Information processing system, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program product

Abstract

The invention provides an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program product. The invention relates to a novel and improved cargo distribution and collection device which is beneficial to further high-efficiency, novel and improved cargo distribution or cargo collection. The information processing system includes: a control unit that generates one or more delivery plans including delivery routes and delivery means for goods; and a candidate determination unit that determines, as a labor provider candidate, one or more users that are estimated to be able to provide the labor for the collection and delivery of the cargo, and that determines, when one user is approved as the labor provider from among the users determined as the candidate, that one user is approved as the labor provider. The control unit selects and approves one delivery plan from among the generated delivery plans from the labor provider to a cargo recovery site.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing device, an information processing method and a program product. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to the popularity of e-commerce, consumer demand or changes in the social environment, the demand for logistics such as the distribution or collection of goods has increased dramatically. With the sharp increase in demand, the shortage of manpower in logistics has become a root issue for stably maintaining the logistics function itself. Therefore, various technologies for efficient distribution or collection of goods are being studied. For example, the following technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1: In the logistics of express goods, the load volume of one or more circulation shifts circulating between three bases is obtained, and it is determined whether to change the operation plan of the circulation shift based on the obtained load volume. In such an existing distribution system, the following hub-and-spoke method is adopted: the goods are gathered at a base such as a large warehouse at one time, and the goods are distributed from the base to all directions.

[0003] In addition, in recent years, as a new logistics force, for example, in food delivery services where users entrust the delivery of food using smartphones, etc., the provision of delivery services by workers who contract one-time work via the Internet (so-called gig workers) has begun to be flexibly utilized.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-52525 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, there is a demand for technology that contributes to further improving the efficiency of cargo distribution or cargo collection.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention is completed in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved information processing system, information processing device, information processing method and program product that can help further improve the efficiency of distribution or collection of goods.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system comprising: a control unit, which generates one or more delivery plans including delivery routes and delivery means for goods; and a candidate determination unit, which determines one or more users who are presumed to be able to provide services for recovery and delivery of the goods as candidates for service providers, and when a user is approved as the service provider from among the users determined as the candidates, the control unit selects and approves one of the generated delivery plans from the service provider to the goods recovery location.

[0012] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing device comprising: a control unit, which generates one or more delivery plans including delivery routes and delivery means for goods; and a candidate determination unit, which determines one or more users who are presumed to be able to provide services for recovery and delivery of the goods as service provider candidates, and when a user is approved as the service provider from the users determined as the candidates, the control unit selects and approves one of the generated delivery plans from the service provider to the goods recovery location.

[0013] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method executed by a computer, which includes: generating one or more distribution plans including distribution routes and distribution means for goods; determining one or more users who are presumed to be able to provide services for recovery and distribution of the goods as candidates for service providers; and when a user is approved as the service provider from among the users determined as the candidates, selecting and approving one of the distribution plans generated from the service provider to the goods recovery location.

[0014] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program product is provided, which includes a program that enables a computer to perform the functions of the following structure: a control unit, which generates one or more delivery plans including delivery routes and delivery means for goods; and a candidate determination unit, which determines one or more users who are presumed to be able to provide services for recovery and delivery of the goods as service provider candidates, wherein, when a user is approved as the service provider from the users determined as the candidates, the control unit selects and approves one of the generated delivery plans from the service provider to the goods recovery location.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention described above, it is possible to contribute to further improvement in the efficiency of delivery or collection of goods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the information processing system according to the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a delivery section according to the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the server 30 according to the present embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the information terminal 50 according to the present embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing operations for determining service provider candidates and approving a delivery plan performed by the information processing system of this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of the server 30 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The contents of the embodiments of the present invention are listed and described. The information processing system and the like according to the embodiments of the present invention have the following configuration.

[0024] [Item 1] An information processing system comprising:

[0025] a control unit that generates one or more delivery plans including a delivery route and a delivery means for the goods; and

[0026] a candidate determination unit that determines one or more users who are estimated to be able to provide the service of collecting and delivering the goods as service provider candidates,

[0027] When one user is approved as the service provider from among the users determined as the candidates, the control unit selects and approves one of the generated delivery plans from the service provider to a cargo collection location.

[0028] [Item 2] The information processing system according to Item 1, further comprising:

[0029] a notification generating unit, which generates a recruitment notification of the service provider,

[0030] The control unit approves the user as a service provider based on the fact that the user determined as the candidate has accepted the recruitment.

[0031] [Item 3] The information processing system according to Item 1, wherein:

[0032] The control unit obtains a service provision condition indicating a condition in which each of the users can provide a service,

[0033] A user who satisfies the service provision condition among the users determined as the candidates is selected and approved as the service provider.

[0034] [Item 4] An information processing system according to any one of Items 2 or 3, wherein:

[0035] The candidate determination unit determines as a service provider candidate a user who is estimated to be able to provide the service based on the cargo collection time period at the cargo collection location, the user's current location, the user's means of movement, and the user's determined service provision schedule.

[0036] [Item 5] The information processing system according to Item 4, wherein:

[0037] The candidate determination unit estimates the estimated position of the user at each time and the movement path from the current position of the user to the cargo collection point based on the current position of the user and the determined service provision schedule.

[0038] One or more users estimated to be able to provide the service based on the estimated position and the movement path of the user are determined as service provider candidates.

[0039] [Item 6] The information processing system according to Item 5, wherein:

[0040] The candidate determination unit determines, in order of the moving paths to the cargo collection location from shortest to longest, one or more of the users who are estimated to be able to move to the cargo collection location within the cargo collection time period and deliver the cargo to the delivery destination as the service provider candidates.

[0041] [Item 7] The information processing system according to Item 5, wherein:

[0042] The candidate determination unit determines, in order from earliest to latest estimated arrival time at the cargo collection location, one or more of the users estimated to be able to move to the cargo collection location within the cargo collection time period and deliver the cargo to the delivery destination as the service provider candidates.

[0043] [Item 8] The information processing system according to Item 5, wherein:

[0044] The candidate determination unit obtains a waiting time determined based on the management temperature zone of the cargo and indicating a time during which the cargo can wait at the cargo collection location,

[0045] The user who is estimated to be able to arrive at the cargo collection location within a period from the estimated arrival time of the cargo at the cargo collection location to the elapse of the waiting time is determined as the service provider candidate.

[0046] [Item 9] The information processing system according to any one of Items 5 to 8, further comprising:

[0047] a notification generating unit, which generates a recruitment notification of the service provider,

[0048] The control unit notifies one of the users determined as the candidates of the recruitment.

[0049] [Item 10] The information processing system according to any one of Items 5 to 8, further comprising:

[0050] a notification generating unit, which generates a recruitment notification of the service provider,

[0051] The control unit notifies a predetermined number of users, one or more of the users determined as the candidates, of the recruitment.

[0052] [Item 11] The information processing system according to Item 10, wherein:

[0053] The control unit approves, as the service provider, one of the users who have been determined as the candidates and notified of the recruitment and who has accepted the recruitment earliest.

[0054] [Item 12] The information processing system according to Item 11, wherein:

[0055] The control unit approves the user who accepts the recruitment within a prescribed time limit after being notified of the recruitment as the service provider.

[0056] [Item 13] The information processing system according to Item 12, wherein:

[0057] If the user does not accept the recruitment within a certain period of time after being notified of the recruitment, the candidate determination unit determines the service provider candidate involved in other delivery plans having different cargo collection locations and cargo collection time periods,

[0058] The control unit approves the user as a service provider based on the fact that the user determined as the candidate has accepted the recruitment.

[0059] [Item 14] The information processing system according to Item 12, wherein:

[0060] In a case where the user does not accept the recruitment within a certain period of time after being notified of the recruitment, the control unit selects and approves another delivery plan that does not include collection and delivery of the goods by the service provider.

[0061] [Item 15] The information processing system according to Item 13 or 14, wherein:

[0062] The control unit obtains a vacancy status of a delivery section and a possible delivery position, wherein the delivery section indicates a time period divided into predetermined time intervals during which the delivery means can deliver, and the possible delivery position indicates a location at which the delivery means can deliver.

[0063] The delivery plan is generated by specifying the delivery means, the delivery section, the deliverable location, and the delivery route based on the availability status of the delivery section and the deliverable location of each of the delivery means.

[0064] [Item 16] The information processing system according to Item 15, wherein:

[0065] The control unit generates the delivery plan based on a weather forecast for the delivery route.

[0066] [Item 17] The information processing system according to Item 16, wherein:

[0067] The delivery means includes an unmanned mobile body.

[0068] [Item 18] The information processing system according to Item 17, wherein:

[0069] The unmanned mobile object includes a mobile object that moves autonomously on land or an flying object that flies autonomously in the air.

[0070] [Item 19] An information processing device comprising:

[0071] a control unit that generates one or more delivery plans including a delivery route and a delivery means for the goods; and

[0072] a candidate determination unit that determines one or more users who are estimated to be able to provide the service of collecting and delivering the goods as service provider candidates,

[0073] When one user is approved as the service provider from among the users determined as the candidates, the control unit selects and approves one of the generated delivery plans from the service provider to a cargo collection location.

[0074] [Item 20] An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising:

[0075] Generate one or more distribution plans including distribution routes and distribution means of goods;

[0076] determining one or more users who are presumed to be able to provide services for collecting and delivering the goods as candidates for service providers; and

[0077] When one user is approved as the service provider from among the users determined as the candidates, one of the delivery plans generated from the service provider to the cargo collection location is selected and approved.

[0078] [Item 21] A program product including a program that causes a computer to perform the following functions:

[0079] a control unit that generates one or more delivery plans including a delivery route and a delivery means for the goods; and

[0080] a candidate determination unit that determines one or more users who are estimated to be able to provide the service of collecting and delivering the goods as service provider candidates,

[0081] When one user is approved as the service provider from among the users determined as the candidates, the control unit selects and approves one of the generated delivery plans from the service provider to the cargo collection location.

[0082] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional structure are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit repeated description.

[0083] In addition, in this specification and the drawings, different numbers or letters are sometimes added after the same reference numerals to distinguish multiple components having substantially the same functional structure. However, when there is no need to particularly distinguish each of the multiple components having substantially the same functional structure, each of the multiple components is simply marked with the same reference numeral.

[0084] <1. Overview of information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention>

[0085] One embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing system that can help to further improve the efficiency of the distribution or collection of goods. More specifically, the information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention can realize a more efficient distribution system as follows: instead of the distribution based on the hub-and-spoke method as in the existing distribution system, or on this basis, also including distribution by distribution means such as unmanned mobile bodies and labor providers such as part-time workers.

[0086] Figure 1 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the overview of the information processing system of the present embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system of this embodiment includes a mobile body 10, a server 30, and an information terminal 50. The mobile body 10, the server 30, and the information terminal 50 are connected to each other via a network.

[0087] like Figure 1 As shown, the information terminal 50 is a terminal used by a service provider U, which provides a service of collecting the cargo L transported by the mobile body 10 to the cargo collection location CP1 and delivering it to the delivery destination D. The service provider U carries the information terminal 50. The service provider U receives a request for providing services of collecting and delivering cargo notified from the server 30 to the information terminal 50, and provides services of collecting and delivering (delivering and collecting cargo) the cargo L. Such a service provider U is generally also called a so-called part-time worker.

[0088] (Moving body 10)

[0089] The mobile body 10 is a mobile body used in a distribution operation for distributing or collecting goods L. For example, the mobile body 10 is used when the goods L entrusted for distribution are distributed from a warehouse WH storing the goods L. In addition, the mobile body 10 is not necessarily required for the distribution operation, and for example, the mobile body 10 may be used for distribution on foot together with a cart (for example, a box-type cart, a cage-type cart, etc.). In addition, it is not limited to a warehouse, and it may also be a store such as a retail store or a restaurant.

[0090] The mobile body 10 includes an unmanned mobile body 10A that moves by autonomous control or remote operation. The unmanned mobile body 10A can move by autonomous control using input information such as the positions of two locations such as a starting point (for example, a delivery start position of the goods L, a movement start position of the unmanned mobile body 10A) and an end point (for example, a deliverable location of each delivery means such as an unmanned aerial vehicle stand), or the positions of three or more locations including a relay location (for example, in the case of delivery accompanied by the collection of goods L, a collection location of goods L), and a return location (for example, the same location as the movement start position of the unmanned mobile body 10A, or a different standby location, etc.). In addition, the input information for autonomous control may also include various information such as other passing locations or delivery routes.

[0091] In addition, the unmanned mobile body 10A may use the operation information inputted by the manager who manages the unmanned mobile body 10A through remote operation, and move according to the remote operation. Figure 1 The flying object may be a drone that flies under autonomous control or a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that flies under remote control by an administrator.

[0092] The unmanned vehicle 10A of the present embodiment is not limited to a flying vehicle, and may be, for example, a vehicle that moves on land, such as a UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle), or a ship that moves on waterways, such as seas or rivers.

[0093] The moving body 10 includes a manned moving body 10B used by a delivery person who delivers or collects goods L. For example, the manned moving body 10B may be Figure 1 The manned mobile body 10B is a vehicle that moves on land as shown in the figure (for example, a passenger car, a light truck, a light truck or other truck, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a scooter, etc.). However, the manned mobile body 10B is not limited to a vehicle. For example, the manned mobile body 10B may be an aircraft that flies in the air, or a ship that moves on a waterway such as a sea or a river.

[0094] Furthermore, the unmanned movable body 10A and the manned movable body 10B may be movable bodies that can move on at least two or more routes among land, water, and air.

[0095] (Server 30)

[0096] The server 30 is an example of an information processing device, and has the following functions: accepting a request for delivery or collection of goods (hereinafter referred to as a delivery request) from a client, and generating a delivery plan including information such as the means of delivery and the delivery route of the goods. In addition, the server 30 has the function of managing the operation of the mobile body 10 based on the generated delivery plan. For example, the server 30 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a PC, or may be a cloud server. In addition, the method by which the server 30 accepts delivery requests is not particularly limited. For example, the server 30 may communicate with the server 30 to receive the delivery request. Figure 1 The delivery entrustment may be accepted by communicating with a smartphone used by a general consumer (not shown) or an external terminal installed in a retail store, a restaurant, or the like. Alternatively, the delivery entrustment accepted from the entruster may be input to the server 30 by an operator of the server 30, so that the server 30 accepts the delivery entrustment.

[0097] When accepting a delivery commission, such a server 30 first generates the above-mentioned delivery plan. At this time, the server 30 can also generate multiple delivery plans from the delivery start position to the end point of the goods L based on a combination of multiple different delivery means, delivery routes and time periods. In addition, the server 30 can also generate a delivery plan based on a combination of multiple delivery means such as an unmanned mobile body 10A and a manned mobile body 10B in one delivery plan. In addition, the server 30 can also generate a delivery plan based on a combination of delivery to a deliverable location (relay location) performed by the above-mentioned delivery means and the recovery and delivery of goods from the deliverable location to the delivery destination by the service provider U. In addition, the deliverable location is a location where each mobile body 10 can perform delivery, which is determined by the parking location of the mobile body 10 (for example, a take-off and landing field prepared in advance for an aircraft) or the responsible area of ​​the delivery person using the mobile body 10. In addition, in this specification, the deliverable location will also be referred to as the cargo recovery location below.

[0098] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the server 30 generates a delivery plan based on a combination of a delivery route R1 in which the unmanned moving body 10A delivers the goods L to the goods collection point CP1 and the collection and delivery of the goods L by the service provider U from the goods collection point CP1 to the delivery destination D. In addition, as another delivery plan to the same delivery destination, the server 30 generates a delivery plan based on a delivery route R2 in which the manned moving body 10B delivers the goods L to the delivery destination D. The server 30 selects and approves any one of the generated multiple delivery plans. Alternatively, when one delivery plan is generated, the server 30 approves the one delivery plan.

[0099] In addition, the server 30 has a matching function of determining a candidate service provider who can provide services related to the collection and delivery of the goods L from the goods collection point. The server 30 determines the candidate service provider from a plurality of pre-registered users. Furthermore, the server 30 notifies the user determined as the candidate service provider of the recruitment of the provision of services. When any user accepts the recruitment of the provision of services, the server 30 can select and approve the distribution plan based on the combination of the collection and delivery of goods by the service provider and other distribution means from the generated distribution plan.

[0100] When a distribution plan is approved, the server 30 performs various scheduled management related to the distribution or collection involved in the distribution plan, such as the designation of the distribution means involved in the distribution plan and the reservation of the distribution interval. For example, the server 30 can register the scheduled distribution related to the distribution or collection of the goods L within the distribution interval of the delivery person or the unmanned mobile body 10A that delivers the goods L. In addition, in this specification, the distribution interval represents the time period that can be delivered by the delivery person or the unmanned mobile body 10A and other distribution means. In addition, based on the approved distribution plan, the server 30 generates distribution instruction information for indicating information such as the distribution destination or distribution route to the mobile body 10 or the delivery person. The server 30 can send the generated distribution instruction information directly to the mobile body 10, or it can send it to the delivery person terminal (not shown) used by the delivery person using the mobile body 10. The mobile body 10 or the delivery person performs the distribution and collection operations of the goods L according to the distribution instruction information.

[0101] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the delivery interval of the present embodiment. For example, the delivery plan DS of the unmanned mobile body 10B (or the delivery person) for one day is divided into each predetermined delivery interval (for example, 15 minutes), and the unmanned mobile body 10B (or the delivery person) delivers the goods L registered in each delivery interval at the time indicated in the delivery interval. Such a combination of the delivery plan DS and the delivery interval can be set for each candidate of a plurality of deliverable locations (goods collection locations).

[0102] For example, for a deliverable location (e.g. Figure 1 The delivery plan DS set for the cargo recovery location CP1 shown in the figure includes the following two types: a "full" delivery interval (hereinafter referred to as a full interval DF) indicating that the scheduled delivery of the unmanned mobile body 10B (or the delivery person) is already full, and an "empty" delivery interval (hereinafter referred to as an empty interval DE) indicating that there is a vacant space in the scheduled delivery of the unmanned mobile body 10B (or the delivery person).

[0103] (Information Terminal 50)

[0104] The information terminal 50 is a terminal used by the service provider U. The information terminal 50 is realized by, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a PC (Personal Computer).

[0105] The information terminal 50 receives a recruitment notice related to the service of providing the collection and delivery of the goods L from the server 30. The service provider U can view the recruitment notice by operating the information terminal 50. Furthermore, the service provider U can accept the recruitment by operating the information terminal 50. When the service provider U accepts the recruitment in the information terminal 50, the information terminal 50 notifies the server 30 that the service provider U has accepted the recruitment.

[0106] In addition, the information terminal 50 has a function of displaying various information related to the above recruitment to the service provider U. For example, the information terminal 50 can display information such as the location of the cargo collection point involved in the task of providing services, the current location of the service provider U, or the movement path from the passing point to the service provider U.

[0107] The above is a description of the overview of the information processing system of the present embodiment. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the server 30 and the information terminal 50 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0108] <2. Functional Configuration Example>

[0109] <2-1. Server 30>

[0110] Figure 3 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the functional structure of the server 30 of the present embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the server 30 of the present embodiment includes a communication unit 310 , a storage unit 320 , a control unit 330 , a candidate determination unit 340 , and a notification generation unit 350 .

[0111] The control unit 330, the candidate determination unit 340, and the notification generation unit 350 include a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and can realize their functions by expanding and executing the program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) in a RAM (Random Access Memory). In this case, a computer-readable recording medium recording the program can be provided. Alternatively, these modules can be composed of dedicated hardware or realized by a combination of multiple hardware.

[0112] Data necessary for the calculations performed by the calculation device are appropriately stored in the storage unit 320. The storage unit 320 can be constituted by a memory such as a RAM, a hard disk drive, or a flash memory.

[0113] (Communication Department 310)

[0114] The communication unit 310 performs various communications with external terminals such as the mobile body 10 and the information terminal 50. For example, the communication unit 310 sends a recruitment notification of the service generated by the notification generation unit 350 to the information terminal 50 under the control of the control unit 330. In addition, the communication unit 310 receives a notification from the information terminal 50 that the service provider U has accepted the recruitment of the service. Furthermore, the communication unit 310 receives from the information terminal 50 location positioning information such as the current location of the service provider U, and information on the execution status of the current service provision task input into the information terminal 50 through the operation of the service provider U. In addition, the communication unit 310 accepts delivery commissions by communicating with the smartphone used by the above-mentioned general consumers (clients) or external terminals installed in stores, etc.

[0115] (Storage Unit 320)

[0116] The storage unit 320 stores software and various data. For example, the storage unit 320 stores information of users who are pre-registered and can provide services for the collection and delivery of goods. The user information includes, for example, the means of transportation used by each service provider U and information on the area where the service can be provided. In addition, the storage unit 320 stores various information related to the generation of the delivery plan. For example, the storage unit 320 stores each delivery means, the deliverable location of each delivery means, the vacancy status of each deliverable location, the vacancy status of the delivery interval of each delivery means, and information related to the delivery entrustment (for example, location information such as the address of the delivery destination included in the delivery entrustment, the type and number of goods L, etc.).

[0117] (Control Unit 330)

[0118] The control unit 330 controls all actions of the server 30. For example, the control unit 330 controls the communication unit 310 to send a recruitment notice of a service to the information terminal 50. In addition, the control unit 330 has the following function: when receiving a delivery commission of goods L through the communication unit 310, the control unit 330 generates one or more delivery plans involving the delivery of goods L. In addition, the control unit 330 has the following function: based on the fact that a user determined as a service provider candidate by the candidate determination unit 340 described later has accepted the recruitment of providing services, the control unit 330 approves the user as a service provider. When a user is approved as a service provider, the control unit 330 selects and approves a delivery plan to a deliverable location of the service provider (the goods collection location seen from the service provider U) in the generated delivery plan.

[0119] The control unit 330 refers to the storage unit 320 to obtain the free status of the delivery interval of each delivery means and the deliverable position of each delivery means. Based on the obtained free status of the delivery interval and the deliverable position of each delivery means, the control unit 330 specifies the delivery means, the delivery interval, the deliverable position and the delivery route, thereby generating a delivery plan. At this time, the control unit 330 may further generate a delivery plan based on the weather forecast of the above-mentioned delivery route. For example, when the weather forecast of a certain delivery route shows bad weather, the control unit 330 may specify other delivery means as the delivery means in the delivery route, and the other delivery means is not an autonomous mobile body on an empty road affected by bad weather (especially high wind speed weather).

[0120] When a delivery plan is selected and approved, the control unit 330 generates delivery instruction information including the designated delivery means and the designated delivery interval based on the delivery plan. Figure 1 The control unit 330 may send the delivery instruction information to a delivery person terminal (not shown) used by the delivery person. Alternatively, the control unit 330 may directly communicate with the unmanned mobile body 10A to send the above-mentioned delivery instruction information. Alternatively, the control unit 330 may also send the above-mentioned delivery instruction information to an information terminal (such as a PC) used by a manager who remotely operates the unmanned mobile body 10A. In this way, the goods L are delivered based on the delivery plan generated and approved by the server 30.

[0121] (Candidate determination unit 340)

[0122] The candidate determination unit 340 has a function of determining one or more users who are presumed to be able to provide services for collecting and delivering goods from a goods collection location as service provider candidates. In more detail, in the case where the delivery plan generated by the control unit 330 includes a delivery plan based on a combination of delivery to a deliverable location by the mobile body 10 and collection and delivery of goods from the deliverable location (goods collection location) by a service provider, the candidate determination unit 340 determines the service provider candidates involved in the above-mentioned delivery plan from pre-registered users. Hereinafter, in this specification, a user refers to a user who is pre-registered as a user who can become a service provider candidate. The registration of a user can be performed by sending the user's information input by each user operating the information terminal 50 to the server 30 and storing it in the storage unit 320. Alternatively, the storage unit 320 may pre-save the user's information.

[0123] The candidate determination unit 340 determines as a candidate service provider a user who is presumed to be able to provide the above-mentioned service based on the cargo collection time period at the cargo collection location, the user's current location, the user's means of movement, and the user's predetermined service provision conditions (for example, including the distance between the delivery destination and the current location, the required time, etc.). The cargo collection time period can be determined based on the delivery interval of the mobile body 10 and the vacancy status of the cargo collection location when the control unit 330 generates the delivery plan. Alternatively, in the case where the delivery commission of the cargo L includes the collection of the cargo L, the cargo collection time period can also be the desired collection time. In addition, the candidate determination unit 340 obtains the current location of each user and the predetermined service provision conditions determined by the user from the information terminal 50 via the communication unit 310.

[0124] In the process of determining the service provider candidates, the candidate determination unit 340 estimates the user's estimated position at each time and the moving path from the user's current position to the cargo collection point based on the user's current position and the determined service provision schedule. The candidate determination unit 340 determines a predetermined number of users who are estimated to be able to provide services based on the estimated estimated positions and moving paths as service provider candidates. At this time, the upper limit number of users determined as candidates can be set in advance by the operator of the server 30.

[0125] For example, the candidate determination unit 340 may determine the service provider candidates from the users who are estimated to be able to move to the cargo collection location and deliver the above-mentioned cargo to the delivery destination within the cargo collection time period, starting from the user whose moving path from the current location to the cargo collection location is the shortest. Alternatively, the candidate determination unit 340 may determine one or more users as service provider candidates in the order of estimated arrival time at the cargo collection location from early to late. Alternatively, the candidate determination unit 340 may obtain the waiting time determined based on the management temperature zone, indicating the time that the cargo L can wait at the cargo collection location, when the cargo L is a cargo that needs to be refrigerated, etc. The waiting time may be predetermined according to the category of the cargo L and stored in the storage unit 320. The candidate determination unit 340 may also determine the above-mentioned users who are estimated to be able to arrive at the cargo collection location within the period from the estimated arrival time of the cargo to the cargo collection location to the elapse of the waiting time, as service provider candidates.

[0126] (Notification Generator 350)

[0127] The notification generation unit 350 has a function of generating a recruitment notification of a service provider. The recruitment notification generated by the notification generation unit 350 is sent to the information terminal 50 used by the user determined as a candidate for a service provider under the control of the control unit 330. Alternatively, the server 30 may also have Figure 3In this case, the recruitment notice may be displayed on the display unit (not shown) under the control of the control unit 330.

[0128] Above, reference Figure 3 , an example of the functional structure of the server 30 of this embodiment is described. Figure 4 , an example of the functional structure of the information terminal 50 of this embodiment is described.

[0129] <2-2. Information Terminal 50>

[0130] Figure 4 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the functional structure of the information terminal 50 of the present embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the information terminal 50 of the present embodiment includes a communication unit 510 , a control unit 530 , and an operation display unit 540 .

[0131] (Communication Department 510)

[0132] The communication unit 510 performs various communications with the server 30. For example, the communication unit 510 receives a recruitment notice of a service from the server 30. In addition, based on the operation of the service provider U, the communication unit 510 transmits a notification to the server 30 that the service provider U has accepted the recruitment.

[0133] (Control Unit 530)

[0134] The control unit 530 controls all operations of the information terminal 50. For example, the control unit 530 controls the transmission and reception of various information by the communication unit 510. For example, the control unit 530 causes the communication unit 510 to transmit information related to the execution status of the currently determined service of the service provider U input through the operation display unit 540 to the server 30.

[0135] (Operation display unit 540)

[0136] The operation display unit 540 has a function as an operation unit that can input information related to the execution status of the service of collecting or delivering the goods L performed by the service provider U. For example, the service provider U can receive a recruitment notice for the service by operating the operation display unit 540. The operation of receiving the recruitment notice for the service can be, for example, an operation of pressing an application button displayed on the operation display unit 540. In addition, the service provider U can notify the server 30 of the start or completion of the determined service by operating the operation display unit 540. Alternatively, the service provider U can view information related to the service being recruited or determined (such as the location or movement path of the goods collection point) by operating the operation display unit 540.

[0137] The function of the operation display unit 540 as an operation unit can be realized by, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard. In addition, the function of the display unit can be realized by a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device. In addition, the function of the display unit and the function of the operation unit can also be configured separately.

[0138] In addition, the information terminal 50 may also have Figure 4 In this case, the service provider U can also use the microphone to input the execution status of the service related to the delivery or collection of goods L. In addition, the information terminal 50 may further include Figure 4 In this case, the service provider U can also confirm the information related to the service through the sound output from the speaker.

[0139] Above, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the functional configuration examples of the server 30 and the information terminal 50 are described. Figure 5 , an operation example of the information processing system of this embodiment is described.

[0140] <3. Action Example>

[0141] Figure 5 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing operations for determining service provider candidates and approving a delivery plan performed by the information processing system of this embodiment.

[0142] First, the communication unit 310 of the server 30 receives a request for the delivery or collection of goods (delivery request) (S101). When the delivery request is received, the control unit 330 of the server 30 generates a delivery plan (S103). In addition, one or more delivery plans with a short total delivery time or one or more delivery plans with a low total delivery cost may be preferentially stored as the generated delivery plan, and the process proceeds to the next step.

[0143] In the case where the generated distribution plan includes a distribution plan based on a combination of the collection and distribution of goods by the service provider and other distribution means (S107 / No), the control unit 330 selects and approves one of the generated distribution plans (S119). At this time, the control unit 330 can, for example, give priority to the distribution plan in which the distribution means is the unmanned moving body 10A, compared with the distribution plan in which the distribution means is the delivery person using the manned moving body 10B. Thus, it is possible to promote the flexible use of the unmanned moving body 10A and select a distribution plan with higher distribution efficiency. In addition, instead of the determination of step S107, in step S103, when the distribution destination position included in the distribution entrustment is outside the prescribed range from the position where the moving body 10 starts distribution (for example, the warehouse WH, the current position of the moving body 10, the current responsible area, etc.), a distribution plan based on the combination of distribution to the deliverable location (relay location) by the distribution means and the collection and distribution of goods by the service provider U from the deliverable location to the delivery destination is generated. In this case, the process may proceed to step 109 without going through step S107.

[0144] In S107, when the generated delivery plan includes a delivery plan based on a combination of collection and delivery of goods by a service provider and other delivery means (S107 / Yes), the candidate determination unit 340 of the server 30 determines a service provider candidate (S109). The notification generation unit 350 generates a recruitment notification for the service. The control unit 330 causes the communication unit 310 to send the recruitment notification to the information terminal 50 used by the user determined as a candidate (S111).

[0145] In the case where the user does not accept the recruitment (S113 / No), the control unit 330 changes the initially specified delivery interval or cargo collection point in the delivery plan based on the combination of the collection and delivery of the goods by the service provider and other delivery means (S115). Next, the server 30 repeats the processing of S115 and S107 to S113 until any user accepts the recruitment of the service in S113. Thus, in the case where any user does not accept the recruitment of the service provider, the matching of the service provider candidates is performed again using the same delivery means and different delivery intervals or cargo collection points. In addition, in the case where the arrival time to the delivery destination of the goods is limited, the server 30 may also repeat the processing of S115 and S107 to S113 within a certain limited number of times or a certain limited time range in which the processing of repeated matching can be performed again until the user accepts the recruitment of the service. In the case where the number of repeated processing exceeds the above-mentioned limited number of times and limited time, the server 30 may select other delivery plans that do not require the service provider to provide services, or regenerate other delivery plans, and select and approve the other delivery plans.

[0146] In S113, if the user accepts the offer (S113 / Yes), the control unit 330 approves the user who accepted the offer as a service provider (S117). At this time, the control unit 330 may cause the communication unit 310 to send a notification of the decision to provide the service to the information terminal 50 used by the user.

[0147] The control unit 330 selects and approves a delivery plan to the cargo collection location based on a combination of collection and delivery of the cargo L by the service provider and other delivery means (S119).

[0148] Above, refer to Figure 5 , an example of processing operations for determining candidate service providers and approving a delivery plan performed by the information processing system of this embodiment is described.

[0149] <4. Hardware Configuration Example>

[0150] The information processing described above is realized by the cooperation of software and the hardware of the server 30 described below. In addition, the hardware structure described below can also be applied to the information terminal 50.

[0151] Figure 6 30 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the hardware structure of the server 30 of this embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, the server 30 includes a control unit 330 , a memory 31 , a storage 32 , a transceiver unit 33 , an input / output unit 34 , etc., which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 35 .

[0152] The control unit 330 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the server 30, controls the data transmission and reception between various elements, and performs information processing required for the execution of applications and authentication processing. For example, the control unit 330 is a CPU and / or a GPU, and executes the program for this system stored in the storage 32 and expanded in the memory 31 to implement various information processing as described above.

[0153] The memory 31 includes a main storage, which is composed of a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and an auxiliary storage, which is composed of a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The memory 31 is used as a work area of ​​the control unit 330, and also stores the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) executed when the server 30 is started, and various setting information.

[0154] The memory 32 stores various programs such as application programs. A database storing data used for each process may be constructed in the memory 32 .

[0155] The transceiver 33 connects the server 30 to the Internet and / or the blockchain network. In addition, the transceiver 33 may include a Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) short-range communication interface.

[0156] The input / output unit 34 includes information input devices such as a keyboard, a microphone, and a mouse, and output devices such as a display and a speaker.

[0157] The bus 35 is commonly connected to the above-mentioned elements, and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals, and various control signals.

[0158] <5.Supplement>

[0159] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this example. Obviously, a person with common knowledge in the technical field of the present invention can think of various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea recorded in the claims, and these changes or modifications are of course also understood to belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0160] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the candidate decision unit 340 determines the user who is presumed to be able to provide services based on the cargo recovery time period at the cargo recovery location, the user's current location, the user's means of movement, and the user's predetermined service provision status as a candidate for a service provider, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the candidate decision unit 340 may also obtain in advance the conditions for providing services that indicate the conditions of the state in which each user can provide services. The conditions for providing services include, for example, the area in which each user can recover and distribute goods, or the time period in which the provision of services can be responded to without receiving a recruitment notice. In this case, it is also possible that the candidate decision unit 340 does not need to notify the user who is determined to be a candidate for a service provider of recruitment, but immediately approves the user who meets the above-mentioned conditions for providing services as a service provider. As a result, the control unit 330 can immediately approve a user as a service provider without waiting for the user to accept the recruitment. Therefore, the time until the distribution plan generated by the control unit 330 is approved can be further shortened.

[0161] In addition, the steps in the operation processing of the server 30 and the information terminal 50 of this embodiment do not necessarily have to be processed in chronological order according to the order recorded as the explanatory diagram. For example, the steps in the operation processing of the server 30 and the information terminal 50 may be processed in an order different from the order recorded as the explanatory diagram, or may be processed in parallel.

[0162] In addition, the effects described in this specification are only illustrative or exemplary, and are not restrictive. That is, the technology of the present invention can also have other effects that are clear to those skilled in the art based on the description of this specification in addition to or instead of the above effects.

[0163] Furthermore, a computer program may be created for causing hardware such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM built into the server 30 and the information terminal 50 to perform the same functions as the respective components of the server 30 and the information terminal 50 described above.

[0164] Explanation of symbols

[0165] 10: mobile body; 30: server; 310: communication unit; 320: storage unit; 330: control unit; 340: candidate determination unit; 350: notification generation unit; 50: information terminal; 510: communication unit; 530: control unit; 540: operation display unit.

Claims

1. An information processing system, characterized in that: have: a control unit that generates one or more delivery plans including a delivery route and a delivery means for the goods; and a candidate determination unit that determines one or more users who are estimated to be able to provide the service of collecting and delivering the goods as service provider candidates, When one user is approved as the service provider from among the users determined as the candidates, the control unit selects and approves one of the generated delivery plans from the service provider to a cargo collection location.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also available: a notification generating unit, which generates a recruitment notification of the service provider, The control unit approves the user as a service provider based on the fact that the user determined as the candidate has accepted the recruitment.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit obtains a service provision condition indicating a condition in which each of the users can provide a service, A user who satisfies the service provision condition among the users determined as the candidates is selected and approved as the service provider.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The candidate determination unit determines as a service provider candidate a user who is estimated to be able to provide the service based on the cargo collection time period at the cargo collection location, the user's current location, the user's means of movement, and the user's determined service provision schedule.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The candidate determination unit estimates the estimated position of the user at each time and the movement path from the current position of the user to the cargo collection point based on the current position of the user and the determined service provision schedule. One or more users estimated to be able to provide the service based on the estimated position and the movement path of the user are determined as service provider candidates.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The candidate determination unit determines, in order of the moving paths to the cargo collection location from shortest to longest, one or more of the users who are estimated to be able to move to the cargo collection location within the cargo collection time period and deliver the cargo to the delivery destination as the service provider candidates.

7. The information processing system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The candidate determination unit determines, in order from earliest to latest estimated arrival time at the cargo collection location, one or more of the users estimated to be able to move to the cargo collection location within the cargo collection time period and deliver the cargo to the delivery destination as the service provider candidates.

8. The information processing system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The candidate determination unit obtains a waiting time determined based on the management temperature zone of the cargo and indicating a time during which the cargo can wait at the cargo collection location, The user who is estimated to be able to arrive at the cargo collection location within a period from the estimated arrival time of the cargo at the cargo collection location to the elapse of the waiting time is determined as the service provider candidate.

9. The information processing system according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also available: a notification generating unit, which generates a recruitment notification of the service provider, The control unit notifies one of the users determined as the candidates of the recruitment.

10. The information processing system according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also available: a notification generating unit, which generates a recruitment notification of the service provider, The control unit notifies a predetermined number of users, one or more of the users determined as the candidates, of the recruitment.

11. The information processing system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The control unit approves, as the service provider, one of the users who have been determined as the candidates and notified of the recruitment and who has accepted the recruitment earliest.

12. The information processing system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The control unit approves the user who accepts the recruitment within a certain time after being notified of the recruitment as the service provider.

13. The information processing system according to claim 12, characterized in that: If the user does not accept the recruitment within a certain period of time after being notified of the recruitment, the candidate determination unit determines the service provider candidate involved in other delivery plans having different cargo collection locations and cargo collection time periods, The control unit approves the user as a service provider based on the fact that the user determined as the candidate has accepted the recruitment.

14. The information processing system according to claim 12, characterized in that: In a case where the user does not accept the recruitment within a certain period of time after being notified of the recruitment, the control unit selects and approves another delivery plan that does not include collection and delivery of the goods by the service provider.

15. The information processing system according to claim 13, characterized in that: The control unit obtains a vacancy status of a delivery section and a possible delivery position, wherein the delivery section indicates a time period divided into predetermined time intervals during which the delivery means can deliver, and the possible delivery position indicates a location at which the delivery means can deliver. The delivery plan is generated by specifying the delivery means, the delivery section, the deliverable location, and the delivery route based on the availability status of the delivery section and the deliverable location of each of the delivery means.

16. The information processing system according to claim 15, characterized in that: The control unit generates the delivery plan based on a weather forecast for the delivery route.

17. The information processing system according to claim 16, wherein: The delivery means includes an unmanned mobile body.

18. The information processing system according to claim 17, characterized in that: The unmanned mobile object includes a mobile object that moves autonomously on land or an aerial object that flies autonomously in the air.

19. An information processing device, characterized in that: have: a control unit that generates one or more delivery plans including a delivery route and a delivery means for the goods; and a candidate determination unit that determines one or more users who are estimated to be able to provide the service of collecting and delivering the goods as service provider candidates, When one user is approved as the service provider from among the users determined as the candidates, the control unit selects and approves one of the generated delivery plans from the service provider to a cargo collection location.

20. An information processing method executed by a computer, characterized in that: include: Generate one or more distribution plans including distribution routes and distribution means of goods; Determining one or more users who are presumed to be able to provide the service of collecting and delivering the goods as candidates for service providers; as well as When one user is approved as the service provider from among the users determined as the candidates, one of the delivery plans generated from the service provider to the cargo collection location is selected and approved.

21. A program product, characterized in that Includes a program that causes a computer to function as follows: a control unit that generates one or more delivery plans including a delivery route and a delivery means for the goods; and a candidate determination unit that determines one or more users who are estimated to be able to provide the service of collecting and delivering the goods as service provider candidates, When one user is approved as the service provider from among the users determined as the candidates, the control unit selects and approves one of the generated delivery plans from the service provider to the cargo collection location.

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