Management device, management method and mobile body

Abstract

The present invention provides a management device, a management method, and a mobile body capable of improving the operational efficiency of a mobile body. The management device (10) includes a control unit (12) for managing a mobile body (60) configured to accommodate a mobile body (40). The mobile body (40) includes a first mobile body accommodated within the mobile body (60) and a second mobile body not accommodated within the mobile body (60). The control unit (12) instructs the mobile body (60) to simultaneously maintain and transport the first mobile body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to management devices, management methods, and mobile bodies. Background Technology

[0002] Delivery vehicles that carry and operate in a manner that accommodates delivery vehicles are known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-135500 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In systems that operate mobile bodies, the operational efficiency of these bodies decreases due to the need for maintenance. Mobile bodies that become immobile can hinder the operation of mobile bodies, thus sometimes reducing their operational efficiency. Therefore, there is a need to improve the operational efficiency of mobile bodies.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure, made in view of the above circumstances, is to improve the operating efficiency of mobile bodies.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a management device comprising a control unit that manages a housing mobile body configured to house other housing mobile bodies. The housed mobile bodies include a first mobile body housed within the housing mobile body and a second mobile body not housed within the housing mobile body. The control unit instructs the housing mobile body to perform maintenance on the first mobile body while simultaneously transporting it.

[0011] One embodiment of this disclosure relates to a management method for managing a containment mobile body configured to contain a contained mobile body. The management method includes the following steps: instructing the containment mobile body to perform maintenance and transport of the contained first mobile body simultaneously.

[0012] One embodiment of this disclosure relates to a mobile body comprising: a receiving section configured to receive a received mobile body; and a control section. The receiving section is configured to perform maintenance during the reception of the received mobile body. The control section controls the mobile body to simultaneously perform maintenance and transport the received mobile body housed in the receiving section.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the management device, management method, and mobile body can improve the operating efficiency of the mobile body. 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 delivery vehicle.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of a structure that houses a moving object.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the steps involved in a management method according to one implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0019] (Example of the structure of Management System 1)

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, a management system 1 according to one embodiment includes a management device 10, a delivery mobile body 40, and a housing mobile body 60. Although not essential, the management system 1 also includes a terminal device 20. The housing mobile body 60 is configured to house the delivery mobile body 40. Furthermore, the housing mobile body 60 is configured to perform maintenance work on the delivery mobile body 40 internally while housing it. Hereinafter, each component of the management system 1 will be described.

[0021] <Management Device 10>

[0022] The management device 10 manages the operation of the housing mobile body 60. The management device 10 can also manage the operation of the delivery 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.

[0023] The control unit 12 controls at least one component of the management device 10. The control unit 12 may also be configured to include one or more processors. In this embodiment, "processor" can be a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor specialized for a specific 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The I / F14 outputs information or data to the control unit 12, 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 housing mobile unit 60, the delivery mobile unit 40, or the terminal device 20 via the network 30. The communication module may, for example, be compatible with mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). The communication module may also be compatible with communication standards such as LAN (Local Area Network). The communication module may also be compatible with wired or wireless communication standards. The communication module is not limited to these and may be compatible with various communication standards. The I / F14 may also be configured to connect to the communication module.

[0026] 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, touch sensor, or 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.

[0027] The I / F14 can also be configured as an output device that outputs information or data to the user. Output devices may include, for example, display devices that output visual information such as images, text, or graphics. Display devices may also 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 may include various other types of displays. Display devices may also include light-emitting devices such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) or LD (Laser Diode). Display devices may also 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 may include various other devices.

[0028] The management device 10 may include one or more server devices that are able to communicate with each other.

[0029] <Delivery Mobile Unit 40>

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the delivery 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 delivery 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 not packaged in a delivery box or the like. The main body 42 may also have a locking mechanism for locking the delivery item 50 housed in the storage space. The drive unit 44 may have, for example, wheels or tracks, as a mechanism for traveling on a road surface. The drive unit 44 may also have a drive mechanism such as an electric motor or engine that drives the wheels or tracks. The drive unit 44 may also have gears or the like that that transmit power from the drive mechanism to the wheels or tracks. The drive unit 44 may also have a battery or a fuel tank that supplies power to the drive mechanism.

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, although not strictly necessary, the delivery vehicle 40 also includes a vehicle control unit 46. The vehicle control unit 46 controls at least one component of the delivery vehicle 40, such as the main body 42 or the drive unit 44. The vehicle control unit 46 can obtain destination information for a specified destination from the management device 10 and control the drive unit 44 to drive autonomously according to the destination information. The delivery vehicle 40 can also obtain control information from the management device 10, such as timing for starting or stopping travel or travel speed, and control the drive unit 44 to travel according to the control information. When the main body 42 contains the delivery item 50, the vehicle control unit 46 can also output information confirming the contained delivery item 50 to the management device 10. When the delivery item 50 is removed from the main body 42, the vehicle control unit 46 can also output information confirming the removed delivery item 50 to the management device 10.

[0032] The mobile unit control unit 46 may also 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 to include dedicated circuits together with a processor. The delivery mobile unit 40 may also be configured to include a storage unit. The storage unit of the delivery mobile unit 40 may also be configured in the same or similar manner as the storage unit of the management device 10. The delivery mobile unit 40 may also be configured to include an I / F or communication module. The I / F or communication module of the delivery mobile unit 40 may also be configured in the same or similar manner as the I / F or communication module of the management device 10.

[0033] The delivery vehicle 40 may also be configured to include a location information detection unit that acquires its own location information. The delivery vehicle 40 may also output its own location information to the management device 10. The location information detection unit may also 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.

[0034] The number of delivery vehicles 40 is not limited to one; it can be two or more. The number of delivery vehicles 40 is not limited to... Figure 2 The illustrated method can also be configured in various other ways that allow the delivery item 50 to be moved.

[0035] The mobile unit control unit 46 can obtain detection results related to the state of the delivery mobile unit 40 from various sensors installed on the delivery mobile unit 40. The mobile unit control unit 46 can also obtain the state of the delivery mobile unit 40 based on the sensor detection results. The mobile unit control unit 46 can also estimate the state of the delivery mobile unit 40. For example, based on the state of the delivery mobile unit 40, the mobile unit control unit 46 can estimate whether the delivery mobile unit 40 is capable of movement. Based on the state of the delivery mobile unit 40, the mobile unit control unit 46 can estimate whether it is dirty or wet. Based on the state of the delivery mobile unit 40, the mobile unit control unit 46 can estimate whether at least a portion of the structure has malfunctioned. The mobile unit control unit 46 can also output information indicating the state of the delivery mobile unit 40 to the management device 10.

[0036] Information indicating the status of the delivery mobile unit 40 includes information indicating that the delivery mobile unit 40 is in a maintenance-required state. The delivery mobile unit 40 may be in a maintenance-required state due to damage or malfunction of the main body 42 or drive unit 44, or a decrease in battery charging rate or insufficient fuel.

[0037] The mobile control unit 46 can determine that the delivery mobile unit 40 is in a maintenance-required state if it cannot move normally from the location and thus cannot deliver the delivery item 50. The mobile control unit 46 can also determine that the delivery mobile unit 40 is in a maintenance-required state if, for example, it stops, its speed decreases by a predetermined percentage compared to normal, or its movement becomes dangerous. The mobile control unit 46 can also determine that the delivery mobile unit 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 delivery mobile unit 40 is in a maintenance-required state based on various states of the delivery mobile unit 40.

[0038] <Containment of Mobile Entities 60>

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the containment mobile body 60 includes a containment section 62 configured to contain the delivery mobile body 40. The delivery mobile body 40 is contained within the containment mobile body 60 and is therefore also referred to as a contained mobile body. The delivery mobile body 40 contained within the containment mobile body 60 is also referred to as a first mobile body. The delivery mobile body 40 not contained within the containment mobile body 60 is also referred to as a second mobile body. The second mobile bodies are divided into delivery mobile bodies 40 requiring maintenance and delivery mobile bodies 40 that do not require maintenance.

[0040] The containment unit 62 is configured to perform maintenance on the contained delivery mobile unit 40 while it is containing the delivery mobile unit 40. The containment unit 62 may include, for example, tools or equipment for maintaining the delivery mobile unit 40. The containment unit 62 may also be configured so that an operator performing maintenance on the delivery mobile unit 40 can ride on it.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing mobile unit 60 also includes a mobile unit control unit 64. The mobile unit control unit 64 controls the movement of the housing mobile unit 60. Furthermore, the mobile unit control unit 64 can also control maintenance operations on the delivery mobile unit 40 housed in the housing unit 62. Specifically, the mobile unit control unit 64 can also control the maintenance tools or devices in the housing unit 62. The mobile unit control unit 64 can also notify the operator riding in the housing unit 62 of the maintenance operation details.

[0042] The mobile unit control unit 64 may also be configured to include one or more processors. The mobile unit control unit 64 may also be configured to include one or more dedicated circuits instead of a processor, or to include dedicated circuits together with a processor. The mobile unit 60 may also be configured to include a storage unit. The storage unit of the mobile unit 60 may also be configured in the same or similar manner as the storage unit of the management device 10. The mobile unit 60 may also be configured to include an I / F or communication module. The I / F or communication module of the mobile unit 60 may be configured in the same or similar manner as the I / F or communication module of the management device 10.

[0043] <Terminal Device 20>

[0044] Terminal device 20 can also 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 also 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 50 of the delivery status.

[0045] Terminal device 20 may also be configured to include one or more processors or one or more dedicated circuits. Terminal device 20 may also be configured to include a storage unit. The storage unit of terminal device 20 may also be configured in the same or similar manner as 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 also be configured in the same or similar manner as the I / F or communication module of management device 10.

[0046] Terminal device 20 may also be configured to include an input device that receives information or data from a user. The input device may also be configured to include various devices described as I / F14. Furthermore, terminal device 20 may also be configured to include an output device that outputs information or data to a user. The output device may also be configured to include various devices described as I / F14.

[0047] The number of terminal devices 20 in the management system 1 is not limited to one, but may be two or more. The terminal devices 20 may also be configured as portable terminals such as smartphones or tablets, or PCs such as laptop PCs or tablet PCs. The terminal devices 20 are not limited to these examples, and may also be configured to include various devices.

[0048] (An example of an action in Management System 1)

[0049] In the management system 1 according to this embodiment, the management device 10 manages the operation of the housing mobile body 60 and the delivery mobile body 40. As described below, the delivery mobile body 40 operates to deliver the delivery item 50 from the delivery source to the delivery destination. Furthermore, the housing mobile body 60 operates to house the delivery mobile body 40 requiring maintenance or to transport the delivery mobile body 40 when it becomes a maintenance-required condition. Specific examples of the management will be described below.

[0050] <Management of Delivery Mobile Unit 40>

[0051] The management device 10 manages the operation of the delivery vehicle 40 in a manner that causes the delivery vehicle 40 to receive the delivery item 50 at a delivery source and deliver the delivery item 50 to a delivery destination. When the delivery vehicle 40 does not receive the delivery item 50 or has the capacity to receive the delivery item 50, the management device 10 designates the delivery source of the delivery item 50 as the destination of the delivery vehicle 40, causing the delivery vehicle 40 to receive the delivery item 50. When the delivery vehicle 40 receives the delivery item 50, the management device 10 designates the delivery destination of the delivery item 50 as the destination of the delivery vehicle 40, thereby delivering the received delivery item 50.

[0052] 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 a logistics center that centralizes the delivery item 50. 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 a logistics center that centralizes the delivery item 50. 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 delivery vehicle 40 to increase the number of delivery items 50 processed through collection or delivery.

[0053] The more delivery vehicles 40 are in operation, the more delivery items 50 can be processed. Furthermore, the longer the operating time of each delivery vehicle 40, the more delivery items 50 can be processed. In other words, the higher the operating rate of the delivery vehicles 40, the more delivery items 50 can be processed. The management device 10 manages the operation of the delivery vehicles 40 to improve their operating rate.

[0054] In order to manage the operation of the delivery vehicle 40, the management device 10 manages the status of the delivery vehicle 40. The status of the delivery vehicle 40 includes whether the delivery vehicle 40 needs maintenance. The status of the delivery vehicle 40 may include the quantity, weight or type of the delivery items 50 contained in the delivery vehicle 40, the delivery location or delivery time, etc.

[0055] <Management of Contained Mobile Entities 60>

[0056] When the delivery vehicle 40 is in a state requiring maintenance, the control unit 12 of the management device 10 plans the maintenance of the delivery vehicle 40. Because the delivery vehicle 40 is being maintained, its operating rate decreases. The control unit 12 can also plan the maintenance of the delivery vehicle 40 in a manner that can maintain or improve its operating rate. The control unit 12 can also manage the operation of the housing vehicle 60 by housing the delivery vehicle 40 within the housing vehicle 60 and performing maintenance on the delivery vehicle 40 while it is housed within the housing vehicle 60. Furthermore, the control unit 12 transports the delivery vehicle 40 while maintaining it within the housing vehicle 60 and approaching its destination. That is, the control unit 12 instructs the housing vehicle 60 to transport the delivery vehicle 40 while performing maintenance. The destination of the delivery vehicle 40 can include the delivery source or delivery destination of the delivery vehicle 40. By transporting the delivery vehicle 40 while performing maintenance, the travel distance of the delivery vehicle 40 is shortened. By shortening the travel distance, the operational efficiency of the delivery mobile unit 40 can be improved.

[0057] As a maintenance operation for the delivery mobile unit 40 within the containment mobile unit 60, for example, repairs, parts replacements, charging, or refueling of the delivery mobile unit 40 can be performed.

[0058] The receiving mobile unit 60 can unload the maintained delivery mobile unit 40 (first mobile unit) at a designated location and be configured as a second mobile unit. That is, the control unit 12 can instruct the receiving mobile unit 60 to unload and configure the maintained delivery mobile unit 40 at a designated location. The control unit 12 can determine the designated location based on the delivery source or delivery destination when the configured delivery mobile unit 40 (second mobile unit) delivers the delivery item 50. In this way, the delivery mobile unit 40 can restart operation from near the location where it needs to be moved for delivery operations. As a result, the operating rate of the delivery mobile unit 40 can be improved.

[0059] The control unit 12 can also house the delivery mobile body 40, which is positioned at a designated location for performing delivery operations, within the housing mobile body 60, and perform maintenance on the delivery mobile body 40 while transporting it. The control unit 12 can determine which delivery mobile body 40 to house in the housing mobile body 60 based on information related to the delivery item 50. Information related to the delivery item 50 may include, for example, the size or weight of the delivery item 50, or the delivery source or destination of the delivery item 50. The specifications of the main body 42 of the delivery mobile body 40 define the size or weight of the delivery item 50 that can be housed within the main body 42. Furthermore, the specifications of the shape of the delivery mobile body 40 or the drive unit 44 define the locations where the delivery mobile body 40 can travel. The control unit 12 can also determine which delivery mobile body 40, with the specifications for delivering the delivery item 50, will be housed in the housing mobile body 60 based on the size or weight of the delivery item 50. The control unit 12 can also determine the delivery vehicle 40 that is capable of traveling to the delivery source or delivery destination as the delivery vehicle 40 housed in the housing vehicle 60, based on the delivery source or delivery destination of the delivery item 50. That is, the control unit 12 can determine the type of delivery vehicle 40 housed in the housing vehicle 60 based on information related to the delivery item 50.

[0060] Because the receiving mobile body 60 newly receives the delivery mobile body 40, the number of operating delivery mobile bodies 40 is reduced. The control unit 12 can operate the delivery mobile body 40 in place of the delivery mobile body 40 received in the receiving mobile body 60, or it can remove the receiving mobile body 60 and place the maintained delivery mobile body 40 thereafter. That is, the control unit 12 can instruct the receiving mobile body 60 to remove the maintained delivery mobile body 40 (the first mobile body) in place of the unreceived delivery mobile body 40 (the second mobile body). This ensures the quantity of delivery mobile bodies 40. As a result, the operating rate of the delivery mobile bodies 40 can be ensured.

[0061] The control unit 12 can instruct the receiving mobile body 60 to complete the maintenance of the received delivery mobile body 40 (first mobile body) before receiving the second mobile body. In this way, instead of receiving the second mobile body, the maintained delivery mobile body 40 (first mobile body) can be configured immediately.

[0062] If the delivery mobile 40 (second mobile) subsequently houses the delivery item 50, the delivery item 50 is housed together with the delivery mobile 40 in the housing mobile 60. To ensure uninterrupted delivery of the delivery item 50, the housing mobile 60 can house the delivery item 50 in a delivery mobile 40 configured to replace the subsequently housed delivery mobile 40. That is, the delivery item 50 can be transferred from the delivery mobile 40 to the configured delivery mobile 40. In other words, the control unit 12 can instruct the housing mobile 60 to house the delivery item 50 housed in the subsequently housed delivery mobile 40 (second mobile) in a replaced, maintained delivery mobile 40 (first mobile). In this way, the delivery item 50 is difficult to stop due to being relayed by the operating delivery mobile 40. As a result, delivery efficiency can be maintained or improved.

[0063] When a delivery vehicle 40 (second vehicle) that has not been accommodated is accommodated, the control unit 12 can instruct the accommodating vehicle 60 to accommodate the delivery vehicle 40 (second vehicle) that has not accommodated the delivery item 50. In this way, the delivery item 50 is difficult to stop. As a result, delivery efficiency can be maintained or improved.

[0064] When an unaccompanied delivery mobile unit 40 (second mobile unit) becomes in a maintenance-required state, sometimes a receiving mobile unit 60 capable of receiving the delivery mobile unit 40 is unavailable. In this case, the receiving mobile unit 60 can retrieve the delivery item 50 contained in the delivery mobile unit 40 and transfer it to another delivery mobile unit 40. The receiving mobile unit 60 can also contain the delivery item 50 in a maintained delivery mobile unit 40 and place that delivery mobile unit 40 at a designated location. The receiving mobile unit 60 can transport the retrieved delivery item 50 to another unaccompanied delivery mobile unit 40 (second mobile unit) to contain the delivery item 50 within that delivery mobile unit 40. In other words, if the receiving mobile unit 60 cannot contain the unaccompanied delivery mobile unit 40 (second mobile unit) requiring maintenance, the control unit 12 can instruct the receiving mobile unit 60 to retrieve the delivery item 50 contained in the maintenance-required delivery mobile unit 40 into the receiving mobile unit 60. In this way, the delivery item 50 is difficult to stop. As a result, delivery efficiency can be maintained or improved.

[0065] The delivery mobile unit 40 may become in a maintenance-required state during movement. The control unit 12 can position the receiving mobile unit 60 in the area where the unreceived delivery mobile unit 40 (the second mobile unit) is moving. This shortens the time spent until the delivery mobile unit 40 is received by the receiving mobile unit 60 when it becomes in a maintenance-required state. As a result, the operating rate of the delivery mobile unit 40 can be improved. Furthermore, the time spent until the delivery item 50 is retrieved from the delivery mobile unit 40 that has become in a maintenance-required state can be shortened. As a result, delivery efficiency can be maintained or improved.

[0066] Because the housing mobile body 60 is larger than the delivery mobile body 40, it can sometimes only operate in a limited area. The size of the housing mobile body 60 that can operate in a certain area is sometimes limited. Furthermore, the delivery mobile body 40 sometimes becomes in a maintenance-required state in areas where only a limited number of housing mobile bodies 60 can operate. In this case, the control unit 12 can select a housing mobile body 60 that can only accommodate one delivery mobile body 40 and instruct it to accommodate the delivery mobile body 40 that is in a maintenance-required state in the selected housing mobile body 60. Alternatively, the control unit 12 can configure a housing mobile body 60 that can only accommodate one delivery mobile body 40 (the second mobile body) moving within a specified area in the specified area. This reduces the time spent accommodating the delivery mobile body 40 that is in a maintenance-required state. As a result, the operating rate of the delivery mobile body 40 can be improved.

[0067] <Example of Management Method Steps>

[0068] As described above, in the management system 1 according to this embodiment, the management device 10 is capable of enabling the receiving mobile body 60 to receive the delivery mobile body 40 and transport the delivery mobile body 40 to a designated location while performing maintenance. The control unit 12 of the management device 10 can, for example, execute functions including... Figure 4 The flowchart illustrates the management method for the steps. This management method can also be implemented as a management procedure executed by the control unit 12.

[0069] Control unit 12 causes the receiving mobile body 60 to receive the delivery mobile body 40 (step S1). Control unit 12 causes the receiving mobile body 60 to perform maintenance on the delivery mobile body 40 while simultaneously transporting it (step S2). Control unit 12 determines whether the maintenance of the delivery mobile body 40 has been completed in the receiving mobile body 60 (step S3). If the maintenance of the delivery mobile body 40 is not completed (step S3: No), control unit 12 returns to step S2. If the maintenance of the delivery mobile body 40 is completed (step S3: Yes), control unit 12 unloads and places the maintained delivery mobile body 40 at a designated location (step S4). After executing step S4, control unit 12 terminates. Figure 4 The execution of the steps in the flowchart.

[0070] <Summary>

[0071] As described above, according to the management system 1, management device 10, and management method of this embodiment, the receiving mobile body 60 can receive the delivery mobile body 40 and transport the delivery mobile body 40 while performing maintenance. In other words, the delivery mobile body 40 is transported during maintenance. This shortens the movement time of the delivery mobile body 40. As a result, the operating rate of the delivery mobile body 40 can be improved.

[0072] As described above, the containing mobile body 60 or the delivery mobile body 40 is not limited to a vehicle, but can also be a mobile body of various types, such as a robot or a drone. The delivery mobile body 40 is not limited to the purpose of delivering the item 50. The delivery mobile body 40 can also be used to replace mobile bodies used for purposes other than delivery.

[0073] Although the embodiments of this disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that such modifications and alterations are included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in various means or steps can be reconfigured in a logically consistent manner, and multiple means or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0074] Label Explanation

[0075] 1. Management system

[0076] 10. Management devices (12: Control unit, 14: I / F),

[0077] 20 terminal devices,

[0078] 30 Networks

[0079] 40 Delivery mobile unit (42: main body, 44: drive unit, 46: mobile unit control unit),

[0080] 50 items to be delivered.

[0081] 60 Contains mobile objects (62: Containment unit, 64: Mobile object control unit).

Claims

1. A management device comprising a control unit that manages a accommodating mobile body, the accommodating mobile body being configured to accommodate a accommodating mobile body. The contained mobile body includes a first mobile body contained within the contained mobile body and a second mobile body not contained within the contained mobile body. When the second mobile body is in a maintenance-required state, the control unit plans maintenance for the second mobile body in a manner that can maintain or improve the operating rate of the contained mobile body, thereby accommodating the second mobile body within the accommodating mobile body to become the first mobile body. The maintenance-required state includes any one of the following: the travel speed of the contained mobile body is reduced by a predetermined ratio compared to its normal speed; the remaining battery or fuel level of the contained mobile body is below a predetermined amount; or the contained mobile body is dirty or wet. The control unit instructs the receiving mobile body to transport the items contained in the first mobile body to their delivery destination while maintaining the first mobile body. The control unit instructs the receiving mobile body to unload the maintained first mobile body at a designated location and configure it as the second mobile body. When the second mobile body is being accommodated, the control unit instructs the accommodated mobile body to remove the first mobile body, which has been maintained, in place of the second mobile body to be accommodated. The control unit instructs the receiving mobile body to receive the delivery item contained in the second mobile body to be received into the maintained first mobile body configured in place of the second mobile body to be received.

2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines the designated location based on the delivery destination when the second mobile body to be configured delivers the items.

3. The management device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit determines the type of mobile body that is housed within the housing mobile body, which is the first mobile body, based on information related to the delivered items.

4. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, If the mobile body requiring maintenance cannot be accommodated in the accommodating mobile body, the control unit instructs the accommodating mobile body to retrieve the delivery items contained in the mobile body requiring maintenance into the accommodating mobile body.

5. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control unit positions the receiving mobile body in the area where the second mobile body moves.

6. The management device according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit will configure a mobile body capable of accommodating only one second mobile body that can move within a specified area as the accommodating mobile body within the specified area.

Images