operation, if the junction unit 20 receives an engine start signal sent from the user remote controller 52, the junction unit 20 outputs the engine start signal to CAN2. The engine ECU 3 controls the engine starter. The engine starter starts the engine, and once engine starting is complete, the engine enters an operating state.

When the engine is running, if the communication circuit 26 of the junction unit 20 receives an engine stop signal from the user remote controller 52, the junction unit 20 outputs an engine stop signal to CAN2. The engine is stopped by user operation. When the Bluetooth circuit 24 of the junction unit 20 receives an unlock command signal from the delivery person terminal 51 while the engine is running, the junction unit 20 outputs an engine stop signal to CAN2. The engine is stopped for delivery. When the engine is stopped for delivery, the door of the vehicle 60 is opened by a signal from the body ECU 5 sent to CAN2, and after a certain time, for example, 30 seconds, has elapsed since the door of the vehicle 60 was detected as closed, the junction unit 20 outputs an engine start signal to CAN2. The engine starts. Even if the door is opened by the delivery person while the engine is running, the engine is stopped, preventing the delivery person from driving the vehicle 60.

2. Delivery System Sequence
Figures 10 to 21 mainly show sequence diagrams of the delivery system.

In this example, a user accesses the EC system S1, purchases items via the Internet, and has the purchased items delivered by a delivery person.

Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps performed when the vehicle delivery management system S2 has not registered the vehicle device ID, vehicle device password, or user information (the factory-shipped, unregistered state of the vehicle delivery management system shown in Figures 5 and 6).

The process shown in Figure 10 is performed for each user when the user installs the user onboard device Vm in their vehicle.

The manual for the user's in-vehicle device Vm contains the URL of the vehicle delivery management system S2, the in-vehicle device ID and password for the user's in-vehicle device Vm, and the in-vehicle device IP address for accessing the user's in-vehicle device Vm (the LTE circuit 23 of the junction unit 20 of the user's in-vehicle device Vm) via the Internet. The user's in-vehicle device Vm is shipped from the factory with the in-vehicle device ID, password, and IP address stored, and various information necessary for Internet access, including this IP address, is set. A user who installs a user's in-vehicle device Vm in a vehicle 60 accesses the URL of the vehicle delivery management system S2 listed in the manual for the user's in-vehicle device Vm using a browser or the like on the user's user terminal Tu (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer) owned by the user (the user terminal Tu is any terminal from the group of user terminals Tug shown in Figure 1). The vehicle delivery management system S2 transmits to the user terminal Tu information including an input form for user IDs and user passwords for users who have registered with the vehicle delivery management system S2, a send button for these input forms, and a link for new registration for users who have not registered with the vehicle delivery management system S2. The user terminal Tu displays a page including an input form for user IDs and user passwords for users who have registered with the vehicle delivery management system S2, a send button for these input forms, and a link to a new registration page for users who have not registered with the vehicle delivery management system S2. When a user who has not registered with the vehicle delivery management system S2 presses the new registration link, the new registration page at the destination of the link is displayed. The new registration page includes a form for inputting the onboard device ID, onboard device password, onboard device IP address, user ID and user password for the desired vehicle delivery management system, address, name, telephone number, credit card information, and vehicle identification information (vehicle identification information is information that a user attaches to their own vehicle to identify the vehicle, and allows the user to distinguish between the vehicles they own, especially if the user owns multiple vehicles. For example, it can be thought of as a nickname for the vehicle, such as blue car or red car). When the user enters these items into their user terminal Tu and presses the send button at the bottom of the form, the entered information is sent to the vehicle delivery management system S2. In other words, the user terminal Tu accesses the vehicle delivery management system S2 via the Internet and sends the entered vehicle device ID, vehicle device password, vehicle device IP address, vehicle delivery management system user ID and user password, as well as information indicating address, name, telephone number, credit card information, and vehicle identification information (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle device ID, etc.") to the vehicle delivery management system S2.

If the user ID of the vehicle delivery management system among the received on-board device IDs, etc., is already registered, the vehicle delivery management system S2 transmits information to the user terminal Tu to that effect and prompts the user to enter a different user ID. If the user ID of the received on-board device IDs, etc., is not yet registered, upon receiving the information such as the on-board device ID transmitted from the user terminal Tu, the vehicle delivery management system S2 accesses the user on-board device Vm to which the on-board device IP address contained in the received information is assigned. The vehicle delivery management system S2 transmits a transmission request command to the user on-board device Vm for the on-board device ID and on-board device password stored in the memory 22 of the junction unit 20 of the user on-board device Vm. When the user on-board device Vm receives the transmission request command, it reads the on-board device ID and on-board device password stored in the memory 22. The user on-board device Vm transmits data indicating the read on-board device ID and on-board device password to the vehicle delivery management system S2. The vehicle delivery management system S2 determines whether the onboard device ID and onboard device password represented by the data transmitted from the user terminal Tu match the onboard device ID and onboard device password represented by the data transmitted from the user onboard device Vm. If they match, the vehicle delivery management system S2 stores the onboard device ID and other information represented by the data transmitted from the user terminal Tu in a vehicle delivery management system management table stored in the memory of the vehicle delivery management system S2. If they do not match, a message indicating an error and information on the page containing the form are transmitted to the user terminal Tu.
A user who is already registered with the vehicle delivery management system S2 enters their user ID and user password in the input form for that user ID and user password and presses the send button. The vehicle delivery management system S2 receives this information from the user terminal Tu, extracts one column in the table in Figure 11 for the combination of the user ID and user password, and generates information for displaying a page containing information other than the three pieces of information (vehicle identification information, on-board device password, and on-board device IP address) entered in the form for new registration described above, and sends this information to the user terminal Tu. Since the form for new registration described above is displayed on the user terminal Tu with information other than the three pieces of information already registered (vehicle identification information, on-board device password, and on-board device IP address) entered, the process of entering the three pieces of information (vehicle identification information, on-board device password, and on-board device IP address) to additionally register the on-board device is performed in the same way as for new registration described above.

Figure 11 is an example of a vehicle delivery management system management table.

This management table uses one column for each user, and information about multiple users is stored in the management table. If a user owns multiple vehicles and each of the vehicles is equipped with a user onboard device, one column is used for each user and each vehicle (each vehicle identification name). If the onboard device ID and onboard device password represented by the data sent from the user terminal Tu match the onboard device ID and onboard device password represented by the data sent from the user onboard device Vm, information such as the vehicle delivery management system user ID sent from the user terminal Tu is stored in the vehicle delivery management system management table.

In addition, as described below, the vehicle delivery management system management table also stores the invoice number assigned by the EC system S1 when a user purchases an item using the EC system S1, and information on whether the item identified by the invoice number has been delivered to the user. When a user uses the delivery system multiple times, these invoice numbers and delivery completion information are stored and accumulated in the vehicle delivery management system management table according to each use.

Returning to Figure 10, once the information sent from the user terminal Tu is stored in the management table, the vehicle delivery management system S2 determines that registration of the user information is complete and sends registration completion page information to each of the user terminal Tu and the user's in-vehicle device Vm, indicating that registration is complete. When the user terminal Tu receives the registration completion information, the display screen of the user terminal Tu displays a page indicating that registration is complete. The user is informed that registration is complete. Furthermore, when the user's in-vehicle device Vm receives the registration completion information, the junction unit 20 and display device 30 of the user's in-vehicle device Vm perform the state transitions shown in Figures 5 and 6 above, turning off the red LED 34 and turning on the green LED 35. The user is also informed by seeing the green LED 35 lit that the user's in-vehicle device Vm has been registered with the vehicle delivery management system S2.

Figure 12 shows a sequence diagram illustrating the processing steps performed when user information is not registered in the EC system S1.

The process shown in Figure 12 is performed for each user.

The user inputs into the user terminal Tu the user's EC system S1 user ID and password, address, name, telephone number, credit card information, and information indicating permission to obtain vehicle identification information from the vehicle delivery management system to the EC site. The user terminal Tu transmits the input information to the EC system S1. When the EC system S1 receives the information transmitted from the user terminal Tu, the EC system S1 transmits vehicle identification information acquisition permission request information to the vehicle delivery management system S2.

When the vehicle delivery management system S2 receives the vehicle identification information acquisition permission request information sent from the EC system S1, it sends a request for the vehicle delivery management system S2 user ID and user password to the user terminal Tu for confirmation. The user enters the vehicle delivery management system S2 user ID and user password into the user terminal Tu in accordance with the request information from the vehicle delivery management system S2. The user terminal Tu sends information representing the entered vehicle delivery management system S2 user ID and user password to the vehicle delivery management system S2. When the vehicle delivery management system S2 receives the information representing the vehicle delivery management system S2 user ID and user password sent from the user terminal Tu, it determines whether the vehicle delivery management system S2 user ID and user password represented by the received information match the vehicle delivery management system S2 user ID and password stored in the vehicle delivery management system management table as shown in Figure 11.

If there is a match, the user is considered to be a user registered in the vehicle delivery management system management table, so the vehicle delivery management system S2 sends vehicle identification information acquisition permission completion information to the EC system S1. When the EC system S1 receives the vehicle identification information acquisition permission completion information, it stores the EC system user ID and other information sent from the user terminal Tu in the EC system management table. The EC system S1 then sends registration completion information to the user terminal Tu, and the user terminal Tu displays a message indicating that registration is complete. The user can see that registration is complete by looking at the display screen of the user terminal Tu.

Figure 13 is an example of an EC system user management table.

The user management table for EC system S1 uses one column for each user of EC system S1 and stores information about multiple users.

As described above, if the vehicle delivery management system S2 user ID and user password represented by the information sent from the user terminal Tu match the vehicle delivery management system S2 user ID and password stored in the vehicle delivery management system management table, the user is considered to be a user registered in the vehicle delivery management system management table, and the EC system S1 stores the user information in the EC system user management table. The EC system S1 also stores information indicating whether or not the user is authorized to obtain vehicle identification information in the EC system user management table.

Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps for specifying a delivery destination.

The user accesses the EC system S1 using the user terminal Tu, and after deciding on the product to purchase at the desired EC site, enters the EC system S1 user ID and user password into the user terminal Tu to complete the purchase procedure. The user terminal Tu then transmits the entered EC system S1 user ID and user password to the EC system S1.

The EC system S1 checks whether the user ID and user password of the EC system S1 represented by the received information match the user ID and user password of the EC system S1 contained in the user information stored in the EC system user management table shown in Figure 13. If they match, the EC system S1 reads the vehicle identification information acquisition permission information stored in correspondence with the matching user ID. If the read vehicle identification information acquisition permission information indicates permission, the EC system S1 transmits vehicle identification information request information to the vehicle delivery management system S2. If permission is not indicated, the EC system S1
1 transmits information to the user terminal Tu indicating that permission has not been granted and that the user information needs to be changed, and the process ends.

Upon receiving the vehicle identification information request, the vehicle delivery management system S2 reads the vehicle identification information and onboard device ID stored in the vehicle delivery management system management table and sends information indicating the vehicle identification information and onboard device ID to the EC system S1. The EC system S1 sends information such as the user's address, name, and telephone number to the vehicle delivery management system S2. Based on the telephone number, the vehicle delivery management system S2 reads the vehicle identification information and onboard device ID for the matching user from the vehicle delivery management system management table. The vehicle delivery management system S2 then sends the read vehicle identification information and onboard device ID to the EC system S1.

When the EC system S1 receives the vehicle identification information sent from the vehicle delivery management system S2, it generates a pickup location selection screen using the received vehicle identification information. The EC system S1 sends information representing the generated pickup location selection screen to the user terminal Tu. The user terminal Tu displays the pickup location selection screen.

Figure 15 is an example of the pickup location selection screen 80.

The pickup location selection screen 80 includes a pickup location selection area 81, a desired pickup date and time selection area 91, and a pickup content display area 101.

The pickup location selection area 81 contains radio buttons 82 to 85. To the right of radio button 82, the words "Pick up in car (blue car)" are displayed. To the right of radio button 83, the words "Pick up in car (red car)" are displayed. To the right of radio button 84, the words "Pick up at home" are displayed. To the right of radio button 85, the words "Pick up at convenience store" are displayed.

In this embodiment, the user owns at least two cars, a blue car and a red car, and each car is equipped with a user onboard device Vm. The user has assigned the car identification information "blue car" to the blue car and the car identification information "red car" to the red car. For this reason, the words "Pick up at car (blue car)" are displayed to the right of radio button 82 so that the user can select this option when picking up a package at the "blue car." Similarly, the words "Pick up at car (red car)" are displayed to the right of radio button 83 so that the user can select this option when picking up a package at the "red car."

Since the EC system S1 has obtained vehicle identification information for two users from the vehicle delivery management system S2, it sets up areas for the two vehicles and generates information to display the words "Pick up at vehicle (blue vehicle)" to the right of radio button 82 and the words "Pick up at vehicle (red vehicle)" to the right of radio button 83.

If the user wishes to receive the package in a blue car, they select radio button 82 (radio button 82 is selected in Figure 15); if they wish to receive the package in a red car, they select radio button 83; if they wish to receive the package at home, they select radio button 84; and if they wish to receive the package at a convenience store, they select radio button 85.

The desired date and time selection area 91 has radio buttons 92 to 94. These radio buttons 92 to 94 are used to select the desired date, time, and time period for receiving. Radio button 92 is selected when the desired date is between 8:00 AM and 12:00 AM. Radio button 93 is selected when the desired date is between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Radio button 94 is selected when the desired date is between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Needless to say, the desired date can be changed by the user using a pull-down menu or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 15, radio button 92 is selected.

The delivery details display area 101 displays the details of the product ordered by the user, the quantity of the product, the product price, the specified delivery location, and the desired delivery date and time.

The user uses the pickup location selection screen 80 displayed on the user terminal to specify whether they wish to receive the item in their car (if they have multiple cars, each equipped with a user's onboard device, which car they wish to receive the item in, as identified by the vehicle identification information), at home, or at a convenience store, as well as the desired date and time. The user terminal Tu sends the specified information to the EC system S1 (see Figure 14). When the EC system S1 receives the information specified on the user terminal Tu, the EC system sends the delivery destination information to the delivery system S3, including the address, name, pickup location information (information indicating whether the item is to be received in their car, or if it is received in their car, vehicle identification information, and whether it is to be received at their home or at a convenience store), the desired date and time, the onboard device ID, and a slip number. In response to the information sent from the user terminal, the EC system S1 assigns an unused number from the range of numbers previously assigned and stored by the delivery system S3 of the delivery company used by the user. The assigned number is stored as a used number.

When the delivery system S3 receives the delivery destination information sent from the EC system S1, if vehicle pickup is selected, it sends information indicating the slip number, vehicle-mounted device ID, and desired pickup date and time from the received delivery destination information to the vehicle delivery management system S2. The slip number is stored in the vehicle delivery management system management table. If information indicating the desired pickup date and time is also required, it may be stored in the vehicle delivery management system management table. The vehicle delivery management system S2 then sends the slip number and information indicating the desired pickup date and time to the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm, which has the vehicle-mounted device ID. The user's vehicle-mounted device Vm, which receives this information, stores the received information in the memory 22 of the junction unit 20. As described below, the slip number is used to unlock the doors of the vehicle 60 based on an unlock instruction signal from the delivery person terminal 51.

Figure 16 corresponds to Figure 15 and is another example of the pickup location selection screen 80.

On the pickup location selection screen 80 shown in Figure 15, radio button 82 is selected, selecting to have the package picked up in a blue car. In contrast, on the pickup location selection screen 80 shown in Figure 16, radio button 84 is selected, selecting to have the package picked up at home.

Since home delivery has been selected, the desired delivery date and time range has also been changed. While radio button 92 in the desired delivery date and time range selection area 91 shown in Figure 15 selects a time period from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, radio button 92 in the desired delivery date and time range selection area 91 shown in Figure 16 has been changed to select a time period from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Similarly, radio button 94 in the desired delivery date and time range selection area 91 shown in Figure 15 selects a time period from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, radio button 94 in the desired delivery date and time range selection area 91 shown in Figure 16 has been changed to select a time period from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

In this way, the desired pickup time can be changed depending on whether the package is to be picked up at the car 60 or at home. When picking up a package at the car, unlike when picking up a package at home, the user does not have to deal with the delivery person, so it is acceptable to pick up the package earlier in the morning or later in the evening than when picking up the package at home. Conversely, when picking up a package at home, the user has to deal with the delivery person, so it is easier to pick up the package later in the morning or earlier in the evening.

Furthermore, the price is higher for receiving packages at home than for receiving packages at a car. For the delivery person, delivering to a home is inefficient because they have to wait for the user to respond, whereas delivery to a car 60 is efficient because they simply have to open the door, making the price lower. However, it may be cheaper to deliver packages to a home than to a car 60. It is recommended that information about these shipping fees be stored for each combination of pickup location and pickup date and time in Figure 15, and that the shipping fees be calculated and displayed.

Figure 17 corresponds to Figures 15 and 16 and is an example of the pickup location selection screen 80.

In the pickup location selection area 81 shown in Figure 17, pull-down menus 102, 103, and 104 are formed corresponding to radio buttons 82, 83, and 84. These pull-down menus 102, 103, and 104 allow you to specify either "Priority" or "Confirm." "Priority" prioritizes pickup by car or pickup at home. If pickup (delivery) by car is not possible, pickup at home is permitted, or if pickup (delivery) at home is not possible, pickup by car is permitted. For example, if radio button 82 is selected and "Priority" is specified using pull-down menu 102, priority is given to pickup by a blue car. However, if the blue car is not at the specified location or its door is not open, pickup by a red car or pickup at home is permitted. Similarly, if radio button 83 is selected and "Priority" is specified using pull-down menu 103, priority is given to receiving the package in a red car, but if the red car is not at the specified location or the door will not open, delivery in a blue car or at home is permitted. Furthermore, if radio button 84 is selected and "Priority" is specified using pull-down menu 104, priority is given to receiving the package at home, but if the recipient is not at home, delivery in either a blue or red car is permitted. In this way, priority may be given to receiving packages at a car or at home, and packages may be received in order of priority. When priority delivery to car 60 is set, the car's doors may be unlocked based on an unlock instruction signal transmitted (an example of wireless transmission) from delivery person terminal Td.

In this way, it would be good to be able to set which comes first: collection in the car or at home (home pickup). If you prioritize collection in the car even when you're at home, you won't have to meet the delivery person. On the other hand, if you would prefer to receive something important in person, you can prioritize collection at home. Furthermore, the pickup location selection screen could have radio buttons that specify whether collection in the car or at home is prohibited. If collection in the car is prohibited, the delivery person will deliver the package to the home, and if collection at home is prohibited, the delivery person will deliver the package to the car. The same applies to collection; you could set priority collection to the vehicle or home, and have collection at the designated collection location take priority.

Figure 18 is an example of a product management table stored in the EC system S1.

The product management table stores, for each product number, the product name, price, and whether or not there is a discount on shipping for car pickup. The discount on shipping for car pickup is a discount on shipping costs because, as mentioned above, receiving packages in a car reduces the delivery person's workload.

If the in-car delivery shipping discount is set to "Yes," the shipping fee will be discounted if delivery to the car is selected, but will not be discounted if delivery to home is selected. In this way, it is possible to differentiate the fees for delivery to the car and delivery to home. It is also possible to discount the product price rather than the shipping fee.

Figure 19 is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps a delivery person takes to obtain the delivery destination of a package.

The delivery person looks at the slip number affixed to the package (which is printed on the EC system S1's printer and includes the slip number, address, name, pickup location, desired pickup date and time, etc.) (packages with slips affixed are, for example, handed over from the EC shop that sold the item to the delivery system company), and enters that slip number into the delivery person terminal Td that they are carrying. The delivery person terminal Td then transmits information representing the entered slip number to the delivery system S3 via the Internet.

When delivery system S3 receives information representing the slip number, it reads the vehicle-mounted device ID corresponding to the slip number included in the delivery information already sent from EC system S1. The vehicle-mounted device ID is stored in delivery system S3 in correspondence with the slip number, and the vehicle-mounted device ID corresponding to the slip number is read from delivery system S3. Delivery system S3 sends information representing the received slip number and information indicating the read vehicle-mounted device ID to vehicle delivery management system S2.

When the vehicle delivery management system S2 receives information representing the slip number and onboard unit ID, it reads the onboard unit IP address of the onboard unit identified by the onboard unit ID represented by the received information from the vehicle delivery management system management table. The vehicle delivery management system S2 sends inquiry information about the vehicle's current location to the onboard unit IP address that it read.

When the LTE circuit 23 included in the junction unit 20 of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm receives the inquiry information sent from the vehicle delivery management system S2, the junction unit 20 included in the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm causes the display device 31 to acquire vehicle location information indicating the current location of the automobile 60. The display device 31 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, which acquires the vehicle location information. The user's vehicle-mounted device Vm then transmits the read vehicle location information and information representing the vehicle device ID to the vehicle delivery management system S2 using the LTE circuit 23.

When the vehicle delivery management system S2 receives the vehicle location information and information representing the onboard device ID, it transmits the information representing the slip number and onboard device ID, as well as the vehicle location information, to the delivery system S3. When the delivery system receives the information representing the slip number and onboard device ID, as well as the vehicle location information, it transmits this information, along with the vehicle identification information and information representing the desired date and time of receipt, which are already stored as delivery destination information, to the delivery person terminal Td.

The delivery person's terminal Td displays the slip number, onboard device ID, vehicle location, vehicle identification information, and desired date and time from the received information. From the displayed slip number, vehicle location, vehicle identification information, etc., the delivery person can determine which package to deliver to, which parked vehicle, and the vehicle's characteristics, and therefore which vehicle to deliver the package to.

Figure 20 is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps for a delivery person to deliver a package to a vehicle 60.

When a delivery person approaches a vehicle to which a package is to be delivered, they input the slip number and unlocking instruction into the delivery person terminal Td they are carrying. When the slip number and unlocking instruction are input, the delivery person terminal Td transmits information representing the input slip number and unlocking instruction to the delivery system S3. When the delivery system S3 receives the information representing the slip number and unlocking instruction, it transmits the received information representing the slip number and unlocking instruction to the vehicle delivery management system S2.

When the vehicle delivery management system S2 receives the information indicating the slip number and the unlocking instruction, it reads the onboard device ID corresponding to the slip number and transmits the information indicating the unlocking instruction to the user onboard device corresponding to the read onboard device ID. As described above, the vehicle delivery management system S2 receives the information indicating the slip number and onboard device ID from the home delivery system S3 and stores it in the memory of the vehicle delivery management system S2, so it reads the onboard device ID corresponding to the slip number from the memory of the vehicle delivery management system S2.

When the LTE circuit 23 included in the junction unit 20 of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm receives information indicating an unlocking instruction sent from the vehicle delivery management system S2, the junction unit 20 outputs an unlocking instruction signal to the CAN 2. The unlocking instruction signal is received by the body ECU 5, which controls the door lock control device 8, which then unlocks the doors of the vehicle 60.

When the delivery person finds that the door lock of the automobile 60 is unlocked and the door can be opened, he opens the door, places the package to be delivered inside the automobile 60, and closes the door. When a detection device connected to the body ECU 5 detects that the door has been opened and closed, these detection signals are output to CAN 2, and the junction unit 20 also recognizes that the door of the automobile 60 has been opened and closed. When the door is opened and closed, it is assumed that a package has been delivered to the automobile 60, so the junction unit 20 outputs a lock command signal to CAN 2 to control the locking of the door of the automobile 60. The door lock control device 8 locks the door.

A fifth camera 45 installed inside the vehicle captures an image of the slip number written on the slip attached to the package, and the slip number is read by the junction unit 20. The junction unit 20 then transmits information indicating the read slip number and delivery completion information to the vehicle delivery management system S2. The junction unit 20 also turns off the green LED 35 that was lit and turns on the blue LED 36. The lighting of the blue LED 36 indicates that the package has been delivered to the vehicle 60.

The vehicle delivery management system S2 sends information representing the slip number and delivery management information to the home delivery system S3 and the EC system S1, respectively. The vehicle delivery management system S2 also sends information representing the slip number, vehicle identification information, and delivery completion information to the user terminal Tu. The slip number, vehicle identification information, and delivery completion information are displayed on the user terminal Tu, allowing the user to know that the package has been delivered to the vehicle 60.

In the above-described embodiment, the delivery person terminal Td sends information indicating an unlocking instruction to the delivery system S3, the delivery system S3 receives the information indicating the unlocking instruction and sends it to the vehicle delivery management system S2, which then sends the information indicating the unlocking instruction to the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm, thereby unlocking the door lock of the vehicle 60. In this way, the door lock of the vehicle 60 is indirectly unlocked using the delivery person terminal Td. However, the door lock of the vehicle 60 can also be unlocked by sending information indicating an unlocking instruction directly from the delivery person terminal Td to the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm.

Figure 21 is a sequence diagram showing the processing steps for a user to remove luggage from the vehicle 60.

When the user approaches the vehicle 60 where the luggage is placed, the user uses the user remote controller 52 to send an unlock instruction signal to the vehicle 60 where the luggage is placed (the unlock instruction signal may also be sent to the vehicle 60 where the luggage is placed using the user terminal Tu). When the user remote controller 52 sends the unlock instruction signal, the junction unit 20 receives the unlock instruction signal and unlocks the doors. When the user uses the genuine portable device 10 to send the unlock instruction signal to the vehicle 60 where the luggage is placed, the body ECU 5 receives the unlock instruction signal and unlocks the doors.

When the junction unit 20 detects that the door of the automobile 60 has been opened by the user and the fifth camera 45 can no longer read the slip number written on the slip affixed to the package, the junction unit 20 of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm sends information indicating the slip number and receipt completion information to the vehicle delivery management system S2. The junction unit 20 also turns off the lit blue LED 36 and turns on the yellow LED 37. Seeing that the yellow LED 37 is lit indicates that the package has been delivered and that it has been received.

The vehicle delivery management system S2 stores the receipt completion information in the vehicle delivery management table. It goes without saying that the receipt completion information is stored in the vehicle delivery management table in correspondence with the invoice number. Furthermore, the vehicle delivery management system S2 transmits information representing the invoice number and the receipt completion information to the delivery system S3. The delivery system S3 recognizes that the user has received the package. The vehicle delivery management system S2 also transmits information representing the invoice number, vehicle identification information, and receipt completion information to the user terminal Tu. The user knows that the delivery system S3 has been notified that the package has been received. The user then uses the user terminal Tu to send a setting unlock signal to the user vehicle-mounted device Vm. When the communication circuit 26 included in the junction unit 20 of the user vehicle-mounted device Vm receives the setting unlock signal, the junction unit 20 turns off the yellow LED 37 that was on and turns on the green LED 35. Seeing the green LED indicates that the vehicle 60 can accept the package.

Since delivery companies currently make a large number of redeliveries in the morning, the delivery system S3 should be equipped with a function to adjust the schedule so that deliveries designated for car pickup are concentrated in the morning and home deliveries are made in the afternoon. The delivery person terminal Td may also be equipped with a function to notify the delivery order. When displaying the delivery order on a map, it is advisable to use a display format that makes it clear whether the delivery destination is a car or a home. For example, if the delivery destination is a home, a house symbol or a circle may be displayed, and if the delivery destination is a car, a car symbol, double circle, triangle, square, etc. may be displayed. This allows deliveries to car destinations to be made first (for example, in the morning), followed by home destinations (for example, in the afternoon). Different colors may be used for different time periods. When displaying the delivery order, the display may be similar to a car navigation system route, with a car priority button provided so that pressing the car priority button causes deliveries to be made to car destinations first.

It is desirable to provide a function that sets different deadlines for accepting redelivery to homes and redelivery to cars. It is desirable to provide a function that allows redelivery to homes to be accepted up to a later time than the redelivery acceptance time for homes. It is desirable to provide a function that allows different time slots to be set for redelivery to homes and redelivery to cars. It is desirable to provide a function that sets different additional fees for redelivery to homes and redelivery to cars. It is desirable to provide a function that allows one to be paid and the other free. It is desirable to provide a function that sends a message to a LINE (registered trademark) account when delivery to a car is completed. It is desirable to allow deliveries to cars as delivery boxes even for packages for which "delivery boxes prohibited" is set. It is desirable to provide a function that allows "deliveries to cars prohibited." It is desirable to provide a function that notifies users on a map or when the vehicle is driving nearby if the package has not been unloaded from the vehicle several days after delivery. When the user sees this notification, they can print out a note stating "Delivered to your car on XX/XX date, but it has not been picked up," and place it in a postbox or similar. When the package is first delivered to a car, it could also be printed with a note saying "Delivered to your car."

Furthermore, having packages delivered to your car also eliminates the inconvenience of having cardboard boxes at home. For example, packages are often packaged in cardboard boxes, and when you receive them at home, you open them and immediately take the boxes to your car. If you can receive them by car, you can open them in your car, take only the contents home, and leave the cardboard boxes in your car, which is very convenient.

As an added bonus for car delivery personnel, it would be a good idea to provide a function that outputs instructions to automatically insert free samples or flyers related to the car into packages that have been selected for delivery to the car. Furthermore, it would be a good idea to provide the onboard device with a vehicle model sending function, or to allow the recipient's vehicle model to be selected online, thereby obtaining vehicle model information and making that information available to the sender at the time of delivery. This would allow the delivery of free samples, flyers, recall information, etc. for specific vehicle models.

Another idea for a feature to be added to the e-commerce mall is to provide a discount on the fee if car pickup is selected. A bonus could be automatically given if car pickup is selected. A feature could be provided that allows customers to specify whether to pick up their order at car or at home depending on the time of day. For example, customers could specify to pick up their order at car during the day and at home in the evening. A feature could be provided that allows customers to set either home or car as the default delivery address, with the default address being displayed when making a purchase. Customers who want their order to be left in their car even when they are at home could set their car as the default in their membership information settings on the e-commerce site, eliminating the hassle of selecting "car" every time they shop, and avoiding the mistake of selecting "car" incorrectly. A feature could be provided that awards points to customers who select car delivery.

3. Processing of the user's in-vehicle device
22 to 28 are flowcharts showing the processing steps of the junction unit 20 (microcomputer 21) included in the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm. Figures 22 to 28 show the processing steps in which the delivery person acquires the delivery destination, delivers the package to the vehicle 60, and the user retrieves the package from the vehicle 60, as described above.

The Bluetooth circuit 24 included in the junction unit 20 transmits radio waves at regular intervals. When the deliveryperson terminal 51 receives the radio waves transmitted from the Bluetooth circuit 24, the deliveryperson terminal 51 responds to the received radio waves, establishing communication between the Bluetooth circuit 24 (user vehicle-mounted device Vm) and the deliveryperson terminal 51. When communication is established between the Bluetooth circuit 24 and the deliveryperson terminal 51, it is determined that the deliveryperson terminal 51 is approaching an automobile 60 (an example of a vehicle) (YES in step 111). The junction unit 20 then notifies the deliveryperson that this is the automobile 60 to which the package should be delivered (step 112). When the user vehicle-mounted device Vm is set to accept packages, the green LED 35 is lit. When it is determined that the deliveryperson terminal 51 is approaching the user vehicle-mounted device Vm, the junction unit 20 flashes the green LED 35, for example, to notify the deliveryperson that this is the automobile to which the package should be delivered. However, instead of just flashing the green LED 35, other lamps may be lit or flashing, hazard lights may be flashing, or a voice output may be output to notify the delivery person that a package should be delivered.

In addition, a security system (such as a home security system, office security system, or parking security system) (not shown) may be set up around the area where the vehicle 60 to deliver the package is parked (or the path to the location where the vehicle 60 is parked) to prevent unauthorized persons from entering. If a delivery person enters the security range of the security system while the security system is set up, an alarm will be sounded. Therefore, the wireless LAN circuit 25 (or the communication circuit 26) of the junction unit 20 sends a deactivation signal to the security system's control device (step 113). Since the security of the security system is deactivated, an erroneous alarm is prevented from being sounded even if the delivery person enters the security range of the security system. In this way, if home security or the like is set up in the area where the vehicle is located, it is advisable to deactivate security for the area of the premises leading to the vehicle during the delivery date and time range. Delivery company (delivery person)
The control may be cancelled when it is recognized that the

When the delivery person approaches the vehicle 60, the junction unit 20 further controls the first camera 41 to the fifth camera 45. The first camera 41 to the fourth camera 44 begin filming the exterior of the vehicle 60, and the fifth camera 45 begins filming the interior of the vehicle 60 (step 114). The first camera 41 to the fourth camera 44 film the exterior of the vehicle 60 for a certain period of time, and the fifth camera 45 film the interior of the vehicle 60 for a certain period of time. It is not necessary to use all of the first camera 41 to the fifth camera 45 to film the exterior and interior of the vehicle 60; any one of the first camera 41 to the fifth camera 45 may be used to film the exterior or interior of the vehicle 60. Filming the exterior and interior of the vehicle 60 using the first camera 41 to the fifth camera 45 is intended to provide evidence, for example, in case the delivery person accidentally damages the vehicle 60. As such, there is the problem of delivery people soiling or damaging the interior of the car. When it is detected that a delivery person has opened the door, for example, a camera filming the inside of the car should start recording, and stop recording when the door is closed. If possible, it is a good idea to record a few minutes before the door is opened, and a few minutes after the door is closed. As mentioned above, it would be good to have a system that can film the outside of the car to check for damage to the door or other parts. For example, it would be possible to record video by turning on a backup camera or a camera-based electronic mirror.

The Bluetooth circuit 24 of the junction unit 20 determines whether it has received an unlock instruction signal sent from the deliveryman terminal 51 (step 115). If it has not received an unlock instruction signal (NO in step 114), it checks whether the deliveryman terminal Td has moved away from the vehicle (step 116).

A microwave sensor may be placed inside the display device 31 and used to detect whether a person (such as a delivery person) is approaching the vehicle 60. When the microwave sensor detects a person approaching the vehicle 60, the display device 31 may be turned on and the first camera 41 to the fifth camera 45 may begin taking pictures.

When the junction unit 20 detects that communication established between the deliveryman terminal Td and the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm has been interrupted, the junction unit 20 determines that the deliveryman terminal Td has moved away from the vehicle 60 (YES in step 116). The wireless LAN circuit 25 (or the communication circuit 26) of the junction unit 20 then sends an alert signal to the security system to restore security to the unlocked security system (step 117). Receiving the alert signal, the security system returns to its security state. The junction unit 20 also stops capturing images using the first through fifth cameras 41 through 45 (step 118) and returns to the processing of step 111.

As described above, when the delivery person terminal Td sends an unlocking instruction signal to the home delivery system S3 and the LTE circuit 23 of the junction unit 20 of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm receives the unlocking instruction signal sent from the vehicle delivery management system S2 (YES in step 115), the junction unit 20 determines whether the current time is within the scheduled delivery time zone (desired date and time range for receipt) (step 119). The desired date and time range information is sent from the vehicle delivery management system to the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm, and it is determined whether the current time is within the scheduled delivery time zone based on that desired date and time information.

If it is not within the scheduled delivery time slot (NO in step 119), the Bluetooth circuit 24 of the junction unit 20 transmits a message to the delivery person terminal Td indicating that it is outside the scheduled delivery time slot (step 120). The delivery person terminal Td notifies the delivery person that it is outside the scheduled delivery time slot, and the delivery person knows that it is outside the scheduled delivery time slot. The delivery person will likely return to vehicle 60 during the scheduled delivery time slot and deliver the package to vehicle 60. The doors of vehicle 60 will be permitted to be unlocked during the scheduled delivery time slot.

If it is within the scheduled delivery time period (YES in step 119), the junction unit 20 determines whether the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm is set to prohibit door unlocking based on an unlocking instruction signal from the deliveryperson terminal Td (step 121). It is possible that another delivery person is delivering another package to the vehicle 60 to which the package is to be delivered. In such a case, if the vehicle 60's doors are unlocked to allow the package to be delivered to the vehicle 60, there is a risk that the package already delivered to the vehicle 60 could be stolen by a delivery person who delivers the package later. For this reason, as described below, door unlocking based on an unlocking instruction signal from the deliveryperson terminal Td is prohibited when a package has already been delivered to the vehicle 60. As described above, the blue LED 36 is turned on when a package is delivered to the vehicle 60. Therefore, when the blue LED is turned on, door unlocking based on an unlocking instruction signal from the deliveryperson terminal Td can be prohibited. When door unlocking is prohibited, the junction unit 20 of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm transmits information to the delivery person terminal 51 indicating that door unlocking is prohibited (step 122). The delivery person terminal 51 notifies the delivery person that door unlocking is prohibited (by displaying, outputting audio, etc.), so the delivery person knows this. The delivery person will deliver the package already delivered to the vehicle 60 to the user after the user retrieves the package and the door unlocking prohibition is lifted, and then deliver it to the vehicle 60 or the user's home. In this way, if multiple parcels arrive on the same day, only the first parcel delivery person to arrive can unlock the door, and the parcel delivery person may not be able to unlock the door once a package has been placed inside, to prevent the next parcel delivery person from stealing the package placed by the previous person.

If the prohibition of unlocking the doors based on the unlocking instruction signal from the delivery person's terminal is not set (NO in step 121), the junction unit 20 outputs a control signal to CAN 2 to disarm the car security (step 123). This causes the body ECU 5 to disarm the car security. If the car security is armed and the door is opened, an alarm will be sounded. By disarming the car security before the delivery person opens the door, an alarm can be prevented from being sounded erroneously.

When the car security is disabled, the junction unit 20 outputs a door unlock instruction signal to the CAN 2 (step 124). The body ECU 5 then controls the door lock control device 8, which unlocks the doors. The doors are now ready for the delivery person to open. It is preferable that unlocking the doors of the automobile 60 based on the door unlock signal sent from the delivery person terminal Td is limited to delivery hours, and that unlocking the doors based on the door unlock signal sent from the delivery person terminal Td is prohibited outside of delivery hours. This prevents the automobile doors from being unlocked by stealing the delivery person terminal Td at night.

When a detection device connected to the body ECU 5 detects that the door has been opened by the delivery person, the body ECU 5 outputs a detection signal to CAN 2, and the junction unit 20 detects this detection signal. The junction unit 20 then recognizes that the door has been opened (YES in step 125). When the delivery person places the package inside the vehicle 60 and closes the door, the detection device connected to the body ECU 5 detects that the door has been closed. The body ECU 5 then outputs a detection signal to CAN 2, and the junction unit 20 detects this detection signal. The junction unit 20 then recognizes that the door has been opened (YES in step 126).

In this way, when the junction unit 20 detects that the door of the vehicle 60 has been opened and closed, transmitted from the delivery person terminal Td, it is assumed that a package has been delivered to the vehicle 60, and the junction unit 20 outputs a door lock control signal to the CAN 2 (step 127). The body ECU 5 recognizes the door lock control signal output to the CAN 2, controls the door lock control device 8, and the door lock control device 8 locks the door. Furthermore, the junction unit 20 analyzes the shipping slip number from the image of the vehicle interior captured by the fifth camera 45, which shows the shipping slip for the package placed inside the vehicle. The junction unit 20 uses the LTE circuit 23 to transmit information showing the analyzed shipping slip number and delivery completion information to the vehicle delivery management system.

Next, the junction unit 20 lights up the yellow LED 37 on the display device 31 to indicate that the package has been delivered to the vehicle 60 (step 128). The user can tell that the package has been delivered to the vehicle 60 by seeing the yellow LED 37 illuminated, without having to open the door of the vehicle 60.

The junction unit 20 also outputs a control signal to CAN2 that puts the car security into an armed state. When the body ECU 5 recognizes the control signal output to CAN2, the body ECU 5 puts the car security into an armed state. Furthermore, the junction unit 20 outputs an engine start prohibition control signal to CAN2 (step 130). When the engine ECU 3 recognizes that the engine start prohibition control signal has been output to CAN2, it prohibits engine start. When a delivery person opens the door to deliver a package, the delivery person can enter the vehicle. However, if the delivery person leaves the car keys or other items inside the vehicle, they may close the door, use the keys to start the engine of the vehicle 60, and drive it. To prevent this from happening, engine start is prohibited. There is a problem in that a delivery person can start the engine and drive the car using an immobilizer unlocking key or other key inside the vehicle. Therefore, when it is detected that the delivery person has opened the door, it is effective to prevent the engine from starting in this way.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, when a package is delivered to vehicle 60, if another package is subsequently delivered to the same vehicle, there is a risk that the package already placed in vehicle 60 may be stolen by the later delivery person. For this reason, a setting is made in junction unit 20 to prohibit door unlocking based on an unlocking instruction signal sent from delivery person terminal Td (step 131). For example, an unlocking prohibition code is stored in a specified area of memory 22 of junction unit 20, and if the unlocking prohibition code is stored in that area, a door unlocking prohibition is set in junction unit 20. If an unlocking prohibition code is not stored in the specified area of memory 22, the prohibition of door unlocking based on an unlocking instruction signal from the delivery person terminal is not set.

When a certain amount of time has passed since the first camera 41 to the fifth camera 45 began taking pictures (step 192), it is assumed that the delivery person has delivered the package to the vehicle 60 and left the vehicle 60, so taking pictures is stopped (step 133).

When communication between the deliveryman terminal Td and the Bluetooth circuit 24 of the junction unit 20 is cut off, it is assumed that the deliveryman terminal Td has moved away from the vehicle 60. When the junction unit 20 recognizes that the deliveryman terminal Td has moved away from the vehicle 60 (YES in step 134), the wireless LAN circuit 25 of the junction unit 20 sends an alert signal to the security system to restore the unlocked security system (step 135). The security system that receives the alert signal enters a security state.

Next, the junction unit 20 controls the fifth camera 45 to begin capturing images of the interior of the vehicle (step 136).

Junction unit 20 compares an image showing the interior of the vehicle before the door is opened by the delivery person with an image showing the interior of the vehicle after the door has been opened and closed by the delivery person to determine whether a package has been placed inside the vehicle. By comparing these images, junction unit 20 determines whether a package to be delivered has been placed inside the vehicle (step 137). If there is no change between the image showing the interior of the vehicle before the door is opened by the delivery person and the image showing the interior of the vehicle after the door has been opened and closed by the delivery person, junction unit 20 determines that a package has not been placed inside the vehicle; if there is a change between these images, junction unit 20 determines that a package has been placed inside the vehicle. However, since the interior of the vehicle is photographed by the fifth camera 45, junction unit 20 may determine that a package has been placed inside the vehicle by reading the shipping slip number on the shipping slip affixed to the package using the fifth camera 45. If the junction unit 20 determines that no luggage is left inside the vehicle (NO in step 137), the communication circuit 26 of the junction unit 20 transmits to the user terminal Tu a message that the door has been opened or closed (step 138).

When the junction unit 20 determines that a package has been placed inside the vehicle (YES in step 137), the junction unit 20 outputs an air conditioner start signal to CAN2 to maintain a constant temperature inside the vehicle (step 139). When the body ECU 5 recognizes the air conditioner start signal output to CAN2, the body ECU 5 starts the air conditioner. Because the vehicle interior is maintained at a constant temperature, even if the package placed inside the vehicle is sensitive to temperature changes, such as precision equipment, adverse effects of temperature changes on the package can be prevented. For example, in summer, the interior of a vehicle becomes hot, which can be a problem if the package is heat-sensitive, such as food or precision equipment (the same applies in winter when it is cold). However, after the package arrives in the vehicle (or shortly before the scheduled delivery time), it is possible to start the vehicle engine, for example, to operate the air conditioner and maintain the optimal temperature for the package. This control should end when it is detected that the recipient has removed the package.

Furthermore, the fifth camera 45 detects the delivery slip attached to the package placed inside the vehicle, or the junction unit 20 detects the location inside the vehicle where the package was placed by comparing an image showing the interior of the vehicle before the delivery person opened the door with an image showing the interior of the vehicle after the delivery person opened and closed the door (step 140).

Next, the junction unit 20 uses the LTE circuit 23 to transmit information indicating that the package has been delivered and information indicating the location where the package has been placed to the user terminal Tu (steps 141, 142). When the user terminal Tu receives the information indicating that the package has been delivered, the user terminal displays a message indicating that the delivery has been completed, so the user knows that the package has been delivered to the vehicle 60. In addition, when the user terminal Tu receives the information indicating the location where the package has been placed, the user terminal displays the location where the package has been placed, so the user can see where the package has been placed inside the vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 26, the junction unit 20 determines whether the delivered package has been left inside the vehicle for a certain period of time (step 143). The junction unit 20 includes a clock, and the junction unit 20 uses this clock to determine whether the package has been left inside the vehicle for a certain period of time from the time it was determined that the package had been left inside the vehicle (for example, when the door was opened and closed after an unlock instruction signal was sent from the delivery person terminal Td), and whether the package has not been removed from the vehicle 60.

If the junction unit 20 determines that no package has been left inside the vehicle for a certain period of time (YES in step 143), it is possible that the user has forgotten to remove the package from the vehicle 60. For this reason, the junction unit 20 transmits information to the vehicle delivery management system S2 indicating that a delivered package has been left inside the vehicle 60 (step 144).
The vehicle delivery management system S2 transmits the received information to the user terminal Tu. The user terminal Tu notifies the user that a package has been left inside the vehicle 60. The user then remembers that a package has been left inside the vehicle 60. If the email address or other information of the user terminal Tu is registered in the memory 22 of the junction unit 20, information indicating that a delivered package has been left inside the vehicle 60 may be transmitted directly from the junction unit 20 to the user terminal Tu.

When the user approaches the automobile 60 in which the luggage is placed and communication is established between the user terminal Tu and the Bluetooth circuit 24 of the junction unit 20, the junction unit 20 determines that the user terminal Tu has approached the automobile 60 (step 145).

When the junction unit 20 determines that the user terminal Tu is approaching the automobile 60 (YES in step 145), the junction unit 20 transmits information to the vehicle delivery management system S2 indicating that a delivered package has been placed inside the automobile 60 (step 146). The junction unit 20 transmits the information to the user terminal Tu, which may then be equipped with a vibration function to notify the user that a package has been placed there, or may output a sound. The vehicle delivery management system S2 transmits the received information to the user terminal Tu. The user terminal Tu notifies the user that a package has been placed inside the automobile 60. The user is reminded that a package has been placed inside a nearby automobile 60. If the email address or other information of the user terminal Tu is registered in the memory 22 of the junction unit 20, the junction unit 20 may transmit information indicating that a delivered package has been placed inside the automobile 60 directly to the user terminal Tu.

As such, it is possible that the recipient may not know that a package has arrived in their car, or may forget about it. Therefore, it is a good idea to have the smartphone (user device) notify the recipient that there is a package in their car as they approach their home. It is a good idea to send notifications periodically multiple times until the "Received" button is pressed.

When the user uses the genuine portable device 10 or the user remote controller 52 to send an unlock command signal from the genuine portable device 10 or the user remote controller 52, the body ECU 5 receives the unlock command signal when it is sent from the genuine portable device 10 and controls the door lock control device 8, and when it is sent from the user remote controller 52, the junction unit 20 receives the unlock command signal and outputs the unlock command signal to CAN 2, thereby unlocking the doors (step 147).

When the door is unlocked, the junction unit 20 outputs a control signal to the CAN 2 to stop the air conditioner (step 148). The body ECU 5 stops the air conditioner. Since opening the door means that the user wants to remove any luggage left inside the vehicle, the air conditioner is stopped. Furthermore, when the door is unlocked, the junction unit 20 sends information to the vehicle delivery management system S2 indicating that a delivered package has been placed inside the vehicle 60 (step 149). The vehicle delivery management system S2 sends the received information to the user terminal Tu. The user terminal Tu displays the location of the package inside the vehicle 60 (step 150). If there is luggage, a voice message saying "There is luggage" may be output from the display device 31.

Figure 28 is an example of the display screen 160 of user terminal Tu.

A notification area 161 is formed at the top of the display screen 160. This notification area 161 displays information that the package has been delivered and the location where the package has been placed. An image 162 taken by the fifth camera 45 is displayed across almost the entire display screen 160, and the location where the package has been placed is indicated in this image 162 by a cross mark 163. The user can see at a glance that the package has been placed at the location of the cross mark 163. The image in which the cross mark 163 is combined with the display screen 160 is generated by the display device 31 under the control of the junction unit 20.

The user opens the door of the automobile 60 and remembers that a package has been left inside. In this case, if the email address or other information of the user terminal Tu is registered in the memory 22 of the junction unit 20, information indicating that a delivered package has been left inside the automobile 60 may be sent directly from the junction unit 20 to the user terminal Tu.

When placing a small package in a large vehicle (automobile), there are cases where the recipient does not know where the package is located inside the vehicle. Therefore, it would be a good idea to allow the recipient to specify in advance where they would like the package placed inside the vehicle. Alternatively, as mentioned above, it would be a good idea to have a system in place that lets the recipient know where the package has been placed inside the vehicle. For example, the location of the package could be identified by comparing camera footage before and after the door is opened and closed, and the location of the package could be displayed on a smartphone using AR (Augmented Reality) or similar.

When the doors of automobile 60 are unlocked, junction unit 20 transmits billing data for delivery to automobile 60 to vehicle delivery management system S2 (step 151). By transmitting the billing data to home delivery system S3, vehicle delivery management system S2's operating company can collect the usage fee from the operating company (home delivery company) of home delivery system S3. The junction unit may transmit the billing data to vehicle delivery management system S2 after the desired date and time has passed. Alternatively, the billing data may be transmitted from junction unit 20 to home delivery system S3 when the delivery person delivers the package to automobile 60. The home delivery system S3 company tally the billing data and, for example, pay the usage fee to the company operating vehicle delivery management system S2. The home delivery system S3 company will likely manage the billing data in a database.

When the vehicle 60 door lock is unlocked, it is assumed that the package has been removed, so the junction unit 20 turns off the yellow LED 37 and turns on the green LED 34. The green LED 34 lights up, indicating that the package has been removed from the vehicle 60 and can be delivered to the vehicle 60. The junction unit 20 then sends information indicating that the package has been received to the vehicle delivery management system S2, and the vehicle delivery management system S2 then sends information indicating that the package has been received to the EC system S1 and the home delivery system S3 (step 153).

As a function to add to the in-vehicle device (user in-vehicle device), when there are multiple cars in the parking lot, the delivery person may not know which car to put the package in. Therefore, it would be a good idea to add a function that notifies the delivery person that this is the car (by turning on a light, etc.) when they approach the car. It would also be a good idea to add a function that outputs a voice message of appreciation, such as "Thank you for your hard work with the delivery," when the delivery person places the package in the car, or while they are placing the package, or when they have finished placing the package. Such voice output not only soothes the delivery person, but also encourages them to treat the car with care.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 28, the user is notified of the location where the package should be placed, but the user terminal may be configured to specify the location where the package should be placed and send this information to the delivery person's terminal. Images of the interior of the vehicle taken with the fifth camera 45 may be used to send the location where the package should be placed to the delivery person's terminal. However, the location where the package should be placed may also be determined in advance, such as on the driver's seat or on the passenger seat.

4. Other Examples
FIG. 29 is an external view of the user remote controller 52A.

The user remote controller 52A described above simply sends signals to unlock the doors of the automobile 60, signals to lock the doors, and signals to start the engine. However, the user remote controller 52A shown in Figure 29 can also perform functions such as setting up the automobile 60 to receive packages for delivery.

An antenna 71 is formed on the top of the user remote controller 52A. Also formed on the front of the user remote controller 52A are an LCD display screen 72, a delivery button 74 labeled "delivery," a start/lock button 75 labeled "start" and an icon indicating that the door is locked, a stop/unlock button 76 labeled "stop" and an icon indicating that the door is unlocked, and an engine button 77 labeled "engine." The LCD display screen 72 also has a notification area 73 formed that indicates whether a package has been delivered to the vehicle 60, as will be described in more detail below.

The user remote controller 52A has a built-in microcomputer (not shown), to which are connected the LCD screen 72 display device, delivery button 74, start/lock button 75, stop/unlock button 76, and engine button 77. The user remote controller 52A also includes a communication circuit (not shown) connected to the microcomputer and antenna 71.

When the delivery button 74 is not pressed, the notification area 73 on the LCD display screen 72 remains colorless. When a package is scheduled to be delivered to the user's vehicle 60, the user presses the delivery button 74. When the delivery button 74 is pressed, a signal indicating that the delivery button 74 has been pressed is input to the microcomputer, and a signal indicating that the delivery button has been pressed is transmitted from the antenna 71 via the communication circuit to the communication circuit 26 of the junction unit 20 of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm. This causes the blue LED 36 connected to the junction unit 20 to light up. Additionally, the notification area 73 on the LCD display screen 72 of the user remote controller 52A turns blue. Simply by looking at the color of the notification area 73, the user can confirm that a package is scheduled to be delivered to the user's vehicle 60 and that the door of the vehicle 60 may be opened by a delivery person.

When the delivery person opens the door of the automobile 60 and delivers a package into the automobile 60, the communication circuit 26 of the junction unit 20 of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm transmits a package acceptance signal, and when the user holding the user remote controller 52A approaches the automobile 60, the package acceptance signal is received. The notification area 73 then turns yellow. By looking at the notification area 73, the user knows that a package has been delivered into the automobile 60.

When the user presses the start/lock button 75, the user remote controller 52A sends a lock instruction signal to the junction unit 20 of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm. The junction unit 20 outputs the lock instruction signal to the CAN 2. The body ECU 5 then controls the door lock control device 8 to lock the doors of the vehicle 60.

When the user presses the stop/unlock button 76, the user remote controller 52A sends a door unlock command signal to the communication circuit 26 included in the junction unit 20 of the user vehicle device Vm. The junction unit 20 outputs a door lock command signal to the CAN 2. The body ECU 5 then controls the door lock control device 8 to unlock the doors of the vehicle 60.

When the user presses the engine button 77 and then the start/lock button 75,
The user remote controller 52A transmits an engine start signal to the communication circuit 26 included in the junction unit 20 of the user vehicle-mounted device Vm. In response, the junction unit 20 outputs the engine start signal to the CAN 2. The engine ECU 3 controls the engine starter to start the engine of the automobile 60.

When the user presses the engine button 77 and then the start/unlock button 76, the user remote controller 52A sends an engine stop signal to the communication circuit 26 included in the junction unit 20 of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm. The junction unit 20 then outputs the engine stop signal to CAN2. The engine ECU 3 detects the engine stop signal output to CAN2 and stops the engine of the automobile 60.

As described above, when the notification area 73 is yellow, a package has been delivered to the vehicle 60. If the stop/unlock button 76 is pressed and the vehicle 60 door is unlocked while the notification area 73 is yellow, the user is presumably entering the vehicle 60 and receiving the package delivered to the vehicle 60. For this reason, the notification area 73 changes from yellow to clear. The user remote controller 52A may also output an indication that a package is available.

In the above-described embodiment, when the delivery button 74 is pressed, the vehicle doors may be unlocked based on an unlock signal sent from the delivery person terminal Td. However, the vehicle doors may also be unlocked based only on an unlock signal sent from the delivery person terminal Td that delivers to that area.

It would be ideal if operations could be performed from a smartphone or computer, but to further simplify operations, it would be a good idea to provide buttons on the remote control for engine starters and car security systems, such as "Allow delivery personnel to unlock the car for 12 hours to receive packages" and "Package received."

Furthermore, as an additional function, remote controllers (remote controllers, user remote controllers) for engine starters and security (car security) should be equipped with a notification means, such as a lamp that lights up when there is luggage inside the car. The notification should end once the luggage is removed. It would be even better if the car or the remote controller had a function to notify the user that there is luggage when they approach the car.

When a package is received, a signal indicating receipt may be sent to the delivery system S3 or to the user terminal Tu by pressing and holding the delivery button 74 on the user remote controller 52A.

Figure 30 shows yet another embodiment, showing the sequence of a delivery system.

In the above-described embodiment, the user has the package delivered to their own vehicle 60 (which may also belong to a family member of the user), but in the embodiment shown in Figure 30, the package is delivered to a vehicle other than the user's (recipient's) vehicle (for example, a vehicle parked at a used car dealership).

If the package is to be delivered to a vehicle other than the user's own, the user terminal Tu displays a pickup location selection screen 80 as shown in Figure 31.

In addition to the radio buttons 82 to 85 described above, the receiving location selection area 81 also includes a radio button 86.
and 87 are formed. To the right of radio button 86, it is displayed "Pick up at used car dealer's receiving vehicle 1," and to the right of radio button 87, it is displayed "Pick up at used car dealer's receiving vehicle 2." A used car dealer sells a large number of used cars, and among these many used cars, there are receiving vehicles for receiving packages (all used cars may be receiving vehicles for receiving packages). Here, two receiving vehicles are specified, but three or more receiving vehicles may be specified. Each of the two receiving vehicles is equipped with the above-mentioned user onboard device. The first receiving vehicle is equipped with the first user onboard device Vm1, and the second receiving vehicle is equipped with the second user onboard device Vm2. A used car dealer near the user's home, which has been registered in advance, is selected. However, receiving vehicles located at multiple used car dealerships in different locations may be displayed in the receiving location selection area. The user would select a vehicle for pickup that is located at a used car dealership conveniently located for package pickup.

The user selects radio button 86 to specify that the vehicle be picked up at the used car dealer's pick-up vehicle 1. The pickup location display area 101 displays the specified "Pick up at the used car dealer's pick-up vehicle 1."

As explained with reference to Figure 14, the user terminal Tu transmits information such as the specified pickup location to the EC system S1, which then transmits the delivery destination information to the delivery system S3. The delivery system S3 transmits the slip number, on-board device ID, and desired date and time information to the vehicle delivery management system S2, which then transmits the slip number and desired date and time information to the user on-board device Vm that has the on-board device ID. In this example, since "pickup at receiving vehicle 1 at the used car dealership" is specified, the vehicle delivery management system S2 transmits the slip number and desired date and time information to the user on-board device Vm1 installed in that vehicle. In this example, the user on-board device installed in the first receiving vehicle located at the used car dealership is referred to as user on-board device Vm1, and the user on-board device installed in the second receiving vehicle is referred to as user on-board device Vm2.

As explained with reference to Figure 19, the delivery person enters the slip number into the delivery person terminal Td and obtains the parking location of the delivery destination, "Used Car Dealer's Pick-Up Vehicle 1." The delivery person approaches the vehicle parked in that parking location with the package in hand, and, as explained with reference to Figure 20, uses the delivery person terminal Td to open the door of the first pick-up vehicle and deliver the package. The vehicle delivery management system S2 then sends the slip number, vehicle identification information, and delivery completion information to the user terminal Tu.

The user goes to the used car dealership within a specified time (e.g., within one hour) after the specified desired date and time has passed and operates the user terminal Tu to send information indicating the invoice number and an unlocking instruction signal to the car delivery management system S2. Upon receiving the invoice number and unlocking instruction signal, the car delivery management system S2 transmits the unlocking instruction signal to the user in-vehicle device Vm1 (the user in-vehicle device installed in the first receiving vehicle) that has the user in-vehicle device ID corresponding to the invoice number. The junction unit 20 of the user in-vehicle device Vm1 that receives the unlocking instruction signal outputs the unlocking instruction signal to CAN2. The body ECU 5 then controls the door lock control device 8 to unlock the door. With the door unlocked, the user can open the door and retrieve the package that is installed in the first receiving vehicle. After the user removes the package from the first receiving vehicle and closes the door, the body ECU 5 controls the door lock control device 8 to lock the door.

If a used car dealership has many cars, it may be difficult to know which of those cars is the first car to be received. In such a case, the used car dealership may be asked to tell the user which car is the first car to be received. Furthermore, as described with reference to Figure 19, the car delivery management system S2 may inquire about the vehicle location of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm1 installed in the first car to be received, and transmit the obtained vehicle location information to the user terminal.

Sometimes, the user does not come to pick up the package even after a specified time has passed after the specified desired date and time. In such cases, the used car dealership may want to use the first receiving vehicle to which the package has been delivered for a test drive. However, if the delivered package remains in the vehicle, the user may come to pick up the package during the test drive or the package may be damaged, so the used car dealership wants to move the package to another receiving vehicle (in this case, the second receiving vehicle). In this embodiment, the package can be moved to another receiving vehicle. To determine whether the onboard device is installed in a vehicle other than the recipient's vehicle, for example, a setting switch can be provided on the onboard device, and based on the setting of the setting switch, it can be determined that the onboard device is installed in a vehicle other than the recipient's vehicle.

Referring to Figure 30, when a predetermined time has passed after the desired date and time period, the junction unit 20 of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm1 outputs an unlock instruction signal to CAN2 and unlocks the door lock of the first receiving vehicle. A used car dealership employee retrieves the package delivered to the first receiving vehicle. The LTE circuit 23 included in the junction unit 20 of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm1 installed in the first receiving vehicle transmits automatic unlocking information over time and the vehicle-mounted device ID information of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm1 to the delivery system S3. The delivery system S3 transmits the received automatic unlocking information over time and the vehicle-mounted device ID information of the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm1 to the vehicle delivery management system S2. The vehicle delivery management system S2 recognizes that the door of the first receiving vehicle to which the package was delivered has been opened and the delivered package has been removed from the first receiving vehicle. The vehicle delivery management system S2 then sends information indicating a door unlock instruction to the user's onboard device of the second receiving vehicle. By referencing the vehicle delivery management system management table shown in Figure 11, the vehicle delivery management system S2 recognizes that the first receiving vehicle and the second receiving vehicle are at the same used car dealership, and since the package delivered to the first receiving vehicle has been removed from the first receiving vehicle and will be placed in the second receiving vehicle by a used car dealership employee, it sends information indicating a door unlock instruction to the user's onboard device of the second receiving vehicle. The vehicle delivery management system S2 reads the onboard device IP address of the user's onboard device Vm2 of the second receiving vehicle from the vehicle delivery management system management table.

When the LTE circuit 23 included in the junction unit 20 of the user's in-vehicle device Vm2 in the second receiving vehicle receives information indicating an unlocking command, the junction unit 20 outputs an unlocking command signal to CAN2. The body ECU 5 then controls the door lock control device 8, which unlocks the doors. The used car dealer's staff member places the package removed from the first receiving vehicle into the second receiving vehicle. The fifth camera 45 for capturing images inside the vehicle, which is attached to the second receiving vehicle, reads the shipping slip number affixed to the package placed in the second receiving vehicle, indicating that the package has been placed in the second receiving vehicle. The LTE circuit 23 included in the user's in-vehicle device Vm2 in the second receiving vehicle then transmits locking information for package transfer, in-vehicle device ID information, and shipping slip number information to the delivery system S3.

The delivery system S3 finds the email address of the user terminal Tu from the received slip number information (it goes without saying that the delivery system S3 stores the slip number and the email address of the user terminal Tu of the user to whom the package is to be delivered), and sends locking information for package transfer, vehicle device ID information, and email address information to the vehicle delivery management system S2.

The vehicle delivery management system S2 reads the vehicle identification information of the destination of the package from the received on-board device ID information, and sends delivery destination change information to the user terminal Tu by email, indicating that the package has been moved to the second receiving vehicle identified by the read vehicle identification information. The user is notified that the package has been moved from the first receiving vehicle designated by the user to the second receiving vehicle. The user then goes to the second receiving vehicle at the used car dealership and picks up the package that has been left in the second receiving vehicle.

In the above-described embodiment, packages are delivered to cars parked at used car dealerships. However, it would be desirable to enable deliveries to cars parked in company parking lots or other locations, as well as cars parked at used car dealerships. The car's location would be transmitted via GPS. Information could also be provided to the delivery company so that they know that the vehicle will not be available during the time the delivery person plans to use the vehicle or when the vehicle is scheduled to be rented out to others via car sharing. Cars parked in parking lots, such as rental cars, car sharing cars, and company cars, could be made available to be rented out as delivery lockers. If a person always returns home at around the same time, they may be able to receive their package by simply renting someone else's car nearby for around 30 minutes. In particular, it would be desirable to have a function that allows for time adjustments between car sharing reservation times and delivery locker reservation times.

Furthermore, as a benefit for used car dealers, they can use this system (delivery system) to increase the value of used cars (adding value with engine starters, car security, dashcams, and home delivery systems). Since used car dealers often double as maintenance businesses, managers can assign mechanics to install this system when they have free time. Used car dealers display used cars facing the road, making it easy to pick up and drop off packages. It can also attract people who don't usually visit used car showrooms to pick up packages (developing new customers). Furthermore, it can function not only as a delivery locker but also as a coin locker. By installing a coin locker application on a user terminal Tu, the user can unlock the car door using the user terminal Tu. After sending information indicating the user terminal Tu's phone number to the user's in-vehicle device, the user places the package, and closes the door, and the user terminal Tu is charged. Later, the user terminal Tu sends information indicating the phone number to the user's onboard device in the car, and once the user's onboard device authenticates the phone number, the car's doors are unlocked and the user can retrieve the package placed in the car.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which a delivery person delivers a package to a car. However, similarly, packages to be collected can be placed in a car, and the person collecting the package can use a terminal to open the car door, remove the package from the car, and deliver it to the destination. In this way, it is desirable to configure the system so that collection can also be carried out by a delivery company directly from the car. The user sets the system to indicate that a package has been placed in the car. The delivery company collects the package from the car. A message is sent to the user to inform them of the collection.

Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a system for determining who will bear the costs of using this system (delivery system), with a function that allows users to set who will bear the costs, such as whether the shipping company, the shipper, or the recipient will bear the costs. For example, if it were possible to set the shipper to bear the costs in mail-order shipments, this could be used as a differentiation strategy (appeal point) for stores.

Furthermore, revenue models could include (a) a model in which a fee is charged when a delivery to a vehicle is successful (a system in which a fee is charged for successful transport to and from a vehicle), or (b) a system in which a fee of a few yen is charged per API call, similar to the API economy method. For example, 10 yen is charged for a reservation API call, 10 yen for a door-opening API call, and 10 yen for a receiving API call. (c) A monthly or annual fee could be charged in the form of a system usage fee. (x) It would also be good to allow different transport entities to use different fees for each of these. Delivery company A could use an annual fee model, delivery company B a success-fee model, delivery company C an API charging model, etc.

Furthermore, all vehicles equipped with this system (delivery system) can be considered delivery lockers. In particular, vehicles parked during working hours, especially in parking lots accessible to the public such as convenience stores and supermarkets, can be considered delivery lockers. As mentioned above, vehicles displayed for used car sales, etc., can also be considered delivery lockers. Therefore, a system could be established that allows a vehicle to be used as a delivery locker during a set time period, such as during working hours, if the vehicle is parked at the designated location. This raises the risk that the recipient may not receive their package during the time the vehicle is parked there (e.g., during working hours). This could lead to problems with other people's packages being left in the vehicle. A solution could be to provide a system that pays the vehicle owner money (similar to late payment penalties) to have the vehicle wait. Alternatively, a system could be provided that allows the package to be moved to a nearby vehicle. In other words, if the vehicle provider's scheduled time has passed, the system could search for nearby vehicles and their expected arrival times, and then move the package from their vehicle to those vehicles. The system could also provide a function that allows the recipient to set in advance the range of travel and the vehicles they are allowed to travel to. If there is a move, a notification will be sent to the recipient.

Furthermore, operational status such as unlocking, opening the door, closing the door, putting the package in, and receiving the package may be recorded on the blockchain. This makes it more difficult to tamper with the delivery status of the vehicle. For example, in each of the sequence diagrams above, when each terminal or system on the information sending side (the base of the arrow) sends information to the other party, it should also send the contents of that information to a blockchain system on the Internet. Preferably, in each of the sequence diagrams above, when each terminal or system on the information receiving side (the end of the arrow) receives information from the other party, it should also send the contents of that information to a blockchain system on the Internet. It is even more desirable to perform both of these processes. A private blockchain system may be used, but a public system is particularly recommended. Sending to both is even better. For example, the blockchain system could be one based on Ethereum or the Hyperledger Project.

In the above-described embodiment, an EC system S1 and the like are used, but the EC system S1 is not necessarily required. Entering a slip number into a delivery person's terminal may unlock the vehicle in which that slip number is stored. For example, a delivery person may approach the vehicle to deliver a package, and the delivery person's terminal may communicate directly or indirectly with a user terminal installed in the vehicle to unlock the vehicle's door. For example, a delivery person may write a slip for delivering a package, i.e., write the address, recipient, sender, postal code, address, name, etc. in the address field, and also write a time slot. If such a slip has a field for "Pick up at the vehicle," and the "Pick up at the vehicle" field is checked, the delivery person will use the delivery person's terminal to open the vehicle at the destination and deliver the package to the vehicle. The user's on-board device installed in the vehicle will unlock the door in response to an unlocking signal transmitted (e.g., wirelessly) from the delivery person's terminal. For example, a slip number could be stored in the user's in-vehicle device, and the delivery person's terminal could send a signal indicating that slip number and an unlock signal to the user's in-vehicle device. If the signal indicating the slip number stored in the user's in-vehicle device matches the signal indicating the received slip number, the user's in-vehicle device would unlock the vehicle's doors. However, if the user's in-vehicle device were to unlock the vehicle's doors upon receiving an unlock signal sent from the delivery person's terminal, it would not necessarily be necessary to send a signal indicating the slip number to the user's in-vehicle device.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the vehicle door lock is unlocked and the package is delivered inside the vehicle, but in vehicles where the interior and trunk are separate, it may also be possible to use the user terminal to open only the interior or only the trunk.

Furthermore, in rural areas, where there are many cars, if a user's vehicle-mounted device according to this embodiment is installed in every car, the package can be picked up in any of the cars. For example, the doors of all cars can be opened, the package delivered to the designated car, information that the package has been received can be sent to all cars, and the doors of all cars can be locked. Furthermore, when all the doors of multiple cars are opened, the package is placed inside and the car doors are closed, a door lock signal can be sent from the car whose door was opened to the cars whose doors were not opened, and information about which car the package was placed in can be sent to the user terminal.

The above-mentioned user vehicle device Vm may use the battery for the automobile 60 as its operating power source, or a battery for the user vehicle device Vm (e.g., a mobile battery) as its operating power source. If the battery for the user vehicle device Vm is used as its operating power source, it is recommended that it be charged while the automobile 60 is in operation.

The car 60 delivering the package does not necessarily have to be parked at home; it can be in a company parking lot or at a work location. This is because the parking location can be determined using GPS, as mentioned above. It is a good idea to inform the delivery company of your (user, recipient) planned use and the usage status of the rental car sharing service. If your planned use is known, the delivery person's terminal Td will be able to recognize that the car will not be parked in its parking location during that time period.

Furthermore, if a package needs to be redelivered, the user may access the delivery company's website and specify the redelivery. In such cases, the specified time for redelivery to a car may be later than the specified time for redelivery to a home. For example, if the delivery is later than a certain time, redelivery to a home may not be possible, but redelivery to a car may be possible. It may also be advisable to provide a function that allows the user to set different time periods for redelivery to a car and redelivery to a home. Columns for redelivery destination as home or car, redelivery destination as home, and redelivery destination as car may be provided, allowing the user to set redelivery to a home in the morning and redelivery to a car in the afternoon. For example, if there are few packages, redelivery to the home may be performed in the morning, and if there are many packages, redelivery to a car may be performed in the afternoon.

It is also possible to charge different fees for redelivery to a home and redelivery to a car. For example, redelivery to a home may be free and redelivery to a car may be charged, or vice versa.

Furthermore, if the package has not been unloaded from the vehicle 60 several days after it was delivered to the vehicle 60, the delivery person's terminal Td can notify the driver of this on a map or when the delivery person is driving around the neighborhood. The delivery person's terminal Td can print a note indicating that the package has not been received and place it in the recipient's mailbox or attach it to the vehicle.

Furthermore, the user's vehicle-mounted device Vm may be equipped with a vehicle model transmission function. By providing a function that allows the user's vehicle model to be set, vehicle model information can be obtained by setting the vehicle model. The EC system S1 can then obtain this information and include sample products, flyers, and recall information for that vehicle model in the package.

Furthermore, if an e-commerce shop requests car pickup, the fee may be discounted or a bonus may be automatically added. A function may also be provided that allows users to specify whether to pick up their parcel at their car or at home depending on the time of day. A function to set either home or car as the default delivery destination may be provided, so that the default delivery destination is displayed at the time of purchase. For example, if either "Car pickup (blue car)" or "Car pickup (red car)" is selected on the pickup location selection screen 80 shown in Figures 15 to 17, the selected option may be checked the next time the shop is used. Users who want their parcels delivered to their car 60, even when at home, can set car pickup as the default in the membership information field of the e-commerce shop, eliminating the need to select car pickup and avoiding the mistake of selecting car pickup. Setting it as the default eliminates the need to change the setting. Points may also be awarded to users who request car delivery. Automobiles such as private cars (a car is one example of a vehicle) have characteristics such as being lockable, having space for luggage, having an interior (car compartment), a trunk, and some cars with the same space as the interior and trunk, and are usually kept near the home, with many being kept on the home's premises, making them suitable as delivery lockers for parcels.

Delivery lockers are generally small and may not be able to accommodate large packages. In contrast, cars can accommodate larger packages. For example, a large coin locker can only fit one suitcase, but cars can fit much more, including larger packages. For example, items like assembled furniture can be delivered to cars. Packages that fit in a car can even be delivered.

In a service that applies the system used for private lodging, where a delivery person from a delivery company can receive the recipient's home key while the recipient is away, it is conceivable that the delivery person could open the door to the house even if no one is at home, leave the package, and then the house would automatically lock. However, there is a high risk in having a delivery person from a delivery company open the home of an ordinary person without permission and leave a package there.

Since delivery companies that deliver packages incur enormous labor costs for redelivery attempts, being able to deliver packages to vehicles would result in significant cost savings. Therefore, for example, it would be reasonable to charge delivery companies 5 to 100 yen for each successful delivery to a vehicle (due to the enormous labor costs of redelivery and the current service where customers can receive a 100 yen discount if they bring the package to a convenience store or other location for collection). Also, when delivering to a home, it takes quite a long time, two or three minutes, for the homeowner to be called and come out. During that time, the delivery company's delivery person has to wait there the whole time, but if packages are delivered to a vehicle, the delivery person will no longer have to wait while carrying a heavy package until the recipient comes out.

Furthermore, if the utilization rate of the delivery system in this embodiment increases, the usage fee will also increase, and as the delivery system becomes more widespread, sales of engine starters, car security systems, cameras, etc. will also increase, revitalizing the entire car accessories industry.

One possible target user (employee) would be someone who works and has a car at home, but is away from home during the day on weekdays. For example, it would be good to target people whose car is at home during normal delivery hours, such as from 9am to 9pm. People who drive to work but don't have a car at home, or who don't have a car from 9am to 9pm and return after 9pm, could also be excluded. There are certain users who always have at least one car and are considered to be the target.

In addition, potential users (potential targets) include people who do not want to meet the delivery person even when they are at home (they do not need to change into loungewear, put on makeup, etc.), and people who do not want to wait for the specified time for their package to be delivered (in fact, there is likely to be a large potential demand for this).

The basic mechanism is to have a function to unlock the car door so that the delivery person can open the car door at the delivery recipient's house. It also has a function to automatically lock the door once the delivery person puts the package inside and closes the door. In addition, the car security is temporarily disabled before the door is opened and restored once the door is closed. The person receiving the package is notified by email, LINE (registered trademark), etc. that the package has been placed inside. A fee is charged to the delivery person.

In addition, while there are various possible implementation methods, this seems to be a great fit for the API (Application Programming Interface) economy. An API would be provided to delivery companies, who would then be able to use this system (delivery system) by accessing this API from their own systems. For example, if delivery is successful using this API, the delivery company would be charged about 5 yen per package. The recipient (user) would simply select "Pick up in car at home" from the "Change scheduled delivery date/time (location)" page already available on the delivery company's website, just like the currently available "Pick up at convenience store." The system change cost for delivery companies would be extremely small.

However, as a potential problem and solution, allowing the delivery person to open the car door at any time would pose a security risk, so it would be better to allow the door to be opened on the scheduled delivery date. As described below, it would be ideal to transmit the date and time to the car via an LTE (Long Term Evolution) line, but it would also be better to set the time when the door can be unlocked by entering the date and time into a paired smartphone via Bluetooth or other means, bringing the smartphone close to the in-vehicle device (user's in-vehicle device) and reading it on the in-vehicle device, or to set the time using various communication methods. In the above example, signals from the vehicle can be received and acquired via CAN2, and the vehicle can be controlled by sending control signals to CAN2. However, some or all signals may be acquired from sensors installed in the vehicle, or by controlling actuators installed in the vehicle. The slip number may be entered, for example, by printing a barcode or the like corresponding to the slip number on the slip and reading it with a sensor installed in the delivery person's terminal Td.

The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. The components described in each embodiment may be combined in any desired manner. Furthermore, the inventions and components described in the Summary of the Invention may also be applied to combinations of the components of each embodiment. Similar effects resulting from similar configurations in multiple embodiments will not be mentioned sequentially for each embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible.

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations expressly described in the specification, but also encompasses combinations of various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. While the configurations of the invention sought to be patented are specified in the accompanying claims, it is the intention of the present inventors to claim configurations disclosed herein that are not currently specified in the claims.

The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiments. The components of the above-mentioned embodiments and variations may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment or variation may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component that embodies any component described in the Summary of the Invention. The Company intends to obtain rights to these as well through amendments to this application or divisional applications, etc.

Furthermore, by filing a conversion application to a design application, it is intended to obtain rights to the overall design or partial design. The drawings depict the entire device using solid lines, but they also include partial designs claimed for certain parts of the device. For example, not only can a partial component of the device be a partial design, but the drawings also include a part of the device as a partial design regardless of the component. A part of the device could be a component of the device, or it could be part of that component. It is intended to obtain rights not only to the overall design, but also to partial designs in which any part of the solid line portion of the drawings is drawn as a dashed line.

1: Communication system, 2: CAN, 3: Engine ECU, 4: Transmission ECU, 5: Body ECU, 6: Gateway ECU, 7: Shift position detection sensor, 8: Door lock control device, 9: Hazard light control device, 10: Genuine portable device, 11: Connector, 20: Junction unit, 21: Microcomputer, 22: Memory, 23: LTE circuit, 24: Bluetooth circuit, 25: Wireless LAN circuit, 26: Communication circuit, 27: Connector, 28: Connector, 29: Ethernet, 31: Display device, 32: Display screen, 33: Memory card, 34: Red LED, 35: Green LED, 36: Blue LED, 37: Yellow LED, 41: First camera, 42: Second camera, 43: Third camera, 44: Fourth camera, 45: Fifth camera, 51: Delivery person terminal, 52 : User remote controller, 52A: User remote controller, 60: Car, 71: Antenna, 72: LCD display screen, 73: Notification area, 74: Delivery button, 75: Start/lock button, 76: Stop/unlock button, 77: Engine button, 80: Pickup location selection screen, 81: Pickup location selection area, 82: Radio button, 83: Radio button, 84: Radio button, 85: Radio button, 86: Radio button, 87: Radio button, 91: Desired date and time selection area, 92: Radio button, 93 : Radio button, 94: Radio button, 101: Receipt content display area, 102: Pull-down menu, 103: Pull-down menu, 104: Pull-down menu, 160: Display screen, 161: Notification area, 162: Image, 163: Cross mark, S1: EC system, S2: Vehicle delivery management system, S3: Delivery system, Sg: Delivery system group, Td: Delivery person terminal, Tdg: Delivery person terminal group, Tu: User terminal, Tug: User terminal group, Vm: User vehicle-mounted device, Vm1: First user vehicle-mounted device, Vm2: Second user vehicle-mounted device, Vmg: User vehicle-mounted device group

Claims (4)

When it is determined that the delivery person's terminal is approaching the in-vehicle device,
(1) A function of controlling the vehicle to notify the delivery person that the vehicle is to deliver the package ;
(2) A function for controlling the recording of images of at least one of the exterior and interior of the vehicle for a predetermined period of time in order to grasp the situation in case the vehicle is damaged by a delivery person,
The vehicle-mounted device is characterized in that when it is determined that the delivery person terminal is approaching the vehicle-mounted device, the device takes photographs of at least one of the outside or inside of the vehicle for a predetermined period of time to grasp the situation in case the vehicle is damaged by the delivery person by controlling a camera attached to the vehicle, which is normally turned off, to be turned on. The vehicle-mounted device described in claim 1 is characterized in that it has a function to control the recording of images of at least one of the outside or inside of the vehicle for a predetermined period of time before the delivery person opens the door and after the door is closed, in order to understand the situation in case the vehicle is damaged by the delivery person . The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 or 2 , which has a function of controlling to output a voice of appreciation when a delivery person loads a package into the vehicle, or when the delivery person is in the middle of loading the package, or when the delivery person has finished loading the package. A program for causing a computer to implement the functions of the vehicle-mounted device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .