Information processing apparatus, system and method

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing apparatus, system, and method capable of determining the types of items a mobile body can transport based on weather conditions. The information processing apparatus 500 includes: an acquisition unit 510 for acquiring weather information, the weather information representing the weather conditions of an area where the mobile body plans to move; and a determination unit 540 for determining, based on the acquired weather information, the types of items the mobile body can transport in that area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, system, and method. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a system was known that could display items based on attribute information including the customer's age and gender, and enable a mobile body to transport the ordered items among the displayed items (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Background Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-151923 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the types of items that can be carried by a mobile unit vary depending on the weather. However, the system in Patent Document 1, which displays items based on customer attribute information and uses a mobile unit to carry ordered items, has the problem that it cannot determine the types of items that the mobile unit can carry based on the weather.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of this purpose, and its object is to provide an information processing device, system and method capable of determining the types of items that a mobile body can carry based on weather conditions.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the information processing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0011] The acquisition unit acquires meteorological information, which represents the weather conditions of the area where the mobile body plans to move; and

[0012] The decision-making department, based on the acquired meteorological information, determines the types of items that the mobile body can transport in the area.

[0013] [Invention Effects]

[0014] According to the information processing apparatus, system and method of the present invention, it is possible to determine the types of items that a mobile body can carry based on weather conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a system configuration diagram illustrating one configuration example of the transport system of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a hardware configuration diagram representing one configuration example of a terminal device.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of order processing performed by a terminal device.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating one configuration example of an information processing device.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of an information processing device.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a prediction table stored in an information processing device.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the order acceptance process performed by the information processing device of Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a table of items stored in an information processing device.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a table of categories stored in an information processing device.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of weather tables stored in an information processing device.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of a performance table stored in an information processing device.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a diagram representing an example of a condition table stored in an information processing device.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a diagram representing an example of a schedule table stored in an information processing device.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a type of processing performed by an information processing device to determine the type of processing.

[0029] Figure 15 This is an example of the appearance configuration of the mobile body in Embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a control device possessed by a mobile body.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of transport control processing performed by a moving body.

[0032] Figure 18 This is an exterior configuration diagram showing another example of the appearance of the mobile body in Embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 19 This is an appearance configuration diagram showing an example of the appearance of the mobile body in Variation Example 9 of Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 20 This is an exterior configuration diagram showing an example of the appearance of the mobile body in Variation Example 10 of Embodiment 1.

[0035] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the order acceptance process performed by the information processing device of Embodiment 2.

[0036] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of how the processing time of an information processing device determines the processing.

[0037] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the preprocessing performed by the information processing apparatus of Embodiment 3.

[0038] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the preprocessing performed by the information processing apparatus in Embodiment 4. Detailed Implementation

[0039] <Example 1>

[0040] Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] The conveying system 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises: as follows Figure 1 The terminal device 100 shown is operated by the orderer of the items to be ordered; the information processing device 500 accepts the order; and the mobile bodies 800 and 900 transport the items by storing the accepted orders and moving them.

[0042] Terminal device 100, for example, is a smartphone, carried by the subscriber. Terminal device 100 has, for example, Figure 2 The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, ROM (Read Only Memory) 103a, flash memory 103b, data communication circuit 104a, voice communication circuit 104b, video card 105a, display device 105b, input device 105c, position measurement circuit 106, speaker 109a, and microphone 109b are shown.

[0043] In this embodiment, the terminal device 100 is assumed to have one CPU 101, but it is not limited to this and may have multiple CPUs. In addition, the terminal device 100 may also have multiple RAMs or multiple flash memories.

[0044] The CPU 101 of the terminal device 100 performs overall control of the terminal device 100 by executing the program stored in the ROM 103a or flash memory 103b. The RAM 102 temporarily stores the data being processed while the CPU 101 executes the program.

[0045] The terminal device 100 stores various programs in its ROM 103a and flash memory 103b. Additionally, the flash memory 103b stores various data used for executing programs and tables for saving data. Alternatively, the terminal device 100 may use a hard disk instead of the flash memory 103b.

[0046] The data communication circuit 104a of the terminal device 100 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card), based on communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 5G (5th Generation), and uses radio waves to communicate with a base station (not shown) connected to the Internet IN. Thus, the data communication circuit 104a of the terminal device 100 communicates with the information processing device 500 connected to the Internet IN. The voice communication circuit 104b uses radio waves to communicate with a base station (not shown).

[0047] The video card 105a of the terminal device 100 renders an image based on the digital signal output from the CPU 101 and outputs an image signal representing the rendered image. The display device 105b is an EL (Electroluminescence) display that displays the image based on the image signal output from the video card 105a. The terminal device 100 may also have a PDP (Plasma Display Panel) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) instead of an EL display. The input device 105c is at least one of a touchpad and buttons, which inputs signals based on the user's operation.

[0048] The position measurement circuit 106 of the terminal device 100 is a QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) circuit. The position measurement circuit 106 receives signals emitted by the quasi-zenith satellite, measures the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the terminal device 100 based on the received signals, and outputs signals representing the measured latitude, longitude, and altitude. Alternatively, the position measurement circuit 106 may not be a QZSS circuit but a GPS circuit, receiving GPS signals emitted from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and measuring the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the terminal device 100 based on the received GPS signals.

[0049] The speaker 109a of the terminal device 100 outputs sound according to the signal output by the CPU 101, and the microphone 109b outputs a signal representing the sound around the terminal device 100.

[0050] When a customer orders an item using the input device 105c of the terminal device 100, the input device 105c outputs a signal corresponding to the operation. When this signal is output, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 100 executes... Figure 3 The order processing is shown below.

[0051] When order processing begins, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 100 causes the display device 105b to display a message prompting the user to enter verification information including the user ID (IDentification code) and password. Subsequently, when the orderer sees the displayed message and operates the input device 105c to enter the verification information, the CPU 101 obtains the information representing the orderer's user ID and password based on the signal output from the input device 105c, and sets it as the verification information (step S01).

[0052] Next, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 100 outputs a verification request to the data communication circuit 104a with the information processing device 500 as the destination. The verification request contains verification information and requires user verification based on the verification information (step S02).

[0053] If the data communication circuit 104a of the terminal device 100 sends a verification request to the information processing device 500 and does not receive a message indicating successful verification after a predetermined time, then the CPU 101 determines that the verification is unsuccessful (step S03; no) and ends the order processing.

[0054] Conversely, if a message indicating successful verification is received before a predetermined time has elapsed after the data communication circuit 104a of the terminal device 100 sends the verification information, then the CPU 101 determines that the verification is successful (step S03; Yes). Thereafter, the CPU 101 goes into sleep mode until the data communication circuit 104a receives information from the information processing device 500 indicating a time period that can be designated as a time period for transporting items (hereinafter referred to as a specifyable time period). If one or more messages indicating a specifyable time period are received, then the CPU 101 obtains the received one or more messages from the data communication circuit 104a, and causes the display device 105b to display the one or more time periods represented by the obtained one or more messages respectively (step S04).

[0055] Secondly, when the CPU 101 sees that one or more time period subscribers have selected a time period by operating the input device 105c of the terminal device 100, the CPU 101 obtains information representing the selected time period (hereinafter referred to as the selected time period) based on the signal output from the input device 105c. Subsequently, the CPU 101 outputs the information representing the selected time period to the data communication circuit 104a, with the information processing device 500 as the destination (step S05).

[0056] After the data communication circuit 104a of the terminal device 100 sends information representing a specified time period to the information processing device 500, it receives information representing a list containing the names of multiple items for sale and the item ID that identifies the item.

[0057] The CPU 101 of the terminal device 100 obtains information representing the list from the data communication circuit 104a, and based on the obtained information, causes the display device 105b to display the list containing multiple item names and item IDs (step S06).

[0058] Subsequently, when a customer who has seen the displayed list orders items via the input device 105c of the terminal device 100, the CPU 101 obtains the item ID of the ordered item based on the signal output from the input device 105c. In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the customer orders one item at a time and requests its transport, but this is not a limitation.

[0059] Subsequently, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 100 generates an order request to accept the order, and entrusts the transport of the item identified by the acquired item ID to the transport destination within the specified time period indicated by the information obtained in step S05. In this embodiment, transporting within the specified time period means that both the start time and the end time of transport are included in the specified time period, but it is not limited to this. It can also be that the start time of transport is earlier than the specified time period.

[0060] Subsequently, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 100 appends the item ID and information indicating the specified time period to the generated order request, and outputs the order request to the data communication circuit 104a with the information processing device 500 as the destination (step S07).

[0061] If, after the data communication circuit 104a of the terminal device 100 sends an order request to the information processing device 500, it receives a prohibition notification indicating that order acceptance is prohibited, then the CPU 101 of the terminal device 100 obtains the prohibition notification from the data communication circuit 104a. Next, based on the obtained prohibition notification, the CPU 101 determines that the order cannot be accepted (step S08; No), and causes the display device 105b to display a message indicating that the order cannot be accepted.

[0062] The orderer sees the display on the display device 105b of the terminal device 100 and then operates the input device 105c to order an item different from the one that was not accepted for ordering. Subsequently, the CPU 101 repeats the process from step S07.

[0063] Conversely, if the data communication circuit 104a of the terminal device 100 receives an acceptance notification that an order has been accepted, then the CPU 101 obtains the acceptance notification from the data communication circuit 104a. Next, based on the obtained acceptance notification, the CPU 101 determines that the order has been accepted (step S08; Yes), and after displaying the message that the order has been accepted on the display device 105b, the order processing ends.

[0064] The information processing device 500, which receives order requests from the terminal device 100, acts as a server and is located at the business premises of the seller of the goods. The information processing device 500 possesses, for example... Figure 4 The CPU 501, RAM 502, ROM 503a, hard disk 503b, data communication circuit 504a, video card 505a, display device 505b, and input device 505c are shown. In this embodiment, the information processing device 500 is described with one CPU 501, but it is not limited to this and may have multiple CPUs. In addition, the information processing device 500 may also have multiple RAMs and multiple hard disks.

[0065] The structure and function of the CPU 501, RAM 502, ROM 503a, data communication circuit 504a, video card 505a, display device 505b, and input device 505c of the information processing device 500 are similar to those of the CPU 501, RAM 502, ROM 503a, data communication circuit 504a, video card 505a, display device 505b, and input device 505c Figure 2 The CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103a, data communication circuit 104a, video card 105a, display device 105b and input device 105c of the terminal device 100 shown have the same structure and function.

[0066] The hard disk 503b of the information processing device 500 pre-stores various programs, various data for executing programs, and tables for storing data. The information processing device 500 may also have flash memory instead of hard disk 503b.

[0067] The data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 communicates with the terminal device 100 and the mobile bodies 800 and 900 that are connected to the Internet IN.

[0068] The input device 505c of the information processing device 500 is any one or more of a keyboard, mouse, touchpad and buttons, and inputs corresponding signals according to the operation of the staff working in the business premises.

[0069] When the CPU 501 of the information processing device 500 is started, it performs weather acquisition processing (not shown) on a cycle of, for example, once per hour, to acquire weather information representing the predicted weather in the area (hereinafter referred to as the transport area) where the mobile body 800 or 900 is planned to move to transport goods. Thus, the CPU 501 acts as a means of acquiring weather information... Figure 5 The acquisition unit 510 shown functions as described. Additionally, the hard disk 503b serves as a pre-stored storage unit. Figure 6 The information storage unit 590 of the forecast table shown functions to store meteorological information representing the forecast weather. The forecast table contains multiple pre-stored records, and each record pairs and stores information representing a time period with meteorological information representing the forecast weather for the transport area within that time period.

[0070] When weather acquisition processing begins, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 acquires information representing the transport area pre-stored in the information storage unit 590. In this embodiment, the transport area is a region containing a pre-defined transport route, which is a route from the business premises where the goods are stored to the transport destination pre-defined by the manager of the transport system 1.

[0071] Subsequently, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 acquires the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the weather forecast server pre-stored in the information storage unit 590. Additionally, the acquisition unit 510 acquires information pre-stored in the information storage unit 590, indicating the start time of the earliest time period, the start time of the latest time period, and the duration of the time period.

[0072] In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the earliest start time of the time period is predetermined as "9:00", the latest start time of the time period is predetermined as "21:30", and the duration of the time period is predetermined as "30 minutes". This is used as a specific example for the following explanation. The reason for the predetermined duration of the time period as "30 minutes" is that the time required for the mobile units 800 and 900 to move from the business premises to the predetermined transport destination is less than 30 minutes.

[0073] Next, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 focuses on the time period "9:00 to 9:30" which is "30 minutes" from the start time "9:00" of the earliest time period. Then, the acquisition unit 510 performs processing to generate a transmission request. This transmission request includes information indicating the time period of interest (hereinafter referred to as the interest period) "9:00 to 9:30", information indicating the transport area, and a request to send information indicating the name of the predicted weather in the transport area within the interest period. Next, the acquisition unit 510 outputs the generated transmission request to the data communication circuit 504a with the URL of the weather forecast server as the destination.

[0074] After the data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 sends a transmission request to the weather forecast server, when it receives information from the weather forecast server, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 acquires the information from the data communication circuit 504a. In this embodiment, assuming that the predicted weather for the transport area is named "rainfall with strong winds" during the period of interest "9:00 to 9:30", the following explanation will be based on this specific example.

[0075] Based on the acquired information, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 acquires meteorological information indicating "strong wind" and meteorological information indicating "rainfall" contained in the predicted weather name. Subsequently, the acquisition unit 510 pairs the information indicating the period of interest "9:00 to 9:30" with the meteorological information indicating "strong wind" and the meteorological information indicating "rainfall," and stores them in [the relevant storage / data]. Figure 6 In the prediction table.

[0076] Subsequently, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 focuses on a time period immediately following the focus period, which has a predetermined duration of "30 minutes". Next, the acquisition unit 510 repeatedly performs the aforementioned processing from the processing of generating the transmission request until the start time of the focus period is later than the start time of the predetermined latest time period, and then ends the execution of the weather acquisition processing.

[0077] When the data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 receives an authentication request from the terminal device 100, the CPU 501 of the information processing device 500 executes as follows: Figure 7The order acceptance process shown is as follows: user verification is performed according to the verification request, and if the user verification is successful, the order is accepted according to the order request sent from the terminal device 100.

[0078] Therefore, the CPU 501 of the information processing device 500 acts as a user authentication mechanism for the orderer based on the authentication request. Figure 5 The verification unit 520 shown functions as follows. Additionally, the CPU 501 functions as a selection unit 530, which selects from the mobile units 800 and 900 the mobile units planned to transport items during a specified time period specified by the verified orderer. Furthermore, the CPU 501 functions as a decision unit 540, which determines the types of items that can be transported in the transport area based on the mechanical performance of the selected mobile unit 800 or 900 and the weather conditions in the transport area during the specified time period.

[0079] Furthermore, the CPU 501 of the information processing device 500 functions as a receiving unit 550, which accepts orders for items of the type determined by the decision unit 540, and prohibits accepting orders for items of a different type than those determined by the decision unit 540.

[0080] Furthermore, the CPU 501 of the information processing device 500 functions as an output unit 560, outputting a prohibition notice indicating that the order has been accepted, or a notification indicating that the order has been accepted. Moreover, the CPU 501 functions as a control unit 570, which controls the moving bodies 800 or 900 designated by the designation unit 530, causing them to transport the accepted orders within a specified time period.

[0081] The information storage unit 590 of the information processing device 500 pre-stores and saves relevant information about the item, such as... Figure 8 The item table shown is one of various forms used to perform order processing. The item table contains multiple pre-stored records, each of which includes an item ID identifying the item, information indicating the item's name, and category information indicating the item's type, all matched and pre-stored.

[0082] In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that in the first record of the item table, the item ID "G11", the information representing the name "clock", and the category "precision instrument" are pre-paired and saved. This will be used as a specific example for the following explanation. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the second record, the item ID "G12", the information representing the name "personal computer", and the category "precision instrument" are paired; in the third record, the item ID "G21", the information representing the name "shirt", and the category "clothing" are paired; furthermore, in the fourth record, the item ID "G31", the information representing the name "canned coffee", and the category "hot beverage" are paired; and in the fifth record, the item ID "G41", the information representing the name "potato chips", and the category "snacks" are paired.

[0083] In addition, the information storage unit 590 of the information processing device 500 pre-stores information such as... Figure 9 The table shown pre-stores information related to item types. Within the table, multiple records are pre-stored. In each record, category information representing the item type is paired with condition information, which is also pre-stored. This condition information indicates the condition under which the item's status changes from a deliverable state to a non-deliverable state, a state different from the deliverable state.

[0084] In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the first record of the category table is pre-paired and stored with the category information indicating the item's category name "Precision Instruments" and the condition information indicating the condition under which the item becomes "wet". This is used as a specific example for the following explanation. The reason for pre-pairing this information is that the deliverable states for items of the category "Precision Instruments" include the state where the packaging is dry and not wet, and the normal state where the item functions normally. Therefore, when the item or packaging is wetted, it becomes an undeliverable state, different from the deliverable state. The reason why the deliverable states for items of the category "Precision Instruments" include the state where the packaging is dry and not wet, and the normal state where the item functions normally, is because delivering the item to the orderer in this state is a clear or implicit consensus between the orderer and the seller at the time of ordering, or a state required by commercial practice.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second record of the category table pre-pairs and stores the category information representing "precision instrument" with the condition information representing the condition that the item "shakes". The reason for pre-pairing this information is that when an item of the category "precision instrument" is shaken, it will change from a normal state to a malfunctioning state in which it cannot operate normally.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third record of the category table pre-pairs and stores the category information representing "clothing" with the condition information representing the condition that "wetting" occurs. The reason for pre-pairing this information is that the deliverable state of an item of the category "clothing" includes a dry state in which the item and packaging are dry and not wetted. When the item or packaging is wetted by water, it will change from a deliverable state to an undeliverable state.

[0087] Conversely, in this embodiment, the category information representing "clothing" is not paired with the condition information representing the condition of "shaking" in the category table. The reason for not pairing this information is that even if an item of the category "clothing" is shaken, it will not change from a deliverable state to an undeliverable state, or the probability of such a change is lower than a pre-defined probability.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fourth record of the category table pre-pairs and stores the category information representing "hot beverage" with the condition information representing "low temperature" conditions that are lower than a pre-defined temperature. The reason for pre-pairing this information is that the deliverable state of an item categorized as "hot beverage" includes a warm state where the item's temperature is, for example, within a pre-defined range of 55 to 65 degrees Celsius. When the item comes into contact with air at a temperature lower than 55 degrees Celsius, it will change to a state different from the warm state.

[0089] Conversely, in this embodiment, the category table does not match the category information representing "hot drinks" with the condition information representing the conditions for "shaking" and "soaking". The reason for not matching this information is that among the items ordered by the information processing device 500, items of the category "hot drinks" are, for example, packaged in plastic bottles or cans, so even if they are shaken or soaked in water, they will not change from a deliverable state to an undeliverable state, or the probability of such a change is lower than a predetermined probability.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the deliverable state of an item categorized as "snack" includes the state where the packaging bag of the snack is undamaged. The category table does not contain any records storing category information indicating the category name "snack." This is because the packaging bag of an item categorized as "snack" will not break even if shaken, soaked, or exposed to low-temperature air, or the probability of breakage is lower than a pre-defined probability.

[0091] In addition, the information storage unit 590 of the information processing device 500 pre-stores information such as... Figure 10 The weather table shown pre-stores information related to weather-induced conditions. The weather table contains multiple pre-stored records, each pairing and pre-storing weather information with condition information indicating the weather conditions caused by that weather.

[0092] In this embodiment, the first record of the weather table pairs and saves the weather information indicating a wind speed higher than a pre-defined wind speed ("strong wind") with the condition information indicating a condition of "swaying". Additionally, the second record pairs and saves the weather information indicating a weather name ("rainfall") with the condition information indicating a condition of "wetting".

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the third record of the weather table, the weather information indicating the weather name "snowfall" is paired with the condition information indicating the occurrence of "wetness" and pre-saved. Furthermore, in the fourth record, the weather information indicating the name "snowfall" is paired with the condition information indicating the condition of "low temperature" and pre-saved. Furthermore, in the fifth record, the weather information indicating the name "low temperature" is paired with the condition information indicating the condition of "low temperature" and pre-saved. In this embodiment, "low temperature" weather refers, for example, to weather with a temperature below 10 degrees Celsius or a pre-defined temperature, but is not limited to this.

[0094] Furthermore, the information storage unit 590 of the information processing device 500 pre-stores information such as... Figure 11 The performance table shown pre-stores information related to the body performance of mobile bodies 800 and 900. The performance table contains multiple pre-stored records. In each record, the body ID "800" or "900" identifying mobile body 800 or 900 is paired with performance information representing the body performance of mobile body 800 or 900 and pre-stored.

[0095] In this embodiment, the structural performance of the mobile bodies 800 and 900 includes protective performance to protect the items stored in the bodies of the mobile bodies 800 and 900 from weather-related conditions. Additionally, in this embodiment, the protective performance includes wind resistance to suppress item movement, waterproof performance to suppress item immersion in water, and thermal insulation performance to suppress item temperature drop.

[0096] In this embodiment, the mobile body 800 does not have wind resistance, but it has waterproof and heat insulation properties. Therefore, in the first record of the performance table, the body ID "800" that identifies the mobile body 800 is paired with performance information including a mark indicating that the mobile body 800 does not have wind resistance, a mark indicating that it has waterproof properties, and a mark indicating that it has heat insulation properties, and this information is saved in advance.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, the mobile body 900 has wind resistance but not waterproof or heat insulation properties. Therefore, in the second record of the performance table, the body ID "900" that identifies the mobile body 900 is paired with performance information including a mark indicating that the mobile body 900 has wind resistance, a mark indicating that it does not have waterproof properties, and a mark indicating that it does not have heat insulation properties, and this information is saved in advance.

[0098] In addition, the information storage unit 590 of the information processing device 500 pre-stores information such as... Figure 12 The condition table shown pre-stores information related to the conditions under which an article is protected by the body's performance characteristics. The condition table contains multiple pre-stored records, each pre-pairing and storing performance information representing the body's performance characteristics with condition information representing the conditions under which the article is protected by those characteristics.

[0099] In this embodiment, because wind resistance suppresses the swaying of the item, the first record of the condition table pre-pairs and stores the performance information representing "wind resistance" with the condition information representing the condition that causes "swaying." This will be explained as a specific example. Furthermore, in the second record, the performance information representing "water resistance" is pre-paired and stored with the condition information representing the condition that causes "wetting." Moreover, in the third record, the performance information representing "thermal insulation" is pre-paired and stored with the condition information representing the condition of "low temperature."

[0100] In addition, the information storage unit 590 of the information processing device 500 pre-stores information such as... Figure 13 The planning table shown is pre-stored with information related to the plans for mobile units 800 and 900. The planning table contains multiple pre-stored records, each pairing information representing a time period with the unit ID "800" or "900". This unit ID identifies the mobile unit 800 or 900 that is planned to move the ordered items when an order for that specified time period has been accepted.

[0101] In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, we will describe a scenario where an order for a single item is processed within a specific time period, and a mobile unit 800 or 900 transports that item. Therefore, information representing a time period is paired with the body ID of a mobile unit 800 or 900 and an item ID.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first record of the planning table pre-pairs and stores the information representing the time period "9:00 to 9:30" with the body ID "800" of the mobile body 800. The reason for this pairing is that if an order for the specified time period "9:00 to 9:30" has been accepted, the mobile body 800 is planned to transport the ordered items.

[0103] Additionally, in each record, information representing time periods is pre-paired and stored with the character "NULL (zero value)". When executed... Figure 7 When an order is accepted, the character "NULL" is updated to the item ID of the ordered item.

[0104] In addition, the information storage unit 590 of the information processing device 500 pre-stores a user form (not shown), which pre-saves information related to the orderer, i.e., the user. The user form pre-stores multiple records, and in each record, a user ID identifying the user is paired with information representing a pre-set password for that user, and this information is also pre-stored.

[0105] When execution begins Figure 7 During the order acceptance process shown, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 acquires the verification request received from the terminal device 100 from the data communication circuit 504a, thereby acquiring the verification information contained in the verification request (step S11).

[0106] Next, the verification unit 520 of the information processing device 500 obtains information from the user form (not shown) indicating a password that matches the user ID contained in the verification information. Then, if the password obtained from the user form does not match the password contained in the verification information, the verification unit 520 determines that the user verification has failed (step S12; No). Afterwards, the verification unit 520 terminates the order acceptance process.

[0107] Conversely, if the two passwords match, the verification unit 520 of the information processing device 500 determines that the user verification is successful (step S12; Yes). Next, the output unit 560 of the information processing device 500 outputs information indicating the successful user verification to the data communication circuit 504a, with the terminal device 100 as the destination (step S13).

[0108] Subsequently, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500, in order to specify a time period that can be designated by the orderer, obtains data from... Figure 13 The plan form retrieves one or more records containing the character "NULL". The reason for retrieving such records is that "NULL" indicates that no item has been ordered, so the time period represented by the record containing "NULL" can be specified by the orderer.

[0109] Secondly, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 acquires, for example, the system time managed by the OS (Operating System). Next, the acquisition unit 510 acquires one or more time periods from one or more time periods represented by information stored in one or more acquired records, each time period starting at a time predetermined later than the system time, thereby acquiring one or more specifyable time periods. In this embodiment, the average time required for receiving an order request from the terminal device 100 after user authentication is preset to a predetermined time. An appropriate value for the predetermined time can be determined by the operator through experimentation.

[0110] Subsequently, the output unit 560 of the information processing device 500 outputs one or more pieces of information representing one or more specified time periods to the data communication circuit 504a, with the terminal device 100 operated by the orderer as the destination (step S14).

[0111] Subsequently, when the data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 receives information indicating a specified time period specified by the orderer, the acquisition unit 510 acquires the information from the data communication circuit 504a (step S15).

[0112] In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the following description will be based on the case where the orderer specifies a time period of "9:00 to 9:30".

[0113] After obtaining the information representing the specified time period in step S15, execute the following... Figure 14 The indicated type determination process determines the type of items that the mobile body 800 or 900 can transport during the specified time period (step S16).

[0114] When the category determination process begins, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500... Figure 6 The forecast table is used to obtain meteorological information indicating "strong wind" and meteorological information indicating "rainfall" that are paired with information indicating the specified time period "9:00 to 9:30" (step S31). Next, the decision unit 540 makes a determination. Figure 10 The weather table contains condition information that matches weather information indicating "strong wind" or weather information indicating "rainfall" (step S32; yes). Therefore, the decision unit 540 determines that a weather condition named "rainfall accompanied by strong wind" has been generated, which causes a change in the deliverability status of the item.

[0115] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 acquires condition information that matches the meteorological information indicating "strong wind" and condition information that matches the meteorological information indicating "rain". As a result, the decision unit 540 determines the following condition: "Items transported in the transport area during the time period of '9:00 to 9:30' will 'sway' and 'get wet' due to the weather condition named 'rain with strong wind'" (step S33).

[0116] Subsequently, a specific part 530 of the information processing device 500 from Figure 13 The plan form obtains the machine ID "800" which is matched with the information indicating the specified time period "9:00 to 9:30". As a result, the specialization unit 530 selects the mobile body 800 as the mobile body planned to move in the transport area to transport items during the specified time period "9:00 to 9:30" from the mobile bodies 800 and 900 with different machine performance (step S34).

[0117] Secondly, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 from Figure 11 The performance table retrieves performance information paired with the body ID "800" of the mobile body 800, and retrieves a mark indicating no wind resistance, a mark indicating waterproof performance, and a mark indicating thermal insulation performance from the performance information. Therefore, the determination unit 540 determines that the mobile body 800 has waterproof and thermal insulation performance (step S35).

[0118] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 from Figure 12 The condition table retrieves condition information indicating the condition of "wetting" that is paired with information indicating waterproof performance, and condition information indicating the condition of "low temperature" that is paired with information indicating thermal insulation performance. Therefore, the determination unit 540 specifies the conditions under which the article is protected by the body performance of the moving body 800 as the conditions of "wetting" and the conditions of "low temperature" (step S36).

[0119] Next, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 excludes the condition information obtained in step S36 from the condition information obtained in step S33 (step S37). Thereafter, the decision unit 540 determines the remaining condition information indicating that "shaking" has occurred (step S38; yes).

[0120] Therefore, although the weather condition described as "rain with strong winds" creates conditions for "wetting," the decision unit 540 determines that the items stored in the mobile body 800 for transport can be prevented from getting wet because the mobile body 800 is waterproof. However, the weather condition of "rain with strong winds" creates conditions for "swaying," and since the mobile body 800 is not wind-resistant, the decision unit 540 determines that the swaying of the items stored in the mobile body 800 for transport cannot be prevented.

[0121] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500... Figure 9 In the category table, the category information of "precision instrument" is obtained by matching the information indicating the excluded condition information, i.e., the condition that causes "shaking". Therefore, the decision unit 540 determines "precision instrument" as an item category that the predicted weather "rain with strong wind" during the specified time period of "9:00 to 9:30" will cause the condition of "shaking". Therefore, before and after the moving body 800 is transported, this type of item cannot maintain a deliverable state and will become an undeliverable state (step S39).

[0122] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines the category "precision instrument" specified in step S39 as an item type that the mobile body 800 cannot move in the transport area during the designated time period of "9:00 to 9:30" (step S40). Additionally, the decision unit 540... Figure 8 In the item table, obtain the item IDs "G11" and "G12" that are matched with the category information representing "precision instrument". The items "clock" and "personal computer" identified by the obtained item IDs will be determined as items that cannot be moved by the mobile body 800 in the transport area during the specified time period.

[0123] Conversely, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 is in Figure 8 Within the multiple category information stored in the item table, the decision unit 540 retrieves category information that differs from the category information indicating "precision instruments" specified in step S39. Next, the decision unit 540 determines the multiple categories "clothing," "hot drinks," and "snacks" represented by the retrieved category information as item categories where the conditions caused by predicted weather in the transport area during the specified time period will not change the deliverable status of these items before or after transport by the mobile body 800, but will maintain their deliverable status (step S41). Next, the decision unit 540 determines the determined categories "clothing," "hot drinks," and "snacks" as item categories that the mobile body 800 can transport in the transport area during the specified time period of "9:00 to 9:30" (step S42).

[0124] In addition, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 is in Figure 8 In the item table, the item IDs "G21", "G31", and "G41" are obtained and matched with the category information indicating "clothing", "hot drinks", or "snacks", respectively. Next, the decision unit 540 determines the items "shirt", "canned coffee", and "potato chips" identified by the obtained item IDs as items that the mobile body 800 can move in the handling area within a specified time period, and then ends the category determination process.

[0125] Figure 7 After performing the category determination process in step S16, the receiving unit 550 of the information processing device 500 receives... Figure 8 The item table stores multiple records, each containing an item ID and information indicating the item name identified by the item ID. Next, the receiving unit 550 generates a list containing multiple acquired item IDs and item names, and outputs the information representing the generated list to the data communication circuit 504a with the terminal device 100 as the destination (step S17).

[0126] After the data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 sends the information representing the list to the terminal device 100, when it receives an order request, the acquisition unit 510 acquires the order request from the data communication circuit 504a (step S18).

[0127] In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the following description will be based on the case where an order request containing the item ID "G11" that identifies the item "clock" is obtained.

[0128] After obtaining the order request in step S18, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 obtains the item ID "G11" and information indicating the specified time period "9:00 to 9:30" contained in the order request. Next, the acceptance unit 550 determines whether the item ID "G11" obtained from the order request matches any of the item IDs "G21", "G31", and "G41" that can be transported during the specified time period "9:00 to 9:30". At this time, since the item ID "G11" obtained from the order request does not match any of the item IDs "G21", "G31", and "G41" that can be transported, the acceptance unit 550 determines that the ordered item "clock" is not a transportable item during the specified time period "9:00 to 9:30" (step S19; no). Next, the acceptance unit 550 prohibits the acceptance of the order requested through the order request (step S20).

[0129] Subsequently, the output unit 560 of the information processing device 500 outputs a notification to the data communication circuit 504a, indicating that the order acceptance is prohibited, with the terminal device 100 as the destination. Then, the order request is retrieved again, and thus the process is repeated from step S18 onwards.

[0130] In this embodiment, an order request is obtained again, and the obtained order request contains the item ID "G21" that identifies the item "shirt". This case will be used as a specific example for the following explanation.

[0131] When the data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 receives the order request again, the acquisition unit 510 acquires the order request again from the data communication circuit 504a (step S18) and acquires the item ID "G21" from the acquired order request.

[0132] Secondly, because the item ID "G21" obtained from the order request matches the item ID "G21" of the item that can be moved, the receiving unit 550 of the information processing device 500 determines that the ordered item "shirt" is an item that can be moved within the moving area during the specified time period "9:00 to 9:30" (step S19; Yes). Next, the receiving unit 550... Figure 13 Among the multiple records stored in the plan form, the record containing information indicating the specified time period "9:00 to 9:30" stores the item ID "G21" obtained from the order request. Therefore, the receiving department 550 accepts the requested order (step S21).

[0133] Subsequently, the output unit 560 of the information processing device 500 outputs an acceptance notification to the data communication circuit 504a with the terminal device 100 as the destination, and then ends the order acceptance process.

[0134] After the order acceptance process is completed, the CPU 501 of the information processing device 500 performs a handling control process (not shown), such as controlling the movement of the mobile body 800 or 900 at a pre-defined cycle of once per minute.

[0135] When the transport control process begins, the control unit 570 of the information processing device 500 starts from... Figure 13 In the planning table, one or more records storing the item IDs of the ordered and accepted items are retrieved, and the earliest time period information stored in each of the retrieved records is also retrieved. Subsequently, the control unit 570 obtains the system time from the OS and determines whether the start time of the earliest specified time period is later than the system time. If the start time of the earliest specified time period is determined to be later than the system time, the control unit 570 determines that the earliest specified time period has not yet arrived and terminates the handling control process.

[0136] Conversely, if the start time of the earliest specified time period is the same as the system time, or the start time is earlier than the system time, the control unit 570 of the information processing device 500 determines that the earliest specified time period has arrived.

[0137] Secondly, the control unit 570 of the information processing device 500 is in Figure 13The system retrieves the machine ID and item ID from the planning table, matching the information that first indicates the specified time period. Then, the control unit 570 displays a message containing the retrieved machine ID and item ID on the display device 505b, prompting the user to store the item identified by the item ID into the mobile body 800 or 900 identified by the machine ID.

[0138] When staff at the sales location see the display, they move to the sales location's warehouse and locate the item identified by the displayed item ID. Afterward, the staff stores the located item in mobile body 800 or 900, identified by the displayed body ID, and then operates the input device 505c of the information processing unit 500. Alternatively, the locating and storage of items in mobile body 800 or 900 can also be performed, for example, using a self-propelled robot and robotic arm, in a fully automated or nearly automated manner. The self-propelled robot moves a shelf designated by the information processing unit 500 from among multiple shelves storing items to the vicinity of mobile body 800 or 900, and the robotic arm retrieves the item from the moved shelf and stores it in mobile body 800 or 900.

[0139] When the input device 505c of the information processing device 500 outputs a signal corresponding to the operator's operation, the control unit 570 of the information processing device 500 acquires information representing the transport route pre-stored in the information storage unit 590. The information representing the transport route includes location information of one or more nodes included in the transport route in terms of latitude, longitude, and altitude, and information representing the arrival order of one or more nodes.

[0140] Secondly, the control unit 570 of the information processing device 500 outputs a transport instruction to the data communication circuit 504a with the mobile body 800 or 900 identified by the acquired body ID as the destination. The transport instruction contains the acquired information indicating the transport route and instructs the mobile body 800 or 900 to fly along the transport route to transport the ordered items to the transport destination.

[0141] After the data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 sends a transport command to the moving body 800 or 900, the control unit 570... Figure 13 In the planning table, after updating the item ID that matches the earliest information representing the specified time period to the character "NULL", the handling control process ends.

[0142] A mobile body 800, such as a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle, receives handling instructions from an information processing device 500 and is parked at the business premises. The mobile body 800 has controls for its attitude and flight, such as... Figure 15The control device 810 shown is a cuboid shape. In this embodiment, among the multiple surfaces of the control device 810 of the moving body 800, the reference surface is called the front surface, and the direction parallel to the normal direction of the front surface and pointing outward from the control device 810 is called the front direction of the moving body 800. Furthermore, one of the multiple surfaces of the control device 810 that is perpendicular to the front surface is called the upper surface, and the direction parallel to the normal direction of the upper surface and pointing outward from the control device 810 is called the upper direction of the moving body 800.

[0143] The mobile body 800 includes propeller arms 821 and 822, and 823 and 824, which protrude from the front surface of the control device 810 to the right front and left front, and from the rear surface of the control device 810 to the left rear and right rear, respectively. Furthermore, the mobile body 800 includes propellers 831 to 834 respectively disposed at the front ends of the propeller arms 821 to 824, and motors (not shown) that rotate the propellers 831 to 834 under the control of the control device 810.

[0144] The distance between the propellers of the mobile body 800 is less than a predetermined distance, the size of the mobile body 800 is less than a predetermined size, and the mass of the mobile body 800 is less than a predetermined mass. Generally, the smaller the size, the smaller the mass, and the shorter the distance between the propellers of the mobile body, the greater the swaying of the mobile body during flight. Therefore, if the mobile body 800 flies in windy airspace with wind speeds higher than the predetermined wind speed, the mobile body 800 will sway, and this swaying will change the state of an item classified as "precision instrument" from a deliverable state to an undeliverable state. Therefore, the mobile body 800 does not have wind resistance to suppress the swaying of items.

[0145] Additionally, a storage compartment 840 for storing items is provided on the lower surface of the control device 810 of the movable body 800. The storage compartment 840 has a box-shaped enclosure (not shown), which forms a space enclosed by a back panel, bottom panel, top panel (not shown), and two side panels (not shown), and is open at the front. At the opening of the enclosure, there are: a door; a door frame (not shown) supporting the door; a locking bolt (not shown) serving as a door bolt located on the back of the door; and a striking element (not shown) serving as a support for the locking bolt, located on the door frame.

[0146] The storage compartment 840 of the movable body 800 also includes a motor (not shown), which is driven according to a signal output from a control device 810 connected by a cable (not shown). The motor drives a locking pin to insert into a striking member to lock the door, and pulls the locking pin out of the striking member to unlock the door.

[0147] The gaps between the back panel and bottom panel, top panel, and two side panels of the mobile body 800, as well as the gaps between the two side panels and the bottom and top panels, are filled, for example, with silicone sealant. Additionally, a rubber gasket is provided on the back of the door, which, when the door is closed, is sandwiched between the door and the door frame, filling the gap. Therefore, the storage compartment 840 can prevent water from seeping into its interior when the door is closed. Thus, the body of the mobile body 800 has waterproof properties that prevent the items stored in the storage compartment 840 from getting wet.

[0148] Furthermore, the storage compartment 840 of the mobile body 800 is equipped with an IC (Integrated Circuit) temperature sensor (not shown). The IC temperature sensor measures the internal temperature of the storage compartment 840 and outputs a signal indicating the measured temperature. Additionally, the storage compartment 840 includes, for example, a heater (not shown), which is a heating wire; and a switch (not shown). When the measured temperature indicated by the signal output from the IC temperature sensor is within a preset range, the circuit connected to the heater is opened, stopping the heater from heating. When the measured temperature is not within the preset range, the switch closes the circuit, allowing the heater to heat up. Therefore, the storage compartment 840 can prevent the internal temperature from falling below a predetermined lower limit of the temperature range, such as 55 degrees Celsius. Thus, the body of the mobile body 800 has heat preservation performance that suppresses the temperature drop of items stored in the storage compartment 840.

[0149] The mobile unit 800 also has a support foot 843, which protrudes downward from the lower surface of the control device 810 to support the control device 810. The vertical length of the support foot 843 is designed to be longer than the vertical length of the storage compartment 840 by a predetermined length. The reason for this design of the support foot 843 is to prevent the storage compartment 840 from colliding with the ground or floor at the landing point when the mobile unit 800 lands.

[0150] Furthermore, the mobile body 800 includes a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor 851 disposed on the front surface of the control device 810, and a LiDAR sensor (not shown) disposed on the rear surface of the control device 810.

[0151] When the mobile body 800 flies with the lower surface of its control device 810 parallel to the horizontal plane, and with the forward direction of the mobile body 800 as the reference orientation, the LiDAR sensor 851 on the front surface irradiates laser light in multiple directions within the range of -90 degrees to +90 degrees azimuth angle with the reference orientation and -90 degrees to +90 degrees elevation angle with the forward direction of the mobile body 800. The LiDAR sensor 851 on the front surface receives the reflected light from the irradiated laser light and measures the distances to multiple reflection points of the reflected laser light based on the time from irradiation to receipt of the reflected light. Next, based on the irradiation direction of the laser light and the measured distances, the LiDAR sensor 851 on the front surface calculates the coordinates of the mobile body 800 in a three-dimensional coordinate system with the center point of the mobile body 800 as the origin for the multiple reflection points. Subsequently, the LiDAR sensor 851 on the front surface outputs the calculated coordinates of the multiple reflection points to the control device 810.

[0152] When the mobile body 800 flies with the lower surface of the control device 810 parallel to the horizontal plane, and the rear direction of the mobile body 800 is used as the reference orientation, the LiDAR sensor on the rear surface irradiates infrared laser light in multiple directions within the range of -90 degrees to +90 degrees azimuth angle with the reference orientation and -90 degrees to +90 degrees elevation angle with the rear direction of the mobile body 800. Furthermore, the LiDAR sensor on the rear surface calculates the coordinates of the mobile body 800 in a three-dimensional coordinate system based on multiple reflection points of the irradiated laser light, and outputs the calculated coordinates of the multiple reflection points to the control device 810.

[0153] The reason why the LiDAR sensor 851 on the front surface and the LiDAR sensor on the rear surface output the coordinate values ​​of multiple reflection points to the control device 810 is that, for example, in order to avoid obstacles or other objects during flight, the control device 810 needs to specify the coordinate values ​​and dimensions of the object in three-dimensional space in all directions based on the moving body 800.

[0154] The control device 810 of the moving body 800 is equipped with Figure 16 The diagram shows a CPU 811, RAM 812, ROM 813a, flash memory 813b, data communication circuit 814a, video card 815a, display device 815b, input device 815c, position measurement circuit 816, input / output port 818, and drive circuit 819. In this embodiment, the control device 810 is described with one CPU 811, but it is not limited to this and may have multiple CPUs. Furthermore, the control device 810 may also have multiple RAMs or multiple flash memories.

[0155] The composition and function of the CPU 811, RAM 812, ROM 813a, flash memory 813b, data communication circuit 814a, video card 815a, display device 815b, input device 815c, and position measurement circuit 816 of the mobile body 800 are as follows: Figure 2 The terminal device 100 shown has the same structure and function as its CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103a, flash memory 103b, data communication circuit 104a, video card 105a, display device 105b, input device 105c, and position measurement circuit 106.

[0156] The input / output port 818 of the moving body 800 is connected to cables (not shown) that are respectively connected to the LiDAR sensor 851 on the front surface and the LiDAR sensor on the rear surface. The input / output port 818 inputs signals representing coordinate values ​​output by the LiDAR sensor 851 on the front surface and the LiDAR sensor on the rear surface to the CPU 811.

[0157] The drive circuit 819 is connected to the circuits that enable the drive circuit to perform the operation. Figure 15 The propellers 831 to 834 shown are connected to motors (not shown) that rotate. Drive circuit 819 drives the motors (not shown) according to signals output by CPU 811, causing propellers 831 to 834 to rotate.

[0158] When the data communication circuit 814a of the mobile body 800 receives a transport command sent from the information processing device 500, the CPU 811 of the mobile body 800 executes as follows: Figure 17 The transport control process shown enables the moving body 800 to transport items according to the transport instructions.

[0159] When the handling control process begins, the CPU 811 of the moving body 800 locks the door of the storage compartment 840 by outputting a signal to the drive circuit 819 to insert the locking pin into the impact member (step S51).

[0160] Next, the CPU 811 of the mobile body 800 obtains a transport instruction from the data communication circuit 814a, and obtains information indicating the transport route from the obtained transport instruction (step S52).

[0161] Next, the CPU 811 of the mobile body 800 acquires information representing the position of the mobile body 800 in latitude, longitude, and altitude based on the signal output from the position measurement circuit 816. Then, based on the information representing the position of the mobile body 800 in latitude, longitude, and altitude, and the information representing the position of the earliest-arriving node among one or more unreached nodes included in the transport route in latitude, longitude, and altitude, the CPU 811 generates a control signal to cause the mobile body 800 to fly, thereby shortening the distance from the mobile body 800 to the earliest-arriving unreached node. Subsequently, the CPU 811 outputs the generated control signal to the drive circuit 819 (step S53), thereby causing the mobile body 800 to fly sequentially along the transport route.

[0162] Subsequently, if the CPU 811 of the moving body 800 determines that it has not yet reached all one or more nodes included in the transport route, and therefore has not reached the transport destination (step S54; No), the process is repeated from step S53. Conversely, if the CPU 811 determines that it has reached all one or more nodes included in the transport route, and therefore has reached the transport destination (step S54; Yes), a landing control signal is output to the drive circuit 819. Subsequently, the CPU 811 unlocks the door of the storage compartment 840 by outputting a signal to the drive circuit 819 to pull the locking pin out of the impact member (step S55).

[0163] Subsequently, after the customer at the destination retrieves the item from the storage compartment 840 of the mobile unit 800, they operate the input device 815c of the mobile unit 800. When the input device 815c outputs a signal corresponding to the customer's operation, the CPU 811 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 819 to fly back along the transport route to the sales location (step S56), ending the transport control process. Thus, the mobile unit 800, having completed the item transport, returns to the sales location.

[0164] Mobile Body 900, like Mobile Body 800, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or similar, possessing features such as... Figure 18 The control device 910 is shown in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The movable body 900 includes propeller arms 921 to 924, propellers 931 to 934, and a motor (not shown) that rotates the propellers 931 to 934. The configuration and function of the propeller arms 921 to 924, propellers 931 to 934, and the motor are the same as those of the movable body 800, including the propeller arms 821 to 824, propellers 831 to 834, and the motor (not shown) that rotates the propellers 831 to 834.

[0165] The distance between the propellers of the mobile body 900 is longer than a predetermined distance, the size of the mobile body 900 is larger than a predetermined size, and the mass of the mobile body 900 is larger than a predetermined mass. Therefore, even if the mobile body 900 flies in airspace with wind speeds higher than a predetermined wind speed but lower than wind speeds previously observed in the transport area, the mobile body 900 will not sway, or will only sway slightly, and can still maintain the state of the item classified as "precision instrument" in a deliverable condition. Therefore, the mobile body 900, unlike the mobile body 800, has wind resistance.

[0166] The difference between the mobile body 900 and the mobile body 800 is that the control device 910 does not have a storage compartment for storing items below it, but instead has a first holding frame 941a and a second holding frame 941b for holding items.

[0167] The first holding frame 941a of the movable body 900 holds four sides of one side of a rectangular carton containing packaged articles, and the second holding frame 941b holds four sides of the side opposite to the side held by the first holding frame 941a (hereinafter referred to as the first holding surface) (hereinafter referred to as the second holding surface).

[0168] In addition, the movable body 900 has guide rails 942a and 942b on the lower surface of the control device 910. The guide rails 942a and 942b extend along the normal direction of the first and second supporting surfaces of the article, suspend the first supporting frame 941a and the second supporting frame 941b, and the direction of movement of the first supporting frame 941a and the second supporting frame 941b is the direction of extension.

[0169] Furthermore, the movable body 900 is equipped with a motor (not shown), which, under the control of the control device 910, moves the first enclosure frame 941a and the second enclosure frame 941b toward each other, thereby enclosing the article. The motor (not shown), under the control of the control device 910, also moves the first enclosure frame 941a and the second enclosure frame 941b away from each other, thereby releasing the enclosed article.

[0170] The mobile body 900 uses the first enclosure frame 941a and the second enclosure frame 941b to enclose the item, so it is difficult to prevent the item from getting wet from rain or snow, for example. Therefore, unlike the mobile body 800, the mobile body 900 is not waterproof. In addition, unlike the mobile body 800, the mobile body 900 does not have a heater, so it is not heat-insulating.

[0171] The control device 910 of the mobile body 900 includes a CPU (not shown), RAM, ROM, flash memory, data communication circuit, video card, display device, input device, position measurement circuit, input / output port, and drive circuit. The configuration and function of these hardware components in the mobile body 900 are the same as those of the CPU 811, RAM 812, ROM 813a, flash memory 813b, data communication circuit 814a, video card 815a, display device 815b, input device 815c, position measurement circuit 816, input / output port 818, and drive circuit 819 in the mobile body 800.

[0172] The drive circuit of the mobile body 900 (not shown) is connected to cables (not shown) that are connected to motors (not shown) that rotate propellers 931 to 934, and to motors (not shown) that move the first enclosure frame 941a and the second enclosure frame 941b. The drive circuit of the mobile body 900 drives the motors (not shown) that rotate propellers 931 to 934, or drives the motors (not shown) that move the first enclosure frame 941a and the second enclosure frame 941b, according to signals output by a CPU (not shown).

[0173] When the data communication circuit of the mobile body 900 receives a transport instruction sent from the information processing device 500, the CPU of the mobile body 900 executes transport control processing (not shown).

[0174] When the handling control process begins, the CPU of the mobile body 900 generates a control signal that moves the first enclosure frame 941a and the second enclosure frame 941b toward each other and outputs it to the drive circuit. Thus, the mobile body 900 uses the first enclosure frame 941a and the second enclosure frame 941b to enclose and store the item.

[0175] Subsequently, execution and Figure 17 Steps S52 to S54 are processed in the same way. Thus, the mobile body 900 flies along the transport route, reaches the transport destination, and lands. Afterwards, the CPU of the mobile body 900 generates a control signal that causes the first holding frame 941a and the second holding frame 941b to move in a direction away from each other and outputs it to the drive circuit. Thus, the mobile body 900 causes the first holding frame 941a and the second holding frame 941b to release the item.

[0176] Next, after performing the same process as in step S56, the handling control process ends. Thus, the moving body 900, having completed its handling, returns to the business premises.

[0177] Based on these configurations, the information processing device 500 includes an acquisition unit 510 that acquires weather information indicating the weather conditions of the transport area where the mobile body 800 or 900 is planned to move. Furthermore, the information processing device 500 includes a decision unit 540 that, based on the acquired weather information, determines the types of items that the mobile body 800 or 900 can transport in the transport area. Thus, the information processing device 500 can determine the types of items that the mobile body 800 or 900 can transport based on the weather conditions.

[0178] Furthermore, based on these configurations, the information processing device 500 also includes a receiving unit 550, which accepts orders for items of the type determined by the decision unit 540, and prohibits accepting orders for items of a different type than those determined by the decision unit 540. Therefore, compared to the situation where orders are accepted and then the weather becomes suitable for transporting the ordered items before transporting them, the information processing device 500 can more evenly distribute the transport volume across different time periods, thus improving transport efficiency. Transport efficiency is expressed, for example, by the number of items transported per unit time. In addition, compared to the situation where transport is delayed until weather becomes suitable for transporting, the information processing device 500 can further shorten the time from accepting an order to transporting it. Therefore, for example, the time from when items are brought into the warehouse to when they are retrieved from the warehouse for transport can be shortened, thus improving warehouse storage efficiency. Storage efficiency is expressed, for example, by the number of items that the warehouse can store per unit time.

[0179] Furthermore, based on these configurations, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines the types of items that the mobile body 800 or 900 can transport in the transport area based on the physical performance of the mobile body 800 or 900 and the acquired meteorological information. Additionally, the information processing device 500 also includes a selection unit 530, which selects the mobile body 800 or 900 to be moved from among multiple mobile bodies 800 and 900 with different physical performances. Then, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines the types of items that the mobile body 800 or 900 can transport in the transport area based on the physical performance of the selected mobile body 800 or 900 and the acquired meteorological information. Therefore, compared to determining the types of items that can be transported solely based on meteorological information, the information processing device 500 can determine the types of items that can be transported with higher accuracy.

[0180] Furthermore, based on these configurations, the items that the mobile body 800 or 900 can transport include items that maintain a deliverable state before and after being transported by the mobile body 800 or 900. Additionally, the information storage unit 590 of the information processing device 500 stores type information indicating the type of item in pairs with condition information indicating conditions that cause the item's state to change to an undeliverable state, different from the deliverable state, and stores weather information in pairs with condition information indicating weather-induced conditions. Furthermore, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 retrieves condition information paired with the retrieved weather information from the information storage unit 590, and retrieves type information paired with the retrieved condition information. Thus, the decision unit 540 determines the type of item whose deliverable state will change to an undeliverable state due to weather-induced conditions in the transport area. Additionally, the decision unit 540 determines the type of item that is transportable from the multiple types of type information stored in the information storage unit 590 that differs from the retrieved type information. Therefore, the information processing device 500 can determine the following types of items as transportable: items that can maintain a deliverable state even when the mobile body 800 or 900 moves within the transport area, and will not change from a deliverable state to an undeliverable state due to weather conditions in the transport area. Therefore, the information storage unit 590 can prevent the state of the item from changing from a deliverable state to an undeliverable state due to the transport of the mobile body 800 or 900.

[0181] Furthermore, based on these configurations, the mobile body 800 or 900 possesses mechanical properties that protect the items stored within its body from weather-related conditions. Additionally, the information storage unit 590 of the information processing device 500 stores condition information indicating the conditions under which the items are protected by the mechanical properties of the mobile body 800 or 900. Furthermore, the determination unit 540 of the information processing device 500 retrieves condition information paired with the retrieved weather information from the information storage unit 590, excludes condition information of the mobile body 800 or 900 from the retrieved condition information, and retrieves category information paired with the excluded condition information. Therefore, even if weather-related conditions in the transport area cause items to change from a deliverable state to an undeliverable state when the mobile body 800 or 900 moves within the transport area, the information processing device 500 can determine that item type as a transportable item type as long as the mechanical properties of the mobile body 800 or 900 can protect this type of item from weather conditions.

[0182] Furthermore, based on these components, the deliverable state of the item includes a dry state, and the weather includes "rainy" weather. Additionally, conditions that change the deliverable state of the item and weather-related conditions include conditions that cause "wetting," and the mechanical properties of the mobile body 800 include waterproof properties to prevent water immersion in the item. Therefore, even if the weather in the transport area is "rainy," as long as the waterproof mobile body 800 carries the item and moves it within the transport area, it is possible to prevent the item from getting wet due to "rainy" weather. Therefore, even if the item type "clothing" becomes undeliverable due to conditions causing "wetting," the information processing device 500 can determine it as an item type that can maintain a deliverable state before and after transport and that the mobile body 800 can transport.

[0183] <Example 1 of the variation of Example 1>

[0184] In Example 1, the case where the predicted weather for the specified time period "9:00 to 9:30" is "sunny with strong winds" is explained. However, the specified time period and weather are not limited to these. In this variation, the specified time period is "9:30 to 10:00", and the predicted weather for this time period is "sunny with strong winds". This case is used as a specific example for explanation.

[0185] In this variation example, the information processing device 500 begins execution. Figure 7 During the order acceptance process shown, by executing steps S11 to S15, information indicating the specified time period "9:30 to 10:00" is obtained.

[0186] Secondly, in order to determine the types of items that can be moved during the designated time period of "9:30 to 10:00", the information processing unit 500 executes... Figure 14 The type shown determines the processing (step S16).

[0187] When the category determination process begins, the information processing device 500... Figure 6 Obtain meteorological information indicating "strong wind" and meteorological information indicating "sunny weather" from the forecast table that are paired with information indicating the specified time period "9:30 to 10:00" (step S31).

[0188] Secondly, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines: in Figure 10 In the weather table, there is no condition information matching the weather information indicating "sunny weather," but there is condition information matching the weather information indicating "strong wind" indicating the occurrence of "shaking" (step S32; Yes). Therefore, the decision unit 540 specifies that during the time period of "9:30 to 10:00," the weather in the transport area of ​​"sunny weather with strong wind" will trigger the condition of "shaking" (step S33).

[0189] Subsequently, a specific part 530 of the information processing device 500 from Figure 13 The plan form retrieves the body ID paired with information representing the specified time period "9:30 to 10:00". In this variation example, Figure 13 In the second record of the planning form, the information indicating the time period "9:30 to 10:00" is pre-paired and saved with the machine ID "900" of the mobile body 900. It is planned that when an order is accepted during the specified time period "9:30 to 10:00", the mobile body 900 will transport the ordered items. Therefore, the specific unit 530 obtains the machine ID "900" that is paired with the information indicating the specified time period "9:30 to 10:00" (step S34).

[0190] Secondly, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 from Figure 11 The performance information paired with the body ID "900" of the specific mobile body 900 is obtained from the performance table, and a flag indicating wind resistance is obtained from the performance information (step S35). Thereafter, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 obtains... Figure 12 The condition table is used to obtain condition information that corresponds to the wind resistance performance information, indicating the conditions under which "swaying" occurs (step S36).

[0191] Next, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 excludes the condition information obtained in step S36 from the condition information obtained in step S33 (step S37). After exclusion, it determines that no condition information remains (step S38; no). Therefore, the decision unit 540 determines that even if the weather conditions of "sunny day with strong wind" cause "swaying", the items stored and transported in the mobile body 900 will not or will hardly sway because the mobile body 900 has wind resistance.

[0192] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 will... Figure 8 After determining the types of items that can be moved based on the information of all categories stored in the item table (step S43), the category determination process ends.

[0193] Subsequently, the information processing device 500 executes... Figure 7 Steps S17 to S21 involve accepting orders for items that can be moved within the specified time period of "9:30 to 10:00" and then ending the order acceptance process.

[0194] Based on these components, the deliverable state of an item includes its normal state where it can operate normally, and the weather conditions include "strong wind" weather where the wind speed is higher than a predetermined wind speed. Conditions that alter the deliverable state of an item and weather-related conditions include conditions that cause "swaying," and the mechanical properties of the mobile body 900 include wind resistance to suppress swaying. Therefore, even if the weather in the transport area is "strong wind," as long as the item is transported within the transport area by the wind-resistant mobile body 900, swaying due to "strong wind" weather can be suppressed. Therefore, even if conditions causing "swaying" would render the item type "precision instrument" undeliverable, the information processing device 500 can determine it as an item type that can be transported by the mobile body 900 while maintaining a deliverable state before and after transport.

[0195] <Example 2 of Variation 1>

[0196] In Example 1, the case where the specified time period is "9:00 to 9:30" and the predicted weather name for the time period "9:00 to 9:30" is "rain with strong winds" was explained. However, the specified time period and weather are not limited to these. In this variation example, the specified time period is "10:00 to 10:30" and the predicted weather name for this time period is "sunny". This case is used as a specific example for explanation.

[0197] In this variation example, the information processing device 500 begins execution. Figure 7 During the order processing shown, steps S11 to S15 are executed to obtain information indicating the specified time period "10:00 to 10:30". Next, the information processing device 500 executes steps S11 to S15 to determine the types of items that can be handled during the specified time period "10:00 to 10:30". Figure 14 The type shown determines the processing (step S16).

[0198] When the category determination process begins, the information processing device 500... Figure 6 Obtain meteorological information indicating "sunny" from the forecast table that is paired with information indicating the specified time period "10:00 to 10:30" (step S31).

[0199] Secondly, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines: in Figure 10 The weather table does not contain any condition information that matches the weather information indicating "sunny" (step S32; no). Therefore, the decision unit 540 determines that "sunny" weather will not or will hardly cause conditions that would render the item undeliverable.

[0200] Subsequently, the decision was made by Department 540. Figure 8After determining the types of items that can be moved based on the information of all categories stored in the item table (step S43), the category determination process ends.

[0201] Subsequently, the information processing device 500 executes... Figure 7 Steps S17 to S21 involve accepting orders for items that can be moved within the specified time period of "10:00 to 10:30" and then ending the order acceptance process.

[0202] <Example 3 of Variation 1>

[0203] In Example 1, the case where the predicted weather for the specified time period "9:00 to 9:30" is "sunny with strong winds" is explained. However, the specified time period and weather are not limited to these. In this variation, the specified time period is "10:30 to 11:00", and the predicted weather for this time period is "snowfall". This case is used as a specific example for explanation.

[0204] In this variation example, the information processing device 500 begins execution. Figure 7 During the order acceptance process shown, by executing steps S11 to S15, information indicating the specified time period "10:30 to 11:00" is obtained.

[0205] Secondly, the information processing device 500 begins execution. Figure 14 The type of treatment determines the processing (step S16), in Figure 6 Obtain meteorological information indicating "snowfall" from the forecast table that is paired with information indicating the specified time period "10:30 to 11:00" (step S31).

[0206] Next, the information processing device 500 executes steps S32 to S34. As a result, the information processing device 500 identifies that the weather phenomenon named "snowfall" will cause conditions of "wetness" and "low temperature," and that the mobile body 900 is scheduled to move during the specified time period of "10:30 to 11:00." The reason for this identification is that, in this variation example, in... Figure 13 In the fourth record of the plan form, the information indicating the time period "10:30 to 11:00" has been pre-paired and saved with the body ID "900" of the mobile body 900.

[0207] Next, the information processing device 500 executes steps S35 to S38. As a result, the information processing device 500 identifies that the mobile body 900 has wind resistance but lacks waterproof and heat insulation properties. Furthermore, the information processing device 500 identifies that the wind resistance of the mobile body 900 cannot protect the items it transports from conditions of "wetting" and "low temperature" caused by "snowfall," and cannot prevent water immersion and temperature drop of the items.

[0208] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500... Figure 9 The decision unit 540 retrieves category information for "precision instruments" and "clothing" from the category table, matching the information indicating the condition of "wetting". Additionally, the decision unit 540 retrieves category information for "hot drinks" from the category table, matching the information indicating the condition of "low temperature". Therefore, the decision unit 540 determines the item categories "precision instruments", "clothing", and "hot drinks" as follows: due to the "snowfall" weather during the specified time period of "10:30 to 11:00", which causes the conditions of "wetting" and "low temperature", these item categories cannot maintain a deliverable state before and after being transported using the mobile body 900 (step S39).

[0209] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines the categories "precision instruments," "clothing," and "hot drinks" as items that the mobile body 900 cannot move within the transport area during the designated time period of "10:30 to 11:00" (step S40). Additionally, the decision unit 540... Figure 8 The item table retrieves item IDs "G11" and "G12" that match the category information indicating "precision instruments," item ID "G21" that matches the category information indicating "clothing," and item ID "G31" that matches the category information indicating "hot drinks." Subsequently, the decision unit 540 determines the items "clock," "personal computer," "shirt," and "canned coffee," identified by the retrieved item IDs, as items that the mobile body 900 cannot move within the transport area during a specified time period.

[0210] Conversely, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 acquires... Figure 8The item table stores multiple category information that differs from the categories "precision instruments," "clothing," and "hot drinks" determined in step S39. Next, the determination unit 540 determines the category "snacks" represented by the acquired category information as an item type where the weather conditions in the transport area during a specified time period will not cause the deliverable state of this item type to change before and after transport by the mobile body 900, and this item type can maintain its deliverable state (step S41). Next, the determination unit 540 determines the specific category "snacks" as an item type that the mobile body 900 can transport in the transport area during the specified time period of "10:30 to 11:00" (step S42).

[0211] In addition, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 is in Figure 8 In the item table, the item ID "G41" that matches the category information representing the category "snacks" is obtained. After determining that the item "potato chips" identified by the obtained item ID is an item that the mobile body 900 can carry in the transport area within the specified time period, the category determination process ends.

[0212] Subsequently, the information processing device 500 executes... Figure 7 Steps S17 to S21 involve accepting orders for items that can be moved within the specified time period of "10:30 to 11:00" and then ending the order acceptance process.

[0213] <Example 4 of Variation 1>

[0214] In Example 1, the case where the predicted weather for the specified time period "9:00 to 9:30" is "sunny with strong winds" is described. However, the specified time period and weather are not limited to these. In this variation, the specified time period is "11:00 to 11:30", and the predicted weather for this time period is "sunny with low temperatures". This case is used as a specific example for explanation.

[0215] In this variation example, the information processing device 500 begins execution. Figure 7 During the order acceptance process shown, by executing steps S11 to S15, information indicating the specified time period "11:00 to 11:30" is obtained.

[0216] Secondly, the information processing device 500 begins execution. Figure 14 The type of weather is determined (step S16), and the processing of step S31 is performed (step S31), thereby obtaining meteorological information indicating "low temperature" and meteorological information indicating "sunny weather".

[0217] Next, the information processing device 500 executes steps S32 to S34. As a result, the information processing device 500 determines that a weather phenomenon named "sunny day with low temperature" will cause conditions of "low temperature," and that the mobile body planned to move during the specified time period of "11:00 to 11:30" is mobile body 800. The reason for this is that, in this variation, Figure 13 In the fifth record of the plan table shown, the information indicating the time period "11:00 to 11:30" has been pre-paired and saved with the body ID "800" of the mobile body 800.

[0218] Next, the information processing device 500 executes the processing steps S35 to S38. As a result, the information processing device 500 determines that the moving body 800 has heat preservation properties, and that by utilizing the heat preservation properties of the moving body 800, it is possible to suppress the "low temperature" conditions caused by the weather of "sunny day with low temperature" from changing the state of the item from a deliverable state to an undeliverable state.

[0219] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 will... Figure 8 After determining the types of items that can be moved based on the information stored in the item table (step S43), the type determination process ends. Subsequently, the information processing device 500 executes... Figure 7 Steps S17 to S21 involve accepting orders for items that can be moved within the specified time period of "11:00 to 11:30" and then ending the order acceptance process.

[0220] Based on these components, the deliverable state of an item includes a warm temperature state where the item's temperature is within a predetermined range, and weather conditions include "low temperature" weather where the temperature is below a predetermined range. Furthermore, conditions that alter the deliverable state of an item, and weather-induced conditions, include "low temperature" conditions where the temperature is below a predetermined range, and the physical properties include heat-insulating properties that suppress temperature drops in the item. Therefore, even if the weather in the transport area is "low temperature," as long as the item is transported within the transport area by the heat-insulating mobile body 800, the temperature drop caused by the "low temperature" weather can be suppressed. Thus, even if the item type "hot beverage" changes from a warm temperature state to a different state due to "low temperature" conditions, the information processing device 500 can determine it as an item type that can maintain a warm temperature state before and after transport and can be transported by the mobile body 800.

[0221] <Example 5 of Variation 1>

[0222] In Example 1, the deliverable state of the article is defined as including a warm temperature state, for example, where the temperature of the article is within a predetermined range of 55 to 65 degrees Celsius, and the weather conditions include "low temperature" weather conditions where the temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature. Furthermore, in Example 1, the conditions that change the deliverable state of the article and the weather-induced conditions include "low temperature" conditions where the temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, and the body properties include heat-insulating properties that inhibit the decrease in the temperature of the article.

[0223] However, this is not limited to these. In this variation, the deliverable state of the article includes a cold-temperature state, which refers to the temperature of the article being, for example, within a predetermined range of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, or below a predetermined temperature such as -18 degrees Celsius. Weather conditions include, for example, "high-temperature" weather conditions such as temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. In addition, conditions that change the deliverable state of the article and conditions caused by weather conditions include "high-temperature" conditions where the temperature is above a predetermined temperature, and the physical properties include cold-keeping properties that inhibit the temperature rise of the article.

[0224] In this variation, the storage compartment 840 of the mobile body 800 includes a cooler. The cooler comprises a compressor (not shown) that compresses and vaporizes the refrigerant, a condenser that liquefies the refrigerant, an expansion valve that lowers the boiling point of the refrigerant by reducing its pressure, an evaporator that vaporizes the refrigerant, and a fan (not shown) that circulates the air cooled by the vaporization of the refrigerant within the evaporator within the storage compartment 840. Additionally, the storage compartment 840 includes: an IC temperature sensor (not shown) that measures the temperature inside the storage compartment 840; and a switch (not shown) that, when the measured temperature indicated by the signal output from the IC temperature sensor is not within a preset range, closes the circuit connected to the cooler, thereby activating the cooler. When the measured temperature is within the preset range, the switch opens the circuit, stopping the operation of the cooler.

[0225] <Example 6 of Variation 1>

[0226] In Example 1, it is explained that the physical properties that prevent water immersion in an item include waterproof properties, but are not limited to this, and may also include drip-proof properties.

[0227] <Example 7 of Variation 1>

[0228] In Example 1, the deliverable state of the item is described as including all states of normal, dry, and warm conditions, and the weather conditions are described as including all states of "strong wind," "rain," "snowfall," and "low temperature." Furthermore, in Example 1, the conditions that change the deliverable state of the item and the weather-induced conditions are described as including all conditions of "swaying," "wetting," and "low temperature," and the body properties are described as including all wind resistance to suppress swaying, water resistance to suppress water immersion, and thermal insulation to suppress temperature drop.

[0229] However, this is not limited to these. The deliverable state of the article can include at least one of the following: normal state, dry state, warm state, and cold state. Additionally, weather conditions can include at least one of the following: strong wind, rain, snow, hail, sleet, fog, mist, low temperature, and high temperature. Furthermore, conditions that change the deliverable state of the article and weather-induced conditions can include at least one of the following: conditions of shaking, conditions of wetting, low temperature, and high temperature. Furthermore, the article's properties can include at least one of the following: wind resistance, water resistance, drip resistance, thermal insulation, and cold insulation.

[0230] <Example 8 of Variation 1>

[0231] In Example 1, the description assumes that a customer entrusts the transportation of one item in a single order. In this example, the description assumes that for a given time period, a single order for one item is accepted, and the mobile unit 800 or 900 transports that item.

[0232] However, this is not the only variation. In this variation, the orderer entrusts the handling of multiple items in a single order. Furthermore, in this variation, if an order for multiple items is accepted for a given time period, it is planned that one or more of mobile units 800 and 900 will handle the handling of the accepted multiple items.

[0233] In this variation example, for the sake of simplicity, we assume that the orderer places an order for the transport of "clock," "shirt," "canned coffee," and "snacks" to the destination during the time period "12:00 to 12:30." This scenario will be used as a specific example for the following explanation. Additionally, this variation example provides the following specific example: when the predicted weather for the transport area during this time period is "low temperature, sunny, and strong winds," and the order for the specified time period "12:00 to 12:30" has been accepted, it is planned that mobile units 800 and 900 will transport the ordered items.

[0234] Therefore, in this variation example, the information representing the time period "12:00 to 12:30", the body ID "800" of mobile body 800 and the body ID "900" of mobile body 900 have been pre-paired and saved in the planning table not shown.

[0235] The information processing device 500 in this variation begins execution. Figure 7 During the order acceptance process shown, by executing steps S11 to S15, information indicating the specified time period "12:00 to 12:30" is obtained.

[0236] Secondly, the information processing device 500 begins execution. Figure 14 The type of weather information is determined (step S16), and the processing in step S31 is performed (step S31) to obtain meteorological information indicating "strong wind", meteorological information indicating "low temperature" and meteorological information indicating "sunny weather".

[0237] Next, the information processing device 500 executes steps S32 to S34. As a result, the information processing device 500 identifies that the weather condition named "low temperature, sunny day with strong wind" will cause the conditions of "swaying" and "low temperature", and that the mobile bodies planned to move during the specified time period of "12:00 to 12:30" are mobile body 800 and mobile body 900.

[0238] Next, the information processing device 500 executes steps S35 to S38. As a result, the information processing device 500 specifies that the mobile body 900 has wind-resistant properties, and by utilizing the wind-resistant properties of the mobile body 900, it is possible to suppress the "swaying" conditions caused by "low temperature, sunny day with strong winds" weather, which could cause the condition of the item to change from a deliverable normal state to an undeliverable state. Furthermore, the information processing device 500 specifies that the mobile body 800 has heat-insulating properties, and by utilizing the heat-insulating properties of the mobile body 800, it is possible to suppress the "low temperature" conditions caused by "low temperature, sunny day with strong winds" weather, which could cause the condition of the item to change from a deliverable warm temperature state to an undeliverable state.

[0239] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 will... Figure 8 After determining the types of items that can be moved based on the information of all types stored in the item table (step S43), the type determination process ends.

[0240] After performing the category determination process in step S16, the information processing device 500 performs the processing in steps S17 and S18. As a result, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 acquires the order request sent by the terminal device 100 operated by the orderer, which includes the item ID "G11" for "clock", the item ID "G21" for "shirt", the item ID "G31" for "canned coffee", and the item ID "G41" for "snack".

[0241] Subsequently, the receiving unit 550 of the information processing device 500 determines that all of the multiple item IDs contained in the order request are consistent with any one of the item IDs of one or more items that are determined to be transportable (step S19; yes), and then accepts the order (step S21).

[0242] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500... Figure 8 The item table is used to retrieve the category information for "precision instrument" that matches the item ID "G11" included in the order request. Next, the decision unit 540... Figure 9 In the category table, condition information indicating the condition of "swaying" and condition information indicating the condition of "wetting" are obtained, which are paired with the category information indicating "precision instrument". Here, in step S33, it is specified that although the weather of "low temperature, sunny day with strong wind" will not cause the condition of "wetting", it will cause the condition of "swaying", and in step S35, it is specified that the wind resistance of the moving body 900 can suppress the swaying of the item. Therefore, the decision unit 540 decides that the moving body 900 will transport the item "clock" identified by item ID "G11".

[0243] Similarly, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 is in Figure 8 Retrieve the category information representing "clothing" that matches the item ID "G21" contained in the order request from the item table. Figure 9 The condition information indicating the condition for "wetting" is obtained from the category table and matched with the category information representing "clothing". Here, step S33 specifies that the weather condition of "low temperature, sunny day with strong wind" will not cause the condition for "wetting". Therefore, the decision unit 540 determines that the item "shirt" identified by item ID "G21" is an item that can be transported by either mobile body 800 or mobile body 900. Thereafter, the decision unit 540 selects one of mobile body 800 and mobile body 900 based on software random numbers or pre-defined rules, and decides that the item "shirt" will be transported by one of the selected mobile body 800 and mobile body 900. In this variation example, the case of selecting mobile body 800 will be described as a specific example.

[0244] Similarly, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 is in Figure 8 Retrieve the category information indicating "hot beverage" from the item table that matches the item ID "G31" included in the order request. Figure 9 In the category table, condition information indicating "low temperature" is obtained, which is matched with the category information indicating "hot beverage". Here, in step S33, it is specified that the weather condition of "low temperature, sunny day with strong wind" will cause the condition of "low temperature", and in step S35, it is specified that the heat preservation performance of the moving body 800 can suppress the temperature drop of the item. Therefore, the decision unit 540 decides that the moving body 800 will transport the item "canned coffee" identified by the item ID "G31".

[0245] Similarly, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500... Figure 8 Retrieve the category information representing "snacks" from the item table that matches the item ID "G41" contained in the order request, and determine if... Figure 9 The category table does not contain any conditional information matching the category information representing "snacks". Therefore, the decision unit 540 determines that the item "potato chips" identified by item ID "G41" is an item that can be transported by either mobile body 800 or mobile body 900. Then, the decision unit 540 selects one of mobile body 800 and mobile body 900 and decides that one of the selected mobile body 800 and mobile body 900 will transport the item "potato chips". In this variation example, the case where mobile body 900 is selected will be described as a specific example below.

[0246] In this variation, the mobile body 800 stores the items "canned coffee" and "potato chips" in the storage compartment 840 and flies to the transport destination. Alternatively, in this variation, the mobile body 900 uses the first holding frame 941a and the second holding frame 941b to hold the cardboard boxes containing the items "clock" and "clothing" and flies to the transport destination.

[0247] <Example 9 of Variation 1>

[0248] In Example 1, it was described that the transport system 1 includes a mobile body 800 that functions as an unmanned aerial vehicle, but it is not limited thereto. The transport system 1 in this variation includes, for example, a mobile body 800 that functions as an unmanned aerial vehicle. Figure 19 The mobile body 600 shown is used instead of the mobile body 800 as an unmanned ground vehicle.

[0249] The mobile body 60 includes: a chassis 605 with multiple wheels including wheels 601 and 602; and a storage compartment 640 disposed on the upper surface of the chassis 605. The structure and function of the storage compartment 640 in the mobile body 600 are the same as those of the storage compartment 840 in the mobile body 800. Therefore, the mobile body 600 and the mobile body 800 both have waterproof and thermal insulation properties.

[0250] The distance between the wheels of mobile body 600 is less than a predetermined distance, the size of mobile body 600 is less than a predetermined size, and the mass of mobile body 900 is less than a predetermined mass. Generally, the shorter the distance between the wheels, the smaller the size, and the smaller the mass, the greater the swaying of the mobile body when it is in motion. Therefore, if mobile body 600 flies on a windy road surface with wind speeds higher than a predetermined wind speed, the swaying generated by mobile body 600 will cause the state of an item classified as a "precision instrument" to change from a deliverable state (normal state) to a malfunctioning state. Therefore, mobile body 600 does not have wind resistance.

[0251] The mobile body 600 includes a LiDAR sensor 651 disposed on the front surface of the chassis 605 and a LiDAR sensor (not shown) disposed on the rear surface of the chassis 605. The configuration and function of the LiDAR sensor 651 on the front surface and the LiDAR sensor on the rear surface are the same as those of the LiDAR sensor 851 on the front surface and the LiDAR sensor on the rear surface of the mobile body 800.

[0252] Additionally, the mobile body 600 includes a control device 610. Based on signals output from the LiDAR sensor 651 on the front surface and the LiDAR sensor on the rear surface, the control device 610 drives multiple motors (not shown) built into each wheel to avoid obstacles while the mobile body 600 travels along the transport route. The control device 610 includes (not shown) a CPU, RAM, ROM, flash memory, data communication circuitry, video card, display device, input device, position measurement circuitry, input / output ports, and drive circuitry. The hardware configuration and functions of the control device 610 are identical to those of the control device 810 of the mobile body 800.

[0253] The drive circuit (not shown) of the control device 610 of the mobile body 600 is connected to the cables of multiple motors (not shown) that rotate multiple wheels including wheels 601 and 602 respectively, and drives the multiple motors according to the signals output by the CPU (not shown).

[0254] When a data communication circuit (not shown) receives a transport instruction from the information processing device 500, the CPU of the moving body 600 executes a transport instruction... Figure 17 The same handling process is shown, which causes the moving body 600 to travel on the ground and transport the items to the destination.

[0255] <Example 10 of the variation of Example 1>

[0256] In Example 1, it was described that the transport system 1 includes a mobile body 900 that functions as an unmanned aerial vehicle, but it is not limited thereto. The transport system 1 in this variation includes, for example, a mobile body 900 that functions as an unmanned aerial vehicle. Figure 20The mobile body 700 shown is used instead of the mobile body 900 as an unmanned ground vehicle.

[0257] The mobile body 700 includes: a chassis 705 with multiple wheels including wheels 701 and 702; and a storage compartment 740 disposed on the upper surface of the chassis 705.

[0258] The distance between the wheels of the mobile body 700 is longer than a predetermined distance, the dimensions of the mobile body 700 are larger than a predetermined dimension, and the mass of the mobile body 700 is larger than a predetermined mass. Therefore, even when the mobile body 700 travels on a road surface with wind speeds higher than a predetermined wind speed but lower than wind speeds previously observed in the transport area, it will not sway, or the swaying will be minimal, enabling it to maintain the condition of items classified as "precision instruments" in a deliverable state. Therefore, the mobile body 700 has the same wind resistance as the mobile body 900 of Embodiment 1.

[0259] The storage compartment 740 of the mobile body 700 uses the upper surface of the chassis 705 as the loading surface for items. It has four side panels that rise vertically from the loading surface and are respectively positioned at the front, rear, right, and left sides when facing the mobile body 700. The four side panels of the storage compartment 740 and the loading surface form an open space above, making it difficult to prevent items from getting wet due to rain or snow. Therefore, the mobile body 700, like the mobile body 900 of Embodiment 1, lacks waterproof performance. Furthermore, the mobile body 700, like the mobile body 900 of Embodiment 1, lacks a heater and therefore lacks heat preservation performance.

[0260] The mobile body 700 includes a control device 710, which drives motors (not shown) built into multiple wheels based on output signals from a LiDAR sensor 751 disposed on the front surface of the chassis 705 and a LiDAR sensor (not shown) disposed on the rear surface of the chassis 705.

[0261] The control device 710 of the mobile body 700 performs the same handling control process (not shown) performed by the mobile body 900 of Embodiment 1, and moves on the ground to transport items to the transport destination.

[0262] <Example 11 of Variation of Example 1>

[0263] In Variation 9 of Embodiment 1, the transport system 1 is described as having a mobile body 600 as an unmanned ground vehicle and a mobile body 900 as an unmanned aerial vehicle. Furthermore, in Variation 10 of Embodiment 1, the transport system 1 is described as having a mobile body 800 as an unmanned aerial vehicle and a mobile body 700 as an unmanned ground vehicle. However, it is not limited to these; the transport system 1 may have any one or more of the mobile bodies 600 and 700 as unmanned ground vehicles and the mobile bodies 800 and 900 as unmanned aerial vehicles. Furthermore, the transport system 1 may also have N mobile bodies as unmanned ground vehicles and M mobile bodies as unmanned aerial vehicles (where N and M are natural numbers).

[0264] <Example 12 of Variation 1>

[0265] In Example 1, it is described that the data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 receives information indicating the predicted weather name of the transport area from a weather forecast server, and the acquisition unit 510 acquires weather information indicating the predicted weather based on the received information. However, it is not limited to this. Alternatively, the data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 may receive information indicating the latest weather name observed in the transport area from a weather forecast server, and the acquisition unit 510 may acquire weather information indicating the latest weather based on the received information. Furthermore, the information received by the data communication circuit 504a does not necessarily have to be the latest observed weather name. For example, it may be information indicating the weather name observed from a time earlier than the time when the weather forecast server receives the transmission request up to that receiving time.

[0266] <Example 13 of Variation of Example 1>

[0267] In Example 1, it was explained that when the item ID included in the order request does not match any of the item IDs of one or more items that can be transported within a specified time period, the receiving unit 550 of the information processing device 500 prohibits the acceptance of the order. However, it is not limited to this; the receiving unit 550 may also prohibit the acceptance of the order when the item ID included in the order request matches any one of the item IDs of one or more items that cannot be transported within a specified time period.

[0268] Additionally, the receiving unit 550 of the information processing device 500 can also be used in... Figure 8 In the item table, the system retrieves category information that matches the item ID included in the order request. If the retrieved category information does not match any of the category information indicating the types of items that can be moved during the specified time period, the order is not accepted. However, the system is not limited to this; the receiving unit 550 may also refuse to accept the order if the retrieved category information matches any one of the category information indicating the types of items that cannot be moved during the specified time period.

[0269] <Example 14 of Variation of Example 1>

[0270] In Example 1, it is described that the receiving unit 550 of the information processing device 500 generates a data containing... Figure 8 The item table stores multiple item IDs and a list of item names identified by each item ID. This list is then output to the data communication circuit 504a, with the terminal device 100 as the destination, representing the generated list. Subsequently, it is explained that the receiving unit 550 prohibits accepting an order when the item ID contained in an order request received from the terminal device 100 does not match the item IDs of one or more transportable items.

[0271] However, this is not the only limitation. The receiving unit 550 of the information processing device 500 may also generate a list containing the item IDs and names of one or more movable items, but excluding the item IDs and names of non-movable items. Furthermore, the receiving unit 550 may also prohibit the processing of orders for non-movable items by outputting information indicating a list excluding the item IDs and names of non-movable items to the data communication circuit 504a, with the terminal device 100 as the destination.

[0272] <Example 15 of Variation 1>

[0273] In Example 1, it was explained that the transport destination was a location pre-defined by the manager of the transport system 1, but it is not limited to this. In this variation, the transport destination is pre-defined by the orderer, i.e., the user.

[0274] Therefore, the user ID that identifies the user and the location of the user's preset transport destination, expressed in latitude, longitude and altitude, are matched and saved in the user table (not shown) stored in the information storage unit 590 of the information processing device 500.

[0275] The acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 is in Figure 14 In step S31, information indicating the location of the transport destination paired with the user ID is obtained from the user table. Next, the acquisition unit 510 acquires information indicating the location of the business premises that has been pre-stored by the information storage unit 590.

[0276] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 reads a partial route table (not shown) from the information storage unit 590. This partial route table, for example, stores information related to partial routes that mobile bodies 800 and 900, such as roads and rivers, can fly. Multiple records are pre-stored in the partial route table. In each record, information such as the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the starting node of the edge of the partial route, the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the ending node of the edge, and information indicating the distance to the edge are paired and pre-stored.

[0277] Next, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 uses information indicating the location of the business premises, information indicating the start and end nodes of multiple edges, and information indicating the location of the transport destination to execute a pathfinding algorithm such as the Dijkstra algorithm. As a result, the decision unit 540 determines the shortest transport route from the business premises to the transport destination by combining local routes, and defines the area containing the determined transport route as the transport area.

[0278] Subsequently, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 acquires meteorological information representing the predicted weather of the transport area within a specified time period by performing the same processing as described in Embodiment 1 from the weather forecast server not shown.

[0279] Based on these configurations, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 acquires information indicating the transport destination specified by the user, thereby increasing the freedom of transport destination and improving user convenience.

[0280] <Example 16 of Variation 1>

[0281] In Example 1, mobile bodies 800 and 900 are described as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), but are not limited to this; they could also be unmanned flying bodies. Additionally, in Example 1, mobile bodies 800 and 900 are described as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), obtaining lift and thrust from propellers 831 to 834 and 931 to 934 respectively, but are not limited to this. Mobile bodies 800 and 900 may also have wings to obtain lift, or they may have airbags filled with a gas less dense than air to obtain lift. Furthermore, mobile bodies 800 and 900 may also have jet engines or rocket engines to obtain thrust.

[0282] Furthermore, the mobile bodies 600 to 900 do not necessarily have to be unmanned; they can also be carried by people, as long as they are objects that move autonomously except under the control of the information processing device 500.

[0283] <Example 17 of Variation of Example 1>

[0284] In Example 1, it was described that the information processing apparatus 500 includes an information storage unit 590, but it is not limited to this. The information processing apparatus 500 of this variation includes an information storage unit 590. The information processing apparatus 500 of this variation is connected, for example, to an information storage device (not shown) via the Internet IN. The information storage device (not shown) is NAS (Network Attached Storage) and has the same functions as the information storage unit 590. The transport system 1 of this variation may or may not include an information storage device. The information processing apparatus 500 of this variation uses the information stored in the information storage device to perform operations. Figure 7 The order processing and order acceptance shown Figure 14 The type shown determines the processing method.

[0285] <Example 18 of the variation of Example 1>

[0286] In Example 1, it is described that the terminal device 100 is a smartphone, but it is not limited to this, and it can also be a tablet PC or a laptop PC.

[0287] <Example 2>

[0288] The preceding text describes how the information processing device 500 of Embodiment 1, after acquiring information indicating a specified time period specified by the orderer, obtains an order request and accepts the order if the ordered item matches any of the items that can be transported within the specified time period. In contrast, the information processing device 500 of this embodiment, after acquiring an order request, accepts the order if it acquires information indicating a specified time period specified by the orderer within one or more time periods within which the ordered item can be transported. Hereinafter, configurations identical to those in Embodiment 1 will be described using the same symbols as in Embodiment 1, but the main focus will be on the differences between this embodiment and Embodiment 1.

[0289] The information processing device 500 of this embodiment performs the following... Figure 21 The order processing is shown. When order processing begins, the information processing unit 500 performs the following... Figure 7 The same process is applied to steps S11 to S13 (steps S61 to S63). Thus, the information processing device 500 performs user verification on the subscriber of the operating terminal device 100.

[0290] Secondly, the information processing device 500 performs and Figure 7 The same processing is performed in steps S17 and S18 (steps S64 and S65). Therefore, the information processing device 500 sends a message to the terminal device 100 indicating that it contains multiple... Figure 8After storing the item IDs and a list of item names identified by those item IDs in the item table, the terminal device 100 receives the order request.

[0291] Secondly, the information processing device 500 executes... Figure 22 The time period shown is determined by the process, which determines the time period that the orderer can specify as the time period for transporting the ordered items (step S66).

[0292] When the time period determination process begins, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500... Figure 13 The plan form retrieves one or more records that do not save the item IDs of the ordered items but instead save the character "NULL". Therefore, the decision department 540 uses the time periods represented by the information saved in the one or more records retrieved by the one or more specific departments as the time periods during which orders have not yet been accepted, i.e., the idle time periods.

[0293] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines whether there are any unattended idle time periods within one or more specified idle time periods (step S81). At this time, when the decision unit 540 determines that there are unattended idle time periods (step S81; yes), it focuses on one of the unattended idle time periods and sets it as a focus time period (step S82).

[0294] Secondly, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 executes the... Figure 14 The same process is applied to step S31 (step S83) to obtain meteorological information representing the weather in the transport area within the time period of interest.

[0295] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 and Figure 14 Similarly, in step S32, it is determined that... Figure 10 Does the weather table contain condition information that matches the acquired weather information (step S84)? At this time, if the decision unit 540 determines that condition information exists (step S84; yes), it determines whether the weather in the transport area during the period of interest will cause conditions that change the deliverability status of the goods to occur.

[0296] Secondly, the information processing device 500 performs and Figure 14 The same processing is applied to steps S33 to S37 (steps S85 to S89). Thus, the information processing device 500 identifies the mobile body 800 or 900 that is planned to move within the transport area during the period of interest. Furthermore, the information processing device 500 excludes conditions for the items to be protected by the physical properties of the identified mobile body 800 or 900 from the weather conditions in the transport area during the period of interest.

[0297] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 executes the... Figure 14 The same process is applied to step S38, determining whether at least one condition information remains after exclusion (step S90). At this time, when the decision unit 540 determines that there is remaining condition information (step S90; yes), it determines that among one or more conditions caused by the weather in the transport area during the period of concern, there is a condition that would cause the status of the items to be transported by the mobile body 800 or 900, which is scheduled to move in the transport area during the period of concern, to change from a deliverable state to an undeliverable state.

[0298] Secondly, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 executes the... Figure 14 The same process is applied to steps S39 to S42. Based on the remaining condition information after exclusion, the types of items that the moving body 800 or 900 can move within the transport area during the period of concern are determined (step S91).

[0299] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500, through... Figure 8 In the item table, obtain and Figure 21 In step S65, the type information matched with the item ID obtained from the order request is used to specify the type of the ordered item. Next, the decision unit 540 determines whether the type of the ordered item matches the type determined in step S91 (step S92).

[0300] At this point, if the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that the type of ordered item is inconsistent with the type determined in step S91 (step S92; no), it determines that the time period of interest is an unspecified time period that cannot be specified as the time period for transporting the ordered item (step S93). Thereafter, the processing from step S81 to the above steps is repeated.

[0301] If, in step S84, it is determined that no condition information exists (step S84; No), or in step S90, it is determined that no remaining condition information exists (step S90; No), the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that no condition will occur that would cause the status of the item being transported by the moving body 800 or 900, which is scheduled to move within the transport area during the period of interest, to change from a deliverable state to an undeliverable state. Thereafter, the decision unit 540 determines... Figure 8 The information stored in the item table represents all types of items that can be moved by the moving body 800 or 900 within the designated time period (step S94).

[0302] In step S92, if it is determined that the type of ordered item matches the type of transportable item determined in step S91 (step S92; Yes), or in step S94, if it is determined that all types are transportable item types, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that the time period of interest is a specified time (step S95). Thereafter, the processing from step S81 to the above steps is repeated.

[0303] In step S81, when the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that there is no unattended idle time period (step S81; no), the execution of the time period determination process ends.

[0304] Figure 21 In step S66, after performing the time period determination process, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines whether there is a specifyable time (step S67). At this time, if the decision unit 540 determines that there is no specifyable time (step S67; no), it executes the process... Figure 7 The same process applies to step S20, prohibiting the acceptance of orders (step S68).

[0305] Subsequently, the output unit 560 of the information processing device 500 outputs a notification to the data communication circuit 504a indicating that the order acceptance is prohibited, with the terminal device 100 as the destination, and then ends the order acceptance process.

[0306] Conversely, when the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that a specifyable time period exists (step S67; Yes), it sequentially executes the steps related to... Figure 7 The same processing is applied to steps S14, S15, and S21 (steps S69 to S71). Thus, when the information processing device 500 obtains information indicating a specified time period specified by the orderer within one or more specifyable time periods, it accepts the order.

[0307] Subsequently, the output unit 560 of the information processing device 500 outputs an acceptance notification to the data communication circuit 504a with the terminal device 100 as the destination, and then ends the order acceptance process.

[0308] Based on these configurations, after receiving an order request, the information processing device 500 accepts the order when it obtains information indicating the time period specified by the orderer within one or more time periods when the ordered items can be transported. Therefore, by obtaining the order request after obtaining information indicating the specified time period, for example, the information processing device 500 increases the likelihood of order acceptance compared to accepting the order when the ordered items can be transported within the specified time period. Thus, the information processing device 500 improves the convenience for the orderer.

[0309] <Example 3>

[0310] The difference between the information processing device 500 in this embodiment and the information processing device 500 in Embodiment 1 is that: for items that cannot be moved within a specified time period due to weather changes, the time period for moving the items is advanced. Figure 23 The preprocessing shown is as follows. Hereinafter, the same symbols as those used in Example 1 will be used to describe the same configuration as in Example 1, but the differences between this embodiment and Example 1 will be mainly described.

[0311] When the CPU 501 of the information processing device 500 in this embodiment starts up, it does not execute the weather acquisition processing (not shown) described in Embodiment 1, but instead executes... Figure 23 Pre-processing is performed. The reason for performing pre-processing instead of meteorological acquisition processing is that, in this embodiment, meteorological information is acquired during pre-processing.

[0312] Start execution Figure 23 During advance processing, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 obtains from... Figure 13 The plan table shown contains multiple records that represent multiple time periods. Next, the acquisition unit 510 determines whether there are any unattended time periods within the multiple time periods represented by the acquired information (step S101). At this time, if the acquisition unit 510 determines that there are unattended time periods (step S101; yes), it focuses on the earliest time period among the unattended time periods (step S102).

[0313] Next, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 acquires meteorological information representing the predicted weather for the transport area during the period of interest from the weather forecast server (not shown) by performing the same processing as described in Embodiment 1 (step S103). Next, the acquisition unit 510 obtains from... Figure 6 The forecast table shown obtains meteorological information paired with information representing the time period of interest (step S104). In this specification, the meteorological information obtained in step S103 is referred to as the meteorological information obtained again or the current meteorological information, and the meteorological information obtained from the forecast table is referred to as the meteorological information obtained previously or the previous meteorological information, thereby distinguishing between these two types of meteorological information.

[0314] Next, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 updates the meteorological information in the forecast table that is paired with the information representing the time period of interest to the meteorological information acquired again (step S105).

[0315] Secondly, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 is based on Figure 13In the planning table, the system determines whether the time period of interest is an idle time period for which orders have not yet been accepted by matching the information indicating the time period of interest with the character "NULL" (step S106). If, in the planning table, the information indicating the time period of interest is not matched with the item ID but with the character "NULL", the decision unit 540 determines that the time period of interest is an idle time (step S106; Yes). Therefore, since no orders for the specified time period of interest have been accepted, the decision unit 540 determines that it is not necessary to perform the process of advancing the time for transporting the ordered item from the time period of interest to a time period earlier than the time period of interest. Thereafter, steps S101 to the above process are repeated.

[0316] Conversely, if the information indicating the time period of interest in the planning table is matched with the item ID but not with the character "NULL", the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that the time period of interest is not an idle time (step S106; no).

[0317] Next, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines whether the predicted weather for the transport area during the period of interest has changed based on whether the newly acquired meteorological information is consistent with the previously acquired meteorological information (step S107).

[0318] If the meteorological information obtained again is the same as the previously obtained meteorological information, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that the forecast weather has not changed (step S107; No). Therefore, the decision unit 540 determines that the ordered items can still be transported within the target time period, so there is no need to perform the processing of advancing the time period for transporting the items. Thereafter, steps S101 to the above processing are repeated.

[0319] Conversely, if the meteorological information acquired again is different from the meteorological information acquired last time, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that the predicted weather has changed (step S107; Yes).

[0320] Subsequently, based on the reacquired meteorological information, execution was carried out in conjunction with... Figure 14 The same process is applied to steps S32 to S43. Therefore, based on the re-acquired meteorological information, the types of items that can be moved within the transport area during the period of interest are determined (step S108).

[0321] Secondly, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 is in Figure 13 Retrieve the item ID from the plan table that matches the information representing the time period of interest. Figure 8The category information matching the acquired item ID is obtained from the item table. Then, the decision unit 540 determines whether the item is still a transportable item after the predicted weather changes, based on whether the item category indicated by the acquired category information is included in the category determined based on the re-acquired weather information (hereinafter referred to as the re-determined category) (step S109).

[0322] At this point, if the type of item already ordered is included in the re-determined type, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that the item is still transportable even after the weather changes (step S109; Yes). Therefore, the decision unit 540 determines that there is no need to perform the process of advancing the time period for transporting the item. Thereafter, steps S101 to the above process are repeated.

[0323] Conversely, if the type of item already ordered is not included in the re-determined type, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that the item has become unmanageable due to weather changes (step S109; No). Thereafter, the decision unit 540 executes... Figure 22 The time period determination process (step S110) determines one or more specifyable time periods that become possible for transporting the item due to weather changes. Next, the determination unit 540 identifies one or more specifyable time periods that are earlier than the time period of interest within one or more specifyable time periods.

[0324] Subsequently, the output unit 560 of the information processing device 500 generates a message asking whether to advance the time period for transporting the ordered items from the desired time period to one or more specified time periods earlier than the desired time period, or to cancel the order. Next, the output unit 560 outputs an advance inquiry containing the generated message to the data communication circuit 504a with the terminal device 100 as the destination (step S111).

[0325] When the data communication circuit 104a of the terminal device 100 receives an advance inquiry, the CPU 101 causes the display device 105b to display the message contained in the advance inquiry. Upon seeing the display, the subscriber operates the input device 105c of the terminal device 100, and the input device 105c outputs a signal based on the operation. Next, based on the signal output from the input device 105c, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 100 generates an advance request or a cancellation request to cancel the order, the advance request containing information indicating a specified time period specified by the subscriber within one or more specifyable time periods. Subsequently, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 100 outputs the generated request to the data communication circuit 104a with the information processing device 500 as the destination.

[0326] When the data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 receives an advance request, the receiving unit 550 determines the time period for which the item needs to be moved in advance (step S112; Yes). Next, the receiving unit 550 obtains the advance request from the data communication circuit 504a and obtains information indicating the specified time period from the advance request.

[0327] Subsequently, the receiving department 550 Figure 13 The receiving unit 550 retrieves the item ID that matches the information indicating the time period of interest from the planning table. Next, the receiving unit 550 matches the retrieved information indicating the specified time period with the retrieved item ID and saves it in the planning table. Then, the receiving unit 550 updates the item ID in the planning table that matches the information indicating the time period of interest to the character "NULL". As a result, the receiving unit 550 accepts the advance request and advances the time period for transporting the ordered item from the time period of interest to a time period earlier than the time period of interest specified by the orderer, which is also a time period during which the item can be transported (step S113). Thereafter, steps S101 to the above process are repeated.

[0328] Conversely, when the data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 receives a cancellation request, the receiving unit 550 determines that the time period for advance delivery of the items is not requested, but rather that the order is being cancelled (step S112; no). Next, the receiving unit 550 updates the item ID in the planning table that matches the information indicating the time period of interest to the character "NULL", thereby accepting the cancellation request and cancelling the order (step S114). Thereafter, steps S101 to the above processing are repeated.

[0329] In step S101, if the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 determines that there is no unattended time period (step S101; no), the execution of advance processing ends.

[0330] The control unit 570 of the information processing device 500 controls the moving body 800 or 900 to move items within a predetermined time period by executing the transport control process (not shown) described in Embodiment 1.

[0331] Based on these configurations, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing device 500 acquires weather information indicating the weather conditions in the transport area within the time period of interest. Furthermore, when the acquired weather information differs from the previously acquired weather information, the decision unit 540, based on the acquired weather information, determines again the types of items that can be transported within the transport area within the time period of interest. Moreover, when the types of items specified for transport within the time period of interest differ from the re-determined types, the output unit 560 outputs an advance query, asking whether the time period for transporting the item should be advanced to a time period earlier than the time period of interest, and a time period in which the item can be transported. Additionally, upon receiving an advance request, the acceptance unit 550 advances the time period for transporting the item, and the control unit 570 controls the mobile unit 800 or 900 to transport the item within the advanced time period. Therefore, when weather changes after an order is placed prevent the transport of ordered items within the specified time period before the weather change, the information processing device 500 can ensure that the items are transported in a time period earlier than the specified time period. Thus, the information processing device 500 can shorten the time from order placement to transport, thereby improving, for example, the storage efficiency of warehouses storing items.

[0332] <Example 4>

[0333] In Example 3, it is described that the information processing device 500, for items that cannot be moved during a specified time period due to weather changes, executes an advance time period for moving the items. Figure 23 The information processing device 500 of this embodiment differs from the information processing device 500 of Embodiment 3 in that: for items that can be moved earlier than a specified time period due to weather changes, the device performs advance handling of the time period for moving the items. Figure 24 The preprocessing shown is as follows. Hereinafter, for configurations that are the same as those in Example 3, the same symbols used in Example 3 will be used for explanation, but the differences between this embodiment and Example 3 will be mainly explained.

[0334] Start execution Figure 24 During the advance processing, the acquisition unit 510 of the information processing apparatus 500 in this embodiment obtains from... Figure 13 The plan table shown is used to retrieve information representing multiple time periods from multiple records. Next, the retrieval unit 510 focuses on the earliest first time period within one or more unrecorded time periods represented by the retrieved information (step S121).

[0335] Secondly, regarding the first time period, the execution and Figure 23The processing in steps S103 to S105 is the same as that in steps S122 to S124, thereby obtaining the current meteorological information and the previous meteorological information representing the predicted weather of the transport area during the first time period. In this embodiment, similar to embodiment 3, the current meteorological information is referred to as the re-acquired meteorological information, and the previous meteorological information is referred to as the previously acquired meteorological information.

[0336] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 executes the... Figure 23 The same process is followed in step S106, determining whether the first time period is an idle time period (step S125). If the decision unit 540 determines that the first time period is not an idle time period (step S125; no), it determines that the first order for the designated first time period has already been accepted. Therefore, for the second order for the designated second time period immediately following the first time period, the time period for transporting the second ordered item cannot be moved forward to the first time period. Thereafter, the process described above is repeated from step S121 to the next step.

[0337] Conversely, when the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that the first time period is an idle time (step S125; Yes), it determines whether there is a second time period immediately following the first time period (step S126). At this time, when the decision unit 540 determines that there is a second time period (step S126; Yes), it determines whether the second time period is an idle time period by performing the same process as in step S125 (step S127).

[0338] At this point, when it is determined that the second time period is an idle time period (step S127; Yes), it is determined that the second order has not been accepted, so there is no need to perform the process of advancing the time period for transporting the ordered items from the second time period to the first time period. Thereafter, the process described in step S121 is repeated.

[0339] Conversely, if it is determined that the second time period is not an idle time period (step S127; no), based on the meteorological information acquired again, the same as... Figure 14 The same process is applied to steps S32 to S43 (step S128). Therefore, based on the re-acquired meteorological information, the types of items that can be transported in the transport area during the first time period are determined.

[0340] Similarly, based on the meteorological information obtained previously, the same procedure is executed. Figure 14 The same process is applied to steps S32 to S43 (step S129). Therefore, based on the previously obtained meteorological information, the types of items that can be transported in the transport area during the first time period are determined.

[0341] Subsequently, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500... Figure 13 Retrieve the item ID from the plan table that matches the information representing the second time period. Figure 8 The category information matching the obtained item ID is retrieved from the item table. Therefore, the decision unit 540 identifies the second ordered item category (step S130).

[0342] In this specification, the type determined in step S128 based on the re-acquired meteorological information is referred to as the re-determined first type or the current first type. Furthermore, the type determined in step S129 based on the previously acquired meteorological information is referred to as the previously determined first type or the previous first type. Moreover, the second type of ordered item specified in step S130 is referred to as the second type, thus distinguishing these three types.

[0343] Next, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines whether the second type is not included in the first type determined in the previous decision but is included in the first type determined in this decision (step S131).

[0344] The reason why Category 2 was not included in the previous decision's Category 1 is that it was determined that the second ordered item was not movable within the first time period before the predicted weather change. In other words, if the second ordered item was originally not movable within the first time period, a buyer who wanted to specify the move in the first time period might specify the second time period because the first time period was unavailable, or this possibility would be higher than the pre-defined possibility. Therefore, in this situation, it might be more ideal for the buyer to move the second ordered item in the second time period than in the first time period, or this possibility would be higher than the pre-defined possibility.

[0345] Furthermore, the reason for including Category 2 in Category 1 of this decision is to determine whether the second ordered item became a transportable item within the first time period after the predicted weather change.

[0346] In step S131, when the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that the first category in the previous decision includes the second category (step S131; No), it determines that the first time period cannot be more ideal than the second time period for the orderer, or that this possibility is less than a predetermined possibility. Therefore, it determines that it is unnecessary to perform the process of advancing the time period for transporting the second ordered item to the first time period, or that the necessity of performing such a process is less than a predetermined necessity. Furthermore, when the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 determines that the first category in this decision does not include the second category (step S131; No), it determines that it is impossible to advance the time period for transporting the second ordered item to the first time period. Thereafter, steps S121 to the above process are repeated.

[0347] Conversely, if it is determined that the previously decided category 1 does not include category 2, and the current decided category 1 includes category 2 (step S131; Yes), the decision unit 540 determines that the first time period may be more ideal for the orderer than the second time period, or that this possibility is higher than the predetermined possibility, and can advance the time period to the first time period. Next, the output unit 560 of the information processing device 500 generates a message asking whether the time period for transporting the items should be advanced from the second time period to the first time period. Afterwards, the output unit 560 outputs an advance inquiry containing the generated message to the data communication circuit 504a, with the terminal device 100 as the destination (step S132).

[0348] If the data communication circuit 504a does not receive an advance request after the reception period expires, the control unit 570 determines that no advance request was requested (step S133; No). The reception period is the time elapsed after a predetermined time from the time when the data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 sends the advance inquiry to the terminal device 100. Thereafter, steps S121 to the above process are repeated.

[0349] Conversely, if the data communication circuit 504a of the information processing device 500 receives an advance request from the terminal device 100 before the reception deadline, then the control unit 570 determines that an advance request has been made (step S133; Yes). Next, the receiving unit 550... Figure 13 The receiving unit 550 retrieves the item ID that matches the information representing the second time period from the planning table, and saves the retrieved item ID paired with the information representing the first time period. Then, the receiving unit 550 updates the item ID that matches the information representing the second time period in the planning table to the character "NULL". As a result, the receiving unit 550 accepts the advance request and advances the time period for moving the item from the second time period to the first time period, which is earlier than the second time period and allows for the movement of the item (step S134). Thereafter, steps S121 to the above processing are repeated.

[0350] In step S126, if it is determined that there is no second time period (step S126; no), the early processing is terminated.

[0351] Based on these configurations, the decision unit 540 of the information processing device 500 includes an output unit 560. When the previously acquired weather information differs from the subsequently acquired weather information, and the second ordered item type (i.e., the second type) is not included in the previously decided first type but is included in the subsequently decided first type, the output unit 560 outputs a query asking whether the delivery time of the item should be moved from the second time period to the first time period. Therefore, the information processing device 500 can suggest moving the delivery time of the item to a time period that might be more ideal for the orderer, or a time period with a higher probability than a pre-determined possibility, thereby improving the convenience for the orderer.

[0352] Examples 1 to 4 and variations 1 to 18 of Example 1 can be combined with each other. Undoubtedly, an information processing apparatus 500 can be provided as having a configuration for implementing any of the functions of Examples 1 to 4 and variations 1 to 18 of Example 1, and it can also be provided as a system comprising multiple devices, the system as a whole having a configuration for implementing any of the functions of Examples 1 to 4 and variations 1 to 18 of Example 1.

[0353] Alternatively, by applying a program, an existing information processing device can be made to function as any one of the information processing devices 500 in Embodiments 1 to 4 and Variations 1 to 18 of Embodiment 1. That is, by applying a program configured to implement the functions of any one of the information processing devices 500 illustrated in Embodiments 1 to 4 and Variations 1 to 18 of Embodiment 1, it can be executed by a computer (CPU, etc.) that controls an existing control device, thereby enabling it to function as any one of the information processing devices 500 in Embodiments 1 to 4 and Variations 1 to 18 of Embodiment 1.

[0354] This program can be distributed using any distribution method, such as being carried on recording media like memory cards, CD-ROMs (CompactDisc Read Only Memory), or DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or distributed via communication media such as the Internet. Furthermore, the method of the present invention can be implemented using any of the information processing apparatus 500 of Embodiments 1 to 4 and Variations 1 to 18 of Embodiment 1, and any of the transport system 1 of Embodiments 1 to 4 and Variations 1 to 18 of Embodiment 1.

[0355] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. The present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0356] (Postscript)

[0357] (Postscript 1)

[0358] An information processing device, characterized in that it comprises:

[0359] The acquisition unit acquires meteorological information, which represents the weather conditions of the area where the mobile body plans to move; and

[0360] The decision-making department, based on the acquired meteorological information, determines the types of items that the mobile body can transport in the area.

[0361] (Postscript 2)

[0362] The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1 is characterized in that:

[0363] It also has a receiving department that accepts orders for items of the determined type, and prohibits accepting orders for items of a different type than the determined type.

[0364] (Note 3)

[0365] The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2 is characterized in that:

[0366] The decision-making unit determines the types of items that the mobile body can transport in the area based on the physical performance of the mobile body and the acquired meteorological information.

[0367] (Postscript 4)

[0368] The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 3 is characterized in that:

[0369] It also includes a specific unit that selects the mobile body to be moved from among multiple mobile bodies with different physical properties.

[0370] The decision-making unit determines the types of items that the mobile body can transport in the area based on the specific physical performance of the mobile body and the acquired meteorological information.

[0371] (Note 5)

[0372] The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1 is characterized in that:

[0373] The acquisition unit acquires

[0374] Meteorological information indicating the predicted weather for the area during the first time period; and

[0375] This refers to the meteorological information for the predicted weather in the region during the second time period immediately following the first time period.

[0376] The information processing device further includes a specific unit, which identifies from a plurality of mobile bodies with different physical properties:

[0377] The first moving body, which is the moving body, is planned to move during the first time period; and

[0378] The second moving body is a moving body that is different from or the same as the first moving body, and is planned to move during the second time period;

[0379] The decision-making department

[0380] Based on the specific physical properties of the first mobile body and the meteorological information of the first time period, the type of goods that the first mobile body can transport in the area during the first time period is determined, which is the first type.

[0381] Based on the mechanical properties of the second mobile vehicle and the meteorological information of the second time period, the type of goods that the second mobile vehicle can transport in the area during the second time period is determined, which is the second type.

[0382] The information processing device further includes a receiving unit, the receiving unit

[0383] Within the first order period specified for handling, orders for items of the determined first category are accepted, and orders for items of a different category are prohibited.

[0384] During the second order period specified for handling in the second time slot, orders for the second type of items will be accepted, and orders for items of a different type than the second type will be prohibited.

[0385] The acquisition unit acquires the meteorological information for the first time period again.

[0386] If the previously acquired meteorological information differs from the newly acquired meteorological information, then the decision-making unit, based on the newly acquired meteorological information and the body performance of the first mobile body, determines the first type again.

[0387] The information processing device also includes an output unit. When the type of item that is the second order object is not included in the first type that was previously decided, but is included in the first type that is decided again, the output unit outputs a query asking whether the time period for transporting the item should be moved from the second time period to the first time period.

[0388] (Note 6)

[0389] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5 is characterized in that:

[0390] The acquisition unit

[0391] Then obtain information indicating the delivery destination specified by the user, and

[0392] The meteorological information is obtained based on the acquired information indicating the transport destination.

[0393] (Note 7)

[0394] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6 is characterized in that:

[0395] The mobile body is an unmanned aircraft.

[0396] (Note 8)

[0397] The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1 is characterized in that:

[0398] The items that the mobile body can transport include items that maintain a deliverable state before and after being transported by the mobile body.

[0399] The decision-making unit obtains information from the storage unit.

[0400] The storage unit pairs category information representing the type of an item with condition information representing the condition that changes the item's state from a deliverable state to a different state, and stores multiple pairs. It also pairs weather information representing the weather with condition information representing the conditions caused by the weather, and stores multiple pairs.

[0401] The decision unit obtains the condition information that is paired with the acquired meteorological information from the storage unit.

[0402] And obtain the category information that is paired with the obtained condition information, and

[0403] The category of the transportable item is determined by the following: the category is the category represented by category information that is different from the acquired category information among the multiple category information stored in the storage unit.

[0404] (Note 9)

[0405] The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 8 is characterized in that:

[0406] The mobile body has the following physical properties: it can protect the items stored inside the mobile body from the conditions caused by the weather.

[0407] The storage unit also stores condition information indicating the conditions under which the article is protected by the mechanical properties of the moving body.

[0408] The decision-making department

[0409] The condition information, which is paired with the acquired meteorological information, is obtained from the storage unit.

[0410] Exclude the condition information of the moving body from the acquired condition information.

[0411] Obtain the category information that is paired with the excluded condition information, and

[0412] The category of the transportable item is determined by the following: the category is the category represented by category information that is different from the acquired category information among the multiple category information stored in the storage unit.

[0413] (Postscript 10)

[0414] The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 9 is characterized in that:

[0415] The deliverable state of the article includes at least one of the following: the article is in normal working order, the article is dry, and the article's temperature is within a predetermined range.

[0416] The weather conditions include at least one of the following: windy weather with wind speeds exceeding a predetermined wind speed, rain or snowfall, and weather with temperatures below or above a predetermined temperature.

[0417] The conditions that alter the deliverable state of the article, and the weather-induced conditions, include at least one of the following: conditions of shaking, conditions of wetting, conditions of temperature below a predetermined temperature, and conditions of temperature above a predetermined temperature.

[0418] The body properties include at least one of the following: wind resistance to suppress the shaking of the item, drip-proof or waterproof properties to suppress water immersion of the item, heat preservation properties to suppress the decrease in temperature of the item, and cold preservation properties to suppress the increase in temperature of the item.

[0419] (Postscript 11)

[0420] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10 is characterized in that:

[0421] It also includes a control unit that controls the moving body to transport the determined type of article.

[0422] (Postscript 12)

[0423] A system characterized by having:

[0424] Moving body;

[0425] The acquisition unit acquires meteorological information, which represents the weather conditions in the area where the mobile body plans to move; and

[0426] The decision-making department, based on the acquired meteorological information, determines the types of items that the mobile body can transport in the area.

[0427] (Postscript 13)

[0428] A method, characterized by having:

[0429] In the acquisition step, the information processing device or system acquires meteorological information, which represents the weather conditions of the area where the mobile body plans to move;

[0430] In the decision-making step, the information processing device or the system determines, based on the acquired meteorological information, the types of items that the mobile body can transport in the area.

[0431] [Symbol Explanation]

[0432] 1: Handling System

[0433] 100: Terminal device

[0434] 101,501,811: CPU

[0435] 102,502,812: RAM

[0436] 103a, 503a, 813a:ROM

[0437] 103b, 813b: Flash memory

[0438] 104a, 504a, 814a: Data communication circuits

[0439] 104b: Voice communication circuit

[0440] 105a, 505a, 815a: Video cards

[0441] 105b, 505b, 815b: Display devices

[0442] 105c, 505c, 815c: Input devices

[0443] 106,816: Position measurement circuit

[0444] 109a: Speaker

[0445] 109b: Microphone

[0446] 500: Information processing device

[0447] 503b: Hard disk

[0448] 510: Acquisition Department

[0449] 520: Verification Department

[0450] 530: Special Department

[0451] 540: Decision Department

[0452] 550: Reception Department

[0453] 560: Output Section

[0454] 570: Control Department

[0455] 590: Information Storage Department

[0456] 600, 700, 800, 900: Moving units

[0457] 601, 602, 701, 702: Wheels

[0458] 605, 705: Chassis

[0459] 610, 710, 810, 910: Control devices

[0460] 640, 740, 840: Storage Warehouse

[0461] 651, 751, 851, 951: LiDAR sensors

[0462] 821 to 824, 921 to 924: Propeller Arm

[0463] 831 to 834, 931 to 934: Propeller

[0464] 843, 943: Support feet

[0465] 818: Input / output port

[0466] 819: Drive Circuit

[0467] 941a: First enclosure frame

[0468] 941b: Second enclosure frame

[0469] 942a, 942b: Guide rails

[0470] IN: Internet.

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that... have: Acquisition Department, Acquisition: Meteorological information indicating the weather conditions of the area where the mobile entity plans to move, and the predicted weather conditions for that area during the first time period; and This refers to the meteorological information for the predicted weather in the region during the second time period immediately following the first time period. A specific unit is selected from multiple mobile bodies with different physical properties: The first moving body is the moving body, and is planned to move during the first time period; and The second moving body is a moving body that is different from or the same as the first moving body, and is planned to move during the second time period; Decision-Making Department: Based on the specific physical properties of the first mobile body and the meteorological information of the first time period, the type of goods that the first mobile body can transport in the area during the first time period is determined, which is the first type. Based on the physical performance of the second mobile body and the meteorological information of the second time period, the type of goods that the second mobile body can transport in the area during the second time period is determined, which is the second type; as well as Reception Department: Within the first order period specified for handling in the first time slot, orders for items of the determined first category are accepted, and orders for items of a different category are prohibited. During the second order period specified for handling in the second time slot, orders for the second type of items are accepted, and orders for items of a different type from the second type are prohibited; and The acquisition unit acquires the meteorological information for the first time period again. If the meteorological information obtained previously is different from the meteorological information obtained again, then the decision-making unit determines the first type again based on the meteorological information obtained again and the body performance of the first mobile body; The information processing device also includes an output unit. When the type of item that is the second order object is not included in the first type that was previously decided, but is included in the first type that is decided again, the output unit outputs a query asking whether the time period for transporting the item should be moved from the second time period to the first time period.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The acquisition unit: Then obtain information indicating the delivery destination specified by the user, and Based on the acquired information indicating the transport destination, the meteorological information for the first time period is obtained.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mobile body is an unmanned aircraft.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The items that the first mobile body can transport include items that maintain a deliverable state before and after being transported by the first mobile body. The decision-making unit obtains information from the storage unit. The storage unit pairs category information representing the type of an item with condition information representing the condition that changes the item's state from a deliverable state to a different state, and stores multiple pairs. It also pairs weather information representing the weather with condition information representing the conditions caused by the weather, and stores multiple pairs. The decision unit obtains the condition information that matches the acquired meteorological information for the first time period from the storage unit. And obtain the category information that is paired with the obtained condition information, and The first category is defined as the category represented by category information that is different from the acquired category information among the multiple category information stored in the storage unit.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mechanical properties of the first mobile body can protect the items stored inside the first mobile body from the conditions caused by the weather. The storage unit also stores condition information indicating the conditions under which the article is protected by the mechanical properties of the first moving body. The decision-making department: The condition information that is paired with the acquired meteorological information for the first time period is obtained from the storage unit. Exclude the condition information of the first moving body from the acquired condition information. Obtain the category information that is paired with the excluded condition information, and The first category is defined as the category represented by category information that is different from the acquired category information among the multiple category information stored in the storage unit.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The deliverable state of the article includes at least one of the following: the article is in normal working order, the article is dry, and the article's temperature is within a predetermined range. The weather conditions include at least one of the following: windy weather with wind speeds exceeding a predetermined wind speed, rain or snowfall, and weather with temperatures below or above a predetermined temperature. The conditions that alter the deliverable state of the article, and the weather-induced conditions, include at least one of the following: conditions of shaking, conditions of wetting, conditions of temperature below a predetermined temperature, and conditions of temperature above a predetermined temperature. The body properties include at least one of the following: wind resistance to suppress the shaking of the item, drip-proof or waterproof properties to suppress water immersion of the item, heat preservation properties to suppress the decrease in temperature of the item, and cold preservation properties to suppress the increase in temperature of the item.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: It also includes a control unit that receives a request to advance the time period for transporting the item, which is the object of the second order, from the second time period to the first time period, and controls the movement of the mobile body to transport the item during the first time period.

8. A handling system, characterized in that... have: Moving body; Acquisition Department, Acquisition: Meteorological information indicating the weather conditions of the area where the mobile entity plans to move, and the predicted weather conditions for that area during the first time period; and This refers to the meteorological information for the predicted weather in the region during the second time period immediately following the first time period. A specific unit is selected from multiple mobile bodies with different physical properties: The first moving body is the moving body, and is planned to move during the first time period; and The second moving body is a moving body that is different from or the same as the first moving body, and is planned to move during the second time period; Decision-Making Department: Based on the specific physical properties of the first mobile body and the meteorological information of the first time period, the type of goods that the first mobile body can transport in the area during the first time period is determined, which is the first type. Based on the physical performance of the second mobile body and the meteorological information of the second time period, the type of goods that the second mobile body can transport in the area during the second time period is determined, which is the second type; as well as Reception Department: Within the first order period specified for handling in the first time slot, orders for items of the determined first category are accepted, and orders for items of a different category are prohibited. During the second order period specified for handling in the second time slot, orders for the second type of items are accepted, and orders for items of a different type from the second type are prohibited; and The acquisition unit acquires the meteorological information for the first time period again. If the meteorological information obtained previously is different from the meteorological information obtained again, then the decision-making unit determines the first type again based on the meteorological information obtained again and the body performance of the first mobile body; The handling system also includes an output unit. If the type of item that is the second order object is not included in the first type previously determined, but is included in the first type determined again, the output unit outputs an inquiry asking whether the time period for handling the item should be moved forward from the second time period to the first time period.

9. A method executed by an information processing device or system, characterized in that... It includes the following steps: Step 1: Obtain the following: Meteorological information indicating the weather conditions of the area where the mobile entity plans to move, and the predicted weather conditions for that area during the first time period; and This refers to the meteorological information for the predicted weather in the region during the second time period immediately following the first time period. Specific steps are selected from multiple mobile bodies with different physical properties: The first moving body, which is the moving body, is planned to move during the first time period; and The second moving body is a moving body that is different from or the same as the first moving body, and is planned to move during the second time period; First decision-making step: Based on the specific physical properties of the first mobile body and the meteorological information of the first time period, the type of goods that the first mobile body can transport in the area during the first time period is determined, which is the first type. Based on the physical performance of the second mobile body and the meteorological information of the second time period, the type of goods that the second mobile body can transport in the area during the second time period is determined, which is the second type; Application process: Within the first order period specified for handling in the first time slot, orders for items of the determined first category are accepted, and orders for items of a different category are prohibited. During the second order period specified for handling in the second time period, orders for the second type of items are accepted, and orders for items of a different type from the second type are prohibited. The second acquisition step involves acquiring the meteorological information for the first time period again. The second decision step is to determine the first type again based on the previously acquired meteorological information and the body performance of the first mobile body, if the previously acquired meteorological information is different from the meteorological information acquired again. as well as In the output step, if the type of item that is the second order object is not included in the first type of the previous decision, but is included in the first type of the re-determined decision, output a query asking whether to advance the time period for transporting the item from the second time period to the first time period.

10. An information processing device, characterized in that... have: The acquisition unit acquires meteorological information, which represents the weather conditions of the area where the mobile body plans to move; and The decision-making unit, based on the acquired meteorological information, determines the types of goods that the mobile body can transport in the area; and The items that the mobile body can transport include items that maintain a deliverable state before and after being transported by the mobile body. The decision-making unit obtains information from the storage unit. The storage unit pairs category information representing the type of an item with condition information representing the condition that changes the item's state from a deliverable state to a different state, and stores multiple pairs. It also pairs weather information representing the weather with condition information representing the conditions caused by the weather, and stores multiple pairs. The decision unit obtains the condition information that is paired with the acquired meteorological information from the storage unit. And obtain the category information that is paired with the obtained condition information, and The category of the transportable item is determined by the following: the category is the category represented by category information that is different from the acquired category information among the multiple category information stored in the storage unit.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that: It also has a receiving department that accepts orders for items of the determined type, and prohibits accepting orders for items of a different type than the determined type.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that: The decision-making unit determines the types of items that the mobile body can transport in the area based on the physical performance of the mobile body and the acquired meteorological information.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that: It also includes a specific unit that selects the mobile body to be moved from among multiple mobile bodies with different physical properties. The decision-making unit determines the types of items that the mobile body can transport in the area based on the specific physical performance of the mobile body and the acquired meteorological information.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that: The acquisition unit: Then obtain information indicating the delivery destination specified by the user, and The meteorological information is obtained based on the acquired information indicating the transport destination.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that: The mobile body is an unmanned aircraft.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that: The mobile body has the following physical properties: it can protect the items stored inside the mobile body from the conditions caused by the weather. The storage unit also stores condition information indicating the conditions under which the article is protected by the mechanical properties of the moving body. The decision-making department: The condition information, which is paired with the acquired meteorological information, is obtained from the storage unit. Exclude the condition information of the moving body from the acquired condition information. Obtain the category information that is paired with the excluded condition information, and The category of the transportable item is determined by the following: the category is the category represented by category information that is different from the acquired category information among the multiple category information stored in the storage unit.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that: The deliverable state of the article includes at least one of the following: the article is in normal working order, the article is dry, and the article's temperature is within a predetermined range. The weather conditions include at least one of the following: windy weather with wind speeds exceeding a predetermined wind speed, rain or snowfall, and weather with temperatures below or above a predetermined temperature. The conditions that alter the deliverable state of the article, and the weather-induced conditions, include at least one of the following: conditions of shaking, conditions of wetting, conditions of temperature below a predetermined temperature, and conditions of temperature above a predetermined temperature. The body properties include at least one of the following: wind resistance to suppress the shaking of the item, drip-proof or waterproof properties to suppress water immersion of the item, heat preservation properties to suppress the decrease in temperature of the item, and cold preservation properties to suppress the increase in temperature of the item.

18. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that: It also includes a control unit that controls the moving body to transport the determined type of article.

19. A transport system, characterized in that... have: Moving body; The acquisition unit acquires meteorological information, which represents the weather conditions in the area where the mobile body plans to move; and The decision-making unit, based on the acquired meteorological information, determines the types of goods that the mobile body can transport in the area; and The items that the mobile body can transport include items that maintain a deliverable state before and after being transported by the mobile body. The decision unit obtains information from the storage unit. The storage unit pairs category information representing the type of an item with condition information representing the condition that changes the item's state from a deliverable state to a different state, and stores multiple pairs. It also pairs weather information representing the weather with condition information representing the conditions caused by the weather, and stores multiple pairs. The decision unit obtains the condition information that is paired with the acquired meteorological information from the storage unit. And obtain the category information that is paired with the obtained condition information, and The category of the transportable item is determined by the following: the category is the category represented by category information that is different from the acquired category information among the multiple category information stored in the storage unit.

20. A method executed by an information processing device or system, characterized in that... It includes the following steps: The acquisition step involves acquiring meteorological information, which represents the weather conditions of the area where the mobile body plans to move; and The decision-making step involves determining, based on the acquired meteorological information, the types of goods that the mobile body can transport in the area; and The items that the mobile body can transport include items that maintain a deliverable state before and after being transported by the mobile body. The decision-making step obtains information from the storage unit. The storage unit pairs category information representing the type of an item with condition information representing the condition that changes the item's state from a deliverable state to a different state, and stores multiple pairs. It also pairs weather information representing the weather with condition information representing the conditions caused by the weather, and stores multiple pairs. The decision step retrieves the condition information paired with the acquired meteorological information from the storage unit. And obtain the category information that is paired with the obtained condition information, and The category of the transportable item is determined by the following: the category is the category represented by category information that is different from the acquired category information among the multiple category information stored in the storage unit.

Images