JP7849793B2 - Locker device and locker system - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a locker device and a locker system.

Some locker systems include multiple locker boxes, each having a door, and multiple locking devices for each door (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 5469441

By the way, it is desirable to reduce the workload on users in locker systems.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a locker device and locker system that can reduce the workload of users.

To achieve the above objective, one embodiment of the locker device of the present invention comprises a plurality of storage units, each having a lockable door, an operation display unit that allows selection of an available storage unit from among the plurality of storage units, a payment terminal for settling usage fees, and a control unit that performs the locking process of the selected storage unit selected by the operation display unit after payment is completed by the payment terminal. The control unit is characterized in that, if an abnormality occurs in the locking process of the selected storage unit, it displays a different available alternative storage unit from among the plurality of storage units on the operation display unit for selection.

One aspect of the present invention is a locker system having a plurality of locker devices capable of sharing information with each other via a network connection. Each of the plurality of locker devices comprises a plurality of storage compartments, each having a lockable door; an operation display unit that displays a selectable storage compartment from among the plurality of storage compartments; a payment terminal for settling usage fees; and a control unit that performs the locking process of the selected storage compartment selected by the operation display unit after payment is completed by the payment terminal. The control unit of one of the locker devices is characterized in that, if an abnormality occurs in the locking process of the selected storage compartment of that locker device, it displays a selectable alternative storage compartment from among a plurality of storage compartments, including those of other locker devices, on the operation display unit.

According to the above embodiment, it is possible to provide a locker device and locker system that can reduce the workload of the user.

This is a perspective view showing a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a block diagram showing the main components of a locker system including a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an example of the display on the operation display unit of a locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A locker device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The locker device 11 of this embodiment is for temporarily storing customers' luggage for a fee. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the locker device 11 has one control unit 12 and one or more expansion units 13 connected to the control unit 12. Figures 1 and 2 show, as an example, a case in which the locker device 11 has three expansion units 13. Here, this configuration will be used as an example for explanation, but the locker device 11 only needs one or more expansion units 13, and additional units can be added as needed. As shown in Figure 1, in the following explanation, "front" refers to the user side of the locker device 11, "rear" refers to the side of the locker device 11 away from the user, "left" refers to the left side of the locker device 11 as seen from the user, and "right" refers to the right side of the locker device 11 as seen from the user. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the first, second, third, and fourth columns are defined as follows: the leftmost column is the first column, the second column from the left is the second column, the third column from the left is the third column, and the fourth column from the left, i.e., the rightmost column, is the fourth column.

The locker device 11 has expansion units 13 in the first row, control units 12 in the second row, expansion units 13 in the third row, and expansion units 13 in the fourth row. The position of the control units 12 in the locker device 11 can be freely positioned; they can be installed not only in the second row (in the middle of the left-right direction), but also in the first row (leftmost), the fourth row (rightmost), and the third row (in the middle of the left-right direction). Here, we will explain using a locker device 11 with expansion units 13 in the first, third, and fourth rows, and a control unit 12 in the second row, as an example.

The control unit 12 comprises a control device section 21 and a housing section 22. The control device section 21 is located in the upper part of the control unit 12, and the housing section 22 is located in the lower part of the control unit 12.

The control unit 21 includes an operation display unit 31, a receipt issuing unit 32, and a payment terminal 33.
The operation display unit 31 provides visual and auditory information to the user and also receives user input. The operation display unit 31 is a touch panel screen.
The receipt issuing unit 32 prints on the paper and ejects it outside the locker device 11 so that the paper can be removed.

The payment terminal 33 is used for settling usage fees and, as shown in Figure 3, has an IC chip reading unit 41, a magnetic strip reading unit 42, and an input unit 43.
When an IC card is inserted, the IC chip reader 41 reads information from the IC chip of the IC card.
When a magnetic card is scanned, the magnetic strip reading unit 42 reads information from the magnetic strip of the magnetic card.
The input unit 43 has a numeric keypad and a confirmation key, and the card's PIN and other information are entered there.

The control unit 21 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and an external communication unit 53.
The control unit 51 controls the operation display unit 31, the receipt issuing unit 32, the payment terminal 33, the storage unit 52, and the external communication unit 53.
The memory unit 52 stores transaction information, etc.
The external communication unit 53 communicates with the outside world.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the expansion unit 13 has two storage sections 22, one above the other.
Here, since the basic configuration of the upper and lower two-tiered housing sections 22 of all expansion units 13 and the housing section 22 of the control unit 12 are the same, we will explain using one of them as an example.

The storage section 22 has a storage body section 61 and a door 62.
The storage body 61 is a box-shaped structure that is recessed at the rear and has a rectangular opening 63 on the front side that is long in the vertical direction. The storage body 61 has an indicator light 65 on the outside of the front opening 63, specifically on the right side, which can be turned on and off and changes color when lit, such as an LED. The indicator light 65 emits different colors depending on whether the storage body 22 is empty and usable or whether the storage body 22 is in use or otherwise unavailable. Therefore, whether the storage body 22 is empty or in use can be confirmed by the color of the indicator light 65. Specifically, the indicator light 65 lights up blue when the storage body 22 is usable and red when the storage body 22 is unavailable. The storage body 61 is equipped with a presence/absence detection sensor 66, shown in Figure 3, which detects the presence or absence of contents inside by weight or other means.

The door 62 shown in Figures 1 and 2 opens and closes the opening 63 of the storage body 61. The door 62 is a vertically elongated rectangle and opens and closes by rotating around an axis along the vertical direction via a hinge (not shown) located at its left end. The door 62 is biased to be in a closed position relative to the storage body 61 by a biasing mechanism (not shown). The storage unit 22 is provided with locking mechanisms 71, shown in Figure 3, on the right end of the closed door 62 and the right end of the storage body 61, which lock the door 62 in the closed position relative to the storage body 61. In other words, the locker device 11 has multiple storage units 22, each having a door 62 that can be locked by the locking mechanisms 71.

The locking unit 71 includes a mechanical locking mechanism (not shown) that mechanically locks the door 62 to the housing body 61 in a closed state, and a drive unit 73 that is driven by a control signal from the control unit 51 to switch between locking and unlocking the door 62 to the housing body 61 by the mechanical locking mechanism. In one example configuration, the mechanical locking mechanism has a hook that is pivotably mounted on the housing body 61 and an engagement hole provided on the door 62. When the hook enters the engagement hole and pivots to a first state, it is locked. When the hook pivots from the first state to a second state where it can be pulled out of the engagement hole, it is unlocked. When the hook is in the second state, if the door 62 is pulled in the opening direction against the biasing force of the biasing unit, the opening 63 of the housing body 61 is opened. In this example configuration, the drive unit 73 pivots the hook between the first and second states.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the door 62 has a handle 75 on the right side when it is closed, and a key cylinder 76 is provided above the handle 75. When a corresponding key is inserted into the key cylinder 76 from the outside and rotated, it mechanically releases the lock of the locking mechanism 71. In the above configuration example, when a corresponding key is inserted into the key cylinder 76 from the outside and rotated, it mechanically changes the hook from the first state to the second state, or from the second state to the first state.

The storage compartment 22 has a door opening/closing detection sensor 81 and a mechanical lock detection sensor 82, as shown in Figure 3.
The door opening/closing detection sensor 81 detects whether the door 62 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is in a closed state relative to the housing body 61.
The mechanical lock detection sensor 82 shown in Figure 3 detects whether the mechanical lock mechanism of the locking section 71 (not shown) is in a locked state. In the case of the mechanical lock mechanism as described above, the mechanical lock detection sensor 82 detects whether the hook is in a first state or a second state.

Multiple storage compartments 22, specifically seven of them, are provided in a single locker device 11.

The control unit 51 of the control device unit 21 controls the presence/absence detection sensor 66, the indicator light unit 65, the drive unit 73 of the locking unit 71, the door opening/closing detection sensor 81, and the mechanical lock detection sensor 82 for all storage compartments 22 of the locker device 11 to which the control unit 51 is installed.

Here, the upper storage section 22 of the upper and lower storage sections 22 of the first row expansion unit 13 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is designated as the first row upper storage section 22, and the lower storage section 22 of the first row expansion unit 13 is designated as the first row lower storage section 22. Also, the lower storage section 22 of the second row control unit 12 is designated as the second row lower storage section 22. Furthermore, the upper storage section 22 of the upper and lower storage sections 22 of the third row expansion unit 13 is designated as the third row upper storage section 22, and the lower storage section 22 of the third row expansion unit 13 is designated as the third row lower storage section 22. Furthermore, the upper storage section 22 of the upper and lower storage sections 22 of the fourth row expansion unit 13 is designated as the fourth row upper storage section 22, and the lower storage section 22 of the upper and lower storage sections 22 of the fourth row expansion unit 13 is designated as the fourth row lower storage section 22.

As shown in Figure 3, the locker device 11 is network-connected to a central system 300 located in a different location. The central system 300 is also network-connected to at least one other locker device 11 located in a different location from this locker device 11. The locker devices 11 are connected to each other via the network, enabling information sharing. These multiple connected locker devices 11 and the central system 300 constitute the locker system 301.

The central system 300 performs tasks such as registering information for each locker device 11, managing the status of each locker device 11, and managing sales and history. The central system 300 has a management function for each locker device 11, which allows for checking the usage status of each storage compartment 22 of each locker device 11, and enables remote locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism 71.

Next, the main operation of the locker device 11 will be explained.
The locker device 11 has a control unit 21, and the control unit 51 of the control unit 21 keeps track of whether each storage compartment 22 of the locker device 11 is usable or unusable, and indicates whether each storage compartment 22 is usable or unusable using its respective indicator light 65. Specifically, the control unit 51 illuminates the indicator light 65 of the storage compartment 22 in blue when the storage compartment 22 is usable, and illuminates the indicator light 65 of the storage compartment 22 in red when the storage compartment 22 is unusable, such as being in use or malfunctioning. In addition, the control unit 51 unlocks the locking part 71 of the storage compartment 22 when the storage compartment 22 is usable. Therefore, even though the door 62 of the usable storage compartment 22 is biased and in a closed state, it can be opened manually against the biasing force. The control unit 51 locks the locking part 71 of the storage compartment 22 when it is unusable.

When the locker device 11 is in standby mode, the control unit 51 displays a standby screen (not shown) on the operation display unit 31. On this standby screen, the operation display unit 31 displays a prompt to touch the unit when it is ready to use.

When a touch operation is input to the operation display unit 31, which is displaying the standby screen, the control unit 51 displays the first display screen 101 shown in Figure 4 on the operation display unit 31. This first display screen 101 is a menu screen and includes a text display unit 102 prompting the user to select a menu to use, a deposit selection display unit 103 indicating luggage deposit, and a retrieval selection display unit 104 indicating luggage retrieval.

The baggage check selection display unit 103 includes a color display unit 111 that indicates baggage check using color, a text display unit 112 that indicates baggage check-in, and an illustration display unit 113 that simulates the baggage check-in process. The color display unit 111 is the same color (blue) as the illuminated display unit 65 that indicates when the storage unit 22 is in a usable state.

The retrieval selection display unit 104 includes a color display unit 115 that indicates retrieval by color, a text display unit 116 that indicates the retrieval of luggage, and an illustration display unit 117 that simulates the luggage retrieval operation. The color display unit 115 is the same color (red) as the illuminated display unit 65 that indicates when the storage unit 22 is unusable.

[Deposit Processing]
When a touch operation is input to the deposit selection display unit 103 on the operation display unit 31 which is displaying the first display screen 101, the control unit 51 starts the deposit process. Here, the user can either select a storage unit 22 from among the storage units 22 whose indicator lights 65 are lit in blue, place their luggage in this storage unit 22, and then input a touch operation to the deposit selection display unit 103, or input a touch operation to the deposit selection display unit 103, then select a storage unit 22 from among the storage units 22 whose indicator lights 65 are lit in blue, and place their luggage in this storage unit 22.

When the control unit 51 starts the deposit process, it first stores the identification number for the current deposit process in the storage unit 52, and simultaneously displays the second display screen 121 shown in Figure 5 on the operation display unit 31. This second display screen 121 shows the "locker availability status," that is, the status of each storage unit 22.

The second display screen 121 includes a text display section 122 prompting the user to select the storage unit 22 to be used, a unit status display section 123, a "Back" button display section 124, a "Confirm" button display section 125, and a "Cancel" button display section 126.

Each section status display unit 123 includes a first-row upper status display unit 131, a second-row upper status display unit 132, a third-row upper status display unit 133, a fourth-row upper status display unit 134, a first-row lower status display unit 135, a second-row lower status display unit 136, a third-row lower status display unit 137, and a fourth-row lower status display unit 138.

Here, the front view layout of the status indicator units 123—specifically, the first row upper status indicator unit 131, the second row upper status indicator unit 132, the third row upper status indicator unit 133, the fourth row upper status indicator unit 134, the first row lower status indicator unit 135, the second row lower status indicator unit 136, the third row lower status indicator unit 137, and the fourth row lower status indicator unit 138—is the same as the front view layout of the first row upper storage unit 22, the second row upper control unit 21, the third row upper storage unit 22, the fourth row upper storage unit 22, the first row lower storage unit 22, the second row lower storage unit 22, the third row lower storage unit 22, and the fourth row lower storage unit 22 in the locker device 11.

The upper first row status display unit 131 indicates the status of the storage unit 22 in the upper first row that corresponds to it in the layout. In the example shown in Figure 5, the upper first row status display unit 131 displays the locker number "0001" (the identification number of the storage unit 22 in the upper first row), a "○" indicating availability (indicating it is not currently in use and can be selected for storage), and a price display of "¥400" indicating the usage fee.

The upper status display unit 132 in the second row displays an illustration that mimics the control device unit 21 in the upper second row, according to the layout.

The upper third-row status display unit 133 indicates the status of the storage unit 22 corresponding to the upper third-row unit in the layout. In the example shown in Figure 5, the upper third-row status display unit 133 displays the locker number "0002," which is the identification number of the upper third-row storage unit 22; a "○" indicating availability (indicating it is not currently in use and can be selected for storage); and a price display of "¥400" indicating the usage fee.

The upper fourth-row status display unit 134 indicates the status of the storage unit 22 corresponding to the upper fourth-row unit in the layout. In the example shown in Figure 5, the upper fourth-row status display unit 134 displays the locker number "0003," which is the identification number of the upper fourth-row storage unit 22, and an "×" indicating availability, showing that it is currently in use or unavailable for deposit.

The lower first row status display unit 135 indicates the status of the storage unit 22 in the lower first row that corresponds to it in the layout. In the example shown in Figure 5, the lower first row status display unit 135 displays the locker number "0004" (the identification number of the storage unit 22 in the lower first row), a "○" indicating availability (indicating it is not currently in use and can be selected for storage), and a price of "¥300" indicating the usage fee.

The status display unit 136 in the lower section of the second row indicates the status of the storage unit 22 in the lower section of the second row, corresponding to the layout. In the example shown in Figure 5, the status display unit 136 in the lower section of the second row displays the locker number "0005" (the identification number of the storage unit 22 in the lower section of the second row), a "○" indicating availability (indicating it is not currently in use and can be selected for storage), and a price display of "¥400" indicating the usage fee.

The lower third-row status display unit 137 indicates the status of the corresponding storage unit 22 in the lower third row of the layout. In the example shown in Figure 5, the lower third-row status display unit 137 displays the locker number "0006" (the identification number of the storage unit 22 in the lower third row), a "○" indicating availability (indicating it is not currently in use and can be selected for storage), and a price of "¥300" indicating the usage fee.

The status display unit 138 in the lower section of the fourth row indicates the status of the storage unit 22 in the lower section of the fourth row, corresponding to the layout. In the example shown in Figure 5, the status display unit 138 in the lower section of the fourth row displays the locker number "0007," which is the identification number of the storage unit 22 in the lower section of the fourth row, and an "×" indicating availability, showing that it is currently in use or unavailable for deposit.

Here, we will explain using the case where the status display unit 123 of each part of the locker device 11 is in the display state shown in Figure 5 as an example.
In each status display unit 123, the first row upper status display unit 131, the third row upper status display unit 133, the first row lower status display unit 135, the second row lower status display unit 136, and the third row lower status display unit 137 can all be selected for deposit, while the second row upper status display unit 132, the fourth row upper status display unit 134, and the fourth row lower status display unit 138 cannot be selected for deposit, and these have different background colors as shown by hatching in Figure 5. For example, the first row upper status display section 131, the third row upper status display section 133, the first row lower status display section 135, the second row lower status display section 136, and the third row lower status display section 137, which can be selected for deposit, all have a white background color, while the second row upper status display section 132, the third row upper status display section 133, and the fourth row upper status display section 134, which cannot be selected for deposit, all have a gray background color.

When any one of the following status indicators—the first upper row status indicator 131, the third upper row status indicator 133, the first lower row status indicator 135, the second lower row status indicator 136, and the third lower row status indicator 137—which are all selectable for deposit, is touched, the touched indicator is designated as the selected deposit selection status indicator. It then displays a more conspicuous background color (e.g., blue) that differs from the background colors (white and gray) and becomes ready to accept touch input on the "Confirm" button indicator 125. It is also possible to select multiple of the following status indicators: the first upper row status indicator 131, the third upper row status indicator 133, the first lower row status indicator 135, the second lower row status indicator 136, and the third lower row status indicator 137.

When the "Confirm" button display unit 125 is touched in this state, the control unit 51 confirms the selection for deposit in the deposit selection status display unit, and confirms the corresponding storage unit 22 as the deposit selection storage unit. This selection is based on the condition that the presence detection sensor 66 of the storage unit 22 corresponding to the deposit selection status display unit detects the presence of luggage, and the door opening/closing detection sensor 81 of this storage unit 22 detects that the door 62 is closed.

Here, we will explain using the case where the upper first row status display unit 131 is selected as an example. When the control unit 51 detects the presence or absence of luggage in the upper first row storage unit 22, which corresponds to the upper first row status display unit 131 selected as the deposit selection status display unit, and the door opening/closing detection sensor 81 of the upper first row storage unit 22 detects that the door 62 is closed, the control unit 51 determines the upper first row storage unit 22 as the deposit selection storage unit and stores its identification number, locker number "0001," in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of the current deposit process.

On the other hand, if the presence/absence detection sensor 66 of the storage compartment 22 in the upper first row, corresponding to the first row upper status display unit 131 selected as the deposit selection status display unit, does not detect the presence of luggage, the control unit 51 displays a message on the operation display unit 31 prompting the user to store luggage while displaying the identification number of the first row upper storage compartment 22 corresponding to the deposit selection status display unit. Subsequently, when the presence/absence detection sensor 66 of the first row upper storage compartment 22 detects the presence of luggage and the door opening/closing detection sensor 81 of the first row upper storage compartment 22 detects the door 62 is closed, the selection for deposit is confirmed in the deposit selection status display unit, the first row upper storage compartment 22 corresponding to this deposit selection status display unit is determined as the deposit selection storage compartment, and its identification number, locker number "0001", is stored in the storage unit 52 in association with the identification number of the current deposit process.

As described above, the operation display unit 31 displays a selectable storage unit 22 from among the multiple storage units 22.

Furthermore, when a touch operation is input to the "Back" button display unit 124 on the second display screen 121, the control unit 51 deletes the information stored in the storage unit 52 associated with the identification number of the current deposit process, and returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the first display screen 101 as shown in Figure 4.

Furthermore, when a touch operation is input to the "Cancel" button display unit 126 on the second display screen 121, the control unit 51 deletes the information stored in the storage unit 52 associated with the identification number of the current deposit process, and returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the first display screen 101 as shown in Figure 4.

Once the deposit selection unit is determined as described above, the control unit 51 displays the third display screen 141 shown in Figure 6 on the operation display unit 31. The third display screen 141 is an input screen for the "mobile phone number" as an emergency contact. The third display screen 141 includes a text display unit 142 prompting the user to enter a mobile phone number, a numeric keypad button display unit 143 with numbers from "0" to "9", an "OK" button display unit 144, a delete button display unit 145, a numeric display unit 146 displaying the numbers entered via the numeric keypad button display unit 143, a "back" button display unit 147, and a "cancel" button display unit 148.

When the keypad button display unit 143 and the erase button display unit 145 are appropriately touched on the third display screen 141, and the mobile phone number is entered and displayed on the number display unit 146, the control unit 51 stores the entered mobile phone number in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number for this deposit process, and simultaneously displays the fourth display screen 151 shown in Figure 7 on the operation display unit 31.

Furthermore, when a touch operation is input to the "Back" button display unit 147 on the third display screen 141 shown in Figure 6, the control unit 51 returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the second display screen 121 shown in Figure 5.

Furthermore, when a touch operation is input to the "Cancel" button display unit 148 on the third display screen 141, the control unit 51 deletes the information stored in the storage unit 52 associated with the identification number of the current deposit process, and returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the first display screen 101 as shown in Figure 4.

The fourth display screen 151 shown in Figure 7 is the "Payment Method Selection" screen. Specifically, the fourth display screen 151 is a screen for selecting the credit card payment brand to be used. The fourth display screen 151 includes a text display section 152 prompting the user to select the credit card payment brand to be used, a first brand selection display section 153 indicating payment using one of the following brands: "A," "B," "C," "D," and "E," a second brand selection display section 154 indicating payment using the "F" brand, a "Back" button display section 155, and a "Cancel" button display section 156.

Here, for example, the first brand selection display unit 153 represents brands for which payment is possible without entering a PIN number (personal identification number), while the second brand selection display unit 154 represents brands for which payment is possible with the input of a valid PIN number.

When a touch operation is input to the first brand selection display unit 153 on the operation display unit 31 displaying the fourth display screen 151, the control unit 51 stores the fact that the first brand selection display unit 153 has been selected in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of the current deposit process, and simultaneously displays the fifth display screen 161 shown in Figure 8 on the operation display unit 31.

When a touch operation is input to the second brand selection display unit 154 on the operation display unit 31 displaying the fourth display screen 151, the control unit 51 stores the fact that the second brand selection display unit 154 has been selected in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of the current deposit process, and simultaneously displays the fifth display screen 161 shown in Figure 8 on the operation display unit 31.

Furthermore, when a touch operation is input to the "Back" button display unit 155 on the fourth display screen 151 shown in Figure 7, the control unit 51 returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the third display screen 141 shown in Figure 6.

Furthermore, when a touch operation is input to the "Cancel" button display unit 156 on the fourth display screen 151 shown in Figure 7, the control unit 51 deletes the information stored in the storage unit 52 associated with the identification number of the current deposit process, and returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the first display screen 101 shown in Figure 4.

The fifth display screen 161 shown in Figure 8 is a screen prompting "payment of fees," and has an identification number display unit 162 that displays the identification number of the selected storage unit, and a usage fee display unit 163 that displays the usage fee. In the example shown in Figure 8, as described above, the selected storage unit is the upper storage unit 22 in the first row. The identification number display unit 162 displays that the locker number, which is the identification number, is "0001," and the usage fee display unit 163 displays that the usage fee is "¥400."

The fifth display screen 161 includes a text display section 164 that guides the user through the credit card payment process, an illustration display section 165 that simulates the insertion of an IC card, an illustration display section 166 that simulates the scanning of a magnetic card, a "back" button display section 167, and a "cancel" button display section 168.

After the first brand selection display unit 153 is selected on the fourth display screen 151 shown in Figure 7, and the fifth display screen 161 shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the operation display unit 31, when the payment terminal 33 reads card identification information from the IC chip, the control unit 51 communicates with the corresponding payment center via the external communication unit 53 to determine whether the card identification information is valid. If it is valid, the control unit 51 performs the payment with the corresponding payment center.

After the first brand selection display unit 153 is selected on the fourth display screen 151 shown in Figure 7, and the fifth display screen 161 shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the operation display unit 31, when the payment terminal 33 reads card identification information from the magnetic strip, the control unit 51 communicates with the corresponding payment center via the external communication unit 53 to determine whether the card identification information is valid. If it is valid, the control unit 51 performs the payment with the corresponding payment center.

After the second brand selection display unit 154 is selected on the fourth display screen 151 shown in Figure 7, and the fifth display screen 161 shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the operation display unit 31, when the payment terminal 33 reads card identification information from the IC chip, the control unit 51 displays a prompt on the operation display unit 31 to enter the PIN number into the payment terminal 33. Once the PIN number is entered, the control unit 51 communicates with the corresponding payment center via the external communication unit 53 to determine whether the card identification information and PIN number are valid. If they are valid, the control unit 51 performs payment processing with the corresponding payment center.

After the second brand selection display unit 154 is selected on the fourth display screen 151 shown in Figure 7, and the fifth display screen 161 shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the operation display unit 31, when the payment terminal 33 reads card identification information from the magnetic strip, the control unit 51 displays a prompt on the operation display unit 31 to enter the PIN number into the payment terminal 33. Once the PIN number is entered, the control unit 51 communicates with the corresponding payment center via the external communication unit 53 to determine whether the card identification information and PIN number are valid. If they are valid, the control unit 51 performs payment processing with the corresponding payment center.

During any payment processing, while the payment processing is in progress, the control unit 51 displays the sixth display screen 171 shown in Figure 9 on the operation display unit 31. The sixth display screen 171 includes a text display unit 172 prompting the user to wait and a payment processing progress display unit 173 that simulates the progress of the payment processing.

Furthermore, when a touch operation is input to the "Back" button display unit 167 on the fifth display screen 161 shown in Figure 8, the control unit 51 returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the fourth display screen 151 shown in Figure 7.

Furthermore, when a touch operation is input to the "Cancel" button display unit 168 on the fifth display screen 161 shown in Figure 8, the control unit 51 deletes the information stored in the storage unit 52 in association with the identification number of the current deposit process, and returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the first display screen 101 shown in Figure 4.

When the payment terminal 33 reads the card identification information from the IC chip and the payment process is successfully completed, the control unit 51 stores the payment information in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of the current deposit transaction, and displays the seventh display screen 181 shown in Figure 10 on the operation display unit 31. The seventh display screen 181 includes a text display unit 182 prompting the user to remove the card and an illustration display unit 183 simulating the card removal action.

When the payment terminal 33 successfully completes the payment process based on the card identification information read from the magnetic strip, or when the payment terminal 33 successfully completes the payment process based on the card identification information read from the IC chip and the IC card is removed, the control unit 51, provided that the door opening/closing detection sensor 81 detects that the door 62 of the upper storage unit 22 in the first row, which is the deposit selection storage unit, is closed, drives the drive unit 73 of the locking unit 71 to lock the door 62 to the storage unit 61 in the closed position using the mechanical lock mechanism. In other words, the control unit 51 performs the locking process of the locking unit 71 of the deposit selection storage unit selected by the operation display unit 31 from among the multiple storage units 22 after the payment is completed by the payment terminal 33.

When the mechanical lock detection sensor 82 detects that the mechanical lock mechanism has properly operated and locked the door 62 in the upper storage section 22 of the first row, the control unit 51 determines that luggage has been properly deposited into the upper storage section 22 of the first row, which is the selected storage section for depositing luggage. The control unit 51 stores the locker number "0001", which is the identification number of the upper storage section 22 of the first row, along with a statement that the deposit has been completed and the date and time at that time, in the storage unit 52, associating them with the identification number of this deposit process. At the same time, the control unit 51 has the receipt issuing unit 32 issue a receipt that prints the identification number of this deposit process, the identification number (locker number) of the selected storage section for depositing luggage, payment information, and the date and time of deposit completion. In addition, the control unit 51 displays the eighth display screen 191 shown in Figure 11 on the operation display unit 31. The eighth display screen 191 includes a text display section 192 that informs the user of receipt issuance and encourages them to take the receipt, and an illustration display section 193 that simulates receipt ejection.

After the receipt issuing unit 32 issues a receipt, and a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 51 displays the ninth display screen 201 shown in Figure 12 on the operation display unit 31. The ninth display screen 201 is a screen that guides the user to "display the PIN," and includes a text display unit 202 that informs the user of the PIN display, a text display unit 203 that prompts the user to prepare to write down the PIN and touch the "Confirm" button, and a "Confirm" button display unit 204. If the receipt issuing unit 32 is equipped with a sensor to detect receipt removal, the control unit 51 displays the ninth display screen 201 shown in Figure 12 on the operation display unit 31 after the receipt issuing unit 32 issues a receipt and the sensor detects receipt removal.

When a touch operation is input to the "Confirm" button display unit 204 on the ninth display screen 201, the control unit 51 selects an appropriate PIN from among the candidate numbers other than the PIN issued for the currently used storage unit 22. Furthermore, when the status display units 123 are in the display state shown in Figure 5, if multiple of the first row upper status display unit 131, third row upper status display unit 133, first row lower status display unit 135, second row lower status display unit 136, and third row lower status display unit 137, all of which are selectable for deposit, are selected, the control unit 51 individually selects a PIN from among the candidate numbers for each of the corresponding storage units 22 when a touch operation is input to the "Confirm" button display unit 204 on the ninth display screen 201. The control unit 51 stores the information of the PINs selected in this way in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number for the current deposit process. Simultaneously, the control unit 51 displays the tenth display screen 211 shown in Figure 13 on the operation display unit 31. The tenth display screen 211 is a screen that guides the user through the "display of the PIN," and includes a text display unit 212 that informs the user of the PIN display, a remaining time display unit 213 that displays the remaining time for displaying the PIN in a countdown format, an identification number display unit 214 that displays the identification number of the deposit selection storage unit, i.e., the locker number, a PIN display unit 215 that shows the PIN, an available time display unit 216 that shows the available time, and a "confirm" button display unit 217. By viewing this tenth display screen 211, the user can memorize the contents of the "locker number," "PIN," and "available time" by writing them down or taking a picture of them with their mobile phone camera.

In the example shown in Figure 13, as described above, the deposit storage unit is determined to be storage unit 22 in the upper row of the first column. The identification number display unit 214 shows the locker number, which is the identification number, as "0001," the PIN code display unit 215 shows the PIN code as "2271," and the available time display unit 216 shows the available time as "Available until June 3, 20XX, 9:45 AM."

Here, the control unit 51 sets the available time to a date and time that is a predetermined time after the date and time of completion of the deposit (for example, 24 hours after). The control unit 51 also stores this available time in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of this deposit process.

When a touch operation is input to the "Confirm" button display unit 217 on the 10th display screen 211, the control unit 51 displays the 11th display screen 221 shown in Figure 14 on the operation display unit 31. Furthermore, even if no touch operation is input to the "Confirm" button display unit 217 on the 10th display screen 211, when the remaining time on the remaining time display unit 213 reaches 0, the control unit 51 displays the 11th display screen 221 on the operation display unit 31.

The 11th display screen 221 is an "end screen" and includes a text display section 222 that expresses gratitude to the user for using the service, and a "TOP screen" button display section 223.
When a touch operation is input to the "TOP screen" button display unit 223 on the 11th display screen 221, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 31 to display the first display screen 101 shown in Figure 4.
If a predetermined time elapses without a touch operation being input to the "TOP screen" button display unit 223, the control unit 51 displays a standby screen on the operation display unit 31.

[Removal process]
In the operation display unit 31, which is displaying the first display screen 101 shown in Figure 4, when a touch operation is input to the retrieval selection display unit 104, the control unit 51 starts the retrieval process. When the control unit 51 starts the retrieval process, it first stores the identification number of the current retrieval process in the storage unit 52 and displays the 12th display screen 241 shown in Figure 15 on the operation display unit 31. This 12th display screen 241 indicates that the state is "retrieving luggage".

The 12th display screen 241 includes a text display section 242 prompting the user to select the storage unit 22 to use, a unit status display section 243, a "Back" button display section 244, a "Confirm" button display section 245, and a "Cancel" button display section 246.

Each section status display unit 243 includes a first-row upper status display unit 251, a second-row upper status display unit 252, a third-row upper status display unit 253, a fourth-row upper status display unit 254, a first-row lower status display unit 255, a second-row lower status display unit 256, a third-row lower status display unit 257, and a fourth-row lower status display unit 258.

Here, the status indicator units 243, like the status indicator units 123, have the same layout as the front view of the locker device 11 for each storage unit 22 and control unit 21.

The first row upper status display unit 251 indicates the status of the corresponding storage unit 22 in the first row upper section of the layout. In the example shown in Figure 15, the first row upper status display unit 251 displays "0001," which is the identification number of the storage unit 22 in the first row upper section, and an "×" indicating availability, which means it is not currently in use and cannot be selected for retrieval.

The upper status display unit 252 in the second row displays an illustration that mimics the control device unit 21 in the upper second row, according to the layout.

The upper third-row status display unit 253 indicates the status of the corresponding upper third-row storage unit 22 in the layout. In the example shown in Figure 15, the upper third-row status display unit 253 displays "0002," which is the identification number of the upper third-row storage unit 22, and an "×" indicating availability, signifying that it is not currently in use and cannot be selected for retrieval.

The status indicator 254 in the upper section of the fourth column shows the status of the corresponding storage unit 22 in the upper section of the fourth column in the layout. In the example shown in Figure 15, the status indicator 254 in the upper section of the fourth column displays "0003," which is the identification number of the storage unit 22 in the upper section of the fourth column, and a "○" indicating availability, showing that it is currently in use and can be selected for retrieval.

The lower first row status display unit 255 indicates the status of the corresponding lower first row storage unit 22 in the layout. In the example shown in Figure 15, the lower first row status display unit 255 displays "0004," which is the identification number of the lower first row storage unit 22, and an "×" indicating availability, signifying that it is not currently in use and cannot be selected for retrieval.

The status indicator 256 in the lower section of the second row shows the status of the corresponding storage unit 22 in the lower section of the second row in the layout. In the example shown in Figure 15, the status indicator 256 in the lower section of the second row displays "0005," which is the identification number of the storage unit 22 in the lower section of the second row, and an "×" indicating availability, which means it is not currently in use and cannot be selected for retrieval.

The lower third-row status indicator 257 shows the status of the corresponding storage unit 22 in the lower third row of the layout. In the example shown in Figure 15, the lower third-row status indicator 257 displays "0006," which is the identification number of the storage unit 22 in the lower third row, and an "×" indicating availability, signifying that it is not currently in use and cannot be selected for retrieval.

The status display unit 258 in the lower section of the fourth row indicates the status of the storage unit 22 corresponding to the lower section of the fourth row in the layout. In the example shown in Figure 15, the status display unit 258 in the lower section of the fourth row displays "0007," which is the identification number of the storage unit 22 in the lower section of the fourth row, and an "×" indicating availability, which means that the unit is currently in use or otherwise unavailable for deposit.

The following explanation will take the case where the status indicator unit 243 of each part is in the state shown in Figure 15 as an example.
In each section status display unit 243, the upper status display unit 254 of the fourth row, which can be selected for removal, has a different background color, as shown by hatching in Figure 15. This is because the upper status display unit 251 of the first row, the upper status display unit 252 of the second row, the upper status display unit 253 of the third row, the lower status display unit 255 of the first row, the lower status display unit 256 of the second row, the lower status display unit 257 of the third row, and the lower status display unit 258 of the fourth row are all not selectable for removal. For example, the upper status indicator section 254 of the fourth row, which can be selected for removal, has a white background color, while the upper status indicator sections 251 of the first row, 252 of the second row, 253 of the third row, 255 of the first row, 256 of the second row, 257 of the third row, and 258 of the fourth row, which cannot be selected for removal, all have a gray background color.

When the upper fourth-row status display unit 254, which allows for selection for retrieval, is touched, the control unit 51, as shown in the status display units 243A of the 13th display screen 241A in Figure 16, selects the upper fourth-row status display unit 254 as the selected retrieval selection status display unit. As shown by the shading in Figure 16, the upper fourth-row status display unit 254A is changed to a more conspicuous background color (e.g., blue) that differs from the background colors (white and gray). Simultaneously, the control unit 51 becomes ready to accept touch input on the "OK" button display unit 245.

When the "OK" button display unit 245 is touched in this state, the control unit 51 displays the 14th display screen 261 shown in Figure 17 on the operation display unit 31.

Furthermore, when a touch operation is input to the "Back" button display unit 244 in the 12th display screen 241 shown in Figure 15, the control unit 51 deletes the information stored in the storage unit 52 in association with the identification number of the current retrieval process, and returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the first display screen 101 shown in Figure 4.

In the 13th display screen 241A shown in Figure 16, when a touch operation is input to the "Back" button display unit 244, the control unit 51 returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the 12th display screen 241 shown in Figure 15.

Furthermore, when a touch operation is input to the "Cancel" button display unit 246 on the 12th display screen 241 and the 13th display screen 241A, the control unit 51 deletes the information stored in the storage unit 52 in association with the identification number of the current retrieval process, and returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the first display screen 101 shown in Figure 4.

The 14th display screen 261 shown in Figure 17 is the "PIN entry" screen. The 14th display screen 261 includes a text display section 262 prompting the user to enter a PIN, a numeric keypad button display section 263 with numbers from "0" to "9", an "OK" button display section 264, a clear button display section 265, a numeric display section 266 displaying the numbers entered via the numeric keypad button display section 263, a "back" button display section 267, and a "cancel" button display section 268.

When the keypad button display unit 263 and the erase button display unit 265 are appropriately touched on the 14th display screen 261, and the PIN is entered and displayed on the numeric display unit 266, and the "OK" button display unit 264 is touched, the control unit 51 reads from the storage unit 52 related information of the latest deposit process, including the locker number "0003," which is the identification number of the storage unit 22 in the upper row of the 4th column corresponding to the retrieval selection status display unit. The control unit 51 then determines whether the PIN included in this read related information matches the entered PIN.

The control unit 51, upon confirming that the PIN code included in the read-out related information matches the entered PIN code, confirms the selection for retrieval on the retrieval selection status display unit. It then designates the storage unit 22 in the upper fourth row, corresponding to the retrieval selection status display unit, as the retrieval selection storage unit, and stores its identification number in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of the current retrieval process. Simultaneously, the control unit 51, based on the available time information for the locker number "0003," which is the identification number of the retrieval selection storage unit, activates the drive unit 73 of the locking unit 71 of the storage unit 22 in the upper fourth row to unlock it, if the current time falls within this available time. Furthermore, the control unit 51 confirms that the current retrieval process is complete and stores this fact in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of the current retrieval process. Finally, the control unit 51 displays the 15th display screen 241B shown in Figure 18 on the operation display unit 31.

The 15th display screen 241B is a screen that prompts the user to "remove the package". The 15th display screen 241B has a text display section 272 that prompts the user to remove the package, including a message that the lock has been released, and a "Confirm" button display section 273. The 15th display screen 241B has a modified version of the status display section 243A of the 13th display screen 241A shown in Figure 16. The status display section 243B retains the same upper status display section 254A of the fourth column, which is the removal selection status display section. Furthermore, the status display units 243B are configured such that the background color of the first row upper status display unit 251, the third row upper status display unit 253, the first row lower status display unit 255, the second row lower status display unit 256, the third row lower status display unit 257, and the fourth row lower status display unit 258 is changed (for example, to white), and the availability status display is hidden. These configurations are defined as the first row upper status display unit 251B, the third row upper status display unit 253B, the first row lower status display unit 255B, the second row lower status display unit 256B, the third row lower status display unit 257B, and the fourth row lower status display unit 258B.

When the "Confirm" button display unit 273 is touched on the 15th display screen 241B, or when a predetermined time has elapsed while the 15th display screen 241B is displayed, the control unit 51 displays the 11th display screen 221 shown in Figure 14 on the operation display unit 31. Then, when a touch operation is input to the "TOP screen" button display unit 223 on the 11th display screen 221, the control unit 51 displays the 1st display screen 101 shown in Figure 4 on the operation display unit 31. If a predetermined time has elapsed without a touch operation being input to the "TOP screen" button display unit 223 on the 11th display screen 221, the control unit 51 displays a standby screen on the operation display unit 31.

Furthermore, if the control unit 51 unlocks the locking mechanism 71 of the storage unit 22 after the retrieval process has been completed, and before a predetermined time has elapsed, the presence/absence detection sensor 66 of the storage unit 22 detects that there are no packages, the control unit 51 allows new packages to be deposited into the storage unit 22. Also, if, after the locking mechanism 71 of the storage unit 22 has been unlocked, the presence/absence detection sensor 66 of the storage unit 22 continues to detect the presence of packages even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 51 determines that the packages were forgotten and stores this information in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of the current retrieval process.

After the user enters the correct PIN as described above, the control unit 51 calculates the usage fee for the excess time based on the available time information of the locker number "0003," which is the identification number of the retrieval selection storage unit. If the current time exceeds this available time, the control unit 51 displays the fourth display screen 151 shown in Figure 7 on the operation display unit 31 and prompts the user to select a credit card payment brand, as described above. If there is a storage unit 22 whose usage time has been exceeded, the indicator light 65 for that storage unit 22 will light up in a special color indicating that the usage time has been exceeded, allowing the user to confirm the usage time has been exceeded.

When a touch operation is input to the first brand selection display unit 153 on the operation display unit 31 displaying the fourth display screen 151, the control unit 51 stores in the storage unit 52 the fact that the first brand selection display unit 153 has been selected, associating it with the identification number of the current retrieval process, and simultaneously displays the 16th display screen 281 shown in Figure 19 on the operation display unit 31.

When a touch operation is input to the second brand selection display unit 154 on the operation display unit 31 displaying the fourth display screen 151, the control unit 51 stores the fact that the second brand selection display unit 154 has been selected in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of the current retrieval process, and simultaneously displays the 16th display screen 281 shown in Figure 19 on the operation display unit 31.

When a touch operation is input to the "Back" button display unit 155 in the fourth display screen 151 shown in Figure 7, the control unit 51 returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the twelfth display screen 241 shown in Figure 15.

In the fourth display screen 151 shown in Figure 7, when a touch operation is input to the "Cancel" button display area, the control unit 51 deletes the information stored in the storage unit 52 associated with the identification number of the current deposit process, and returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the first display screen 101 shown in Figure 4.

The 16th display screen 281 shown in Figure 19 is a screen prompting payment of excess charges. It includes an identification number display unit 282 that displays the identification number of the retrieval selection storage unit, an excess charge display unit 283 that shows the excess charge, and a text display unit 284 that notifies the excess time and prompts payment of the excess charge. In the example shown in Figure 19, the identification number display unit 282 displays that the locker number, which is the identification number of the retrieval selection storage unit, is "0003," and the excess charge display unit 283 displays that the excess charge is "¥500."

The 16th display screen 281 includes an illustration display section 285 that simulates the insertion of an IC card, an illustration display section 286 that simulates the scanning of a magnetic card, a "back" button display section 287, and a "cancel" button display section 288.

The control unit 51 processes the settlement of excess charges in the same manner as the settlement of usage charges described above. During the settlement process, the control unit 51 displays the sixth display screen 171 shown in Figure 9 on the operation display unit 31. Furthermore, after the settlement process, the control unit 51 displays the seventh display screen 181 shown in Figure 10, only if the settlement was made using an IC card, prompting the user to remove the IC card.

Furthermore, when a touch operation is input to the "Back" button display unit 287 in the 16th display screen 281 shown in Figure 19, the control unit 51 returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the 4th display screen 151 shown in Figure 7.

Furthermore, when a touch operation is input to the "Cancel" button display unit 288 on the 16th display screen 281 shown in Figure 19, the control unit 51 deletes the information stored in the storage unit 52 in association with the identification number of the current retrieval process, and returns the operation display unit 31 to the state showing the first display screen 101 shown in Figure 4.

Once the payment processing is successfully completed, the control unit 51 stores the payment information in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of the current retrieval process. Simultaneously, the receipt issuing unit 32 issues a receipt with the payment information printed on it, and the operation display unit 31 displays the eighth display screen 191 shown in Figure 11. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 51 drives the drive unit 73 of the locking unit 71 of the storage unit 22 in the upper fourth row, which is the retrieval selection storage unit, to release the lock. Furthermore, the control unit 51 confirms that the current retrieval process is complete and stores this fact in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of the current retrieval process. Finally, the control unit 51 displays the fifteenth display screen 241B shown in Figure 18 on the operation display unit 31.

When the "Confirm" button display unit 273 is touched on the 15th display screen 241B, or when a predetermined time has elapsed while the 15th display screen 241B is displayed, the control unit 51 displays the 11th display screen 221 shown in Figure 14 on the operation display unit 31. Then, when a touch operation is input to the "TOP screen" button display unit 223 on the 11th display screen 221, the control unit 51 displays the 1st display screen 101 shown in Figure 4 on the operation display unit 31. If a predetermined time has elapsed without a touch operation being input to the "TOP screen" button display unit 223 on the 11th display screen 221, the control unit 51 displays a standby screen on the operation display unit 31.

In this case as well, if the control unit 51 unlocks the locking mechanism 71 of the storage unit 22 that has been used for retrieval, and before a predetermined time has elapsed, the presence/absence detection sensor 66 of the storage unit 22 detects that there are no packages, the control unit 51 makes the storage unit 22 available for new deposits. Furthermore, if, after the locking mechanism 71 of the storage unit 22 has been unlocked, the presence/absence detection sensor 66 of the storage unit 22 continues to detect the presence of packages even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 51 determines that the packages have been forgotten and stores this information in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of the current retrieval operation.

[Maintenance Mode]
When the locker device 11 is put into maintenance mode, a password assigned to each user company is entered into the operation display unit 31. The control unit 51 then puts the locker device 11 into maintenance mode. In maintenance mode, the menus that can be selected differ depending on whether it is for the manufacturer, security company, or customer (cleaning staff). In maintenance mode, it becomes possible to lock and unlock the storage compartments 22. In addition, in maintenance mode, it becomes possible to check the status of various sensors installed in the locker device 11. Also, in maintenance mode, the illumination color of the indicator unit 65 can be changed. Furthermore, in maintenance mode, it is also possible to set the storage compartments 22 to be unusable. Setting the storage compartments 22 to be unusable can be done for one or more storage compartments 22, and it is also possible to set all storage compartments 22 of the locker device 11 to be unusable. For example, all storage compartments 22 of the locker device 11 can be set to be unusable for the purpose of maintaining security when a VIP visits Japan.
Furthermore, in maintenance mode, the available hours can be changed. For example, the available hours can be set to 24 hours or 12 hours after the date and time when the deposit is completed, to midnight so as not to cross into the next day, or to uniformly match the closing time of the location where the locker device 11 is installed, such as a commercial facility.
Furthermore, in maintenance mode, the locker device 11 can be configured to require the user to input the expected return time into the operation display unit 31 when depositing luggage. In this configuration, if the expected return time entered into the operation display unit 31 is longer than the available time (for example, 24 hours), the control unit 51 will reflect this in the fee and initiate payment.

[Lock malfunction response processing]
In the deposit process described above, the control unit 51 performs a locking process on the storage unit 22, which is the deposit selection storage unit, by driving the drive unit 73 of the locking unit 71 and locking the door 62 to the storage unit 61 in the closed position using the mechanical lock mechanism, provided that the door opening/closing detection sensor 81 detects that the door 62 is in the closed position. However, a locking abnormality may occur in which the mechanical lock detection sensor 82 fails to detect that the mechanical lock mechanism has properly operated and locked the door 62. For example, in the mechanical lock mechanism of the above configuration example, this may occur when the swing of the hook in the second state is obstructed by foreign objects or luggage, preventing it from returning to the first state.

If such a locking abnormality occurs during the locking process, the control unit 51 performs a locking abnormality response process. In this process, the control unit 51 disables the storage unit 22, which is the designated storage unit for luggage deposit, making it unavailable for deposit. At the same time, it displays on the operation display unit 31 a selectable alternative storage unit from among the multiple storage units 22. Alternatively, if such a locking abnormality occurs during the locking process, the control unit 51 may retry the lock using the mechanical lock mechanism before performing the locking abnormality response process. In this case, the control unit 51 displays a message such as "Please check if your luggage is caught" on the operation display unit 31, and when a touch operation is registered on the "Confirm" button on the operation display unit 31, it retryes the lock.

Here, we will explain using the example of a case where, in the deposit process, each storage unit 22 is in the state shown on the unit status display unit 123 of the second display screen 121 in Figure 5, and the storage unit 22 with locker number "0001" in the upper row of the first column is selected as the deposit storage unit.

The storage compartment 22 in the upper row of the first column is designated as the deposit selection storage compartment. If, despite driving the locking unit 73 of the locking unit 71 in this storage compartment 22, the mechanical lock detection sensor 82 fails to detect that the door 62 is locked, the control unit 51 stores in the storage unit 52, in association with the identification number of the current deposit process, the fact that there was a locking error in the storage compartment 22 in the upper row of the first column (the deposit selection storage compartment), the date and time of that event, and the storage unit 51. At the same time, the control unit 51 determines an alternative storage compartment.

The control unit 51 determines whether any of the storage units 22 in the upper row of the first column (excluding the storage unit 22 in the upper row of the first column which has a locking malfunction) currently have the same usage fee as the storage unit 22 in the upper row of the first column (¥400), and if so, it designates that unit as the alternative storage unit. In other words, the alternative storage unit has the same usage fee as the selected storage unit.

In this case, if there are multiple storage units 22 available for deposit with the same price as the storage unit 22 with a locking malfunction, the control unit 51 will select the one closest to the storage unit 22 with the locking malfunction as the alternative storage unit. Here, the control unit 51 determines that since there are two storage units 22 (upper row 3 and lower row 22) with the same price as the storage unit 22 in the upper row of the first column with a locking malfunction (¥400), it will select the storage unit 22 in the lower row of the second column, which is closest to the storage unit 22 with the locking malfunction, as the alternative storage unit. If there is only one storage unit 22 available for deposit with the same price as the storage unit 22 with a locking malfunction, the control unit 51 will select this storage unit 22 as the alternative storage unit. Furthermore, if there are multiple storage units 22 available for deposit with the same price as the storage unit 22 with a locking malfunction, the user may be allowed to select an alternative storage unit via the operation display unit 31.

When an alternative storage unit is selected, the control unit 51 displays the 17th display screen 121C shown in Figure 20. The 17th display screen 121C is partially modified from the second display screen 121 and has a section status display unit 123C which is partially modified from the section status display unit 123. In the section status display unit 123C, the first row upper section status display unit 131C, which corresponds to the storage unit 22 in the first row upper section with a locking abnormality, displays an "×" status indicator indicating that it cannot be selected for deposit, and the background color changes to the background color when selection is not possible (for example, gray). In addition, the section status display unit 123C changes the second row lower section status display unit 136C, which corresponds to the alternative storage unit, to a more conspicuous background color (for example, blue) that is different from the other background colors (white and gray), as shown by shading in Figure 20, and becomes ready to accept touch operation of the "OK" button display unit 125. Furthermore, for the storage compartments 22 in the upper row of the first column (which has a locking malfunction) and the storage compartment 22 in the lower row of the second column (which is an alternative storage compartment), the storage compartments 22 in the upper row of the third column, the storage compartment 22 in the lower row of the first column, and the storage compartment 22 in the lower row of the third column, which are selectable for deposit, the status indicators 133C for the upper row of the third column, 135C for the lower row of the first column, and 137C for the lower row of the third column, respectively, are displayed with symbols indicating whether the item is selectable or not, and the amount of the usage fee hidden. In other words, the control unit 51 displays a screen on the operation display unit 31 announcing that the luggage should be deposited in another normal storage compartment 22 with the same fee as the storage compartment 22 with the locking malfunction.

When the "Confirm" button display unit 125 is touched in this state, the control unit 51 displays the locker number "0005," which is the identification number of the alternative storage unit 22, on the operation display unit 31, prompting the user to store the luggage. It then waits until the presence detection sensor 66 for the alternative storage unit, the lower second row storage unit 22, detects the presence of luggage. After the presence detection sensor 66 for the lower second row storage unit 22 detects the presence of luggage, and the door opening/closing detection sensor 81 detects that the door 62 of the lower second row storage unit 22 is closed, the control unit 51 determines this alternative storage unit, the lower second row storage unit 22, as the alternative storage unit, and stores its identification number, locker number "0005," in the storage unit 52, associating it with the identification number of the current deposit process.

Simultaneously, the control unit 51 drives the drive unit 73 of the locking unit 71 to lock the door 62 to the storage unit 61 in the closed position using the mechanical lock mechanism for the storage unit 22 in the lower second row, which is the alternative storage unit. In this case as well, the control unit 51 performs the locking process of the locking unit 71 of the alternative storage unit selected from among the multiple storage units 22 after the payment is completed by the payment terminal 33.

When the mechanical lock detection sensor 82 detects that the mechanical lock mechanism has properly operated and locked the door 62, the control unit 51 determines that the luggage has been properly deposited into the storage unit 22 in the lower second row, which is the alternative storage unit. The control unit 51 then stores the locker number "0005," which is the identification number of the storage unit 22 in the lower second row, along with a statement indicating that the deposit is complete and the date and time of that deposit, in the storage unit 52, associating them with the identification number of this deposit transaction. Simultaneously, the control unit 51 instructs the receipt issuing unit 32 to issue a receipt printed with the identification number of this deposit transaction, the locker number "0005" (the identification number of the alternative storage unit), payment information, and the date and time of deposit completion. In addition, the control unit 51 displays the eighth display screen 191, shown in Figure 11, on the operation display unit 31, prompting the user to obtain the receipt.

From that point onward, the process is the same as the deposit process described above, but in the 10th display screen 211 shown in Figure 13 on the operation display unit 31, the control unit 51 will display "0005" as the locker number on the identification number display unit 214.

In the above lock failure response process, the control unit 51, if there is no storage unit 22 available for deposit with a usage fee equal to that of the storage unit 22 with the lock failure, will select a storage unit 22 with a usage fee higher than that of the storage unit 22 with the lock failure as the alternative storage unit. In this case of a higher-cost alternative, if there are multiple storage units 22 with usage fees higher than that of the storage unit 22 with the lock failure, the one with the smallest difference will be selected as the alternative storage unit. If there are multiple storage units 22 with the same difference, the storage unit 22 closest to the storage unit 22 with the lock failure will be selected as the alternative storage unit.

In this case, a shortfall in the usage fee will occur. Therefore, the control unit 51 performs the same settlement process as the deposit process described above. Specifically, it displays the fourth display screen 151, "Select Payment Method," shown in Figure 7, on the operation display unit 31, prompting the user to select a credit card payment brand. Then, it displays the fifth display screen 161, "Payment," shown in Figure 8, on the operation display unit 31, prompting the user to pay the fee. The payment terminal 33 then reads the card identification information and performs the settlement process. In this case as well, while the settlement process is in progress, the control unit 51 displays the sixth display screen 171, shown in Figure 9, prompting the user to wait.

Then, when the payment terminal 33 reads the card identification information from the IC chip and the payment process is successfully completed, the control unit 51 displays the seventh display screen 181, shown in Figure 10, prompting the user to remove the card. When the payment process is successfully completed based on the card identification information read by the payment terminal 33 from the magnetic strip, and when the payment process is successfully completed based on the card identification information read by the payment terminal 33 from the IC chip and the IC card is removed, the control unit 51 performs a locking process on the storage unit 22, which is the alternative storage unit, by driving the drive unit 73 of the locking unit 71 to lock the door 62 to the storage unit 61 in the closed position using the mechanical lock mechanism.

When the mechanical lock detection sensor 82 detects that the mechanical lock mechanism has properly operated and locked the door 62, the control unit 51 determines that the luggage has been properly deposited into the storage unit 22, which is the alternative storage unit. The control unit 51 then stores the identification number of the storage unit 22, a statement indicating the completion of the deposit, and the date and time of that deposit in the storage unit 52, associating them with the identification number of the current deposit process. Simultaneously, the control unit 51 instructs the receipt issuing unit 32 to issue a receipt printed with the identification number of the current deposit process, the identification number of the alternative storage unit, the initial usage fee, payment information for any additional usage fees, and the date and time of the deposit completion. Furthermore, the control unit 51 displays the eighth display screen 191, shown in Figure 11, on the operation display unit 31, prompting the user to obtain the receipt.

From that point onward, the process is the same as the deposit procedure described above.

Furthermore, in the case of the high-cost replacement described above, the control unit 51 may not settle the difference in usage fees, but instead treat the usage fee as the same as that of the locking malfunction housing unit 22, and proceed with subsequent processing in the same manner as if the usage fees were the same. Alternatively, the control unit 51 may discount the difference in usage fees in the case of the high-cost replacement before settlement.

In the lock malfunction handling process, it is also possible to refuse storage in the alternative storage compartment by inputting into the operation display unit 31. For example, if the luggage is too heavy to fit in the alternative storage compartment located at a high position, the user can refuse storage in the alternative storage compartment by inputting into the operation display unit 31. In this case, the control unit 51 displays instructions on the operation display unit 31 to contact the call center. The call center operator who receives the call will then handle the refund.

In one locker device 11, if there are no storage units 22 available for deposit that have the same usage fee as the storage unit 22 with the lock malfunction, nor any storage unit 22 with a higher usage fee than the storage unit 22 with the lock malfunction, and only storage units 22 with a lower usage fee than the storage unit 22 with the lock malfunction, the control unit 51 determines that there are no storage units 22 available for deposit and therefore no alternative is available. Similarly, if there are no storage units 22 available for deposit in one locker device 11, it also determines that no alternative is available. In cases where no alternative is available, the control unit 51 of the locker device 11 where the alternative is unavailable communicates with the control unit 51 of another locker device 11 located elsewhere in the locker system 301, and displays on the operation display unit 31 a storage unit 22 from among the storage units 22 available for deposit in the other locker devices 11 that has the same usage fee as the storage unit 22 with the lock malfunction, making it available for selection as an alternative storage unit.

In this case, if there are multiple locker units 22 available for deposit that have the same usage fee as the locking malfunctioning unit 22, the control unit 51 of the locker unit 11 that is closest to the locker unit 11 will display the unit 22 of the locker unit 11 as a selectable alternative unit on the operation display unit 31. Alternatively, the control unit 51 will display these locker units 11, including their respective locations, on the operation display unit 31, and allow the user to select one by inputting into the operation display unit 31.

Furthermore, if a replacement is not possible, the control unit 51 of the locker device 11 experiencing this issue will communicate with the control unit 51 of another locker device 11 located elsewhere in the locker system 301. If, among the available storage compartments 22 of the other locker devices 11, there is no storage compartment 22 with the same usage fee as the storage compartment 22 with the locking malfunction, the control unit 51 will select the storage compartment 22 with the highest usage fee and the smallest price difference, and display this as a selectable replacement storage compartment on the operation display unit 31.

In this case, the control unit 51 of the locker device 11 where this substitution is not possible will, if there are multiple locker devices 11 with storage units 22 that are available for deposit, have a usage fee higher than the storage unit 22 with the lock malfunction, and have the smallest difference in price, display the storage unit 22 of the locker device 11 closest to the user as a selectable alternative storage unit on the operation display unit 31. Alternatively, the control unit 51 will display these locker devices 11, including their respective locations, on the operation display unit 31, and allow the user to select one by inputting into the operation display unit 31.

In all of these cases, the control unit 51 of the locker device 11 where the substitution is unavailable will display the location of the other locker device 11 with an alternative storage unit and the locker number of that alternative storage unit on the operation display unit 31, and will print this information on a receipt issued by the receipt issuing unit 32. Subsequently, the control unit 51 of the locker device 11 where the substitution is unavailable will display a PIN code on the operation display unit 31. The locker device 11 with the alternative storage unit will make the alternative storage unit unusable until this PIN code is entered into the operation display unit 31. Once this PIN code is entered into the operation display unit 31, the locker device 11 with the alternative storage unit will make the alternative storage unit available for deposit, and will then perform the same deposit process as described above without performing payment.

In other words, in the locker device 11, the alternative storage unit includes a storage unit 22 of another locker device 11 that can share information with each other via a network connection. Furthermore, in the central system 300, if an abnormality occurs in the locking process of the deposit selection storage unit of one locker device 11, the control unit 51 of that locker device 11 displays on the operation display unit 31 a selectable alternative storage unit from among multiple storage units 22, including storage units 22 of other locker devices 11, that is different from the deposit selection storage unit.

Furthermore, if a replacement is unavailable, and the user selects to receive a refund through the call center on the operation display unit 31, the control unit 51 will display instructions on the operation display unit 31 regarding how to contact the call center.

In the storage compartments 22 available for deposit, if there are no storage compartments 22 with the same usage fee as the storage compartment 22 with the lock malfunction, nor any storage compartments 22 with a higher usage fee than the storage compartment 22 with the lock malfunction, and only storage compartments 22 with a lower usage fee than the storage compartment 22 with the lock malfunction are available, it is possible to offer a low-cost alternative where the customer can deposit their luggage in one of these alternative storage compartments. In this case, the control unit 51 will guide the customer via the operation display unit 31 to contact the call center, and the call center will handle the refund of the difference in fees.

Alternatively, in the case of this low-value alternative, if the payment terminal 33 can process payments using electronic money, the excess amount may be returned to the customer terminal via the payment terminal 33 in the form of electronic money or points.

Alternatively, in the case of this low-value alternative, if the payment terminal 33 is capable of reading QR codes, the control unit 51 may detect a sheet with a QR code printed on it in the form of a discount coupon or voucher for the excess amount, following the receipt printed by the receipt issuing unit 32. In this case, when the payment terminal 33 reads the QR code, the locker device 11 will treat it as a usage fee or part of a usage fee and process the payment.

Alternatively, in the case of this low-cost alternative, if the locker device 11 is capable of cash payment, the excess amount may be refunded in cash.

In the process of handling lock malfunctions, refunds for refusal to accommodate items in an alternative storage unit, or refunds of the difference in price, may be made by charging or awarding points to a different IC chip-equipped card than the one used with the locker device 11.

Furthermore, the same information as that on the receipt issued by the receipt issuing unit 32 may be sent via SMS to the entered mobile phone number. The user may also be allowed to select whether to obtain the information via receipt issuance or SMS transmission using the operation display unit 31. Alternatively, both receipt issuance and SMS transmission may be performed.

Furthermore, the information displayed on the 10th display screen 211 shown in Figure 13, which guides the user through the "display of the PIN," including the "locker number," "PIN," and "available time," may be sent via SMS to the entered mobile phone number. The user may also be prompted to select whether or not to send the information via SMS via the operation display unit 31.

Furthermore, if the control unit 21 is capable of reading two-dimensional codes, in the deposit process, the receipt issuing unit 32 may print the two-dimensional code of the PIN on a receipt and issue it. In the retrieval process, the control unit 21 may then read the two-dimensional code on this receipt and use it as input for the PIN.

Furthermore, if the control unit 21 is capable of writing information to the corresponding IC chip, then in the deposit process, the control unit 21 may write the PIN to this IC chip, and in the retrieval process, the control unit 21 may read the PIN from this IC chip and use it as input for the PIN.

Furthermore, the locker device 11 may also have a reminder notification function. In this case, when depositing items, the user can select whether or not to receive a notification via short message service before the end of the normal usage time by inputting into the operation display unit 31. If this notification is selected, the notification time can be set by inputting into the operation display unit 31. Information notified to the customer during the deposit process, when depositing items into an alternative storage unit of another locker device 11, or when using the reminder notification function may include map information and location information (pinning on a map application) of the locker device 11. Since GPS may not function well in underground station premises, a station map and the location of the locker device 11 are sufficient.

In conventional locker systems, if a locking malfunction occurred during deposit after payment was completed, a message instructing the user to contact the call center would be displayed on the control panel. Users would then contact the call center, which would handle the refund process. This resulted in a burden on both the users and the call center service personnel.

In this embodiment, the locker device 11, when an abnormality occurs in the locking process of a selected storage unit selected by the operation display unit 31 from among the multiple storage units 22, displays a selectable alternative storage unit from among the multiple storage units 22 on the operation display unit 31. Therefore, in the locker device 11, when a user selects to use an alternative storage unit via the operation display unit 31, the control unit 51 processes the deposit of luggage into this alternative storage unit. Consequently, the locker device 11 reduces the number of times users need to contact the call center, thereby reducing the user's workload. Furthermore, it reduces the number of times call center service personnel need to handle refunds, thus reducing the service personnel's workload.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locker device 11 has an alternative storage unit with the same usage fee as the selected storage unit, eliminating the need for settlement or refunds of the difference. Therefore, the workload of both users and service personnel can be further reduced.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the alternative storage unit of the locker device 11 includes the storage unit 22 of another locker device 11 that can share information with each other via a network connection, even if the locker device 11 experiencing a locking malfunction does not have an alternative storage unit, the storage unit 22 of another locker device 11 can be used as the alternative storage unit. Therefore, the possibility of reducing the workload of service personnel can be further increased.

Furthermore, the locker system 301 of this embodiment has multiple locker devices 11 that can share information with each other via a network connection. If an abnormality occurs in the locking process of the selected storage section of one locker device 11, the control unit 51 of that locker device 11 displays a selectable alternative storage section from among multiple storage sections 22, including the storage sections 22 of other locker devices 11, on the operation display unit 31. Therefore, the possibility of reducing the workload of service personnel can be further increased.

11...Locker device, 22...Storage section, 31...Operation display section, 33...Payment terminal, 51...Control unit, 62...Door, 71...Locking section.

Claims (8)

Multiple storage compartments, each having a door that can be locked by a locking mechanism,
An operation display unit that allows selection of an available storage unit from among the aforementioned multiple storage units,
A payment terminal for settling usage fees,
The system includes a control unit that performs the locking process of the locking part of the selected storage unit selected by the operation display unit from among the plurality of storage units after the payment is completed by the payment terminal,
A locker device characterized in that, if an abnormality occurs in the locking process of the selected storage unit, the control unit displays on the operation display unit a selectable alternative storage unit from among the plurality of storage units, other than the selected storage unit. The aforementioned alternative housing unit is
The locker device according to claim 1, characterized in that the selected storage unit and the usage fee are the same amount. The control unit, when there are multiple selectable accommodation units with the same usage fee as the selected accommodation unit, will designate the one closest to the selected accommodation unit as the alternative accommodation unit.
A locker device as described in claim 1, characterized by its features. The control unit, when there are no selectable accommodation units with the same usage fee as the selected accommodation unit, performs a high-cost substitution, selecting the most expensive accommodation unit with the smallest difference in usage fee between the selected accommodation unit and the available accommodation unit.
A locker device as described in claim 1, characterized by its features. The locker device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit does not settle the difference in price when the high-cost replacement is made. The control unit, when the alternative storage unit is selected, indicates that the selected storage unit, which had an abnormality in the locking process, is unavailable for deposit.
A locker device as described in claim 1, characterized by its features. The aforementioned alternative housing unit is
A locker device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it includes a housing section for another locker device that is capable of sharing information with each other via a network connection. A locker system having multiple locker devices that can share information with each other via a network connection,
Each of the aforementioned multiple locker devices is,
Multiple storage compartments, each having a door that can be locked by a locking mechanism,
An operation display unit that allows selection of an available storage unit from among the aforementioned multiple storage units,
A payment terminal for settling usage fees,
The system includes a control unit which performs the locking process of the locking part of the selected storage unit selected by the operation display unit from among the plurality of storage units after the payment is completed by the payment terminal,
A locker system characterized in that, when an abnormality occurs in the locking process of the selected storage unit of one locker device, the control unit of one locker device displays on the operation display unit a selectable alternative storage unit from among a plurality of storage units, including storage units of other locker devices, that is different from the selected storage unit.