Information Processing Method and Information Processing System

Abstract

An information processing method, which obtains tractor information including the remaining battery power of a tractor, multiple trailer information respectively including the remaining battery power of each of multiple trailers, and multiple delivery information respectively including the identification information and destinations of multiple goods (step S101); generates a delivery plan that meets the first condition and the second condition by using the tractor information, the trailer information, and the delivery information (step S102), and outputs it (step S103), where (a) the first condition is that during the movement of the multiple trailers, the tractor travels using at least one of the batteries of the moving trailers among the multiple trailers and the battery of the tractor, and (b) the second condition is to maintain a state where the remaining battery power of the tractor exceeds the first lower limit and to maintain a state where the remaining battery power of the multiple trailers exceeds the second lower limit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method and an information processing system. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the progress of the technological development of electric vehicles, the use of electric vehicles for cargo delivery has been proposed. For example, for vehicles traveling on batteries in a container terminal, a configuration in which both a tractor and a trailer are equipped with batteries has been proposed (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, for gasoline vehicles, a method for making a plan has been proposed, which means that, considering traveling with the towing part separated from the cargo loading part, during the period when the cargo loading part stops for cargo handling operations, the towing part tows other cargo loading parts to perform operations (for example, refer to Patent Document 2).

[0004] (Prior Art Documents)

[0005] (Patent Documents)

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-111078

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-350158 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, the problem in the conventional technology is that it is difficult to efficiently deliver cargo using the batteries of the tractor and the trailer.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention provides an information processing method and an information processing system that can efficiently deliver cargo in a state where at least the battery of either the tractor or the trailer connected to the tractor does not run out.

[0011] Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] In the information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention, a computer performs the following operations: obtaining tractor information, a plurality of trailer information, and a plurality of delivery information, where the tractor information includes the remaining battery power of the tractor, each of the plurality of trailer information includes the respective remaining battery power of the plurality of trailers, each of the plurality of delivery information includes the respective identification information and destinations of the plurality of goods, generating and outputting a delivery plan using the tractor information, the plurality of trailer information, and the plurality of delivery information, the delivery plan means moving the plurality of trailers each loaded with the plurality of goods separately to the destinations by the tractor, and the delivery plan satisfies the following first condition and second condition: (a) the first condition means that during the movement of the plurality of trailers, the tractor travels using at least one of the battery of the trailer in motion among the plurality of trailers and the battery of the tractor; (b) the second condition means maintaining a state where the remaining battery power of the tractor exceeds a first lower limit and maintaining a state where the remaining battery power of the plurality of trailers exceeds a second lower limit.

[0013] In addition, these general or specific modes can be implemented by a system, a device, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or can be implemented by any combination of a system, a device, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0014] Advantages of the Invention

[0015] Through the information processing method of the present invention and the like, it is possible to efficiently deliver goods in a state where at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor is not depleted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the delivery system in Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram of the tractor and the trailer.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the plan-making device in Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the input data of the plan-making device in Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing the operation of the plan-making device in Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of the output data of the plan-making device in Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of the output data of the plan production device in Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of the output data of the plan production device in Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 9 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the travel of the tractor in Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 10 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the travel of the trailer in Embodiment 1.

[0026] Figure 11 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the travel of the tractor and the trailer in Embodiment 2. Detailed Embodiments

[0027] (Insight underlying the present invention)

[0028] The inventors of the present invention have found the following problems with respect to the cargo delivery technology using electric vehicles described in the "Background Art".

[0029] As described above, the problems in the prior art are that it is difficult to efficiently deliver goods using the batteries of the tractor and the trailer. In addition, the tractor and the trailer are also each referred to as a vehicle.

[0030] Specifically, when batteries are mounted on both the tractor and the trailer, it is difficult to efficiently deliver goods without depleting the battery of the vehicle (especially the tractor).

[0031] For example, the prior art shown in Patent Document 1 can be applied to a situation where, like a vehicle traveling in a container terminal, a fully charged trailer is always near the tractor, and when the charge of the traveling tractor or trailer runs out, the trailer can be exchanged at any time. However, the problem with this technology is that it cannot be applied to the situation of traveling on a road connecting distant points.

[0032] In addition, for example, the problem with the conventional method for producing a delivery plan for a towing vehicle shown in Patent Document 2 is that, since energy replenishment for travel is not taken into account, there is a possibility of battery depletion when applied to an electric vehicle.

[0033] As described above, the problem in the prior art is that it is difficult to efficiently deliver goods using the batteries of the tractor and the trailer.

[0034] Accordingly, the present invention provides an information processing method and an information processing system that can efficiently deliver goods without depleting at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor.

[0035] To solve the above problems, in an information processing method according to an aspect of the present invention, a computer performs the following operations: obtaining tractor information, a plurality of trailer information, and a plurality of delivery information, where the tractor information includes the remaining battery power of the tractor, each of the plurality of trailer information includes the remaining battery power of each of the plurality of trailers, and each of the plurality of delivery information includes the identification information and destination of each of the plurality of goods. Using the tractor information, the plurality of trailer information, and the plurality of delivery information, a delivery plan is generated and output. The delivery plan means that the tractor moves the plurality of trailers each loaded with the plurality of goods separately to the destination, and the delivery plan satisfies the following first condition and second condition: (a) The first condition means that during the movement of the plurality of trailers, the tractor travels using at least one of the battery of the trailer being moved among the plurality of trailers and the battery of the tractor. (b) The second condition means that the state where the remaining battery power of the tractor exceeds a first lower limit is maintained, and the state where the remaining battery power of the plurality of trailers exceeds a second lower limit is maintained.

[0036] In the above manner, a delivery plan is created that can maintain each remaining battery power in a state greater than the lower limit during the delivery period while considering the remaining battery power of the tractor and the trailer respectively, and then deliver the goods. Thus, the tractor and the trailer travel according to the created delivery plan, and can maintain the remaining battery power of the tractor and the trailer respectively in a state greater than the lower limit during the delivery period to deliver the goods. Therefore, through the above information processing method, goods can be efficiently delivered without depleting at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor.

[0037] For example, it may also be that in the generation of the delivery plan, the generation of the delivery plan that further satisfies a third condition is included. The third condition means that at least one of the plurality of trailers is charged at at least one destination.

[0038] In the above-described manner, a delivery plan is created that takes into account the charging of the trailer at the destination. Therefore, even if the tractor and the trailer do not have sufficient remaining battery power at the start of the delivery period, by charging as needed during the delivery period, the delivery of goods can be completed. In this way, through the above information processing method, it is also possible to take into account the charging during the delivery period, so that it is possible to more appropriately prevent at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor from running out, and to efficiently deliver goods.

[0039] For example, it may also be that the charging is performed when the goods carried by the at least one trailer are loaded or unloaded.

[0040] In the above-described manner, since the charging of the trailer is performed when the goods are loaded or unloaded, there is no need to ensure a dedicated time for charging the trailer. If a dedicated time for charging is ensured, there is a possibility that the delivery period will increase in order to ensure this time. In this way, it is possible to ensure a dedicated time for charging during the delivery period and to efficiently deliver goods in a manner that does not cause at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor to run out.

[0041] For example, it may also be that in the generation of the delivery plan, the generation of the delivery plan that further satisfies the fourth condition is included, and the fourth condition means that during the movement of the plurality of trailers, the battery of the moving trailer among the plurality of trailers is used to charge the battery of the tractor.

[0042] In the above-described manner, since the charging of the tractor is performed while the tractor is towing the trailer and moving, there is no need to ensure a dedicated time for charging. If a dedicated time for charging is ensured, there is a possibility that the delivery period will increase in order to ensure this time. In this way, there is no need to set a dedicated time for charging during the delivery period, and it is possible to efficiently deliver goods in a manner that does not cause at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor to run out.

[0043] For example, it may also be that in the generation of the delivery plan, the generation of the delivery plan that further satisfies the fifth condition is included, and the fifth condition means that the remaining battery power of the tractor is maintained below the first upper limit and the remaining battery power of the plurality of trailers is maintained below the second upper limit.

[0044] In the above-described manner, it is possible to maintain the remaining battery levels of the tractor and the trailer respectively within the upper limit of the recommended range of the remaining battery levels during the delivery period. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deterioration of at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor, and to efficiently deliver goods without depleting the batteries.

[0045] For example, in generating the delivery plan, a candidate delivery plan may be generated as the delivery plan, where the candidate delivery plan is a delivery plan that, when multiple candidates for the delivery plan that satisfy at least the first condition and the second condition are generated, is a delivery plan among the multiple candidate delivery plans that satisfies a condition related to the time required for delivering the multiple goods.

[0046] In the above-described manner, since a delivery plan with a shorter delivery period is preferentially generated, when the tractor and the trailer deliver goods according to the generated delivery plan, it is possible to complete the delivery in a shorter time. Therefore, by using a vehicle driven by batteries mounted on both the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor, it is possible to efficiently deliver goods in a shorter time without depleting the batteries.

[0047] Moreover, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit, a plan creation unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires tractor information, a plurality of trailer information, and a plurality of delivery information. The tractor information includes the remaining battery level of the tractor. Each of the plurality of trailer information includes the respective remaining battery levels of the plurality of trailers. Each of the plurality of delivery information includes the respective identification information and destinations of the plurality of goods. The plan creation unit generates a delivery plan using the tractor information, the plurality of trailer information, and the plurality of delivery information. The delivery plan is such that the tractor moves the plurality of trailers respectively loaded with the plurality of goods to the destinations, and the delivery plan satisfies the following first condition and second condition: (a) The first condition is that during the movement of the plurality of trailers, the tractor travels using at least one of the battery of the trailer being moved among the plurality of trailers and the battery of the tractor. (b) The second condition is that the state where the remaining battery level of the tractor exceeds a first lower limit and the state where the remaining battery levels of the plurality of trailers exceed a second lower limit are maintained. The output unit outputs the generated delivery plan.

[0048] By the above-described method, the same effects as the above-described information processing method can be achieved.

[0049] In addition, these general or specific ways can be implemented by a system, a device, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or can be implemented by any combination of a system, a device, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium.

[0050] The following specifically describes the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] In addition, the embodiments to be described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions of the constituent elements, connection methods, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are all examples, and the gist is not to limit the present invention. Also, among the constituent elements of the following embodiments, the constituent elements not described in the technical solution showing the uppermost concept are described as arbitrary constituent elements.

[0052] (Embodiment 1)

[0053] In the present embodiment, an information processing method and an information processing system, etc. that can efficiently deliver goods in a state where at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor is not depleted are described.

[0054] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the delivery system 1 in the present embodiment. The delivery system 1 is a system that uses the tractor 11, the trailers 12 and 13 to deliver goods. In addition, the number of trailers is not limited to two, and can be any number of two or more.

[0055] The tractor 11, the trailers 12 and 13 are each an electric vehicle. The tractor 11 includes an electric motor as a power source for traveling and a battery for supplying power to the electric motor, and travels by being operated by a driver sitting in the driver's seat. The capacity of the battery provided in the tractor 11 is relatively small. The capacity of the battery provided in the tractor 11 is small because the space in the tractor 11 where the battery can be mounted is relatively small and is limited by space.

[0056] The trailers 12 and 13 each include a loading platform for accommodating goods and a battery. The capacities of the batteries provided in the trailers 12 and 13 are relatively large. The capacities of the batteries provided in the trailers 12 and 13 are large because the space in the trailers 12 and 13 where the battery can be mounted is almost not limited and the space where the battery can be mounted is relatively large.

[0057] The tractor 11 can be connected to a trailer 12 or the like. When the trailer 12 or the like is connected to the tractor 11, the tractor 11 pulls the trailer 12 and travels. Also, power can be supplied from the trailer 12 to the tractor 11. Therefore, the tractor 11 travels using the power of at least one of the battery mounted on the tractor 11 and the battery mounted on the trailer 12 connected to the tractor 11. The tractor 11, as well as the trailers 12 and 13, etc. can all be referred to as vehicles.

[0058] Figure 1 The shown delivery system 1 includes a planning device 101, an operation management system 102, and in-vehicle terminals 105.

[0059] The planning device 101 creates a delivery plan. The planning device 101 receives data (equivalent to input data 106) from the operation management system 102 and creates a delivery plan based on the received input data 106. Also, the planning device 101 sends data (equivalent to output data 107) including the created delivery plan to the operation management system 102. The planning device 101 is, for example, a web server. Additionally, the planning device 101 can be a different server from the operation management system 102 or can be another processing process operating on the same server as the operation management system 102.

[0060] The in-vehicle terminal 105 is a computer terminal installed in the tractor 11 (e.g., the driver's seat of the tractor 11), and is, for example, a vehicle navigation system, a smart phone, or a tablet computer. The in-vehicle terminal 105 receives the delivery plan from the operation management system 102 and displays the received delivery plan on the screen. Also, the in-vehicle terminal 105 sends the progress status of the handling operation, the current location, the current remaining battery levels of the tractor 11 and the trailer 12, etc., and other information to the operation management system 102.

[0061] The operation management system 102 is a system that manages the operation of the vehicle. The operation management system 102 is connected to the planning device 101 and the in-vehicle terminals 105 via a network in a communicable manner. The network includes, for example, various networks such as a mobile phone line network, a public network, and the Internet.

[0062] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram of the tractor 11, trailers 12, and 13. Refer to Figure 2 to explain the delivery of goods by the tractor 11, trailers 12, and 13.

[0063] In Figure 2 it is envisioned that the tractor 11 and the trailer 12 contain the goods to be delivered to the base 21. Also, it is envisioned that the trailer 13 is placed at the base 22, and the trailer 13 contains the goods to be delivered to the base 23.

[0064] The tractor 11 pulls the trailer 12 and moves toward the base point 21. At the base point 21, the tractor 11 separates from the trailer 12. After that, the tractor 11 moves toward the base point 22. At the base point 21, the goods are unloaded from the trailer 12, and the battery of the trailer 12 is charged.

[0065] When the tractor 11 moves to the base point 22, it connects to the trailer 13 and pulls the trailer 13 and moves toward the base point 23.

[0066] At the base point 23, the tractor 11 separates from the trailer 13. After that, the tractor 11 moves toward the base point 24. At the base point 23, the goods are unloaded from the trailer 13, and the battery of the trailer 13 is charged.

[0067] When the tractor 11 moves to the base point 24, it connects to the trailer 12, pulls the trailer 12 and moves toward the next base point (not shown).

[0068] In this way, the tractor 11 can travel by pulling either the trailer 12 or the trailer 13 (equivalent to multiple trailers), and can also travel alone. In addition, although the case where the number of trailers that can be pulled by one tractor 11 at a time is one is taken as an example, the case of two or more is also the same.

[0069] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the plan making device 101 in the present embodiment. Figure 3 The shown plan making device 101 includes a control unit 109, a communication unit 112, a storage unit 113, and an output unit 114.

[0070] The control unit 109 controls the operation of the plan making device 101. The control unit 109 can be realized, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program using a memory. The control unit 109 controls the operations of each part of the plan making device 101.

[0071] The control unit 109 includes a plan making unit 110. The plan making unit 110 makes a delivery plan for the goods according to the flowchart described later. Here, the delivery plan means that a plurality of goods are separately loaded on the trailer 12 and the trailer 13, and the tractor 11 moves such trailers 12 and 13 to the destinations respectively. In other words, the delivery plan is information showing how the tractor 11, the trailer 12, and the trailer 13 (i.e., multiple trailers) move during the delivery period to deliver the goods to each destination. Here, the delivery period refers to the period from the start to the end of the delivery.

[0072] The communication unit 112 is a communication interface that communicates with the operation management system 102 via a network. The communication unit 112 receives the input data 106. Accordingly, the communication unit 112, as an acquisition unit, acquires tractor information including the remaining battery power of the tractor 11, a plurality of trailer information respectively including the remaining battery power of each of the trailers 12 and 13, and a plurality of delivery information respectively including the identification information of a plurality of goods and the destinations.

[0073] The storage unit 113 is, for example, a semiconductor memory and stores various information. The storage unit 113 stores, for example, map data commonly used each time the plan creation unit 110 creates a plan. Also, the storage unit 113 stores intermediate information temporarily output by the plan creation unit 110 during plan creation. In addition, when the tractor information, the plurality of trailer information, and the plurality of delivery information are stored in the storage unit 113, the plan creation unit 110, as an acquisition unit, acquires this information from the storage unit 113.

[0074] The output unit 114 outputs various information. The output unit 114 outputs, for example, the created delivery plan, the log during the creation of the delivery plan, and error messages to a document.

[0075] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the input data 106 of the plan creation device 101 in the present embodiment. The input data 106 is input from the operation management system 102 to the plan creation device 101. The input data 106 includes at least the following information (1) to (3): (1) vehicle information, (2) goods information, and (3) information on the locations for loading and unloading goods. Here, the vehicle information corresponds to the tractor information and the trailer information. Also, the goods information and the information on the locations for loading and unloading goods correspond to the identification information of the goods and the destinations.

[0076] For example Figure 4 The example shown is an example of the input data 106 in the case of using one tractor 11 and trailers 12 and 13 (i.e., two trailers) to carry two goods.

[0077] Figure 4 The vehicle information shown in (1) includes the battery information, the current location information, and the operation start time of each vehicle. The battery information includes the battery capacity, the current charge amount, and the electricity cost of each vehicle. The electricity cost for the tractor 11 is the distance that can be traveled at a certain power (for example, a power of 1 kWh, etc.) when the tractor 11 travels alone. Also, the electricity cost for the trailer 12 or the trailer 13 is the distance that can be traveled at a certain power (for example, a power of 1 kWh, etc.) when the trailer 12 or the trailer 13 is towed by the tractor 11 and the power is supplied from the battery of the trailer 12 or the trailer 13 to the tractor 11 for travel.

[0078] Figure 4 The information of the goods shown in (2) includes the loading location, the time required for loading, the unloading location, and the time required for unloading of each good.

[0079] Figure 4 The information of the goods loading and unloading locations shown in (3) includes the coordinates of each loading or unloading location. The coordinates are, for example, the coordinates on a map, or can be the latitude and longitude, and can also be replaced by an address.

[0080] Hereinafter, Figure 4 using the example of the input data 106 shown, the process of the planning department 110 making a delivery plan will be described.

[0081] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the planning device 101 in the present embodiment.

[0082] In step S101, the communication unit 112 receives the input data 106. Accordingly, the communication unit 112 obtains tractor information including the remaining battery power of the tractor, multiple trailer information respectively including the remaining battery power of each of multiple trailers, and multiple delivery information respectively including the identification information and the destination of each of multiple goods.

[0083] In step S102, the planning department 110 makes a delivery plan using the input data 106 received by the communication unit 112 in step S101.

[0084] The making of the delivery plan in step S102 will be described. The delivery plan can be obtained, for example, by solving the minimum cost flow problem on the following graph, which is a graph formed by taking the state of each vehicle arriving at or departing from each loading and unloading location at each moment as vertices and the migration between these states as edges. Since the minimum cost flow problem is a type of mixed integer programming problem, for example, a general-purpose mixed integer programming problem solver can be used to solve it.

[0085] The planning department 110 can make the following delivery plan. When formulating an equation for the minimum cost flow problem, for example, by considering the constraint conditions for the power consumption when passing through each edge of the graph, the batteries of each vehicle can be prevented from running out. In addition to those shown above, the constraint conditions can also include conditions showing various traveling modes of the vehicle or charging of the vehicle's battery.

[0086] In the case of creating a delivery plan using the minimum cost flow problem, various delivery plans can be created by changing the costs of the edges of the graph and the constraints. According to the constraints, multiple delivery plans can be created. In this case, the objective function can be used to preferentially create a delivery plan that satisfies the specified conditions. For example, by setting the distance between the loading and unloading points as the cost and setting the sum of this cost as the objective function, the minimum cost flow problem is solved in a way that minimizes this objective function, thereby obtaining a delivery plan that can minimize the moving distance of the vehicle.

[0087] The result of the processing in step S102 is one of the following situations, that is, the plan making unit 110 creates an executable delivery plan, or cannot create an executable delivery plan.

[0088] In step S103, the plan making unit 110 receives the result of the processing in step S102 and branches the processing according to whether an executable delivery plan is created. In the case where an executable delivery plan is created (Yes in step S103), it proceeds to step S104. In the case where an executable delivery plan is not created (No in step S103), it proceeds to step S105.

[0089] In step S104, the output unit 114 outputs the created delivery plan as output data 107 and sends the output data 107 to the operation management system 102.

[0090] In step S105, the output unit 114 sends an error message indicating that an executable delivery plan has not been created to the operation management system 102.

[0091] Through the processing of the above steps S101 to S105, the plan making device 101 either outputs a delivery plan or outputs an error message.

[0092] A more detailed description of the creation of the delivery plan in step S102 above is given.

[0093] In step S102, the plan making unit 110 generates the following delivery plan, enabling the tractor to move multiple trailers separately loaded with multiple goods to their destinations. This delivery plan is a delivery plan that satisfies the first condition and the second condition. (a) The first condition means that during the movement of the multiple trailers, the tractor travels using at least one of the battery of the trailer that is moving among the multiple trailers and the battery of the tractor. (b) The second condition means that the state where the remaining battery power of the tractor exceeds the first lower limit is maintained, and the state where the remaining battery power of the multiple trailers exceeds the second lower limit is maintained. The plan making unit 110 uses the tractor information, trailer information, and delivery information to generate the above delivery plan. In addition, "the remaining battery power exceeds the lower limit" means that the remaining battery power is greater than the lower limit.

[0094] Here, the first lower limit is, for example, zero. In this way, during the delivery period, the remaining battery power of the tractor is maintained at a state greater than zero, that is, the battery exhaustion of the tractor can be avoided. In addition, the second lower limit is, for example, zero. In this way, during the delivery period, the remaining battery power of the trailer is maintained at a state greater than zero, that is, the battery exhaustion of the trailer can be avoided.

[0095] Furthermore, the first lower limit is, for example, the lower limit of the recommended range of the remaining battery power of the battery of the tractor, and may be a value greater than zero. The recommended range refers to a range in which the battery does not become an over-discharged state when the battery deteriorates due to over-discharge of the battery. In this way, during the delivery period, the battery of the tractor can be kept from becoming an over-discharged state. Furthermore, the second lower limit is, for example, the lower limit of the recommended range of the remaining battery power of the battery of the trailer, and may be a value greater than zero. In this way, during the delivery period, the battery of the trailer can be kept from becoming an over-discharged state.

[0096] At this time, the plan preparation unit 110 may generate a delivery plan that satisfies the fourth condition that, during the movement of the plurality of trailers, the battery of the tractor is charged using the battery of the trailer that is moving among the plurality of trailers.

[0097] Furthermore, the plan making unit 110 may generate a delivery plan that satisfies a fifth condition, which is that the remaining battery power of the tractor is maintained below the first upper limit and the remaining battery power of the plurality of trailers is maintained below the second upper limit.

[0098] Furthermore, when the plan making unit 110 can generate multiple delivery plans satisfying the constraint conditions, the plan making unit 110 may give priority to generating a delivery plan that has a short delivery time for multiple goods. The generation may be achieved by setting the delivery time for multiple goods as an objective function and solving the minimum cost flow problem in a manner that minimizes the objective function.

[0099] Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the output data 107 of the plan preparation device 101 in this embodiment. Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The delivery plan shown is a list of operations for each of the tractor 11, the trailer 12, and the trailer 13, including the start and end times of each operation and the location where each operation is performed.

[0100] For example, Figure 6The operation shown in #1 is that the tractor 11 towes the trailer 12 and moves from the base point 20 to the base point 21. The start time of the movement is 9:00, and the end time of the movement is 9:20. Also, Figure 7 The operation shown in #1 is that the trailer 12 is towed by the tractor 11 and moves from the base point 20 to the base point 21. The start time of the movement is 9:00, and the end time of the movement is 9:20. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The same applies to the other operations shown.

[0101] Figure 9 and Figure 10 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the progress of the tractor 11, the trailer 12, and the trailer 13.

[0102] Figure 9 (a) of shows how the tractor 11 moves between each base point such as the base points 20 and 21 in a schematic manner. For example, after the tractor 11 moves from the base point 20 to the base point 21 (corresponding to the solid arrow A1), it moves from the base point 21 to the base point 20 (corresponding to the dashed arrow A2).

[0103] Also, Figure 9 (b) of is a graph showing the movement of the tractor 11 according to time. Each of the multiple vertices 31 of this graph corresponds to the state of whether the loading (corresponding to arrival) and unloading (corresponding to departure) of each vehicle at each loading and unloading location at each time have been completed. Figure 9 The arrows (arrows A1, etc.) in (b) of are given the same symbols as the movements in Figure 9 (a) of corresponding to those arrows.

[0104] Figure 10 (a) and (b) of show in a schematic manner how the trailers 12 and 13 move between each base point such as the base points 20 and 21, and the representation method is the same as that of Figure 9 (a) and (b) of.

[0105] Next, with reference to Figure 9 (b) of, the constraint conditions regarding the delivery plan will be described. Also, Figure 10 The description in (b) of also holds true.

[0106] First, the following variables will be described.

[0107] [Equation 1]

[0108] y ij , q i

[0109] In Figure 9In (b) thereof, the vertices connected by arrows indicate that there is a transition between the states corresponding to those vertices. Moreover, the vertices not connected by arrows indicate that there is no transition between the states corresponding to those vertices. For example, when state i and state j are connected by an arrow, it indicates that a transition has occurred from state i to state j.

[0110] [Equation 2]

[0111]

[0112] is a variable indicating whether there is a transition of trailer k between states.

[0113] [Equation 3]

[0114]

[0115] [Equation 4]

[0116] y ij

[0117] is a variable indicating whether there is a transition of the tractor between states.

[0118] [Equation 5]

[0119]

[0120] [Equation 6]

[0121]

[0122] is a variable indicating the remaining battery charge of trailer k in state i.

[0123] [Equation 7]

[0124] q i

[0125] is a variable indicating the remaining battery charge of the tractor in state i.

[0126] The constraint conditions expressed using the above variables will be described below.

[0127] The constraint conditions that define the changes in the remaining battery charge of the trailer and the tractor when the trailer is towed by the tractor and transitions from state i to state j are expressed by the following (Equation 1) and (Equation 2).

[0128] [Equation 8]

[0129]

[0130] Here,

[0131] In the above (Equation 1),

[0132] [Equation 9]

[0133] P ij is the amount of electricity discharged or charged during the transition from state i to state j, taking a positive value in the case of discharge and a negative value in the case of charge.

[0134] Among the constraints of the above (Equation 1),

[0135] [Equation 10]

[0136] P ij When it is positive, it corresponds to the first condition, that is, during the movement of multiple trailers, the tractor travels using at least one of the batteries of the moving trailers among the multiple trailers and the battery of the tractor.

[0137] In the above (Equation 2), Pmin and Pmax respectively represent the lower limit and upper limit of the recommended range of the remaining battery power of the trailer. And Qmin and Qmax respectively represent the lower limit and upper limit of the recommended range of the remaining battery power of the tractor. That is, the part corresponding to the following (Equation 3) among the conditions included in the above (Equation 2) corresponds to the second condition.

[0138] [Equation 11]

[0139]

[0140] And, the part corresponding to the following (Equation 4) among the conditions included in the above (Equation 2) corresponds to the fifth condition.

[0141] [Equation 12]

[0142]

[0143] And, the constraint condition that stipulates the change in the remaining battery power of the trailer and the tractor when the trailer is towed by the tractor and moves from state i to state j, that is, the constraint condition in the case of traveling only using the power from the trailer's battery, is expressed by the following (Equation 5).

[0144] [Equation 13]

[0145]

[0146] Shows the constraint condition that the tractor must move when the trailer moves, which is expressed by the following (Equation 6).

[0147] [Equation 14]

[0148]

[0149] Regarding the transition from state i to state j, considering the access order, travel time, and unloading time required, the constraint conditions where the order of transition or the time required for transition cannot be achieved are expressed by the following (Equation 7).

[0150] [Equation 15]

[0151]

[0152] After the trailer arrives at each base point, the constraint conditions indicating the departure of the trailer from the arrived base point are expressed by the following (Equation 8).

[0153] [Equation 16]

[0154]

[0155] Furthermore, the constraint conditions indicating that during the movement of the trailer, the battery of the moving trailer is used to charge the battery of the tractor are expressed by the following (Equation 9). This constraint condition corresponds to the fourth condition.

[0156] [Equation 17]

[0157] q i +O ij y ij =q j ,

[0158] In the above (Equation 9),

[0159] [Equation 18]

[0160] Q ij

[0161] is the amount of electricity charged from the battery of the trailer to the battery of the tractor between the transition from state i to state j, and becomes 0 or a positive value.

[0162] Furthermore, as an example of the objective function, the objective function in the case of minimizing the operation time of the tractor is expressed by (Equation 10). Here, t is the end state.

[0163] [Equation 19]

[0164] ∑ j∈in(i) c it y it (Equation 10)

[0165] Hereinafter, the delivery plan created by the planning department 110 will be described.

[0166] The delivery plan of the tractor 11 is as Figure 6 shown, and the travel of the tractor 11 according to this delivery plan is byFigure 9 shown

[0167] First, the tractor 11 tow the trailer 12 from the base point 20 to the base point 21. During this period, the tractor 11 travels by receiving power supply from the trailer 12. The movement of the tractor 11 is shown by Figure 6 #1 of Figure 9 the arrow A1 in (a) and (b) of Figure 7 #1 of Figure 10 the arrow B1 in (a) and (b) of

[0168] Next, during the loading operation of the trailer 12 at the base point 21, the tractor 11 travels alone and returns to the base point 20 by consuming the power of its own battery. The movement of the tractor 11 is shown by Figure 6 #2 of Figure 9 the arrow A2 in (a) and (b) of Figure 7 #2 of Figure 10 the arrow B2 in (b) of

[0169] Next, the tractor 11 tow the trailer 13 from the base point 20 to the base point 22. During this period, while the tractor 11 travels by receiving power supply from the trailer 13, it charges its own battery. The movement of the tractor 11 is shown by Figure 6 #3 of Figure 9 the arrow A3 in (a) and (b) of Figure 8 #1 of Figure 10 the arrow B3 in (a) and (b) of

[0170] Next, during the loading operation of the trailer 13 at the base point 22, the tractor 11 travels alone and moves to the base point 21. The movement of the tractor 11 is shown by Figure 6 #4 of Figure 9 the arrow A4 in (a) and (b) of Figure 8 #2 of Figure 10 the arrow B4 in (b) of

[0171] Similarly, after that, during the period when the trailer 12 stops for cargo handling operations, the tractor 11 tows other trailers to move. And when the tractor 11 travels alone, it consumes its own battery, and when it travels while towing, it receives power supply from the trailer to travel and at the same time charges its own battery.

[0172] With this configuration, it is possible to create a long-distance delivery plan while avoiding the following states: the tractor 11 cannot move and is in a stopped state while waiting for the completion of the cargo loading and unloading operation of the trailer, or the tractor 11 is in a stopped state only for charging. As a result, the obtained effect is that by moving the vehicle according to the created delivery plan, the operating efficiency of the vehicle can be improved.

[0173] In addition, since the time required for the cargo loading and unloading operation of the trailer is greater than zero, when the trailer is performing the cargo loading and unloading operation, the tractor 11 towes the trailers at other bases to deliver the cargo, which can shorten the delivery period. As described above, when the tractor 11 delivers the cargo, during the period until all the cargoes delivered by the first trailer among the multiple trailers are delivered to each delivery destination, the cargo can be delivered by the second trailer different from the first trailer among the multiple trailers. In other words, by delivering the cargo with the first trailer and the second trailer as described above, it can be said that the delivery system 1 can efficiently deliver the cargo.

[0174] (Embodiment 2)

[0175] In this embodiment, the situation to be described is an information processing method and an information processing system, etc., for efficiently delivering cargo without exhausting at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor, considering the case of charging at a charging station.

[0176] In Embodiment 1, it travels in such a way that all the cargo is carried within the range of the charge amount at the start of the operation. In this embodiment, in addition to the charge amount at the start of the operation, during the loading and unloading operation of the trailer, it travels while charging at the charging station installed at the loading and unloading location to supplement the power.

[0177] In this embodiment, the configuration of the delivery system 1, the operations of the tractor and the trailer, the configuration of the plan-making device 101, etc. are the same as those in Embodiment 1 (refer to Figures 1 to 5 ), however, the production process in the plan-making device 101 is different from that in Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the parts different from Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0178] When the plan-making device 101 makes a delivery plan in step S102 ( Figure 4 refer to), considering that the tractor charges during the cargo loading and unloading operation, it makes a delivery plan in such a way that the charge of each vehicle does not run out.

[0179] Specifically, when formulating equations for the minimum cost flow problem, in addition to the constraints used in Embodiment 1, a constraint is added that stipulates that on each edge connecting the start state and the end state of the loading and unloading operation of the tractor, the amount of electricity charged during the loading and unloading operation is set so that the result of accumulating the consumed electricity and the charged electricity on each edge included in the flow of each vehicle is 0 or more. Accordingly, the plan making device 101 can make a delivery plan in which the charging of each vehicle does not run out.

[0180] In other words, the plan making unit 110 generates a delivery plan that satisfies the third condition, which means that at least one of the multiple trailers is charged at at least one of the destinations. Here, the charging can be performed during the period when the goods carried by at least one trailer are loaded or unloaded.

[0181] The above-mentioned third condition can be more specifically expressed by the following (Equation 11).

[0182] [Equation 20]

[0183]

[0184] In the above (Equation 11),

[0185] [Equation 21]

[0186] R ij

[0187] is the amount of electricity charged by the trailer during the period of migrating from state i to state j, and takes a value of 0 or a positive value.

[0188] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the travel of the tractor 11 and the trailer in the present embodiment.

[0189] Figure 11 (a) shows the movement of the tractor 11, corresponding to (a) of Embodiment 1. And, Figure 9 the Figure 11 (b) shows the movement of the trailer 12 and the trailer 13, corresponding to (a) of Embodiment 1. Figure 10 the

[0190] Here, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the trailers 12 and 13 charge the battery during the loading and unloading operation of the goods. For other travel methods, since they are the same as (a) of Figure 10 the Figure 11 the

[0191] According to the above configuration, the trailer is charged during the cargo loading and unloading operation, so it can travel between long-distance bases compared to Embodiment 1, and thus can carry goods over a larger range.

[0192] (Variant example)

[0193] In Embodiment 2, although the battery of the trailer is charged, the remaining battery power of the tractor and the remaining battery powers of multiple trailers can be respectively maintained below the upper limit. For example, when the delivery plan is made by solving a mixed-integer programming problem, variables representing the remaining battery power of the tractor and the remaining battery powers of multiple trailers can be added to the mixed-integer programming problem, and a constraint condition that they do not exceed the upper limit can be added. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the acceleration of battery deterioration caused by overcharging of the battery.

[0194] Moreover, in Embodiment 1, although the sum of the remaining battery power of the tractor and the remaining battery powers of multiple trailers is maintained above the lower limit, the remaining battery power of the tractor and the remaining battery powers of multiple trailers can be respectively maintained above the lower limit. For example, when the delivery plan is made by solving a mixed-integer programming problem, variables representing the remaining battery power of the tractor and the remaining battery powers of multiple trailers can be added to the mixed-integer programming problem, and a constraint condition that they do not exceed the lower limit can be added. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the acceleration of battery deterioration caused by over-discharging of the battery.

[0195] As described above, by the information processing method according to each of the above embodiments, a delivery plan is made such that, while considering the remaining battery power of each of the tractor and the trailer, each remaining battery power is maintained in a state greater than the lower limit during the delivery period to perform cargo delivery. Then, by the tractor and the trailer traveling according to the made delivery plan, it is possible to maintain the remaining battery power of each of the tractor and the trailer in a state greater than the lower limit during the delivery period to perform cargo delivery. Therefore, by the above information processing method, it is possible to efficiently deliver goods without depleting at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor.

[0196] Moreover, a delivery plan is made considering that the trailer is charged at the destination. Accordingly, even if the tractor and the trailer do not have sufficient remaining battery power at the start of the delivery period, they can be charged as needed during the delivery period, and thus the cargo delivery can be completed. In this way, by the above information processing method, it is also possible to more appropriately deliver goods without depleting at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor, considering charging during the delivery period.

[0197] Moreover, since the charging of the trailer is performed when loading or unloading the goods, there is no need to ensure dedicated time for the charging of the trailer. If dedicated time for charging is ensured, there is a possibility that the delivery period will increase in order to ensure such time. Thus, it is possible to avoid ensuring dedicated time for charging during the delivery period and efficiently deliver the goods in a way that does not deplete at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor.

[0198] Moreover, since the charging of the tractor is performed while the tractor is towing the trailer, there is no need to ensure dedicated time for charging. If dedicated time for charging is ensured, there is a possibility that the delivery period will increase in order to ensure such time. Thus, there is no need to set dedicated time for charging during the delivery period, and it is possible to efficiently deliver the goods in a way that does not deplete at least one of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer connected to the tractor.

[0199] Moreover, the remaining battery levels of the tractor and the trailer are maintained within the upper limit of the recommended range of the remaining battery levels during the delivery period. Accordingly, deterioration of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer can be suppressed. Thus, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the batteries of the tractor and the trailer and efficiently deliver the goods in a way that does not deplete the batteries.

[0200] Moreover, since a delivery plan with a shorter delivery period is preferentially generated, by delivering the goods by the tractor and the trailer according to the generated delivery plan, the delivery can be completed in a shorter time. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently deliver the goods in a shorter time and without depleting the batteries by using a vehicle driven by the batteries mounted on both the tractor and the trailer.

[0201] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, each component may be constituted by dedicated hardware or may be implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component can be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. Here, the software of the information processing device and the like for implementing each of the above embodiments is the following program.

[0202] That is, the program is a program for causing a computer to execute the following information processing method. The computer performs the following operations: obtaining tractor information, a plurality of trailer information, and a plurality of delivery information. The tractor information includes the remaining battery power of the tractor. Each of the plurality of trailer information includes the respective remaining battery power of the plurality of trailers. Each of the plurality of delivery information includes the respective identification information and destinations of the plurality of goods. Using the tractor information, the plurality of trailer information, and the plurality of delivery information, a delivery plan is generated and output. The delivery plan means moving the plurality of trailers, each loaded with the plurality of goods separately and dispersedly, to the destinations by the tractor, and the delivery plan satisfies the following first condition and second condition: (a) The first condition means that during the movement of the plurality of trailers, the tractor travels using at least one of the battery of the trailer being moved among the plurality of trailers and the battery of the tractor. (b) The second condition means maintaining a state where the remaining battery power of the tractor exceeds a first lower limit and maintaining a state where the remaining battery power of the plurality of trailers exceeds a second lower limit.

[0203] The information processing method and the like related to one or more aspects have been described above based on the embodiments. The present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, the various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art and executed on these embodiments, as well as the forms constructed by combining the constituent elements in different embodiments, can all be included within the scope of one or more aspects.

[0204] Industrial Applicability

[0205] The technology related to the present invention can be effectively applied as a traveling method for a towing vehicle using an electric vehicle and a method for making a delivery plan.

[0206] Symbol Explanation

[0207] 1 Delivery System

[0208] 11 Tractor

[0209] 12, 13 Trailers

[0210] 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 Depots

[0211] 31 Vertices

[0212] 101 Planning Device

[0213] 102 Operation Management System

[0214] 105 On-vehicle Terminal

[0215] 106 Input Data

[0216] 107 Output data

[0217] 109 Control unit

[0218] 110 Planning and production department

[0219] 112 Communication department

[0220] 113 Storage department

[0221] 114 Output unit

[0222] Arrows A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4

Claims

1. An information processing method, A computer performs the following operations: Obtain tractor information, multiple trailer information, and multiple delivery information. The tractor information includes the remaining battery power of the tractor. Each of the multiple trailer information includes the respective remaining battery power of the multiple trailers. Each of the multiple delivery information includes the respective identification information and destinations of the multiple goods. Using the tractor information, the multiple trailer information, and the multiple delivery information, generate and output a delivery plan. The delivery plan means moving the multiple trailers, each loaded with one of the multiple goods separately, to the destinations by the tractor, and the delivery plan satisfies the following first condition and second condition. (a) The first condition means that during the movement of the multiple trailers, the tractor travels using at least one of the battery of the moving trailer among the multiple trailers and the battery of the tractor. (b) The second condition means maintaining a state where the remaining battery power of the tractor exceeds a first lower limit and maintaining a state where the remaining battery power of the multiple trailers exceeds a second lower limit. In the generation of the delivery plan, it includes generating the delivery plan using the following process. This process is a process of solving the problem of minimizing the objective function representing the cost required for the delivery of the multiple goods by using a graph constructed with the states of whether the arrival and departure of the tractor and the trailers at each loading and unloading location are completed at each moment as vertices and the transitions between these states as edges.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, In the generation of the delivery plan, it includes generating the delivery plan that further satisfies a third condition. The third condition means that at least one of the multiple trailers is charged at at least one destination.

3. The information processing method according to claim 2, The charging is performed when the goods carried by the at least one trailer are loaded or unloaded.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1, In the generation of the delivery plan, it includes generating the delivery plan that further satisfies a fourth condition. The fourth condition means that during the movement of the multiple trailers, the battery of the moving trailer among the multiple trailers is used to charge the battery of the tractor.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1, In the generation of the delivery plan, it includes generating the delivery plan that further satisfies a fifth condition. The fifth condition means maintaining a state where the remaining battery power of the tractor is below a first upper limit and maintaining a state where the remaining battery power of the multiple trailers is below a second upper limit.

6. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, In the generation of the delivery plan, a candidate for the delivery plan is generated as the delivery plan. The candidate for the delivery plan refers to a delivery plan that satisfies a condition related to the time required for the delivery of the plurality of goods among the plurality of candidates for the delivery plan that satisfy at least the first condition and the second condition.

7. An information processing system includes an acquisition unit, a plan creation unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires tractor information, a plurality of trailer information, and a plurality of delivery information. The tractor information includes the remaining battery power of the tractor. Each of the plurality of trailer information includes the remaining battery power of each of the plurality of trailers. Each of the plurality of delivery information includes the identification information and the destination of each of the plurality of goods. The plan creation unit uses the tractor information, the plurality of trailer information, and the plurality of delivery information to generate a delivery plan. The delivery plan means that the tractor moves the plurality of trailers each loaded with the plurality of goods separately to the destination, and the delivery plan satisfies the following first condition and second condition. (a) The first condition means that during the movement of the plurality of trailers, the tractor travels using at least one of the battery of the trailer being moved among the plurality of trailers and the battery of the tractor. (b) The second condition means that the state where the remaining battery power of the tractor exceeds the first lower limit is maintained, and the state where the remaining battery power of the plurality of trailers exceeds the second lower limit is maintained. The output unit outputs the generated delivery plan. In the generation of the delivery plan, the delivery plan is generated by using the following process. The process is a process of solving a problem of minimizing an objective function representing the cost required for the delivery of the plurality of goods by using a graph constructed with the states of arrival and departure of the tractor and the trailers at each loading and unloading location as vertices and the transitions between the states as edges.

Images