JP7795490B2 - Vending machine delivery system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a delivery system for vending machines that is suitable for combining the functionality of a delivery box with the functionality of a regular vending machine.

In recent years, so-called delivery boxes have been installed in apartment complexes and other multi-unit housing. If the recipient is not at home, the item is temporarily stored in the box and the recipient is notified of the box number and other details. Upon receiving this notification, the recipient can open the box where the item has been stored and collect it.

In this way, even if the recipient is not at home when the delivery is made, they can receive the delivery without having to meet the delivery person in person, improving convenience by eliminating the need to contact the delivery person for redelivery. Furthermore, for the delivery company, reducing redelivery improves delivery efficiency, and the delivery person can deliver the delivery to the recipient without contact.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a parcel collection and storage system that allows emergency unlocking of any storage compartment of the parcel collection and storage device. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a parcel collection and delivery service that uses communication lines such as the Internet to collect and deliver parcels even when the sender is not at home.

Patent No. 3761049 Patent No. 5259943 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-085464

In recent years, infrastructure such as the Internet, IT, and information systems has been developed, leading to dramatic growth in the mail order industry, typified by online shopping. As a result, the number of parcels handled by home delivery services has grown rapidly, and this increase is predicted to continue. In particular, against the backdrop of an aging society, a declining population, and labor shortages, the rate of redelivery due to recipients being absent is also high. Redelivery reduces labor productivity and increases carbon dioxide emissions during redelivery, resulting in economic and social losses, and these losses are predicted to continue to increase in the future.

The widespread adoption of delivery lockers is predicted to be key to resolving the issues mentioned above. Delivering parcels via delivery lockers is expected to reduce redelivery, cut greenhouse gas emissions associated with logistics, and enable contactless collection of deliveries. In recent years, the government has implemented subsidy policies for the purchase of delivery lockers. Furthermore, delivery companies are increasingly taking the lead in installing open-type parcel lockers in convenient locations such as train stations, supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores, parking lots, and public facilities.

Ideally, for the convenience of the recipient, it would be desirable for such delivery boxes to be located closer to the home, but due to profitability issues, they often have to be installed in busy locations such as train stations. Furthermore, in apartment complexes and other multi-family housing, delivery boxes are often installed near the entrance, but there are problems such as a shortage of available delivery boxes when there are clearly not enough units for the number of residents or when boxes are used at concentrated times. In detached houses, the adoption rate of delivery boxes is limited due to issues such as the initial cost of installation and frequency of use.

On the other hand, vending machines, especially those selling beverages, have been popular for a long time. Vending machines are highly convenient because they can sell products at any time. Furthermore, in the event of a disaster, products can be purchased from vending machines at any time, making them highly valuable to society in terms of emergency response. In Japan, there is one vending machine for every 30 people.

However, in recent years, the number of vending machine users has been declining, and the market has become saturated. As a result, an increasing number of vending machines are no longer profitable due to declining profitability and labor shortages. As a result, manufacturers are reassessing their vending machine installations, and the number of machines installed is decreasing. As a result, the profitability of vending machines is declining, and the reduced number of machines installed is making it more difficult to respond to residents in the event of a disaster.

In an effort to improve both the functionality and convenience of vending machines, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses a system that provides communication means via short-range wireless communication between a mobile terminal and a vending machine to enable payment by electronic money in addition to cash. However, because this technology is already widespread, it does not currently address the aforementioned problems associated with the recent decline in vending machine profitability.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the two problems related to delivery lockers and vending machines mentioned above, and its purpose is to provide a delivery system for vending machines that eliminates time restrictions for receiving deliveries and allows deliveries to be delivered to recipients at convenient times around the clock, thereby reducing the rate of redelivery of parcels and mitigating the problem of labor shortages, as well as reducing the environmental burden caused by deliveries and contributing to the realization of carbon neutrality, and also improving the profitability of vending machines and product manufacturers, while simultaneously achieving a stable supply of goods in the event of a disaster.

A delivery system for vending machines according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises vending machines pre-installed at various locations, each of which has a delivery item storage section having an identification means for identifying a delivery person when the delivery item is stored, a delivery item storage section having a delivery item storage means for storing the delivery item delivered by the delivery person identified by the identification means, and a vending section having a sales item storage section for storing sales items in a stacked manner, and a discharge section for discharging the sales items stored in the sales item storage section to an outlet when a sale is completed, and the system is equipped with a remote access control system constructed on a server, the remote access control system comprising: an allocation means for allocating the delivery item to one of the vending machines when the delivery person is unable to deliver the delivery item, and a transmission means for transmitting information about the delivery to the allocated vending machine, the allocated vending machine identifies the delivery person via the identification means based on the transmitted delivery information, and accepts storage of the delivery item in the delivery item storage means when the delivery person is identified by the identification means The delivery item storage unit further has an authentication means for authenticating storage in one of the delivery item storage means, the allocation means further allocates the delivery item to one of the delivery item storage means in the allocated vending machine, the transmission means transmits information about the delivery item storage means assigned by the allocation means to the allocated vending machine, the allocated vending machine authenticates storage via the authentication means based on the information about the delivery item storage means transmitted from the transmission means, and when storage is authenticated by the authentication means, accepts storage in the allocated delivery item storage means, the transmission means transmits information about the recipient of the delivery item to the vending machine in which the delivery item is stored, the allocated vending machine identifies the recipient via the identification means based on the transmitted information about the recipient, and when the recipient's identity is identified by the identification means, accepts removal of the delivery item from the delivery item storage means.

The vending machine delivery system according to the second aspect of the present invention is the same as the first aspect, except that the allocation means, when a delivery person is unable to deliver an item, refers to the item's storage capacity and allocates the item to one of the vending machines based on the item's packaging size.

The vending machine delivery system of the third invention is the same as the first invention, but further includes an availability acquisition means for acquiring the availability of delivery storage compartments in the vending machines located at each of the above locations, and the allocation means further references the availability acquired by the availability acquisition means and allocates to one of the above vending machines.

The vending machine delivery system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the same as that according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the allocation means notifies the delivery person if there is no vending machine that satisfies the allowable access time or pickup area conditions previously obtained from the recipient of the delivery item.

The vending machine delivery system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the fourth aspect, characterized in that the allocation means assigns a higher allocation priority to vending machines that have a shorter access time from the delivery destination of the delivery item.

The sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a delivery system for vending machines according to the fifth aspect, characterized in that the allocation means refers to the storage capacity of the delivery item storage compartment of the vending machine and allocates the delivery item to one of the vending machines based on the weight of the delivery item.

The seventh aspect of the present invention is a vending machine delivery system according to the first aspect, characterized in that the location information or navigation information of the vending machine assigned by the assignment means is transmitted to a mobile device carried by the delivery person.

The eighth aspect of the present invention is a delivery system for vending machines according to the first aspect, further comprising a storage detection means for detecting that the delivery item has been stored by the delivery item storage means, and when the storage detection means detects that the delivery item has been stored, the transmission means transmits information about the vending machine in which the delivery item has been stored to the recipient of the delivery item.

The present invention, configured as described above, eliminates time restrictions for receiving deliveries and allows deliveries to be delivered to recipients at convenient times around the clock, thereby reducing the rate of redelivery of parcels and mitigating labor shortages. Furthermore, the present invention can reduce the environmental burden caused by deliveries and contribute to achieving carbon neutrality, while also improving the profitability of vending machines and product manufacturers, and simultaneously ensuring a stable supply of supplies in the event of a disaster.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a vending machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which the delivery storage section is arranged below the vending section. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which the delivery storage section is arranged on the left side of the vending section. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which the delivery storage section is arranged to the right of the vending section. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the delivery storage section is arranged behind the vending section. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of only the vending section. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the accessible function area of a vending machine. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an identification system in an unmanned vending machine. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the light guide path of the access unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the block configuration of the authentication system. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a form of communication with the remote access control system. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a form of communication between the authentication system of the access function area, the user, and the remote access control system. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an interface between the authentication system and a user. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a control system of a vending machine. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and functions of the delivery storage unit. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the existing flow of mail delivery. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the flow of delivery of existing online sales products. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the flow of delivery of online sales products in a delivery system to vending machines to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the flow of mail delivery in a delivery system to vending machines to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the authentication process in a vending machine. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the authentication process of the access unit of the vending machine. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the allocation and authentication process of a vending machine. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an identity authentication system. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of selection of a vending machine to be actually allocated. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of notifying a delivery person or a recipient of information about an assigned vending machine. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example in which multiple vending machines communicate with the same remote access control system simultaneously or sequentially. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for a user when executing the authentication process for a delivery item in a vending machine. FIG. 28 is a control diagram for the delivery storage section. FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the process of detecting the storage state of the access unit. FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a temperature control function is provided for the access unit of the delivery storage section.

Below, we will explain in detail the vending machine and delivery system to which the present invention is applied, with reference to the drawings.

[Vending Machine Overview]

Referring to Figure 1, an overview of the vending machine according to this embodiment will be explained.

As shown in Figure 1, the vending machine 100 is equipped with a delivery storage section 200 and a vending section 300, and is a device that allows for the sale of items displayed on the product display section 301, as well as the storage and removal of deliveries that are not directly related to the displayed items.

"Goods for sale" is a general term for objects that can be sold unattended, regardless of the item. In this specification, "goods for sale" is a broad concept that includes beverages, food, alcohol, tobacco, daily necessities, work supplies, and recreational items.

The deliveries stored in or removed from the delivery storage section 200 are a general term for items that can be stored in the access unit 201, regardless of the specific item. Examples of deliveries that can be stored and removed include mail, products purchased from online shops, etc.

The delivery storage unit 200 is equipped with a security device 202 that controls the connection status of the storage space 201b with the outside world, and an authentication system 203 that controls the opening and closing of the security device.

The vending unit 300 includes a product display unit 301, a product selection unit 302, an information display unit 303, a payment processing unit 304, an outlet 305, a control unit 306, an information output unit 307, and a product storage unit 308.

It is desirable to place the delivery storage section 200 and the vending section 300 of the vending machine 100 spatially adjacent to each other. Figure 2 shows an example in which the delivery storage section 200 is placed below the vending section 300. Figure 3 shows an example in which the delivery storage section 200 is placed to the left of the vending section 300. Figure 4 shows an example in which the delivery storage section 200 is placed to the right of the vending section 300. Figure 5 shows an example in which the delivery storage section 200 is placed behind the vending section 300.

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of only the vending unit 300. The vending unit 300 comprises a product display unit 301, a product selection unit 302, an information display unit 303, a payment processing unit 304, an outlet 305, a control unit 306, an information output unit 307, and a product storage unit 308. The product selection unit 302 may be mechanical, electronic, contact, or contactless. An example of an electronic product selection unit 302 is a touch panel that enables product selection. The information display unit 303 can show the selected product to the user using optical information. Examples of the information display unit 303 include a light bulb that emits light and a digital display that displays the selection status and operating instructions. The payment processing unit 304 may be either a cash payment mechanism or a cashless electronic payment mechanism. A cash payment mechanism supports at least one of banknotes and coins. Examples of cashless electronic payments include credit cards, debit cards, electronic money, payments using NFC (Near Field Communication), and payments using two-dimensional codes or barcodes. After a user purchases an item, the item is ejected from product storage section 308 to outlet 305 under the control of control section 306, and information output section 307 outputs information about the transaction to the user. Examples of output methods include printout on paper media and communication via electronic media.

As shown in Figure 7, the delivery storage section 200 of the vending machine 100 is configured as a separate space from the vending section 300, and includes a uniquely identified access unit 201 with space capable of storing deliveries, a security device 202 that controls the connection status of the item storage space with the outside, an authentication system 203 that controls the opening and closing of the security device, an identity display unit 204 that displays the unique identity of the delivery storage section 200, and an optical information acquisition unit 205 that acquires information regarding access to the access unit 201. Examples of optical information acquisition units include a camera and an optical sensor.

When the delivery storage section 200 has access units 201, each access unit 201 is spatially independent. Furthermore, to accommodate deliveries larger than the storage space of a single access unit 201, adjacent access units 201 can be combined, and the deliveries can be stored in a new access unit 201 that is still identified as a single space. The shape of the space in the access unit 201 that can store deliveries is preferably rectangular. The security device 202 is preferably an electronic lock that is electronically controlled based on the authentication results of the authentication system 203. The identity display unit 204 can display the identity of the delivery storage section 200 to the user. Examples of identity display include a character string, number, identification code, image, or other unique ID. The optical information acquisition unit 205 is a device that acquires information related to the user's use of the vending machine 100 and the access unit 201 of the delivery storage section 200. The optical information acquisition unit 205 can acquire optical information in one dimension, two dimensions, three dimensions, etc. Examples of the optical information acquisition unit 205 include a barcode scanner, a camera, etc. Examples of one-dimensional, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, etc. optical information include product barcodes, two-dimensional codes, LCD barcodes, photos and images of users or items, etc.

As shown in FIG. 8, the identification display unit 204 is formed in the delivery storage unit 200 of the vending machine 100. Specifically, when a user stands facing the front of the vending machine 100, it is desirable that the identification display unit 204 be installed in a location that faces the user's eye level. It is also desirable that the identification display unit 204 be installed at approximately the same height as the user's eyes. When the delivery storage unit 200 is located below or behind the vending unit 300, the identification display unit 204 can also be installed in the vending unit 300.

As shown in Figure 9, in order to check the storage status of the delivery in the storage space of the access unit 201, a light guide path is provided that reflects light from the stored delivery using a light guide device 201a and projects it onto the user's eyes. Examples of this light guide device include a reflector, mirror, etc.

As shown in Figure 10, the authentication system 203 is composed of an information display unit 203a, an information input unit 203b, an information storage unit 203c, an information communication unit 203d, and a control unit 203e that controls the authentication process.

The information display unit 203a serves as a user interface and can disclose information to the user. Examples of information that can be disclosed include the unique identity of the vending machine 100, the unique identity of the delivery storage unit 200, instructions and results of the identity authentication process for the vending machine 100, instructions and results of the identity authentication process for the delivery storage unit 200, authentication instructions and results at the time of access, payment information, error messages, etc.

The information storage unit 203c pre-stores the identification information of the vending machine 100, the identification information of the access unit 201, and access authentication information. The access authentication information entered by the user via the information input unit 203b is compared with the identification information of the vending machine, the identification information of the access unit, and the access authentication information pre-stored in the information storage unit. After confirming the consistency of the information, the security device 202, which controls the connection status of the item storage space with the outside world, is deactivated, opening the item storage space of the access unit 201 and allowing items to be deposited or removed.

The information input unit 203b can be mechanical, including button-type, or electronic, including touch panel-type. Even with an electronic type, users can input information into a remote control system that controls the vending machine 100 and delivery storage unit 200 using their own terminal.

As shown in Figure 11, the information communication unit 203d communicates bidirectionally with the user terminal 500 and the remote access control system 400 during the access authentication process, and updates related information when the access starts or is completed. Examples of user terminals 500 include smartphones, electronic authentication devices, and electronic authentication cards. Examples of remote access control systems 400 include control systems built on a remote physical server and control systems built on a remote cloud server.

As shown in Figure 12, the delivery storage unit 200 communicates with the remote access control system 400 via the authentication system 203, controls the open/close status of the security device 202, and controls whether or not users are allowed access to the access unit 201. Multiple access units 201 can also communicate with the remote access control system 400 via the same authentication system 203.

As shown in Figure 13, a user can complete the authentication process including the remote access control system 400 and the authentication system 203 by following the information displayed on the information display unit 203a of the authentication system 203 on the user terminal 500. Examples of information displayed on the information display unit 203a include two-dimensional codes, barcodes, images indicating status, and text indicating instructions. The information displayed on the information display unit 203a can be changed or updated according to the authentication process.

As shown in Figure 14, the control system of the vending machine 100 includes a common electronic control module 101 for the delivery storage section 200 and the vending section 300, an access function control module 102, and an item sales function control module 103. Examples of the configuration of the common electronic control module 101 include an information display section 101a, a power supply section 101b, a payment processing section 101c, and an information communication section 101d. The power supply method for the power supply section 101b may be wired or wireless. The communication method for the information communication section 101d may be wired or wireless. The payment processing section 101d may be a cash payment mechanism or a cashless electronic payment mechanism. A cash payment mechanism supports at least one of banknotes and coins. Examples of cashless electronic payments include credit cards, debit cards, electronic money, NFC payments, and two-dimensional code/barcode payments. When the payment processing unit 101c of the access function control module 102 and the item sales function control module 103 is shared, the payment processing unit 101c is the same as the payment processing unit 304.

As shown in FIG. 15, in another example, the delivery storage unit 200 is composed of a storage mechanism 206a, a user interface 206b, an information control processing mechanism 206c, and a payment mechanism 206d. The storage mechanism 206a is equipped with functions such as storing delivery items, security devices, temperature detection, cooling/heating temperature control, user eye guidance, item placement status detection, and access unit 201 open/close detection. The user interface 206b is equipped with functions such as displaying the storage mechanism, displaying the access unit 201 storage status, selection buttons, amount display, a payment interface, information detection, and information input/output. The information control processing mechanism 206c is equipped with functions such as amount calculation, storage availability determination, change determination and instruction, price setting, storage and sales mode setting, authentication control, process control, temperature control, and information communication. The payment mechanism 206d is equipped with functions such as coin validation, bill identification, card reading and writing, cashless payment support, change dispensing, and money storage.

Figure 16 illustrates the existing delivery flow of parcels. When a sender sends a parcel (S1700), a delivery person involved in the delivery picks up and forwards the parcel (S1701). This forwarding includes forwarding the parcel collected from the sender to a regional delivery center and moving the parcel between regional delivery centers. After being moved to a delivery center close to the recipient, the parcel is picked up by the delivery person and delivered to the recipient (S1702) or begins the initial delivery to the recipient. If the recipient is at home or has available delivery support equipment such as a delivery box (S1703), the delivery person completes delivery of the parcel to the authorized location (S1704). If the recipient is not at home or does not have available delivery support equipment such as a delivery box (S1703), the parcel is returned to the delivery person, necessitating a re-delivery. This re-delivery results in economic and social losses, such as reduced labor productivity and increased carbon dioxide emissions.

Figure 17 illustrates the flow of delivery for existing online retailers. After a user orders a product online (S1800), the online retailer ships the product (S1801). A delivery person picks up and forwards the collected product (S1802). This forwarding includes transferring the product shipped by the online retailer to a regional delivery center or moving the product between regional delivery centers. After being moved to a delivery center closest to the user's designated pickup location, the delivery person picks up the shipped product and delivers it to the user's designated pickup location (S1803), or begins the initial delivery. If the recipient is at home or has available delivery support equipment such as a delivery box (S1804), the delivery person completes delivery of the product to the authorized location (S1805). If the recipient is not at home or does not have available delivery support equipment such as a delivery box (S1804), the delivery person returns the product and a new delivery attempt will be required.

Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the delivery flow of online products via a vending machine 100 incorporating the present invention. When a user orders a product online (S1900), the user selects whether or not the vending machine 100 of the present invention can be used as a pickup option (S1906). The online retailer ships the product (S1901). A delivery person involved in the delivery picks up and forwards the collected product (S1902). This forwarding includes forwarding the item shipped by the online retailer to a regional delivery center and moving the item between regional delivery centers. After being moved to a delivery center closest to the user's designated pickup location, the delivery person picks up the shipped item and delivers it to the user's designated pickup location (S1903), or begins the initial delivery. If the recipient is at home or has available delivery support equipment such as a delivery box (S1904), the delivery person completes delivery of the item to the authorized location (S1905). If the recipient is not at home or does not have delivery support equipment such as a delivery box available to the recipient (S1904), and the user has not authorized the use of the vending machine 100 of the present invention to receive the delivery (S1906), the delivery will be taken back by the delivery person and redelivery will be required next time.

On the other hand, if the recipient is not at home or does not have any delivery support facilities such as a delivery box available to the recipient (S1904), but the user allows the vending machine 100 to which the present invention is applied to receive the delivery (S1906), the remote access control system 400 is requested to allocate an available vending machine 100 (VP) (S1907).

The remote access control system 400 assigns the delivery person a compatible vending machine 100 and access unit 201 that is closest to the user's designated pickup location (S1908). The delivery person then moves to the assigned vending machine 100 (S1909). After the delivery person arrives at the assigned vending machine, the vending machine 100 identifies the delivery person to confirm that it is the assigned vending machine 100 (S1910).

This identification refers to identifying whether the delivery person has been granted authority to accept deliveries from that vending machine 100. This identification is performed by the vending machine 100 itself. When the remote access control system 400 assigns a vending machine 100 to a delivery person in S1908, it sends information about the delivery person to the assigned vending machine 100. The assigned vending machine 100 receives the information about the delivery person via the remote access control system 400. Then, during this identification in S1910, when a delivery person who has actually traveled to the vending machine 100 accesses the vending machine 100, the received information about the delivery person is referenced and compared. As a result, if the accessing delivery person matches the delivery person described in the received information, the accessing delivery person is identified as having been granted authority to accept deliveries from that vending machine 100; in other words, the accessing delivery person has been identified. On the other hand, if the accessing delivery person does not match the delivery person described in the received information, it can be determined that the accessing delivery person does not have the authority to accept deliveries from the vending machine 100, and that their identity has not been identified. Whether the delivery person's information matches or does not match can be determined using information such as the delivery person's name, various other information, ID, employee ID number, and one-time password transmitted from the remote access control system 400. In addition to the delivery person information, any other information related to the delivery, such as the delivery item, may be transmitted (hereinafter referred to as "delivery information"), and the assigned vending machine 100 may receive this delivery information. The identification in S1910 then references and collates the received delivery information. If the accessing delivery person matches the delivery person described in the received information, the accessing delivery person is identified as having the authority to accept deliveries from the vending machine 100, and their identity has been identified.

If the delivery person moves to a vending machine 100 in S1909, but is not identified as the vending machine 100 during the identification process in S1910, this means that the delivery person has mistakenly moved to an unassigned vending machine 100. In such a case, the delivery person will move back to the correct assigned vending machine 100 (S1909). If the assigned vending machine 100 is unavailable due to a malfunction or other reason, the delivery person can request the access control system to assign another available vending machine 100 (S1907). Alternatively, the delivery person can cancel the current delivery and storage for other reasons and synchronize the status with the access control system (S1917).

If the identity identification of the vending machine 100 (S1910) is successfully completed, it means that the delivery person has moved to the correct assigned vending machine 100. In such a case, the access unit 201 is confirmed (S1911) and authenticated (S1912). When performing this authentication, the remote access control system 400 may assign an access unit 201 to the delivery person at the same time as assigning the vending machine 100 in S1908. If there are multiple available access units 201 for the assigned vending machine 100, one of these access units 201 may be assigned to accommodate the delivery item.

The remote access control system 400 transmits information regarding the access unit 201 to be assigned. The assigned vending machine 100 receives information regarding the assigned access unit 201 via the remote access control system 400. Then, in this authentication in S1912, when the access unit 201 is accessed by a delivery person who has actually traveled to the vending machine 100, a comparison is performed. As a result, if the access unit 201 accessed by the delivery person matches the access unit 201 described in the received information, the access unit 201 is identified as having been authenticated. On the other hand, if the access unit 201 accessed by the delivery person does not match the access unit 201 described in the received information, it is identified as having failed authentication of the access unit 201.

If the number of authentication attempts for the access unit 201 exceeds the specified limit (S1913), the situation is reported to the remote access control system 400 (S1914), and appropriate action is taken (S1915). Examples of appropriate actions at S1915 include closing the security device of the access unit 201 or dispatching maintenance personnel. If the number of authentication attempts for the access unit 201 does not exceed the specified limit (S1913), the system continues to wait until authentication of the access unit 201 (S1912) is completed. Once authentication of the access unit 201 (S1912) is completed, the delivery person stores the delivery item (S1916). Optionally, the delivery person can cancel the current delivery and synchronize the status with the remote access control system 400 (S1917). Alternatively, the delivery person can request the remote access control system 400 to assign a new, available vending machine (S1907).

After the delivery person has finished storing the item (S1916), the status of the used vending machine 100 and access unit 201 is updated in the remote access control system 400 (S1918), and information regarding the item's storage is updated for the recipient of the delivery (S1919), the sender (online retailer) (S1920), and the delivery system (S1921). Examples of such update methods include a message to a mobile phone, a notification on a mobile app, email, or information reflected in the purchasing system. Examples of information regarding the item's storage include video images, still images, and other information consisting of text. It is preferable that the video and still images are captured automatically by the vending machine 100. It is even more preferable that information processing processes such as anonymization of personal information on video and still images, and image recognition be included. Alternatively, each information recipient may be able to check the reception status of other information recipients.

After the information regarding the item storage is updated by the user (S1919), the recipient moves to the vending machine 100 where the delivery has been stored (S1922), and the identity of the vending machine 100 is identified (S1923). This identity identification refers to identifying whether the recipient is authorized to receive deliveries from that vending machine 100. This identity identification is performed by the vending machine 100 itself. When the remote access control system 400 notifies the recipient in S1919 that the item has been stored in the vending machine 100, it sends information about the recipient to the vending machine 100. The vending machine 100 receives the information about the recipient via the remote access control system 400. Then, during this identification in S1923, when the recipient who has actually moved to the vending machine 100 accesses the vending machine 100, the received recipient information is referenced and verified. As a result, if the accessing recipient matches the recipient described in the received information, it can be determined that the accessing recipient has been authorized to receive deliveries from that vending machine 100, and the recipient's identity has been identified, so to speak. On the other hand, if the accessing recipient does not match the recipient described in the received information, it can be determined that the accessing recipient does not have the authority to receive deliveries from that vending machine 100, and the recipient's identity has not been identified, so to speak. Whether the recipient's information matches or does not match can be determined using, for example, information representative of a one-time password, two-dimensional code, or barcode sent to the recipient from the remote access control system 400.

If the recipient's identity cannot be identified, the recipient is again moved to the assigned vending machine 100 (S1922). If the notified vending machine 100 is unavailable due to a malfunction or other reason, a synchronous report is sent to the remote access control system 400 (S1924), which can request appropriate action (S1925). Examples of appropriate actions at S1925 include unlocking the security device of the delivery storage unit 200 and dispatching maintenance personnel. If the vending machine 100's identity is successfully identified (S1923), the delivery storage unit 200 is checked (S1926) and authenticated (S1927).

When performing this authentication, the status of the vending machine 100 and access unit 201 is updated for the recipient (S1919), sender (online retailer) (S1920), and delivery system (S1921).

In this authentication in S1927, when the recipient who has actually traveled to the vending machine 100 accesses the access unit 201, a comparison is performed. As a result, if the access unit 201 accessed by the recipient matches the updated access unit 201, the access unit 201 is identified as having been authenticated. On the other hand, if the access unit 201 accessed by the recipient does not match the updated access unit 201, it is identified as having failed to authenticate the access unit 201.

If the number of authentication attempts for the access unit 201 exceeds the specified limit (S1928), the situation is reported to the remote access control system 400 (S1924), and appropriate action is taken (S1925). Examples of appropriate actions at S1925 include closing the security device of the access unit 201, dispatching maintenance personnel, etc. If the number of authentication attempts for the access unit 201 does not exceed the specified limit (S1928), the system continues to wait until authentication of the access unit 201 (S1927) is completed.

After the recipient has finished retrieving the product (S1929), the status of the used vending machine 100 and access unit 201 is updated in the remote access control system 400 (S1918), and information regarding the placement of the delivery and completion of delivery is updated for the recipient (S1919), sender (online retailer) (S1920), and delivery system (S1921). Examples of such update methods include a message to a mobile phone, a notification on a mobile app, email, and information reflected in the purchasing system. Examples of information regarding the placement of the delivery include video and still images. It is preferable that the video and still images are captured automatically by the vending machine 100. It is even more preferable that the system include information processing processes such as anonymization of personal information on video, still images, and image recognition for video and still images. Alternatively, each information recipient can also check the reception status of other related information recipients. If the recipient is unable to complete retrieval of the item (S1929), the situation is reported to the remote access control system 400 (S1924), and appropriate action (S1925) is taken, such as dispatching maintenance personnel, connecting via video call, or conducting a verification process.

Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the flow of mail delivery via a vending machine 100 incorporating the present invention. Before the sender sends the mail (S2001), the sender confirms with the recipient whether the vending machine 100 incorporating the present invention is available as a mail receiving option (S2006). The delivery person involved in the delivery picks up and forwards the collected mail (S2002). This forwarding includes transferring the sent mail to a regional delivery center and moving the mail between regional delivery centers. After moving to a delivery center closest to the sender's designated receiving location, the mail is picked up by the delivery person and delivered to the sender's designated receiving location (S2003), or the initial delivery begins. If the recipient is at home or has available delivery support equipment such as a delivery box (S2004), the delivery person completes delivery of the product to the authorized location (S2005). If the recipient is not at home, or if the recipient does not have available delivery support equipment such as a delivery box (S2004), and the sender has not given permission to use the vending machine 100 according to the present invention to receive the product (S2006), the product will be taken back by the delivery person, and redelivery will be required next time.

On the other hand, if the recipient is not at home or does not have available delivery support facilities such as a delivery box (S2004), but the sender has authorized the use of the vending machine 100 of the present invention to receive the product (S2006), a request is made to the remote access control system 400 to assign an available vending machine 100 (S2007). The remote access control system 400 assigns the vending machine 100 specified by the sender to the delivery person (S2008). The delivery person then moves to the assigned vending machine 100 (S2009). After arriving at the assigned vending machine 100, the delivery person performs identity verification to confirm that the vending machine 100 is the assigned vending machine (S2010). The details of identity verification are the same as in S1910. If the delivery person moves to a vending machine 100 that has not been identified as having the authority to receive the product, the delivery person will again move to the assigned vending machine 100 (S2009). If the allocated vending machine 100 is unavailable due to a malfunction or other reason, the delivery person can request the remote access control system 400 to allocate another available vending machine 100 (S2007). Alternatively, the delivery person can cancel the current delivery and storage for other reasons and synchronize the status with the remote access control system 400 (S2017). If the vending machine's identity is successfully identified (S2010), the access unit 201 is confirmed (S2011) and authenticated (S2012). The details of this confirmation and authentication are the same as those in S1911 and S1912.

If the number of authentications for the delivery exceeds the specified limit (S2013), the situation is reported to the remote access control system 400 (S2014), and appropriate action is taken (S2015). Examples of such appropriate action include closing the security device of the access unit 201 or dispatching maintenance personnel. If the number of authentications for the access unit 201 does not exceed the specified limit (S2013), the system continues to wait until authentication of the access unit 201 (S2012) is completed. Once authentication of the access unit 201 (S2012) is completed, the delivery person stores the product (S2016). In some cases, the delivery person can cancel this delivery and synchronize the situation with the remote access control system 400 (S2017). Alternatively, the delivery person can request the remote access control system 400 to assign a new, available vending machine (S2007).

After the delivery person has finished storing the mail (S2016), the status of the used vending machine 100 and access unit 201 is updated in the remote access control system 400 (S2018), and information regarding the mail storage is updated for the recipient (S2019), sender (S2020), and delivery system (S2021). Examples of such update methods include a message to a mobile phone, a notification on a mobile app, email, and information reflected in the purchasing system. Examples of information regarding the mail storage include video and still images. It is preferable that the video and still images are captured automatically by the vending machine 100. It is even more preferable that the system includes information processing processes such as anonymization of personal information on video, still images, and image recognition. Alternatively, each information recipient may be able to check the reception status of other information recipients.

After the information regarding the mail storage is updated for the recipient (S2019), the recipient moves to the vending machine 100 where the mail is stored (S2022), and the identity of the vending machine 100 is identified (S2023). If the recipient moves to a vending machine 100 whose identity has not been authenticated, the recipient moves back to the assigned vending machine 100 (S2022). If the assigned vending machine 100 is unavailable due to a malfunction or other reason, a synchronous report is sent to the remote access control system 400 (S2024), which can request appropriate action (S2025). Examples of appropriate action include unlocking the security device of the access unit 201 or dispatching maintenance personnel. If the vending machine's identity identification (S2023) is successfully completed, the access unit 201 is confirmed (S2026) and authenticated (S2027). Details of these confirmations and authentications are the same as those in S1926 and S1927.

If the number of authentication attempts to the access unit 201 exceeds the specified limit (S2028), the situation is reported to the remote access control system 400 (S2024), and appropriate action (S2025) is also taken. Examples of appropriate action include closing the security device of the access unit 201, dispatching maintenance personnel, etc. If the number of authentication attempts does not exceed the specified limit (S2028), the system continues to wait until authentication (S2027) is completed.

After the recipient has completed retrieving the product (S2029), the status of the vending machine 100 and access unit 201 used is updated in the remote access control system 400 (S2018), and information regarding the collection of the mail as a delivery and the completion of collection is updated in the recipient (S2019), sender (S2020), and delivery system (S2021). Examples of update methods include a message to a mobile phone, a notification in a mobile app, email, and information reflected in the purchasing system. Examples of information regarding collection include video and still images. It is preferable that the video and still images are captured automatically by the vending machine 100. It is even more preferable that the system include information processing processes such as anonymization of personal information on video, still images, and image recognition for video and still images. Alternatively, each information recipient can also check the reception status of other information recipients. If the recipient is unable to complete retrieval of the item (S2029), the situation is reported to the remote access control system 400 (S2024), and appropriate action (S2025) is also taken. Examples of appropriate action include dispatching maintenance personnel, connecting via video call, or conducting a verification process.

Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of identity verification (S1910, S2010) in Figures 18 and 19. The vending machine 100 is in standby mode (S2100) and waits for authentication information input (S2101) from the delivery person approaching the vending machine. If the correct authentication information is received (S2102), the vending machine completes identity verification (S2103). If the correct authentication information is not received (S2102), there is a possibility that the information has not been received, so the time is compared with the specified reception time limit again. If a timeout has not occurred (S2104), the vending machine waits for authentication information input (S2101). If a timeout has occurred (S2104), the vending machine 100 resets to standby mode (S2100).

Whether or not correct authentication information has been received in S2102 is determined based on information about the delivery person sent to the assigned vending machine 100 via the remote access control system 400.

As shown in Figure 21, the authentication process (S1912, S2012) for the access unit 201 of the vending machine 100 in Figures 18 and 19 will be explained. The vending machine 100 is in a standby state (S2200) and waits for the delivery person approaching the vending machine 100 to input authentication information for the access unit 201 (S2201). Upon receiving correct authentication information (S2202), the security device of the vending machine 100 is unlocked (S2203), and permission is granted to the delivery person to access the item storage space of the access unit 201. Whether correct authentication information has been received in S2202 is determined via the remote access control system 400 based on information about the assigned access unit 201.

After storage is complete, the locking status of the security device is checked (S2205), and if successful, the storage status and authentication information of the access unit 201 are updated (S2206). Examples of updating the storage status and authentication information of the access unit 201 include updating the storage status of the access unit 201 in the access control system 400 and receiving new authentication information from the remote access control system 400, or updating with information instructed by the remote access control system 400 and synchronizing the updated information with the remote access control system 400. If the correct authentication information of the access unit 201 is not received (S2202), there is a possibility that it has not been received, so the time is compared with the specified reception time limit and if it has not timed out (S2204), the vending machine continues to wait for authentication information input (S2201). If it times out (S2204), the vending machine resets to standby mode (S2200).

Figure 22 shows details of the identity verification (S1910, S2010) and access unit 201 authentication (S1912, S2012) shown in Figures 18 and 19. After the delivery person requests the allocation of a vending machine 100 (S2300), and the vending machine 100 is actually allocated (S2309), the delivery person moves to the allocated vending machine 100 (S2301) and requests authentication of the vending machine 100 (S2302). Upon receiving the authentication request, the remote access control system 400 generates the information necessary for authentication (S2303) and synchronizes with the delivery item storage unit authentication system of the vending machine 100 (S2304). This synchronization allows the vending machine 100 to share the information necessary for this authentication, and thus the identity verification process shown in Figure 20, i.e., the authentication process of the vending machine 100 itself, begins (S2305). After the vending machine authentication process is completed (S2306), the delivery confirmation process begins as shown in FIG. 21. If the delivery is moved to a vending machine 100 other than the assigned vending machine 100 and the authentication process is not completed, the delivery is moved to the newly assigned vending machine 100 (S2301). In such cases, the delivery person can request a reassignment of the vending machine 100 (S2300). Alternatively, if an abnormality is detected, the authentication of the vending machine 100 may be stopped and synchronization may be established with the remote access control system 400 (S2307). Alternatively, the remote access control system 400 may stop the authentication of the vending machine 100. The information required for authentication in the remote access control system 400 may be generated by the remote access control system 400 immediately after the vending machine 100 is assigned and synchronized with the vending machine 100.

As shown in Figure 23, an example of a user interface for the identity identification (S1910, S2010) process of Figures 18 and 19 is described. The authentication system of the vending machine 100 communicates with the remote control system (S2401) at the start of authentication (S2400), during authentication (2402), and even when authentication is complete (2403). For example, at the start of authentication (S2400), a trigger that can start authentication of the vending machine 100 or delivery item is displayed on the information display unit. Examples of triggers include two-dimensional codes and barcodes. The user's activation of the trigger is synchronized with the remote control system, and the authentication information required for the remote control system and the authentication system of the vending machine 100 is also synchronized. During authentication (S2402), the user inputs the required authentication information through the user interface and communicates with the remote control system. If the authentication information entered by the user matches the required authentication information defined by the remote access control system 400, authentication is completed successfully (S2403). If the authentication information entered by the user does not match the required authentication information defined by the remote access control system 400, authentication is terminated via the process shown in FIG. 20. Examples of required authentication information include input of codes representing letters and numbers, remote communication via scanning of barcodes or two-dimensional codes, communication of authorized electronic cards such as ID cards or security cards, information based on the user's face or fingerprints, etc.

Figure 24 is a diagram explaining the details of the allocation method for vending machines 100.

First, the remote access control system 400 acquires in advance the full VPList (t11) in its own database. This full VPList (t11) contains the IDs (VP 001, VP 002, VP 003, ...) of the vending machines 100 located in various locations, their Box IDs (A, B, A, A, ...), availability (empty or in use), storage capacity, storage weight, storage conditions, location information, etc.

When actually allocating a vending machine 100 (S1908, S2008), the packaging size of the delivery item to be delivered by the delivery person is obtained. This packaging size of the delivery item is included in the package-related information. Package-related information is information added to each delivery item, and includes packaging size, weight, storage condition (frozen or not), etc.

In addition to this package-related information, each delivery is also accompanied by delivery-related user information about the recipient, including the delivery destination, allowable access time, recipient area designation, etc. The allowable access time indicates how much access time the recipient actually desires from the delivery address to the vending machine 100 to which the delivery will be assigned. The recipient area designation is information that is written when a specific pick-up area is designated for the vending machine 100 to be assigned. These data can be designated by the recipient (user), but if no designation is made by the recipient, default values may be set.

At this time, if there is no vending machine that meets the allowable access time or pickup area conditions previously obtained from the recipient of the delivery, the delivery person may be notified of this. In such cases, the delivery person will redeliver the delivery.

The remote access control system 400 references the storage capacity in the previously acquired full VPList (t11) and allocates the delivery to one of the vending machines 100 based on the package size of the delivery in the package-related information. The storage capacity referenced may be obtained by the remote access control system 400 from each vending machine 100 on an individual basis, but this is not limited to this; the storage capacity may be input or registered in advance for each vending machine 100 and referenced.

As a result, if there is a vending machine 100 that meets the packaging size of the delivery item in this package-related information, an available VPList (t12) consisting of only vending machines 100 that meet that size is created. On the other hand, if there is not a single vending machine 100 that meets that size, a message is sent indicating that there are no available vending machines 100, and system operation is temporarily terminated.

Next, the vending machine 100 to be actually allocated is determined from this available VPList (t12). At this time, the highest priority may be given to the storage capacity. The vending machine 100 whose storage capacity is closest to the packaging size of the delivery may be allocated first. This allows the storage capacity of a vending machine 100 with a larger storage capacity to be allocated to other deliveries.

Next, the vending machine 100 with the shorter access time from the delivery destination of the delivery item may be given a higher allocation priority. If there are multiple vending machines 100 with matching storage sizes, allocating the one with the shorter access time can shorten delivery and collection times.

The next priority may be determined by referencing the storable weight of the delivery. The storable weight is referenced and the delivery is allocated to one of the vending machines 100 based on its weight. At this time, the vending machine 100 whose storable weight is closest to the weight of the delivery may be preferentially allocated. This allows the capacity of the vending machine 100 with a larger storable weight to be allocated to other deliveries. The storable weight referenced may be obtained each time by the remote access control system 400 from the vending machine 100, but this is not limited to this; the storable weight of each vending machine 100 may be input and registered in advance, and this may be referenced.

Note that the above-mentioned priorities are merely examples, and any other priorities may be set. Furthermore, the system uses an algorithm to determine the priorities of the vending machines 100 and access units 201 to be assigned, and assigns the vending machines 100 and access units 201 with the highest priorities as the recipients, and notifies the deliverer.

The remote access control system 400 notifies the delivery person or recipient of information about the vending machine 100 assigned in this manner. In such cases, as shown in FIG. 25, the location of the assigned vending machine 100 may be displayed as an address or image, an image of the surrounding area, or an image of the building, or a navigation screen showing the route from the current location to the vending machine 100 may be displayed. By visually checking the location information or navigation information of the vending machine 100, the delivery person or recipient can travel to the assigned vending machine 100.

In addition, the vending machine 100 may be provided with a storage detection unit (not shown) that detects that a delivery item has been stored, and when this storage detection unit (not shown) detects that a delivery item has been stored, information regarding the vending machine in which the delivery item has been stored may be sent to the recipient of the delivery item.

According to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 26, multiple vending machines 100 can communicate with the same remote access control system 400 simultaneously or sequentially.

As shown in Figure 27, an example of a user's user interface for executing the process of authenticating a delivery (S1912, S2012) of the vending machine 100 will be described. The user selects an access unit 201 via the user interface (S2500). The access unit 201 may be assigned by the remote control system. Alternatively, the user may select the access unit 201 proactively based on the usage status of the vending machine 100's access unit 201. The authentication system of the vending machine 100 communicates with the remote access control system 400 at the start of authentication (S2501), during authentication (S2502), and even until authentication is complete (S2504). For example, at the start of authentication (S2501), a trigger that can start authentication of the vending machine 100 or access unit 201 is displayed on the information display unit. Examples of triggers include two-dimensional codes, barcodes, etc. The user's trigger activation is synchronized with the remote control system, and the necessary authentication information is also synchronized between the remote access control system 400 and the vending machine 100's authentication system. During authentication (S2502), the user inputs the required authentication information through the user interface and communicates it to the remote access control system 400. If the authentication information input by the user matches the required authentication information defined by the remote access control system 400, authentication is completed successfully (S2503). If the authentication information input by the user does not match the required authentication information defined by the remote control system, authentication is terminated via the process shown in FIG. 21. Examples of inputting the required authentication information include inputting codes representing letters and numbers, remote communication via scanning a barcode or two-dimensional code, communication via authorized electronic cards such as ID cards or security cards, information based on the user's face or fingerprint, etc.

As shown in Figure 28, the control diagram of the delivery storage unit 200 is explained. To perform the access function, the controller 600, which can input, output, and process information, is composed of ROM 600a, CPU 600b, RAM 600c, timer 600d, communication unit 600e, power supply unit 600f, etc. Input information is stored, calculated, and output via ROM 600a, RAM 600c, and timer 600d, centered on CPU 600b. Examples of input information include instructions to use the delivery storage unit 200 selected in the delivery storage unit selection unit 601, the vending machine usage mode switched in the sales/access mode switching unit 602, related information about the access unit to be used specified in the access unit designation unit 603, authentication/payment information input in the information input unit 203b, and the storage status of the access unit input from the storage status sensor 604. The storage status sensor 604 is composed of a switch sensor 604a that detects the open/close status of the access unit and a storage sensor 604b that detects whether an item has been placed thereon. Examples of output information include the information display unit 203a, which conveys the status and instructions to the user, and instructions on the open/close status to the security device 202, which controls the open/close status of the access unit 201.

As shown in Figure 29, the process of detecting the storage status of the access unit 201 is described. After access unit authentication begins (S2800), if authentication is not completed (S2801), a determination is made as to whether the maximum number of authentication attempts has been exceeded (S2802). If the maximum number of authentication attempts has not been exceeded, the system waits until authentication is completed (S2801). If the maximum number of authentication attempts has been exceeded, the system synchronizes the situation with the remote access control system 400 (S2803) and instructs the user on the next course of action (S2804). If the storage of a stored delivery item is not detected after authentication is completed (S2801) (S2807), information is displayed to the user reminding them to adjust or store the delivery item (S2808). At the same time, the locking status of the access unit 201 is detected (S2805). If the locking status of the access unit 201 is not detected, the locking status of the access unit 201 is displayed to the user (S2806). When the storage of the stored delivery item is detected and the locking of the access unit is detected, the vending machine 100 synchronizes the status of the access unit 201 with the control system and updates related information (S2809).

As shown in Figure 30, by providing a temperature control function for the access unit 201 of the delivery storage section 200, it is possible to maintain a temperature other than room temperature.

The above-described examples are specific embodiments of the present invention and are intended to explain the technical concepts of the present invention, but are not limited to these forms. It goes without saying that those skilled in the art can modify, change, or substitute any other well-known technology within the scope of the above-described embodiments.

100 Vending machine 101 Common electronic control module 101a Information display unit 101b Power supply unit 101c Payment processing unit 102 Access function control module 103 Item vending function control module 200 Delivery storage unit 201 Access unit 201a Light guide device 201b Storage space 202 Security device 203 Authentication system 203a Information display unit 203b Information input unit 203c Information storage unit 203d Information communication unit 203e Control unit 204 Identity display unit 205 Optical information acquisition unit 206a Storage mechanism 206b User interface 206c Information control processing mechanism 206d Payment mechanism 300 Vending unit 301 Product display unit 302 Product selection unit 303 Information display unit 304 Payment processing unit 305 Take-out port 306 Control unit 307 Information output unit 308 Product storage unit 400 Remote access control system 500 User terminal 600 Controller 600a ROM
600b CPU
600c RAM
600d Timer 600e Communication unit 600f Power supply unit 601 Delivery storage unit selection unit 602 Access mode switching unit 603 Access unit designation unit 604 Storage state sensor 604a Switch sensor 604b Storage sensor

Claims (8)

Vending machines are installed in advance at various locations, each of which is independently provided with a delivery storage section having an identification means for identifying the identity of a delivery person when the delivery person stores the delivery and a delivery storage means for storing the delivery delivered by the delivery person identified by the identification means, and a vending section having a sales item storage section for storing sales items in layers and a discharge section for discharging the sales items stored in the sales item storage section to an outlet when a sale is completed,
It is equipped with a remote access control system built on a server,
The remote access control system includes:
allocation means for allocating the delivery to one of the vending machines when the delivery person is unable to deliver the delivery;
a transmitting means for transmitting the delivery information to the assigned vending machine;
The assigned vending machine identifies the delivery person via the identification means based on the transmitted delivery information, and when the delivery person's identity is identified by the identification means, accepts the delivery item for storage in the delivery item storage means;
The delivery storage unit further includes authentication means for authenticating storage in any of the delivery storage means,
The allocation means further allocates the delivery to one of the delivery storage means in the allocated vending machine,
The transmitting means transmits information about the delivery storage means assigned by the assigning means to the assigned vending machine,
The assigned vending machine authenticates storage via the authentication means based on the information on the delivery storage means transmitted from the transmission means, and when storage authentication is confirmed by the authentication means, accepts storage in the assigned delivery storage means;
The transmitting means transmits information about a recipient of the delivery to the vending machine in which the delivery is stored,
The assigned vending machine identifies the recipient through the identification means based on the transmitted information about the recipient, and when the recipient's identity is identified by the identification means, accepts removal of the delivery from the delivery storage means.
A vending machine delivery system characterized by: 2. The delivery system to vending machines according to claim 1, wherein the allocation means, when a delivery person is unable to deliver an item, refers to the storable size of the item and allocates the item to one of the vending machines based on the package size of the item. Further, a vacancy status acquisition means for acquiring the vacancy status of the delivery storage section in the vending machine installed at each location is provided,
2. The system for delivering to vending machines according to claim 1, wherein the allocating means further refers to the availability status acquired by the availability status acquiring means and allocates to any one of the vending machines. 3. The delivery system for vending machines according to claim 2, wherein if there is no vending machine that satisfies the allowable access time or pickup area conditions previously obtained from the recipient of the delivery item, the allocation means notifies the delivery person of this fact. 5. The delivery system for vending machines according to claim 4, wherein said allocation means assigns a higher priority to a vending machine that requires a shorter access time from the delivery destination of the delivery item. 6. The delivery system to vending machines according to claim 5, wherein the allocation means refers to the storage capacity of the delivery storage section of the vending machine and allocates the delivery to one of the vending machines based on the weight of the delivery. 2. The system for delivering to a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein location information or navigation information of the vending machine allocated by said allocation means is transmitted to a portable terminal carried by said delivery person. Further provided is a storage detection means for detecting that the delivery has been stored by the delivery storage means,
2. The delivery system for vending machines according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting means transmits information about the vending machine in which the delivery item is stored to the recipient of the delivery item when the storage detection means detects that the delivery item has been stored.