Management device, management method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of management device, management method and the non-transitory computer readable medium of storage management program of improving the convenience of user.The management device (10) has the control portion (12) of the mobile body (40) of management distribution article (50).The control portion (12) decides and exports the plan of maintaining the object mobile body according to the information related to object mobile body, object mobile body is the mobile body (40) in distribution among mobile body (40) and becomes the mobile body (40) of the state of the obstacle to distribution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a management device, management method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for managing mobile objects. Background Technology

[0002] Methods for rapidly transporting containers to repair shops or similar facilities in the event of a malfunction in the underframe of a container yard are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-264530 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In situations requiring the maintenance of multiple mobile devices, the impact on their delivery can sometimes be significant, depending on the maintenance schedule. This increased impact on delivery can potentially reduce the convenience for users sending or receiving items.

[0008] The purpose of this invention, made in view of the above circumstances, is to improve user convenience.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention includes a management device comprising a control unit that manages the movement of a delivery item. The control unit determines and outputs a maintenance plan for the delivery item based on information related to the delivery item, wherein the delivery item is a movement that is in the process of delivery and is causing an obstacle to the delivery.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a management method performed by a management device for managing a mobile body that is delivering goods. The management method includes: determining and outputting a maintenance plan for the mobile body based on information related to the mobile body, the mobile body being a mobile body that is in the process of delivery and is in a state that obstructs delivery.

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storage management program executed by a management device for managing mobile bodies of delivered goods. The management program enables the management device to determine and output a maintenance plan for the mobile body based on information related to the mobile body, wherein the mobile body is in the process of delivery and is in a state that obstructs delivery.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] The mobile body management device, management method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium according to one embodiment of the present invention can improve user convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a management system involved in one implementation.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of a moving body.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the steps involved in a management method according to one implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0018] (Example of the structure of Management System 1)

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the management system 1 includes a management device 10 and a mobile body 40. Although not strictly necessary, the management system 1 also includes a terminal device 20.

[0020] <Management Device 10>

[0021] The management device 10 manages the operation of the mobile body 40. The management device 10 includes a control unit 12 and an interface 14. The interface 14 is also referred to as I / F 14.

[0022] The control unit 12 controls at least one component of the management device 10. The control unit 12 may be configured to include one or more processors. In this embodiment, "processor" can be a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor specialized for a particular process, etc., but is not limited to these. The control unit 12 may also be configured to include one or more dedicated circuits. Dedicated circuits may include, for example, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). The control unit 12 may be configured to include dedicated circuits instead of a processor, or it may be configured to include dedicated circuits together with a processor.

[0023] The management device 10 may also include a storage unit. The storage unit may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory, but is not limited to these. The storage unit may function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit may include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk. The storage unit may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The storage unit stores any information used for the operation of the management device 10. For example, the storage unit may also store system programs or application programs. The storage unit may also be included in the control unit 12.

[0024] The I / F14 outputs or inputs information or data to the control unit 12. The I / F14 may also include a communication module configured to communicate with other devices such as the mobile unit 40 or the terminal device 20 via the network 30. The communication module may, for example, correspond to mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). The communication module may also correspond to communication standards such as LAN (Local Area Network). The communication module may also correspond to wired or wireless communication standards. The communication module is not limited to these and may correspond to various communication standards. The I / F14 may also be configured to connect to the communication module.

[0025] The I / F14 can also be configured as an input device that receives information or data from the user. For example, the input device can be configured to include a touch panel, a touch sensor, or a pointing device such as a mouse. The input device can also include physical keys. The input device can also be configured to include a voice input device such as a microphone.

[0026] The I / F14 can be configured as an output device that outputs information or data to a user. Output devices may include, for example, display devices that output visual information such as images, text, or graphics. Display devices may include, for example, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) displays, inorganic EL displays, or PDP (Plasma Display Panel). Display devices are not limited to these displays and can be configured to include various other types of displays. Display devices may include light-emitting devices such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) or LD (Laser Diode). Display devices can be configured to include various other devices. Output devices may include, for example, sound output devices such as speakers that output auditory information such as sound. Output devices are not limited to these examples and can include various other devices.

[0027] The management device 10 may include one or more server devices that are able to communicate with each other.

[0028] <Moving Entity 40>

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the mobile body 40 includes: a main body 42 having a storage space for accommodating a delivery item 50, which is a delivered item; and a drive unit 44 for moving the mobile body 40. The storage space of the main body 42 can be configured to accommodate the delivery item 50 packaged in a delivery box or the like, or it can be configured to accommodate the delivery item 50 in a state where it is not packaged in a delivery box or the like. The main body 42 can also be configured to have a locking mechanism for locking the delivery item 50 contained in the storage space. The drive unit 44 can have, for example, wheels or tracks, as a mechanism for traveling on a road surface. The drive unit 44 can also have a drive mechanism such as a motor or engine that drives the wheels or tracks. The drive unit 44 can also have gears or the like that that transmit power from the drive mechanism to the wheels or tracks. The drive unit 44 can also have a battery or a fuel tank that supplies power to the drive mechanism.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, although not strictly necessary, the mobile body 40 also includes a mobile body control unit 46. The mobile body control unit 46 controls at least one component of the mobile body 40, such as the main body 42 or the drive unit 44. The mobile body control unit 46 can obtain destination information for a specified destination from the management device 10 and control the drive unit 44 autonomously based on the destination information. The mobile body 40 can also obtain control information such as timing or speed instructions for starting or stopping from the management device 10 and control the drive unit 44 to move based on the control information. When the delivery item 50 is housed in the main body 42, the mobile body control unit 46 can output information confirming the housed delivery item 50 to the management device 10. When the delivery item 50 is removed from the main body 42, the mobile body control unit 46 can output information confirming the removed delivery item 50 to the management device 10.

[0031] The mobile unit control unit 46 may be configured to include one or more processors. The mobile unit control unit 46 may also be configured to include one or more dedicated circuits instead of a processor, or it may be configured to include dedicated circuits together with a processor. The mobile unit 40 may be configured to include a storage unit. The storage unit of the mobile unit 40 may be configured in the same or similar manner as the storage unit of the management device 10. The mobile unit 40 may also be configured to include an I / F or communication module. The I / F or communication module of the mobile unit 40 may be configured in the same or similar manner as the I / F or communication module of the management device 10.

[0032] The mobile body 40 can be configured to include a location information detection unit that acquires its own location information. The mobile body 40 can output its own location information to the management device 10. The location information detection unit can be configured to include a receiver corresponding to a satellite positioning system. The receiver corresponding to a satellite positioning system may include, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver.

[0033] The number of mobile units 40 managed by management system 1 can be two or more. Mobile units 40 are not limited to... Figure 2 The exemplified method can consist of various other methods that are capable of containing and moving the delivery items 50.

[0034] The mobile body control unit 46 can obtain detection results related to the state of the mobile body 40 from various sensors installed on the mobile body 40. The mobile body control unit 46 can obtain the state of the mobile body 40 based on the sensor detection results. The mobile body control unit 46 can estimate the state of the mobile body 40. For example, based on the state of the mobile body 40, the mobile body control unit 46 can estimate whether the mobile body 40 is capable of movement. Based on the state of the mobile body 40, the mobile body control unit 46 can estimate whether it is dirty or wet. Based on the state of the mobile body 40, the mobile body control unit 46 can estimate whether at least a portion of the structure has malfunctioned. The mobile body control unit 46 can output information indicating the state of the mobile body 40 to the management device 10.

[0035] The information indicating the state of the mobile body 40 includes information indicating that the mobile body 40 is in a state requiring maintenance. The mobile body 40 may be in a state requiring maintenance, such as damage or malfunction of the main body 42 or drive unit 44, or a decrease in battery charging rate or insufficient fuel.

[0036] The mobile control unit 46 can determine that the mobile body 40 is in a maintenance-required state if it cannot move normally from its location and thus cannot deliver the delivery item 50. For example, the mobile control unit 46 can determine that the mobile body 40 is in a maintenance-required state if the mobile body 40 stops, its speed decreases by a predetermined percentage compared to its normal speed, or if its movement becomes dangerous. The mobile control unit 46 can also determine that the mobile body 40 is in a maintenance-required state if its battery or fuel level is below a predetermined amount. The mobile control unit 46 can determine whether the mobile body 40 is in a maintenance-required state based on various states of the mobile body 40. A mobile body 40 that is in the process of delivering the delivery item 50 and obstructs its delivery is also referred to as an object mobile body. Here, the state of the mobile body 40 in delivery can include the state where the mobile body 40 carries the delivery item 50 and travels towards the delivery destination, or the state where the mobile body 40 arrives at the delivery destination and hands over the delivery item 50 to the user. Additionally, the state of the mobile body 40 in delivery may include the state in which the mobile body 40 returns after completing the delivery of the item 50, or the state in which the mobile body 40 travels to the delivery source in order to retrieve the item 50.

[0037] When mobile body 40 is in a state requiring maintenance, the following operations can be performed to maintain it: The maintenance operator, equipment, or other mobile body 40 can move to the location of the mobile body 40 that is immobile or slowed down, and perform repairs, parts replacements, charging, or refueling. Alternatively, the equipment or other mobile body 40 used to retrieve the mobile body 40 can move to its location, retrieve it, and transport it to the maintenance equipment. When retrieving the mobile body 40, other mobile bodies 40 can also retrieve the delivery items 50 contained within it and perform delivery instead.

[0038] <Terminal Device 20>

[0039] Terminal device 20 can receive input from the user who sent the delivery item 50, specifying the location or time of delivery, and output the input information to management device 10. Terminal device 20 can also receive input from the user who received the delivery item 50, specifying the location or time of receipt, and output the input information to management device 10. Terminal device 20 can obtain information related to the delivery status of the delivery item 50 from management device 10 and notify the user who sent or received the delivery item of its delivery status.

[0040] Terminal device 20 may be configured to include one or more processors or one or more dedicated circuits. Terminal device 20 may be configured to include a storage unit. The storage unit of terminal device 20 may be configured to be the same as or similar to the storage unit of management device 10. Terminal device 20 may also be configured to include an I / F or communication module. The I / F or communication module of terminal device 20 may be configured to be the same as or similar to the I / F or communication module of management device 10.

[0041] Terminal device 20 can be configured as an input device that includes receiving information or data from a user. The input device can be configured to include various devices described as I / F14. Additionally, terminal device 20 can be configured to include an output device that outputs information or data to a user. The output device can be configured to include various devices described as I / F14.

[0042] The number of terminal devices 20 in the management system 1 is not limited to one, but may be two or more. Terminal devices 20 may be configured as portable terminals such as smartphones or tablets, or PCs such as laptop PCs (Personal Computers) or tablet PCs. Terminal devices 20 are not limited to these examples and may be configured to include various devices.

[0043] (An example of an action in Management System 1)

[0044] In the management system 1 according to this embodiment, the management device 10 manages the operation of each of a plurality of mobile bodies 40. The management device 10 manages the operation of the mobile bodies 40 so that the mobile bodies 40 receive delivery items 50 at a delivery source and deliver the delivery items 50 to a delivery destination. When a mobile body 40 does not receive a delivery item 50 or has the capacity to receive a delivery item 50, the management device 10 designates the delivery source of the delivery item 50 as the destination of the mobile body 40 so that the mobile body 40 receives the delivery item 50. When a mobile body 40 receives a delivery item 50, the management device 10 designates the destination of the delivery item 50 as the destination of the mobile body 40 so as to deliver the received delivery item 50.

[0045] The delivery source includes the location where the delivery item 50 is sent. The delivery item 50 can be sent from users such as legal entities or individuals, or from logistics centers where the delivery item 50 is collected. The delivery destination includes the location where the delivery item 50 is collected. The delivery item 50 can be collected by users such as legal entities or individuals, or from logistics centers where the delivery item 50 is collected. The delivery source or delivery destination is not limited to these examples and can include various locations. The management device 10 plans and manages the operation of the mobile unit 40 to increase the number of delivery items 50 processed through collection or delivery.

[0046] The more mobile units 40 are in operation, the more delivery items 50 can be processed. Furthermore, the longer the operating time of each mobile unit 40, the more delivery items 50 can be processed. In other words, the higher the operating rate of the mobile units 40, the more delivery items 50 can be processed. The management device 10 manages the operation of the mobile units 40 to improve their operating rate.

[0047] The management device 10 manages the operation and status of the mobile body 40. The status of the mobile body 40 includes whether it requires maintenance. The status of the mobile body 40 may also include the quantity, weight, or type of the delivery items 50 contained within it, the delivery location, or the delivery time.

[0048] When the mobile unit 40 is in a maintenance-required state, the management device 10 determines a maintenance plan for the mobile unit 40 (object mobile unit). Because the object mobile unit is undergoing maintenance, the operating rate of the mobile unit 40 decreases. The management device 10 can determine a maintenance plan for the object mobile unit to maintain or improve its operating rate. Specifically, the management device 10 can determine a maintenance plan for the object mobile unit to increase the number of mobile units 40 operating simultaneously. Furthermore, the management device 10 can determine a maintenance plan for the object mobile unit to shorten the downtime of object mobile units that are stopped while containing delivery items 50. This shortens the time spent on delivery or collection of delivery items 50. As a result, it is easier to meet the user's requirements related to the handling of delivery or collection of delivery items 50.

[0049] Multiple mobile bodies 40 may become maintenance objects at different times. Alternatively, multiple mobile bodies 40 may become maintenance objects at the same time. Therefore, the periods during which multiple mobile bodies 40 become maintenance objects may overlap. That is, there may be periods during which multiple mobile bodies 40 are maintenance objects. The number of devices or operators maintaining mobile bodies 40 is limited. As a result, the number of maintenance objects existing at a given point in time may be less than the number that can be maintained in the management system 1 using the resources of devices or operators that can simultaneously maintain maintenance objects. Because the number of maintenance objects exceeds the number that can be maintained, the time for starting maintenance on at least one of the multiple maintenance objects or the time for completing maintenance may be delayed.

[0050] When multiple mobile objects exist, the management device 10 determines a maintenance plan based on information related to each mobile object. Specifically, the control unit 12 of the management device 10 can plan the timing or location for maintenance of each mobile object based on information related to each mobile object. If the timing or location for maintenance of multiple mobile objects overlaps, the control unit 12 can determine the maintenance plan in a way that differentiates the timing or location. The control unit 12 can advance or delay the maintenance of at least one mobile object among the multiple mobile objects with overlapping maintenance times. The control unit 12 can move at least one mobile object among the multiple mobile objects with overlapping maintenance locations to another location.

[0051] The control unit 12 can obtain information related to the delivery of the delivery items 50 for each mobile object as information related to each mobile object. The control unit 12 can determine the maintenance plan for each mobile object based on the information related to the delivery of the delivery items 50 for each mobile object. The information related to the delivery of the delivery items 50 may include, for example, the delivery schedule of the delivery items 50, and may include the location of the delivery destination of the delivery items 50 or the delivery time, etc.

[0052] The control unit 12 can obtain information related to maintenance items for each mobile object as information related to each mobile object. The control unit 12 can also determine a maintenance plan for each mobile object based on the information related to maintenance items. Maintenance items may include, for example, maintenance of a mobile object 40 that is unable to move. For example, the mobile object 40 may be unable to move due to a malfunction in the drive unit 44. Maintenance items may include repairing the drive unit 44. For example, the mobile object 40 may be unable to move due to insufficient battery power or fuel. Maintenance items may include charging the battery or replenishing the fuel. Maintenance items may also include maintenance of a mobile object 40 that cannot contain the delivery item 50. For example, the mobile object 40 may be unable to contain the delivery item 50 due to a malfunction, damage, or contamination of the main body 42. Maintenance items may include repairing the main body 42.

[0053] The control unit 12 can obtain the locations of each mobile object that require maintenance as information related to each mobile object. The control unit 12 can also determine the maintenance plan for each mobile object based on the locations of each mobile object that require maintenance.

[0054] When the maintenance periods or locations for multiple mobile objects overlap, the control unit 12 can set the maintenance priority for each mobile object based on information related to each mobile object. The control unit 12 can then determine the maintenance plan for each mobile object based on the assigned priority. Specifically, the control unit 12 can first determine the period and location for maintaining mobile objects with high priority. The control unit 12 can then determine the period or location for maintaining mobile objects with low priority to be a period or location other than the period or location for maintaining high-priority mobile objects.

[0055] As information related to the target mobile body, the control unit 12 can obtain the number of delivery items 50 currently being delivered by the target mobile body. The control unit 12 can determine a maintenance plan for the target mobile body based on the number of delivery items 50 currently being delivered. The more delivery items 50 currently being delivered, the higher the priority the control unit 12 can assign to the target mobile body. The delivery items 50 currently being delivered can be all delivery items 50 contained within the target mobile body. Alternatively, the delivery items 50 currently being delivered can be any delivery item 50 contained within the target mobile body whose delivery time is within a specified period.

[0056] As information related to the object mobile body, the control unit 12 can obtain the delivery deadline of the delivery items 50 currently being delivered by the object mobile body. The control unit 12 can determine a maintenance plan for the object mobile body based on the delivery deadline of the delivery items 50 currently being delivered. When multiple delivery items 50 are contained, the control unit 12 can determine a maintenance plan for the object mobile body based on the most recent delivery deadline among the delivery deadlines of each delivery item 50 currently being delivered. The control unit 12 can also determine a maintenance plan for the object mobile body based on the average or median value of the delivery deadlines of each delivery item 50 currently being delivered.

[0057] The control unit 12 can set the priority for maintaining the moving object based on the delivery deadline of the delivery item 50 being delivered. The shorter the time until the delivery deadline of the delivery item 50 being delivered, the higher the priority that the control unit 12 can set for the moving object. If the control unit 12 can also set a high priority for the moving object when it contains a delivery item 50 with a delivery deadline within the specified period, and a low priority for the moving object when it does not contain a delivery item 50 with a delivery deadline within the specified period.

[0058] As information related to the moving object, the control unit 12 can obtain the location where the moving object stops. The control unit 12 can determine a maintenance plan for the moving object based on the location where it stops. For example, if the moving object stops in the path of other moving objects 40, blocking their path, the control unit 12 can determine a maintenance plan by quickly moving the moving object out of the path to clear the blockage. Similarly, if the moving object stops in a location that has a greater impact on the delivery item 50 being delivered, the control unit 12 can determine a maintenance plan by quickly moving the moving object to reduce the impact on the delivery item 50. Locations with a greater impact on the delivery item 50 may include places where the temperature of the moving object and the delivery item 50 is more likely to rise or fall compared to normal environments due to environmental factors such as direct sunlight. Locations with a greater impact on the delivery item 50 may also include places where the delivery item 50 is more likely to become wet or dirty compared to normal environments due to the moving object becoming wet or dirty.

[0059] The control unit 12 can set the priority for maintaining the mobile object based on the location where the mobile object stops. The more other mobile objects 40 that are hindered or affected by the mobile object, the higher the priority that the control unit 12 can assign to that mobile object. The greater the predicted state change of the mobile object, the higher the priority that the control unit 12 can assign to that mobile object. State changes of the mobile object may include temperature changes of the mobile object or the contained delivery item 50. State changes of the mobile object may include changes in the degree of wetness or dirtiness of the mobile object or the contained delivery item 50.

[0060] As information related to the moving object, the control unit 12 can obtain the maintenance items required by the moving object. The control unit 12 can determine a maintenance plan for the moving object based on the required maintenance items. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the maintenance plan by prioritizing maintenance items necessary to restart the operation of the stopped moving object over other maintenance items. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the maintenance plan by prioritizing maintenance items necessary to minimize the impact on the delivered goods 50 over other maintenance items.

[0061] The control unit 12 can set the maintenance completion conditions required by the moving object. For example, when the moving object needs energy such as battery charging or fuel replenishment, the control unit 12 can set the energy balance, which represents the battery charging amount or fuel storage amount, to be above a replenishment threshold as the maintenance completion condition.

[0062] The control unit 12 can relax the completion conditions for the maintenance required by the mobile object if the impact on the delivery of the delivered item 50 caused by the maintenance of the mobile object exceeds a predetermined level. The impact on delivery may include, for example, delivery delays. The predetermined level may be set as a delay time. The control unit 12 can relax the completion conditions for the maintenance required by the mobile object, for example, if the number of operating mobile objects 40 decreases, to enable the mobile objects to operate quickly. The control unit 12 can relax the completion conditions by performing only the minimum maintenance required for the operation of the mobile object. The control unit 12 can determine the maintenance plan for the mobile object based on the relaxed completion conditions. For example, the control unit 12 can relax the completion conditions by reducing the energy reserve replenishment threshold for evaluating the mobile object.

[0063] The control unit 12 can also determine a schedule that prioritizes maintenance for mobile objects with shorter maintenance times. The shorter the maintenance time for a mobile object, the higher the priority that control unit 12 can assign to it. Control unit 12 can also shorten the maintenance time by relaxing the completion requirements to achieve the minimum maintenance necessary for the mobile object to operate.

[0064] As described above, the control unit 12 determines a maintenance plan for each moving object based on information about each moving object. The control unit 12 can output the determined maintenance plan to notify the operator performing the maintenance. The control unit 12 can also output the determined maintenance plan to the user's terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 can also notify the user by displaying the maintenance plan. The control unit 12 can also output the determined maintenance plan to the device performing the maintenance.

[0065] <Example of Management Method Steps>

[0066] As described above, in the management system 1 according to this embodiment, the management device 10 is able to plan the maintenance of the mobile body 40 to improve the operating efficiency of the mobile body 40. The control unit 12 of the management device 10 can perform operations including, for example... Figure 3 The illustrated flowchart describes the management method for the steps. This management method can also be implemented as a management procedure executed by the control unit 12.

[0067] The control unit 12 obtains information about the mobile body 40 (step S1). The control unit 12 determines whether maintenance of the mobile body 40 is required (step S2). If maintenance of the mobile body 40 is not required (step S2: No), the control unit 12 proceeds to step S5, which will be described later.

[0068] When maintenance of the moving body 40 is required (step S2: Yes), the control unit 12 considers the moving body 40 as a target moving body and determines the priority of maintenance for the target moving body (step S3). The control unit 12 may also omit the priority determination step S3.

[0069] The control unit 12 determines a maintenance plan for the moving object based on the information of the moving object (step S4). If the priority of the maintenance of the moving object is determined in step S3, the control unit 12 can determine the maintenance plan for the moving object based on the priority.

[0070] Control unit 12 manages the operation of mobile unit 40 (step S5). When a maintenance plan is determined, control unit 12 performs maintenance on the target mobile unit according to the plan, and manages the operation of mobile unit 40 by using mobile units 40 other than the target mobile unit to deliver the delivery items 50. After executing step S5, control unit 12 terminates the process. Figure 3 The execution of the steps in the flowchart.

[0071] <Summary>

[0072] As described above, according to the management system 1, management device 10, and management method of this embodiment, the maintenance plan for the mobile body 40 is determined based on information related to the state of the mobile body 40. The more mobile bodies 40 in operation, the easier it is to meet the delivery requests of the user's items 50. The management device 10 can determine the maintenance plan for the mobile body 40 by increasing the number of mobile bodies 40 in operation. Furthermore, the longer the operating time of the mobile body 40, the easier it is to meet the delivery requests of the user's items 50. The management device 10 can determine the maintenance plan for the mobile body 40 by extending the operating time of the mobile body 40. Additionally, the shorter the downtime of a mobile body 40 already containing the items 50, the easier it is to meet the delivery requests of the user's items 50. The management device 10 can determine the maintenance plan for the mobile body 40 by quickly restarting the operation of the mobile body 40 that is currently delivering items 50. This improves the operating rate of the mobile bodies 40 delivering items 50. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0073] (Other implementation methods)

[0074] The control unit 12 of the management device 10 considers the mobile body 40, which is determined to be in a state requiring maintenance, as a target mobile body and determines a maintenance plan for the target mobile body. The control unit 12 may also set conditions for determining whether the mobile body 40 is in a state requiring maintenance based on the number of delivery items 50 contained in the mobile body 40.

[0075] When the number of delivery items 50 contained in the mobile body 40 is small, or when the time remaining until the delivery deadline of the delivery items 50 contained in the mobile body 40 is long, the maintenance of the mobile body 40 has little impact on delivery. By performing maintenance on the mobile body 40 in advance at a time when its impact on delivery is minimal, the impact of the maintenance of the mobile body 40 on delivery can be reduced as a whole by the management system 1.

[0076] The control unit 12 can change the conditions that determine the mobile body 40 is in a state that requires maintenance, so as to perform maintenance on the mobile body 40 earlier. For example, the control unit 12 can set the conditions to determine that the mobile body 40 is in a state that requires maintenance even when the mobile body 40 has a lot of battery or fuel remaining.

[0077] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, it should be noted that various modifications and alterations can be made based on the present invention by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that such modifications and alterations are included within the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each unit or step can be reconfigured in a logically consistent manner, and multiple units or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0078] Label Explanation

[0079] 1. Management system;

[0080] 10. Management device (12: Control unit, 14: I / F);

[0081] 20. Terminal devices;

[0082] 30. Network;

[0083] 40. Moving body (42: main body, 44: drive unit, 46: moving body control unit);

[0084] 50 items delivered.

Claims

1. A management device, It includes a control unit comprising one or more processors, which acquires information related to two or more mobile devices involved in the delivery of goods and manages those two or more mobile devices. The control unit determines and outputs a maintenance plan for the target mobile body based on information related to the target mobile body, in order to increase the operating rate of the two or more mobile bodies. The target mobile body is one of the two or more mobile bodies that is in the process of delivery and is causing an obstacle to delivery. Information related to the mobile object includes at least one of the following: the quantity of items being delivered by the mobile object, the delivery deadline for the items being delivered by the mobile object, and the location where the mobile object is stopped. The control unit performs maintenance on the moving object according to the plan.

2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines the priority of maintaining each of the plurality of object moving bodies based on information related to the object moving body, and determines a maintenance plan for each object moving body based on the priority.

3. The management device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines a plan to prioritize the maintenance of object mobile bodies that are blocked from the paths of other mobile bodies.

4. The management device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit decides on a plan to prioritize the maintenance of object movement vehicles that are stopped in locations that have a greater impact on the items being delivered.

5. The management device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines the maintenance plan for the moving object based on the maintenance items required by the moving object.

6. The management device according to claim 1, wherein, If the impact on the delivery of goods caused by the maintenance of the object mobile body is greater than a predetermined level, the control unit relaxes the completion conditions for the maintenance required for the object mobile body, and determines the maintenance plan for the object mobile body based on the relaxed completion conditions.

7. The management device according to claim 6, wherein, When the maintenance item required by the moving object is the replenishment of the moving object's energy, the control unit reduces the replenishment threshold for evaluating the remaining energy of the moving object as a completion condition.

8. The management device according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit determines the schedule that prioritizes maintaining moving objects that take the shortest time to maintain.

9. A management method, The management method includes: A management device that manages two or more mobile vehicles delivering goods determines and outputs a maintenance plan for the target mobile vehicle based on information related to the target mobile vehicle and in a manner that increases the operating rate of the two or more mobile vehicles. The target mobile vehicle is one of the two or more mobile vehicles that is in the process of delivery and is in a state that obstructs delivery. Information related to the mobile object includes at least one of the following: the quantity of items being delivered by the mobile object, the delivery deadline for the items being delivered by the mobile object, and the location where the mobile object is stopped. The management method includes: causing the management device to perform maintenance on the moving object according to the plan.

10. The management method according to claim 9, wherein, The management method includes: The management device determines the priority of maintaining each of the plurality of moving objects based on information related to the moving object; and The maintenance plan for each moving object is determined based on the stated priority.

11. The management method according to claim 9, wherein, When deciding on a maintenance plan for the object mobile body, a plan is made to prioritize the maintenance of the object mobile body that is blocked from the paths of other mobile bodies.

12. The management method according to claim 9, wherein, When deciding on a maintenance plan for the object movement, priority is given to maintaining the object movement units that are stopped in locations that have a greater impact on the items being delivered.

13. The management method according to claim 9, wherein, When deciding on a maintenance plan for the object mobile body, the maintenance plan is determined based on the maintenance items required by the object mobile body.

14. The management method according to claim 9, wherein, When deciding on a maintenance plan for the mobile object, if the impact on the delivery of goods caused by the maintenance of the mobile object is above a certain level, the completion conditions for the maintenance required for the mobile object are relaxed, and the maintenance plan for the mobile object is determined based on the relaxed completion conditions.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, The non-transitory computer-readable medium storage management program includes: A management device that manages two or more mobile vehicles that are delivering goods determines and outputs a maintenance plan for the target mobile vehicle based on information related to the target mobile vehicle, aiming to improve the operating rate of the two or more mobile vehicles. The target mobile vehicle is one of the two or more mobile vehicles that is in the process of delivery and is causing an obstacle to delivery. Information related to the mobile object includes at least one of the following: the quantity of items being delivered by the mobile object, the delivery deadline for the items being delivered by the mobile object, and the location where the mobile object is stopped. The management procedure includes: causing the management device to perform maintenance on the moving object according to the plan.

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