Luggage storage system and luggage management method

A luggage storage system includes a tag attached to a luggage, a plurality of storage spot terminals respectively installed in a plurality of storage spots each including a movable spot, a luggage database, and a circuitry configured to: acquire identification information of the tag and a user from a mobile terminal that has read the identification information of the tag at the time of deposit of the luggage and register the identification information in the luggage database, acquire the identification information of the tag and storage spot from the storage spot terminal that has read the identification information of the tag and register the identification information in the luggage database, and acquire the identification information of the tag and the user from the mobile terminal that has read the tag at the time of receipt of the luggage and determine whether or not to return the luggage based on whether or not the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user are associated with each other in the luggage database.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a luggage storage system and a luggage management method.

BACKGROUND

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-219629 discloses a locker including a structure including a plurality of reception portions for receiving articles, and a housing that stores the structure. The structure is configured to be freely put in and taken out of the housing and is configured to be freely movable. According to this locker, it is possible to move luggage stored in one locker to another locker.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is an example luggage storage system. The luggage storage system may include a tag attached to a luggage, a plurality of storage spot terminals installed in a plurality of storage spots each including a movable spot, a database that stores information on stored luggage, and a circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to acquire identification information of the tag and identification information of a user from a mobile terminal that has read the identification information of the tag attached to the luggage at the time of depositing the luggage and register the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user in the database in association with each other. Additionally, the circuitry further may be configured to acquire the identification information of the tag and identification information of the storage spot from the storage spot terminal that has read the identification information of the tag and register the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the storage spot in the database in association with each other. Still further, the circuitry may be configured to acquire the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal that has read the tag at the time of receipt of the luggage and determine whether or not to return the luggage based on whether or not the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user are associated with each other in the database.

Additionally, a luggage management method is disclosed herein. The luggage management method may be executed by a server for management of stored luggage. The luggage management method may include acquiring identification information of a tag attached to a luggage and identification information of a user from a mobile terminal that has read the identification information of the tag at the time of depositing the luggage and registering the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user in a database in association with each other. Additionally, the luggage management method may include acquiring the identification information of the tag and identification information of a storage spot from a storage spot terminal that has read the identification information of the tag and registering the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the storage spot in the database in association with each other. Still further, the luggage management method may include acquiring the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal that has read the tag at the time of receipt of the luggage and determining whether or not the luggage may be returned based on whether or not the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user are associated in the database.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements or elements having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

Luggage Storage System

An example luggage storage system1illustrated inFIG. 1may be configured to provide a temporary luggage storage service to users who desire to reduce a burden of carrying luggage, such as travelers, shoppers, or guests of amusement facilities (for example, theme parks). In some examples, the luggage storage system1provides a service of receiving luggage from a user at any one of a plurality of storage spots registered in advance and performing return of the luggage to the user at any one of the plurality of storage spots. The luggage storage system1includes a tag2to be attached to luggage4, a plurality of storage spot terminals200installed at a plurality of storage spots3, and a server100.

The tag2(or a luggage tag) holds a tag identifier which includes identification information in a format that can be read by a mobile terminal300of a user of the luggage storage system1, and can be attached to or detached from the luggage4. Illustrative examples of the tag2include an IC tag that holds identification information as electronic data, a marker that holds identification information as image information such as a two-dimensional bar code, and a magnetic chip that holds identification information as magnetic data.

The mobile terminal300(or a hand-held mobile terminal) may be configured for wired or wireless network communication. Illustrative examples of the mobile terminal300include a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and a smartphone. The mobile terminal300includes an application for the user of the luggage storage system1. The application may be a network browser or a dedicated application installed for the luggage storage system1.

The storage spots3have a space configured to accommodate the luggage4. The plurality of storage spots3include movable spots3A (or mobile luggage storage). A movable spot can be moved by the power of the movable spot (i.e., self-powered). An example of the movable spot3A may include a vehicle such as a truck. The movable spot3A may include a flying body such as a drone. The plurality of storage spots3may include a fixed spot3B (or a fixed luggage storage), in addition to the movable spot3A. An example of the fixed spot3B may include a predetermined space in a building such as a store.

The storage spot terminal200is installed in the storage spot3. If the storage spot3is the movable spot3A, the storage spot terminal200is a mobile storage terminal. If the storage spot3is the fixed spot3B, the storage spot terminal200is a fixed storage terminal. The storage spot terminal200may be configured to perform wired or wireless network communication. Illustrative examples of the storage spot terminal200may include a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and a smartphone. The storage spot terminal200includes an application for an administrator of the storage spot3. The application may be a network browser or a dedicated application installed for the luggage storage system1.

The server100is connected to the storage spot terminal200and the mobile terminal300via a network5(for example, the Internet), and performs information processing for providing the luggage storage service. For example, the server100is configured to acquire the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal300that has read the identification information of the tag2attached to the luggage4at the time of depositing the luggage4and register the tag identifier including the identification information of the tag2and a user identifier including the identification information of the user in the database in association with each other. Additionally, the server100may be configured to acquire the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the storage spot3from the storage spot terminal200that has read the identification information of the tag2and register the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the storage spot3in the database in association with each other. Still further, the server100may be configured to acquire the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal300that has read the tag2at the time of receipt of the luggage4and determine whether or not to return the luggage4based on whether or not the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user are associated in the database. Still further, the server100may be configured to acquire the user identifier from the mobile terminal300in response to reading of the tag2by the mobile terminal300. Still further, the serve100may be configured to acquire a luggage release request from the mobile terminal300in response to rescanning of the tag2by the mobile terminal300. Still further, the server100may be configured to acquire a current position information of the storage spot3from the storage spot terminal. The server100may be configured to transmit the current position information to the mobile terminal300.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating an example functional configuration of the server100. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the server100includes a luggage database111, a spot position database112, a first registration module113, a second registration module114, a spot position updating module115, a deposit candidate presentation module116, a status notification module117, a receipt candidate presentation module118, a transport route setting module119, a receipt time notification module121, a transport command module125, a return determination module122, a fee calculation module123, and a return processing module124as functional components (hereinafter referred to as “functional modules”).

The luggage database111stores information on the luggage4that is a storage target. For example, the luggage database111stores the identification information (tag ID) of the tag2attached to the luggage4, an identification code (user ID) of the user of the storage service of the luggage4, an identification code (spot ID) of the storage spot3of the luggage4, a storage start time of the luggage4in the storage spot3, a storage end time of the luggage4in the storage spot3, and a completion flag of the storage service of the luggage4in association with each other, as illustrated inFIG. 3. The completion flag indicates whether or not the luggage4is being stored. InFIG. 3, the completion flag of 1 indicates that the storage has ended, and the completion flag of 0 indicates that the storage is under way or continuing (e.g., has not ended).

The spot position database112stores position information of the storage spot3. For example, the spot position database112stores date and time and position information (for example, latitude and longitude) of each storage spot3in association with each other, as illustrated inFIG. 4.

Referring back toFIG. 2, the first registration module113acquires the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal300that has read the identification information of the tag2attached to the luggage4at the time of depositing the luggage4and registers the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user in the luggage database111in association with each other. A user identifier may include the identification information of the user. The first registration module113also changes the identification information of the user in the luggage database111according to an input from the mobile terminal300after starting the storage of the luggage4and before return of the luggage4. The second registration module114acquires the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the storage spot3from the storage spot terminal200that has read the identification information of the tag2, and registers the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the storage spot3in the luggage database111in association with each other. A mobile storage identifier may include the identification information of the storage spot3.

The spot position updating module115repeats a process of acquiring current position information of each storage spot3from the storage spot terminal200and writing the current position information to the spot position database112, at regular periods.

The deposit candidate presentation module116acquires current position information of the mobile terminal300from the mobile terminal300and transmits the current position information of the storage spot3in a first reference area including a position indicated by the current position information of the mobile terminal300to the mobile terminal300. The status notification module117acquires a request for transmission of current position information of the tag2from the mobile terminal300, acquires the identification information of the current storage spot3associated with the identification information of the tag2from the luggage database111, and transmits the current position information of the storage spot3to the mobile terminal300. The receipt candidate presentation module118acquires desired position information for receipt of the luggage4from the mobile terminal300and transmits the current position information of the storage spot3in a predetermined area including the position indicated by the desired position information to the mobile terminal300.

The transport route setting module119acquires a designation of the storage spot3for receipt of the luggage4(or a final destination) from the mobile terminal300, acquires the identification information of the current storage spot3associated with the identification information of the tag2attached to the luggage4from the luggage database111, and sets a transport route of the luggage4from the current storage spot3to a storage spot3for receipt. The transport route setting module119may acquire delivery request identifying a final destination from the mobile terminal300. The transport route setting module119may set a position for reloading of the luggage between the storage spots3and transport routes of these storage spots3in accordance with the delivery request. The receipt time notification module121calculates a time at which the luggage4may be received in the storage spot3. The transport command module125transmits a command to transport and reload the luggage4to the storage spot terminal200of each storage spot3included in the transport route set by the transport route setting module119. The transport route setting module119may select two mobile luggage storages3A as the first and second luggage storages in accordance with the transport route. In this case, the transport command module125may request, to the first and second storage terminals, a transfer of the luggage between the first and second luggage storages so that the luggage is redirected from a first transport route associated with the first luggage storage to a second transport route associated with the second luggage storage. Further, the transport route setting module119may select a mobile luggage storage3A and a fixed luggage storage3B as the first and second luggage storages in accordance with the transport route. In this case, the transport command module125may request, to the first and second storage terminals, a transfer of the luggage between the first luggage storage and the second luggage storage so that the luggage is delivered to the second luggage storage.

The return determination module122acquires the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal300that has read the tag at the time of receipt of the luggage and determines whether or not to return the luggage4based on whether or not the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user are associated with each other in the luggage database Ill. For example, the return determination module122may acquire, from the mobile terminal300, a luggage release request with the user identifier. The return determination module122may authorize a release of the luggage associated with the luggage tag upon verifying that the user identifier acquired with the luggage release request is associated with the tag identifier in the luggage database111. The fee calculation module123calculates an elapsed time from a deposit time (or a time of deposit) to a receipt time (or a time of release) of the luggage4and a movement distance (or a delivery distance) from the deposit time to the receipt time of the luggage4, and calculates a use fee of the luggage storage service based on the elapsed time and the movement distance. In some examples, the fee calculation module123may calculate the use fee based on any one of the elapsed time and the movement distance. The return processing module124updates the content of the luggage database111according to the return of the luggage4. For example, the return processing module124acquires a request for update of the luggage database111from the storage spot terminal200of the storage spot3which has completed the return of the luggage4, and changes the completion flag of the luggage4in the storage spot3to1.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server100, the storage spot terminal200, and the mobile terminal300. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the server100includes circuitry190. The circuitry190includes a processor191, a memory192, a storage193, and a network adapter194. The processor191executes information processing for providing the luggage storage service. The processor191may be packaged as one electronic component or may include a plurality of separately packaged electronic components. The storage193is, for example, a storage medium such as at least one hard disk or a nonvolatile memory, and stores a program and data for providing the luggage storage service. The memory192is, for example, a random access memory, and temporarily stores data for information processing of the processor191. The network adapter194is connected to the network5in a wired or wireless manner, and performs input and output of information with the network5in response to a command from the processor191.

The storage spot terminal200includes circuitry290. The circuitry290includes a processor291, a memory292, a storage293, a tag reader294, a GPS sensor295, and a network adapter296. The processor291cooperates with the server100to execute information processing for managing the luggage4. The processor291may be packaged as one electronic component or may include a plurality of separately packaged electronic components. The storage293is, for example, a storage medium such as at least one hard disk or nonvolatile memory, and stores data and a program including the application for an administrator described above. The memory292is, for example, a random access memory, and temporarily stores data for information processing of the processor291. The tag reader294reads the identification information held by the tag2. Illustrative examples of the tag reader294may include an IC tag reader, a camera, and a magnetic reader. The GPS sensor295receives a satellite signal for a global positioning system (GPS). The network adapter296is connected to the network5in a wired or wireless manner, and performs input and output of information to and from the network5in response to a command from the processor291.

The mobile terminal300has circuitry390. The circuitry390includes a processor391, a memory392, a storage393, a tag reader394, a GPS sensor395, and a network adapter396. The processor391executes information processing for using the luggage storage service. The processor391may be packaged as one electronic component or may include a plurality of separately packaged electronic components. The storage393is, for example, a storage medium such as at least one hard disk or nonvolatile memory, and stores a program including the application for a user described above and data. The memory392is, for example, a random access memory, and temporarily stores data for information processing of the processor391. The tag reader394reads the identification information held by the tag2. Illustrative examples of the tag reader394may include an IC tag reader, a camera, and a magnetic reader. The GPS sensor395receives the satellite signal for a GPS. The network adapter396is connected to the network5in a wired or wireless manner, and performs input and output of information to and from the network5in response to a command from the processor391. The storage393may have instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the mobile terminal300, cause the mobile terminal300to perform operations comprising: scanning the tag2to be attached to the luggage4; transmitting, to the server100for management of stored luggage4, a tag identifier including identification information of the tag2in response to scanning of the tag2; acquiring, from the server100, a current position information of the movable spot3A storing the luggage4; and displaying a current position of the movable spot3A based on the current position information. The operations may further include: rescanning the tag2attached to the luggage4; and transmitting, to the server100, the tag identifier in response to rescanning of the tag2for verification that a user of the mobile terminal300is associated with the tag identifier in the server100. The operations may further include: transmitting, to the server100, both the tag identifier and user identification information to verify the user of the mobile terminal300.

Method of Providing Luggage Storage Service

Subsequently, a method of providing a luggage storage service that is executed using the luggage storage system1will be illustrated. The method of providing the luggage storage service includes a luggage management method that is executed by the server100. The luggage management method includes acquiring the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal300that has read the identification information of the tag2attached to the luggage4at the time of depositing the luggage4and registering the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user in the luggage database111in association with each other. Additionally, the luggage management method may include acquiring the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the storage spot3from the storage spot terminal200that has read the identification information of the tag2, and registering the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the storage spot3in the luggage database111in association with each other. Still further, the luggage management method may include acquiring the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal300that has read the tag2at the time of receipt of the luggage4and determining whether or not to return the luggage4based on whether or not the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user are associated with each other in the luggage database111.

As an example, the method of providing the luggage storage service includes an information presentation procedure for a storage candidate spot, a procedure for registering deposited luggage, a procedure for updating position information of a storage spot, and a procedure for changing the storage spot. Additionally, the method of providing the luggage storage service may include an information presentation procedure for a current position of the luggage, a procedure for changing a user associated with the deposited luggage, a procedure of setting the storage spot for receipt, and a return process procedure for the deposited luggage. Each example procedure will be illustrated in further detail below.

Information Presentation Procedure for Deposit Candidate Spot

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the server100may sequentially execute steps S01, S02, S03, and S04. In step S01, the deposit candidate presentation module116waits for the mobile terminal300to request presentation of candidate spots for deposit. In step S02, the deposit candidate presentation module116acquires the current position information of the mobile terminal300and the information on the first reference area including the position indicated by the current position information from the mobile terminal300. For example, when the mobile terminal300is displaying a map of an area including the current position of the mobile terminal300, the deposit candidate presentation module116acquires information defining the area displayed by the map as information on the first reference area. In step S03, the deposit candidate presentation module116extracts the storage spot3in the first reference area based on the latest position information stored in the spot position database112.

In step S04, the deposit candidate presentation module116transmits the current position information of all storage spots3(hereinafter referred to as “candidate spots”) extracted in step S03to the mobile terminal300. In some examples, the current position information need not be exactly the current information, but may be information in the past rather than a current time in a range in which the information can be regarded as substantially the same as the current information. The same also applies to the following. The range in which the information can be regarded as substantially the same as the current information means such a range that the user cannot recognize a difference. Therefore, the deposit candidate presentation module116may transmit the latest position information of the spot position database112to the mobile terminal300as the current position information of the candidate spot or may acquire the current position information from the storage spot terminal200of the candidate spot and transmit the current position information to the mobile terminal300. The mobile terminal300that has received the current position information of all the candidate spots, for example, displays a mark of the candidate spot on the map. Then, the information presentation procedure of the deposit candidate spots is completed. The server100repeatedly executes this procedure.

Procedure for Registering Deposited Luggage

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the server100may sequentially execute steps S11, S12, and S13. In step S11, the first registration module113waits for registration of the deposited luggage4to be requested from the mobile terminal300. In step S12, the first registration module113acquires the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal300that has read the identification information of the tag2attached to the deposited luggage4. The identification information of the user may include identification information of a user who is qualified for receipt of the luggage4. For example, the identification information of the user may include identification information of a user who logs in to an application of the mobile terminal300or may include identification information of a user designated by an operator on the application of the mobile terminal300. When the owner of the mobile terminal300is specified, the identification information of the user may include identification information of the mobile terminal300itself. In step S13, the first registration module113registers the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user acquired in step S12in the luggage database111in association with each other.

Next, the server100may sequentially execute steps S14, S15and S16in order. In step S14, the second registration module114waits for registration of the storage spot3for the deposited luggage4to be requested from the storage spot terminal200. In step S15, the second registration module114acquires the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the storage spot3from the storage spot terminal200that has read the identification information of the tag2attached to the deposited luggage4. The identification information of the storage spot3may include identification information of an administrator who logs in to an application of the storage spot terminal200or identification information of the storage spot terminal200itself. In step S16, the second registration module114registers the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the storage spot3acquired in step S15in the luggage database111in association with each other. For example, the second registration module114adds the identification information of the storage spot3acquired in step S15to the combination of the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user registered in step S13. Then, the registration procedure for the deposited luggage4is completed. The server100repeatedly executes this procedure.

Procedure for Updating Position Information of Depositing Spot

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the server100may first execute step S21. In step S21, the spot position updating module115confirms whether or not the storage spot terminal200of the storage spot3of which the position information is to be updated (hereinafter referred to as a “target spot”) is online (whether or not the storage spot terminal200is connected to the network5).

When it is determined in step S21that the storage spot terminal200is online, the server100may execute steps S22and S23in order. In step S22, the spot position updating module115acquires the current position information of the target spot from the storage spot terminal200. In step S23, the spot position updating module115records a current date and time and the current position information of the target spot in the spot position database112in association with each other.

When it is determined in step S21that the storage spot terminal200is offline (is not connected to the network5), the server100may execute step S24without executing steps S22and S23. In step S24, the spot position updating module115determines whether or not confirmation of the current position information of all the storage spots3has been completed.

When it is determined in step S24that the storage spots3of which the current position information is not confirmed remains, the server100executes step S25. In step S25, the spot position updating module115changes the target spot. For example, the spot position updating module115selects any storage spot3of which the current position information is not confirmed, and sets the storage spot3as the next target spot. Thereafter, the server100returns to the process of step S21. Thereafter, the change of the target spot and the acquisition of the current position information of the target spot are repeated until confirmation of the current position information of all storage spots3is completed.

When it is determined in step S24that confirmation of the current position information of all the storage spots3has been completed, the server100completes updating the position information of the storage spots3. The server100repeatedly executes the above procedure at regular periods. Accordingly, the current position information of each storage spot3is updated at regular periods.

Procedure for Changing Storage Spot

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the server100may execute steps S31, S32, and S33in order. In step S31, the second registration module114waits for a change of the storage spot3to be requested from a storage spot terminal200of a storage spot3(hereinafter referred to as a “new spot”) that takes over the stored luggage4from another storage spot3(hereinafter referred to as an “old spot”). In step S32, the second registration module114acquires the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the new spot from the storage spot terminal200of the new spot that has read the identification information of the tag2attached to the stored luggage4. In step S33, the second registration module114registers the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the takeover spot acquired in step S32in the luggage database111in association with each other. For example, the second registration module114changes combination data of the identification information of the tag2, the identification information of the user, and the identification information of the old spot from a storing state (a state in which the completion flag is 0) to a returned state (a state in which the completion flag is 1), and newly registers combination data of the identification information of the tag2, the identification information of the user, and the identification information of the new spot in the storing state. Then, the procedure of changing the storage spot3is completed. The server100repeatedly executes this procedure.

Information Presentation Procedure for Current Position of Luggage

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the server100may sequentially execute steps S41, S42, and S43. In step S41, the status notification module117waits for the mobile terminal300to request presentation of the current position information of the luggage4. In step S42, the status notification module117acquires the identification information of the tag2attached to the luggage4that is a current position information presentation target and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal300. In step S43, the status notification module117confirms whether or not the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user acquired in step S42are associated with each other in the luggage database111. The identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user being associated with each other in the luggage database111means that combination data of the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user is stored in the luggage database111in the storing state (a state in which the completion flag is 0). In step S43, when it is determined that the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user are not associated with each other in the luggage database111, the server100returns to the process of step S41.

When it is determined in step S43that the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user are associated with each other in the luggage database111, the server100may sequentially execute steps S44, S45, and S46in order. In step S44, the status notification module117acquires the identification information of the storage spot3in which the luggage4that is a current position information presentation target is being stored (hereinafter referred to as a “storing spot”) from the luggage database111. For example, the status notification module117acquires identification information of the storing spot from the data in the storing state (the state in which the completion flag is 0) among a combination of data of the identification information of the tag2attached to the luggage4and the identification information of the user. In step S45, the status notification module117acquires the current position information of the storing spot from the spot position database112. For example, the status notification module117acquires the latest position information associated with the storing spot in the spot position database112. In some examples, the status notification module117may acquire the current position information of the storing spot from the storage spot terminal200of the storing spot. In step S46, the status notification module117transmits the current position information of the depositing spot to the mobile terminal300. Then, the information presentation procedure for the current position of the luggage is completed. The server100repeatedly executes this procedure.

Procedure for Changing User Associated with Stored Luggage

As illustrated inFIG. 11, the server100may sequentially execute steps S51, S52, and S53. In step S51, the first registration module113waits for change of the user associated with the stored luggage4(the user associated with the tag2attached to the luggage4) to be requested from the mobile terminal300. In step S52, the storage candidate presentation module116acquires the identification information of the tag2attached to the luggage4that is a user change target (hereinafter referred to as a “change target tag2”) and the identification information of the user (a user before the change) from the mobile terminal300. In step S53, the first registration module113confirms whether or not the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user acquired in step S52are associated with each other in the luggage database111. When it is determined in step S53that the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user are not associated with each other in the luggage database111, the server100returns to the process of step S51.

When it is determined in step S53that the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user are associated with each other in the luggage database111, the server100may execute steps S54and S55in order. In step S54, the first registration module113acquires identification information of a new user from the mobile terminal300. In step S55, the first registration module113updates the identification information of the user associated with the tag2that is a change target in the luggage database111with the identification information of the new user. For example, the first registration module113overwrites the identification information of the user included in the data in the storing state (the state in which the completion flag is 0) among the data including the identification information of the tag2that is a change target with the identification information of the new user. Then, the user change procedure is completed. The server100repeatedly executes this procedure.

Procedure for Setting Storage Spot for Receipt

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the server100may sequentially execute steps S61, S62, and S63. In step S61, the receipt candidate presentation module118waits for a presentation of candidate spots for receipt to be requested from the mobile terminal300. In step S62, the receipt candidate presentation module118acquires the identification information of the tag2attached to the luggage4that is a receipt target (hereinafter referred to as “receipt target tag2”) and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal300. In step S63, the receipt candidate presentation module118confirms whether or not the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user acquired in step S62are associated with each other in the luggage database111. In step S63, when it is determined that the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user are not associated with each other in the luggage database111, the server100returns to the process of step S61.

When it is determined in step S63that the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user are associated with each other in the luggage database111, the server100may sequentially execute steps S64, S65, and S66in order. In step S64, the receipt candidate presentation module118acquires the desired position information for the receipt of the luggage4and information on a second reference area including a position indicated by the desired position information from the mobile terminal300. For example, when the mobile terminal300displays a map of an area including a desired position for receipt of the luggage4, the receipt candidate presentation module118acquires information defining the area displayed by the map as the information on a second reference area. In step S65, the receipt candidate presentation module118extracts the storage spot3in the second reference area based on the latest position information stored in the spot position database112. In step S66, the receipt candidate presentation module118transmits the current position information of all storage spots3(hereinafter referred to as “candidate spots”) extracted in step S65to the mobile terminal300. The receipt candidate presentation module118may transmit the latest position information of the spot position database112to the mobile terminal300as the current position information of the candidate spot or may acquire the current position information from the storage spot terminal200of the candidate spot and transmit the current position information to the mobile terminal300. The mobile terminal300that has received the current position information of all the candidate spots, for example, displays a mark of the candidate spot on the map.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, the server100may sequentially execute steps S67, S68, and S69. In step S67, the receipt candidate presentation module118acquires a designation of the storage spot3for receipt of the luggage4(hereinafter referred to as a “spot for receipt”) and a desired receipt time from the mobile terminal300. In step S68, the receipt candidate presentation module118acquires the identification information of the storage spot3in which the luggage4that is a receipt target is being stored (hereinafter referred to as a “storing spot”) from the luggage database111. In step S69, the receipt candidate presentation module118acquires the current position information of the storing spot from the spot position database112.

Next, the server100may sequentially execute steps S71, S72, and S73in order. In step S71, the transport route setting module119sets a transport route of the luggage4from the storing spot to the spot for receipt. The transport route includes a position at which the luggage4is reloaded between the storage spots3and a route on which each storage spot3moves the luggage4. In step S72, the receipt time notification module121calculates a time at which the luggage4may be received in the spot for receipt based on the transport route set in step S71(hereinafter referred to as a “set transport route”). In step S73, the receipt time notification module121transmits information on the time at which the luggage4may be received, which is calculated in step S72, to the mobile terminal300.

In step S74, the transport route setting module119confirms whether or not decision of the set transport route is requested from the mobile terminal300. In step S74, when it is determined that the decision of the set transport route is not requested, the server100executes step S75. In step S75, the transport route setting module119confirms whether or not cancellation of the set transport route is requested from the mobile terminal300. In step S75, when it is determined that the cancellation of the set transport route is not requested, the server100returns to the process of step S74. Thereafter, the server100repeats the steps S74and S75until the decision or cancellation of the set transport route is requested.

When it is determined in step S74that the decision of the set transport route is requested, the server100executes step S76. In step S76, the transport command module125transmits a command to transport and reload the luggage4to the storage spot terminal200of each storage spot3included in the set transport route. When it is determined in step S75that the cancellation of the set transport route is requested, the server100may complete the process without executing step S76. Then, the procedure for setting the spot for receipt is completed. The server100repeatedly executes this procedure.

Return Process Procedure for Stored Luggage

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the server100may sequentially execute steps S81, S82, and S83. In step S81, the return determination module122waits for receipt of the luggage4to be requested from the mobile terminal300. In step S82, the return determination module122acquires the identification information of the tag2that is a receipt target (the tag2attached to the luggage4that is a receipt target) and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal300. In step S83, the return determination module122confirms whether or not the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user acquired in step S82are associated with each other in the luggage database111. In step S83, when it is determined that the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user are not associated with each other in the luggage database111, the server100returns to the process of step S81.

In step S83, when it is determined that the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user are associated with each other in the luggage database111, the server100executes step S84. In step S84, the return determination module122transmits a return permission notification to the mobile terminal300and the storage spot terminal200. In some examples, the return determination module122may transmit the return permission notification to only one of the mobile terminal300and the storage spot terminal200.

Next, the server100may sequentially execute steps S85, S86, and S87in order. In step S85, the fee calculation module123calculates an elapsed time from a deposit time to a receipt time of the luggage4that is a receipt target. For example, the fee calculation module123calculates the elapsed time based on a difference between a storage end time and a storage start time of the luggage4stored in the luggage database111. In step S86, the fee calculation module123calculates a movement distance of the luggage4from the deposit time to the receipt time of the luggage4that is a receipt target. For example, the fee calculation module123calculates a movement distance (hereinafter referred to as a “transport distance”) of all the storage spots3(hereinafter referred to as “related spots”) involved in the storing of the luggage4that is a receipt target during the storing of the luggage4based on a history of the positions stored in the spot position database112, and calculates the movement distance of the luggage4by adding the transport distances of all the related spots. In step S87, the fee calculation module123calculates a use fee of the storage service of the luggage4based on the elapsed time calculated in step S85and the movement distance calculated in step S86. For example, the fee calculation module123calculates the use fee for a time by multiplying the elapsed time by a set fee per time, calculates the use fee for a distance by multiplying the movement distance by a set fee per distance, and calculates the use fee by summing the use fee for a time and the use fee for a distance.

Next, the server100may execute steps S88and S89in order. In step S88, the return processing module124waits for acquisition of a return completion notification from the storage spot terminal200. In step S89, the return processing module124updates the content of the luggage database111according to the return of the luggage4. For example, the return processing module124changes the combination data of the identification information of the storage spot3from which the return of the luggage4has completed and the identification information of the tag2attached to the luggage4to a storage completion state (a state in which the completion flag is 1) in the luggage database111. Then, the return process procedure for the stored luggage4is completed. The server100repeatedly executes this procedure.

As described above, the luggage storage system1may include the tag2attached to the luggage4, the plurality of storage spot terminals200respectively installed in the plurality of storage spots3each including the movable spot3A, and the luggage database111that stores the information on the luggage4. Additionally, the luggage storage system1may include the first registration module113that acquires the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal300that has read the identification information of the tag2attached to the luggage4at the time of deposit of the luggage4and registers the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user in the luggage database111in association with each other. Still further, the luggage storage system1may include the second registration module114that acquires the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the storage spot3from the storage spot terminal200that has read the identification information of the tag2, and registers the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the storage spot3in the luggage database111in association with each other. The luggage storage system1may also include the return determination module122that acquires the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal300that has read the tag2at the time of receipt of the luggage4and determines whether or not to return of the luggage4based on whether or not the identification information of the tag2and the identification information of the user are associated with each other in the luggage database111.

The luggage storage system1may be configured to rapidly perform the registration of the deposited luggage4and the authentication of receipt of the luggage4based on communication with the mobile terminal300of the user. Further, the luggage storage system1may be configured to update the deposit spot3of the luggage4in real time based on the communication with the deposit spot terminal200. Therefore, the luggage storage system1may be configured to easily track the position of the luggage4. For example, even when the luggage4is reloaded between the deposit spots3, the luggage storage system1may be configured to update the deposit spot3based on the communication with the storage spot terminal200. Thus, the luggage storage system1may be configured to provide a highly convenient luggage storage service with high mobility of the movable spot3A by enabling rapid deposit and receipt of the luggage4and enabling easy tracking of the position of the luggage4.

The luggage storage system1may include the storage candidate presentation module116that acquires the current position information of the mobile terminal300from the mobile terminal300and transmits the current position information of the storage spot3in the first reference area including a position indicated by the current position information of the mobile terminal300to the mobile terminal300. In some examples, the convenience of the luggage storage service may be further improved by making it easier to select the storage spot3close to the current position of the mobile terminal300.

The luggage storage system1may further include the status notification module117that acquires the request for transmission of the current position information of the tag2from the mobile terminal300, acquires the identification information of the current storage spot3associated with the identification information of the tag2from the luggage database111, and transmits the current position information of the storage spot3to the mobile terminal300. In some examples, the convenience of the luggage storage service may be further improved by enabling tracking of the position of the luggage4using the mobile terminal300.

The luggage storage system1may further include the transport route setting module119that acquires a designation of the storage spot3for receipt of the luggage4from the mobile terminal300, acquires identification information of the current storage spot3associated with the identification information of the tag2attached to the luggage4from the luggage database111, and sets a transport route of the luggage4from the current storage spot3to the storage spot3for receipt. In some examples, the convenience of the luggage storage service may be further improved by enabling receipt of the luggage4at the storage spot3designated by the user.

The luggage storage system1may further include the receipt candidate presentation module118that acquires desired position information for receipt of the luggage4from the mobile terminal300and transmits the current position information of the storage spot3in a second reference area including the position indicated by the desired position information to the mobile terminal300. In some examples, the convenience of the luggage storage service may be further improved by making it easier to select the storage spot3close to a desired receipt position of the luggage4.

The luggage storage system1may further include a fee calculation module123that calculates an elapsed time from a deposit time to a receipt time of the luggage4and calculates a use fee of the luggage storage service based on the elapsed time. By automatically calculating the use fee according to the degree of use of the luggage storage service with high rationality, the convenience of the luggage storage service may be further improved.

The fee calculation module123may further calculate a movement distance from a deposit time to a receipt time of the luggage4and calculate the use fee based on the elapsed time and the movement distance. By automatically calculating the use fee with high rationality, the convenience of the luggage storage service may be further improved.

The luggage storage system1may further include a fee calculation module123that calculates the movement distance from the deposit time to the receipt time of the luggage4and calculates a use fee of the luggage storage service based on the movement distance. By automatically calculating the use fee according to the degree of use of the luggage storage service with high rationality, the convenience of the luggage storage service may be further improved.

The luggage storage system1may be configured to store luggage from a user at any one of a plurality of storage spots including movable spots and to return the luggage to the user at any of the plurality of storage spots.

It is to be understood that not all aspects, advantages and features described herein may necessarily be achieved by, or included in, any one particular example embodiment. Indeed, having described and illustrated various examples herein, it should be apparent that other examples may be modified in arrangement and detail. For example, although some of the example methods and operations disclosed herein have been described as being performed sequentially, in some examples one or more of the steps or operations may be omitted, performed at the same time, or performed in a different order than that described or illustrated in the drawings (e.g., atFIGS. 6-14). Additionally, whereas some of the steps may be described as being executed by one or more “modules,” in some examples, some or all of the steps may be performed by one or more controllers, servers, processing devices and/or hardware devices, and as further described above with respect to the example hardware configurations illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, and/or5.

We claim all modifications and variations coming within the spirit and scope of the subject matter claimed herein.

Additionally, one or more of the example embodiments described above can be expressed by the following appendices.

A luggage storage system comprising:

a tag attached to luggage;

a plurality of storage spot terminals installed in a plurality of storage spots each including a movable spot;

a database configured to store information on the luggage;

a first registration module configured to acquire identification information of the tag and identification information of a user from a mobile terminal that has read the identification information of the tag attached to the luggage at the time of deposit of the luggage and to register the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user in the database in association with each other;

a second registration module configured to acquire the identification information of the tag and identification information of the storage spot from the storage spot terminal that has read the identification information of the tag and to register the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the storage spot in the database in association with each other; and

a return determination module configured to acquire the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal that has read the tag at the time of receipt of the luggage and to determine whether or not to return the luggage based on whether or not the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user are associated with each other in the database.

The luggage storage system according to appendix 1, further comprising a storage candidate presentation module configured to acquire current position information of the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal and to transmit current position information of the storage spot in a first reference area including a position indicated by the current position information of the mobile terminal to the mobile terminal.

The luggage storage system according to appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a status notification module configured to acquire a request for transmission of current position information of the tag from the mobile terminal, to acquire the identification information of the current storage spot associated with the identification information of the tag from the database, and to transmit the current position information of the storage spot to the mobile terminal.

The luggage storage system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, further comprising a transport route setting module configured to acquire a designation of the storage spot for receipt of the luggage from the mobile terminal, to acquire identification information of the current storage spot associated with the identification information of the tag attached to the luggage from the database, and to set a transport route of the luggage from the current storage spot to the storage spot for receipt.

The luggage storage system according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, further comprising a receipt candidate presentation module configured to acquire desired position information for receipt of the luggage from the mobile terminal and to transmit the current position information of the storage spot in a second reference area including a position indicated by the desired position information to the mobile terminal.

The luggage storage system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, further comprising a fee calculation module configured to calculate an elapsed time from a deposit time to a receipt time of the luggage and to calculate a use fee of a luggage storage service based on the elapsed time.

The luggage storage system according to appendix 6, wherein the fee calculation module is further configured to calculate a movement distance from a deposit time to a receipt time of the luggage and to calculate the use fee based on the elapsed time and the movement distance.

The luggage storage system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, further comprising a fee calculation module configured to calculate a movement distance from a deposit time to a receipt time of the luggage and to calculate a use fee of a luggage storage service based on the movement distance.

A method executed by a server for management of stored luggage, the method comprising:

acquiring identification information of a tag attached to luggage and identification information of a user from a mobile terminal that has read the identification information of the tag at the time of depositing the luggage and registering the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user in a database in association with each other;

acquiring the identification information of the tag and identification information of a storage spot from a storage spot terminal that has read the identification information of the tag and registering the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the storage spot in the database in association with each other; and

acquiring the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user from the mobile terminal that has read the tag at the time of receipt of the luggage and determining whether or not to return the luggage based on whether or not the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the user are associated in the database.