Information processing system, and server, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, a management server, an information processing method, and a program for standardizing and managing deliveries (for example, loads such as baggage) by using storage container type identification information, thereby facilitating comprehensive grasp of the amount of the deliveries and efficiently storing the deliveries in various storage spaces.SOLUTION: In an information processing system, a control unit 10 of a management server comprises: a remaining space calculation unit 151 that, based on storage container type information indicating the type for every capacity of a storage container storing a delivery to a user, and reference storage space capacity information indicating the capacity of a storage space storing one or more storage containers, calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in the storage space; and a mixed loading object extraction unit 152 that extracts mixed loading object information indicating mixed loading objects that can be stored in a remaining space in a target storage space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and server, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, mobile bodies capable of autonomous control, such as flying bodies such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and running bodies such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), have begun to be used in the industry. Patent Document 1 discloses the delivery of delivery items by a flying body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a delivery system, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, although it is assumed that a plurality of mobile bodies are delivery control targets, in a demonstration experiment, virtual delivery goods (for example, daily necessities and food) within the range that can be loaded onto one mobile body are set, and a test delivery flight is performed at the timing when a predetermined route can be flown.

[0005] However, in reality, users don't consider the load capacity of a single mobile vehicle when placing an order; they typically order what they want, when they want it, and in the quantity they want. Therefore, there is no predictability regarding how much will fit on a single mobile vehicle (in other words, how much remaining storage space is available in the vehicle's loading area, etc.). On the other hand, it is known that higher delivery efficiency leads to lower delivery costs (and consequently, delivery fees), so loading a large amount of cargo onto a single mobile vehicle is desirable for both service providers and users. These challenges are not limited to mobile vehicles but are also present in conventional delivery methods.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of this background, and aims to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that make it easier to grasp the overall volume of delivered goods (for example, cargo such as luggage) by standardizing and managing delivered goods using storage container type identification information, and that enable efficient storage in various storage spaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problems is an information processing system, etc. comprising: a residual space calculation unit that calculates residual space information indicating the remaining space within a storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume in which goods to be delivered to a user are stored, and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of a storage space in which one or more storage containers are stored; and a mixed item extraction unit that extracts mixed item information indicating mixed items that can be stored in the residual space of the target storage space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, by standardizing and managing delivered goods (e.g., cargo such as luggage) using storage container type identification information, it is possible to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that facilitates the overall understanding of the volume of delivered goods and enables efficient storage in various storage spaces. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the hardware configuration of the management server in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal and the worker terminal. [Figure 4] This block diagram shows the functions of the management server in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the storage structure. [Figure 6] This is an example illustrating the calculation of residual space according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the delivery information storage unit. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described by listing them. The information processing system, etc., according to the embodiments of the present invention has the following configuration. [Item 1] A residual space calculation unit calculates residual space information indicating the remaining space within a storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume in which items to be delivered to a user are stored, and standard storage space volume information indicating the volume of a storage space in which one or more storage containers are stored. It includes a mixed-item extraction unit that extracts mixed-item information indicating mixed-item information that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space, An information processing system characterized by the following: [Item 2] The aforementioned containment vessel type information is made identifiable based on a predetermined containment space volume, with the standard containment space volume being used as the reference volume, and the volume obtained by dividing the standard containment space volume by a predetermined number. The information processing system according to item 1, characterized in that... [Item 3] The mixed object information includes advertisement item information. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 or 2, characterized in that... [Item 4] The mixed object extraction unit further refers to the purchase history information of the user. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that... [Item 5] The mixed object extraction unit further refers to the purchase desire information of the user. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that... [Item 6] The mixed object extraction unit further refers to at least one of the purchase history information and the purchase desire information of other users associated with the user. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that... [Item 7] The mixed object information includes regular purchase item information of the user or other users associated with the user. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that... [Item 8] The mixed object information includes offer desire item information indicating items provided by other users. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that... [Item 9] A remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of a storage container for storing items to be delivered to a user and reference storage space volume information indicating the type for each volume of one or more storage containers for storing the storage containers; A mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating a mixed object that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space; comprising. The server, characterized in that... [Item 10] The residual space calculation unit calculates residual space information indicating the residual space within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for storing items to be delivered to the user, and standard storage space volume information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that contains one or more storage containers. The process includes the step of using a mixed-loading object extraction unit to extract mixed-loading object information indicating mixed-loading objects that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space, An information processing method characterized by the following: [Item 11] The residual space calculation unit calculates residual space information indicating the residual space within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume in which items to be delivered to the user are stored, and standard storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space in which one or more storage containers are stored. The computer is instructed to perform the following steps: The mixed-item extraction unit extracts mixed-item information indicating the mixed-item items that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space. A program characterized by the following features.

[0011] <Embodiment 1> The following describes an embodiment of an information system, etc., according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings, identical or similar elements are given identical or similar reference numerals and names, and redundant descriptions of identical or similar elements may be omitted in the description of each embodiment. Furthermore, the features shown in this embodiment are applicable to other embodiments as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0012] <Structure> As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system in this embodiment includes a management server 1, one or more user terminals 2, and one or more user terminals 2. The management server 1, user terminals 2, and worker terminal 3 are connected to each other via a network so that they can communicate with one another. Note that the illustrated configuration is just an example and is not limited to this.

[0013] <Management Server 1> Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of management server 1. Note that the illustrated configuration is just one example, and other configurations are also possible.

[0014] As shown in the diagram, the management server 1 is connected to one or more user terminals 2 and one or more worker terminals 3, and constitutes part of this system. The management server 1 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or personal computer, or it may be logically implemented through cloud computing.

[0015] The management server 1 comprises at least a control unit 10, memory 11, storage 12, a transceiver unit 13, an input / output unit 14, etc., which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 15.

[0016] The control unit 10 is a computing device that controls the operation of the entire management server 1, controls the transmission and reception of data between each element, and performs information processing necessary for application execution and authentication processing. For example, the control unit 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes programs for this system stored in storage 12 and loaded into memory 11 to perform various information processing tasks.

[0017] Memory 11 includes main memory composed of volatile storage devices such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and auxiliary memory composed of non-volatile storage devices such as flash memory and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Memory 11 is used as a work area for the processor 10, and also stores the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) executed when the management server 1 starts up, as well as various configuration information.

[0018] Storage 12 stores various programs, such as application programs. A database containing data used for each process may also be built on storage 12.

[0019] The transmitting / receiving unit 13 connects the management server 1 to the network and the blockchain network. The transmitting / receiving unit 13 may also be equipped with Bluetooth® and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) short-range communication interfaces.

[0020] The input / output section 14 consists of information input devices such as keyboards and mice, and output devices such as displays.

[0021] Bus 15 is connected in common to all of the above elements and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals, and various control signals.

[0022] <User terminal 2, worker terminal 3> The user terminal 2 shown in Figure 3 is an information processing device owned by the user, such as a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, or PDA. The user terminal 2 also includes a control unit 20, memory 21, storage 22, transceiver 23, input / output unit 24, etc., which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 25. The main functions of each element can be configured in the same way as the management server 1 described above, so a detailed explanation of each element is omitted. The worker terminal 3 is an information processing device owned by a worker who manages deliveries at a collection point, such as a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, or PDA. The main functions of each element can be configured in the same way as the user terminal 2 described above, so a detailed explanation of each element is omitted.

[0023] <Management Server Functions> Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functions implemented in the control unit 10 of the management server 1, and Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the information stored in the storage 12. In this embodiment, the control unit 10 of the management server 1 includes an information transmission / reception unit 100, a screen information generation unit 110, a data management unit 120, and a delivery management unit 150 as functional units. The delivery management unit 150 includes a residual space calculation unit 151 and a mixed-load target extraction unit 152. The storage 12 also includes various databases such as a user information storage unit 121, a delivery item information storage unit 122, a delivery information storage unit 123, and a mixed-load target item information storage unit 124.

[0024] The user information stored in the user information storage unit 121 may include, but is not limited to, basic user information (user's name, username, email address, address, telephone number, etc.), user identification information, and external application account information. For example, when conducting electronic commerce on this information processing system or on an external system that transmits or receives related information to this information processing system and cooperates with it, the user information may include payment information (credit card information, etc.), purchased product information (including purchase cost information), purchase history information, desired product information (so-called favorite product information or wish list product information, etc.), and recurring purchase product information (described later).

[0025] The delivery information stored in the delivery information storage unit 122 may include, but is not limited to, delivery information such as delivery identification information, user identification information, storage container type information, size information (depth, width, height), weight information, management temperature zone information, stacking feasibility information (upper stacking feasibility information or lower stacking feasibility information), delivery schedule time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time zone information), and delivery cost information.

[0026] The delivery information stored in the delivery information storage unit 123 may include, for example, delivery identification information, user identification information, delivery item identification information, remaining space information, and information on items to be mixed in. It may also include, but is not limited to, information such as storage container type information, weight information, management temperature zone information, delivery schedule time information (delivery start time information, delivery end time information, delivery schedule time zone information), and delivery cost information, which are linked to the delivery item identification information.

[0027] The mixed cargo information stored in the mixed cargo information storage unit 124 may vary depending on the registered mixed cargo, but may include, but is not limited to, mixed cargo identification information, storage container type information, size information (depth, width, height), weight information, management temperature zone information, and information on whether or not stacking is possible (top stacking or bottom stacking).

[0028] The information transmission / reception unit 100 transmits various information (including requests) to external devices (e.g., user terminal 2, worker terminal 3, etc.) that are directly or indirectly connected to the management server 1 via a network, and receives various information (including requests) from external devices.

[0029] The screen information generation unit 110 generates screen information that is displayed via the user interface of the user terminal 2 or worker terminal 3. The screen information may be, for example, user interface screen information generated by arranging various images and text based on predetermined layout rules, using image and text data stored in the storage 12 as source material. The screen information generation unit 110 may also be a functional unit executed by the control unit 20 by an application (including a web browser) stored in each user terminal 2, etc. That is, the management server 1 transmits information necessary to generate a user interface screen, such as image data, and the application in the user terminal 2, etc., generates a user interface screen based on this necessary information and predetermined layout rules and displays it on the user terminal 2. Processing related to the screen information generation unit 110 can also be executed by a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0030] The data management unit 120 performs data management such as transmitting various information received by the information transmission / reception unit 100 to various functional units and acquiring various information from various functional units. The predetermined processing in the data management unit 120 includes, but is not limited to, various processes such as a residual space calculation process that calculates the remaining space in the storage space based on user delivery information including storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume in which items to be delivered to the user are stored and standard storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space in which one or more storage containers are stored; a mixed item extraction process that extracts mixed items corresponding to the remaining space in the storage space; and a delivery information update process that updates (including adding) the delivery mixed item information included in the delivery information.

[0031] The shape of the storage container is, for example, a geometric three-dimensional container, and it is preferable that it be a rectangular prism (including a cube) considering storage in the storage space and stacking. The material of the storage container may be any material, such as paper, plastic, or metal, and it is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of ease of production and weight to use corrugated cardboard made of paper or corrugated cardboard made of plastic. In this invention, storage container type information is set so that the type of storage container can be identified for the stored items such as delivered goods. The containment vessel type may be, for example, a plurality of containment vessel volume types set up to be identifiable from one another based on a predetermined containment space volume, with the predetermined containment space volume being the standard containment space volume, divided by a predetermined number (e.g., an integer). (For example, this may include a plurality of containment vessel volume types set up to be identifiable for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing the standard containment space volume by a predetermined number (e.g., an integer) and multiplying it by a number less than or equal to that predetermined number (e.g., 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1, or 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 1, etc.), or it may include a plurality of containment vessel volume types set up to be identifiable for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing it by a predetermined number (e.g., an integer, and in particular 2 to the power of n (where n is an integer and may include 0)) (e.g., 1 / 2, 1 / 4, 1 / 8, etc.), and is not limited to these). Furthermore, regarding the volume of the containment vessel, more specifically, for example, if the standard containment space volume is divided by 4 (i.e., 1 / 4), the containment vessel may have a volume obtained by dividing any of the depth, width, or height of the containment space by 4, or it may have a volume obtained by dividing two of the depth, width, and height of the containment space by 2.

[0032] Furthermore, the standard storage space volume does not have to be the same as the predetermined storage space volume; it may be substantially the same (or nearly the same), and in particular, it may be the volume minus the amount of surplus space necessary (for example, a few millimeters or a few centimeters) considering the operation of storing containers into the storage space, or if a partition is provided inside the storage container, it may be the volume minus the amount of the partition (for example, a few millimeters or a few centimeters) (or the storage space may be substantially the same as the standard storage space volume, but larger by the amount of the partition).

[0033] The storage space for storing user items and / or the storage space subject to the standard storage space volume may be any space having a predetermined volume, but it is preferably a storage space for receiving items, and more specifically, it may be an installation used by a user, such as a storage space for the user, a storage space for a delivery box with a smart lock installed in a private home or a delivery box placed in a common area for an apartment building (the location of the space may be determined in advance by linking it with user-related information, or it may be the location where the package is stored after the delivery person has linked it with user-related information), or a storage space such as a shelf, locker, post office box, or cooler box that does not involve electrical locking / unlocking control. Alternatively, a storage space for delivery may be used as the standard, and it may be the delivery item storage section of a mobile vehicle for delivering packages (such as a UAV or UGV, especially an autonomously controlled mobile vehicle), a cargo bed used by a delivery person for delivery (for example, a truck bed, a motorcycle rear box, a box trolley, a cage trolley, etc.), or movable items such as a delivery bag. Furthermore, the space having a predetermined volume may be a space with fixed lengths in the depth, width, and height directions as described above, but it may also be a space having a volume where the height direction is virtually set for an area with fixed lengths in the depth and width directions, such as a pallet; that is, it may be a space having a volume where a portion of the lengths in the depth, width, and height directions are virtually set. However, it is not limited to these. In addition, the storage space to be stored and the reference storage space may be the same, or the storage space to be stored may be the size of the reference storage space multiplied by a predetermined number (especially an integer).

[0034] The delivery management unit 150 performs information registration, such as adding delivery identification information and associating user identification information in the delivery information storage unit 123, in response to delivery acceptance processing such as reading identification codes attached to delivery items by readers (for example, readers operated by workers, stationary readers, or readers equipped on work robots (especially autonomous control work robots)) (for example, reading two-dimensional barcodes, RFID tags, NFC, etc.), input operations of stored item information regarding stored items by workers, etc., and user purchase processing in e-commerce and processing of specifying scheduled delivery times.

[0035] The residual space calculation unit 151 calculates the residual space (so-called empty space) within the target storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space for storing one or more storage containers, and storage container type information obtained according to the delivery information (i.e., storage container type information as delivery item information linked to the delivery information). The residual space is calculated using a known boxing calculation algorithm for storing a predetermined object in a space of a predetermined volume. Here, the calculation result of the residual space is such that, especially when the storage containers are defined by predetermined volume levels relative to the reference storage space volume according to predetermined rules as described above, the residual space will also be a volume value that is easy to convert to a storage container type, making it easier to obtain residual converted storage container type information by converting the residual space to a storage container type. In particular, if the storage space includes multiple types of storage container volumes that can be identified for each storage container volume obtained by dividing the depth, width, or height of the storage space by a predetermined number and multiplying by a number less than the predetermined number, or if it includes multiple types of storage container volumes that can be identified for each storage container volume obtained by dividing by a predetermined number, the calculation of the remaining space within the storage space becomes easier. Furthermore, if the storage space is divided by partitions or the like to correspond to one of the storage container types, the delivery information storage unit 123 stores divided area identification information and corresponding storage container type information that are attached to each area divided by partitions or the like within the target storage space, linked to the storage space identification information, and the remaining space calculation unit 151 may use the storable divided area identification information as the remaining space information.

[0036] Here, we will explain in a simplified manner using Figure 6 an example of calculating residual space when the containment vessel type is defined for each predetermined volume relative to the standard containment space volume. The example shows multiple types of containment vessel volumes (e.g., 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1) that are distinguishable for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing the height by 3 and multiplying by a number of 3 or less relative to the standard containment space volume.

[0037] First, in the storage space associated with the delivery identification information "0001", user information "U0001" is linked. When a delivery item (delivery item information "N0001") stored in a container (storage container type "S033") that is one-third the volume of the standard storage space is stored here, the remaining information is updated to "2 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 1, because the delivery item is stored in a storage space that is not currently occupied. The remaining converted storage container type information is then updated to show two "S033" items and / or one "S066 (storage container type indicating a container that is two-thirds the volume of the standard storage space)".

[0038] Similarly, if a delivery item (delivery item information "N0010") is to be stored in a container (storage container type "S033") that occupies one-third of the standard storage space volume, the remaining information is updated to "1 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 2 / 3, as it will be stored in the storage space where the delivery item (N0001) is already stored. The remaining storage container type information is then updated to indicate that there is one "S033".

[0039] The remaining space can be calculated in this way, and as illustrated in the example, it can be performed more simply by dividing the depth, width, or height of the storage space by a predetermined number. As mentioned above, more sophisticated calculations of the remaining space are possible using known boxing calculation algorithms, in which case the storage locations of already stored deliveries may also be rearranged.

[0040] Furthermore, in cases where storage is not in a common area within the storage space corresponding to delivery, as in the example above, but rather the storage space is divided into partitioned areas corresponding to one of the storage container types, the residual space information may be partitioned area identification information that does not associate with stored items, and the residual equivalent storage container type information may be corresponding storage container type information that corresponds to the partitioned area identification information that does not associate with stored items. Note that the position of the partitions may be movable and the corresponding storage container type information may be changed (for example, changing from two "S033"s to one "S066", or vice versa), and instead of just one corresponding storage container type information (for example, "S066") for each partitioned area identification information, multiple corresponding storage container type information (two "S033"s) may be associated, either in lieu of or in addition to this.

[0041] Next, using Figure 7, an example of information stored in the delivery information storage unit 123 (particularly residual space information) is shown. First, in the delivery identification information "0001", the associated delivery item information is "N0001", the user information is "U0001", and it is indicated that one "S025" is stored as storage container type information, which indicates a container type that is one-quarter of the standard storage space volume. Therefore, the residual space information is calculated as "3 / 4" (the residual converted storage container type information is "S075", which indicates a container type that is three-quarters of the standard storage space volume).

[0042] Next, in the delivery identification information "0002", the associated delivery information is "N0002", the user information is "U0011", and it is indicated that one "S050" is stored as the storage container type information, which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume. Therefore, the residual space information is calculated as "1 / 2" (the residual converted storage container type information is "S050", which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume).

[0043] Next, in the delivery identification information "0003", the associated delivery information is "N0003", the user information is "U0005", and as storage container type information, one "S100" is stored, which indicates a container type that is approximately the same as the standard storage space volume. Therefore, the residual space information is calculated to be "0" (i.e., no space available).

[0044] Next, in the delivery identification information "0004", the associated delivery information is "N0004", the user information is "U0003", and as the containment container type information, it is indicated that there is one "S025" (for example, the stacking permission information indicates that stacking is strictly prohibited) and one "S050", so the remaining space information is calculated as "1 / 4" (the remaining converted containment container type information is "S025", which indicates a container type that is one-quarter of the standard containment space volume).

[0045] Finally, in the delivery identification information "0005" and "0006", the associated delivery information is "N0005" and "N0006", the user information is "U0009", and it is indicated that one "S100" and one "S050" are stored as the storage container type information, so the residual space information is calculated to be "0" and "1 / 2". In this case, the actual residual space for the user "U0009" in this delivery is "1 / 2" (the residual equivalent storage container type information is "S050", which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume).

[0046] Thus, the residual space calculation unit 151 can calculate the residual space within the target storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers, and storage container type information indicating the type of storage container that stores the items to be delivered to the user. In particular, as storage container type information, identification information is set so that each storage container volume obtained by dividing a predetermined storage space volume by a predetermined number, using the reference storage space volume as the reference storage space volume, can be identified. This makes it possible to efficiently store the items to be delivered in the storage space like a puzzle, and the residual space volume can be clearly identified as residual converted storage container type information. Using this, it becomes possible to extract items to be mixed in the residual space. This will be described in detail below.

[0047] The mixed-loading target extraction unit 152 extracts mixed-loading target information indicating mixed-loading target items that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space. More specifically, the mixed-loading target extraction unit 152 extracts mixed-loading target information indicating storable mixed-loading target items based, for example, on residual space information (particularly residual equivalent storage container type information) corresponding to the remaining space of the target storage space. That is, by comparing it with the storage container type corresponding to the remaining space, mixed-loading target information corresponding to a storage container type with a volume less than or equal to that indicated by the storage container type is extracted. Multiple container types may be selected for the remaining space. For example, the remaining space calculation unit 151 may calculate combination information of container types corresponding to the remaining space and extract information on items to be stored in the container type corresponding to that combination information (for example, a combination that allows two items of container type 1 / 4 to be stored in 1 / 2 of the remaining space, a combination that allows one item of container type 1 / 4 and two items of container type 1 / 8 to be stored, a combination that allows four items of container type 1 / 8 to be stored). The information on items to be stored may be presented, for example, via an application on the user terminal 2 (especially as a list), or via an application on the worker terminal 3 (especially as a list). When an operator selects information for items to be mixed, the selected information may be sent from the data management unit 120 to the user terminal 2, and a permission confirmation process for the information to be mixed may be performed on the user's application. If the data management unit 120 receives information indicating permission, the information may be confirmed as information to be mixed for delivery. Furthermore, for example, if it is possible to select two or more items to be mixed using combination information, depending on the type of container of the selected items, if it is determined that a container type cannot be stored (for example, if three items of container type 1 / 8 are selected for a remaining space of 1 / 2, volumes larger than container type 1 / 8 cannot be selected, or if an item of container type 1 / 3 is selected, volumes larger than container type 1 / 6 cannot be selected), a process may be performed to make the information for the items to be mixed that cannot be stored unselectable (for example, by graying it out to restrict the selection operation, or by not displaying it in the list information).The items to be mixed in can be various types, as examples are given below.

[0048] <Example of mixed cargo 1> The information on items to be mixed in may include user identification information or other user identification information linked to the user's identification information, indicating advertising items provided to the user (also called "the user" when distinguishing it from "other users") or other users. That is, the mixed item extraction unit 152 extracts advertising item information indicating advertising items that can be stored in the remaining space as mixed item information, based on the converted storage container type information corresponding to the advertising item information and the remaining space information (particularly the remaining converted storage container type information). The advertising item information may include, for example, advertising item identification information, advertising item size information (depth, width, height), weight information, management temperature zone information, information on whether items can be stacked on top of each other, advertising type (samples, paper advertisements (flyers, leaflets, etc.), etc.), advertising item category information (food, beverages, alcoholic beverages, sweets, household goods, cosmetics, etc.), converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance or converted from the advertising item size information when the mixed item information is extracted), advertiser information, etc.

[0049] Here, "other user" refers to the user whose other user identification information is associated with the user's own user identification information. Other user identification information may include, for example, the identification information of a cohabiting user set as a family member or partner, or the identification information of a proxy user set by the user as a proxy recipient. In this example, for such association, the user's application may perform a registration process for the other user's identification information, and / or the other user's application may perform a process to select whether or not to allow the association with the user's identification information.

[0050] In this example, the mixed-load item extraction unit 152 may, for example, randomly extract advertising item information to be mixed as mixed-load item information from advertising item information including convertible storage container type information that can be stored in the remaining space, or the user or operator may select and set the advertising item category information and advertiser information to be extracted on the application. Furthermore, if purchase history information linked to the user's own information or other users' information is available, the unit may refer to such purchase history information to refer to at least one of the product category information, manufacturer information, or seller information of products purchased in the past, and extract one or more advertising item information including the corresponding advertising item category information and advertiser information as mixed-load items.

[0051] Furthermore, if the mixed-item extraction unit 152 can access information about products the user wants to purchase that is linked to the user information of the user or another user, instead of the purchase history information, it may access at least one of the product category information, manufacturer information, or seller information of the product wants to purchase.

[0052] In this way, by extracting advertising item information while also considering the remaining storage space during delivery, it becomes possible to select advertising items that take into account the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined by whether or not they fit within the standard storage space volume). Furthermore, by referring to the purchase history information of the user or other users, it becomes possible to obtain more accurate advertising effectiveness.

[0053] <Example of mixed shipment items 2> The information on items to be mixed may include information on regularly purchased items linked to the user's identification information or the other user's identification information, which indicates regularly purchased items that the user or other users have registered in advance in association with their respective identification information. That is, the mixed item extraction unit 152 extracts information on regularly purchased items that can be stored in the remaining space as information on items to be mixed, based on the converted storage container type information corresponding to the regularly purchased item information linked to the user's identification information or the other user's identification information, and the remaining space information (particularly the remaining converted storage container type information). The regularly purchased item information may include, for example, product identification information, product size (depth, width, height), weight information, management temperature zone information, information on whether items can be stacked on top of each other, converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance or converted from the product size when the information on items to be mixed is extracted), and regular delivery scheduled date information (for example, around what day each month regular delivery is scheduled).

[0054] In this example, the consolidation target extraction unit 152 refers to, for example, the scheduled delivery date information and extracts regularly purchased items as consolidation target information if the scheduled delivery date is within a predetermined period relative to the scheduled delivery date of the user's shipment (for example, arriving at the nearest collection point within one week of the scheduled delivery date). The user or worker selects one or more regularly purchased items to be shipped together in this shipment from the list of regularly purchased item information presented on the application, taking into account the remaining space. The selected regularly purchased items are kept waiting at the collection point or similar location, and are stored in the storage space and shipped together with the purchased items. The period during which the regularly purchased items are kept waiting for delivery (i.e., a predetermined period relative to the scheduled delivery date of the purchased items) may be set by the user associated with the relevant regularly purchased item information.

[0055] In this way, by extracting information on recurring purchase items while also considering the remaining storage space during delivery, it becomes possible to deliver recurring purchase items at a timing that takes into account the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined by whether or not they fit within the standard storage space volume).

[0056] <Example 3 of items to be included in mixed shipments> The information on items to be mixed may include information on items that other users wish to provide to a designated user or a desired user, linked to other user identification information. That is, the mixed item extraction unit 152 extracts information on items that can be stored in the remaining space, based on the converted storage container type information corresponding to the information on items that other users wish to provide, and the remaining space information (particularly the remaining converted storage container type information), as information on items to be mixed. The information on items that wish to be provided may include, for example, information on the provided item identification, the size of the provided item, weight information, management temperature zone information, information on whether it can be stacked on top of or below, converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance or converted from the size of the provided item when the mixed item information is extracted), and information on the date the provided item was registered, and may be registered as information on items to be mixed by other users. The items that wish to be provided may be, for example, a gift (present) with a specified recipient, or a donated item or item to be shared without a specified recipient.

[0057] In this example, the mixed-load item extraction unit 152 presents a list of desired items (those associated with user identification information, and / or open items not associated with specific identification information) indicating the types of convertible storage containers that can be stored in the remaining space to the user terminal or worker terminal. The user or worker selects one or more desired items to be delivered together in this delivery from the list of desired items presented on the application, taking into account the remaining space.

[0058] In this way, by taking into account the remaining storage space during delivery and extracting information on items requested by other users, it becomes possible to deliver items requested by other users at a timing that takes into account the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined by whether or not they fit within the standard storage space volume).

[0059] The mixed-loading target extraction unit 152 only needs to extract at least one of the mixed-loading targets from the above example. For example, the types of objects that can be mixed may be pre-set on the system. Alternatively, the user may be able to display and select the objects they wish to mix. The user may also pre-set information on objects they wish to mix as user information, and the system may automatically extract the objects based on that setting. As illustrated in Figure 8, when viewing the list of mixed-loading targets, users may sort or rearrange the list to select the objects they wish to view.

[0060] <Processing flow> Referring to Figure 8, the processing flow of the information processing method executed by the information processing system of the present invention will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the information processing system in Figure 1.

[0061] Here, the information processing system allows users or workers to access the management server 1 using an application (including a web browser), etc. If it is the first time using the service, they may log in after completing the user registration process. If they already have an account, they may log in after undergoing a prescribed authentication process, such as entering an ID and password, to make the service available. Alternatively, instead of an account, a unique application ID associated with the application downloaded to the user terminal 2 or worker terminal 3 may be used as user identification information (ID) to make the service available. After this login authentication, service use begins via the application (including a web browser), etc.

[0062] First, in this example, the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) of the management server 1 generates new delivery identification information and delivery identification information in response to delivery acceptance processing, such as reading the identification code attached to the delivery item by a reader, and then registers the delivery information and delivery information (S101).

[0063] Next, the residual space calculation unit 151 calculates the residual space information within the target storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space for storing one or more storage containers, and storage container type information obtained according to the delivery information (i.e., storage container type information as delivery item information linked to the delivery information), and updates the corresponding delivery information (S102). In particular, the residual space information is residual converted storage container type information obtained by converting the residual space into storage container type information, which facilitates the comparison described later.

[0064] Then, in step S102, if it is determined that there is insufficient remaining space (for example, there is no remaining space to accommodate the smallest storage container type (in particular, the smallest equivalent storage container type for the items that can be extracted as mixed items in step S104)), this flow is terminated. After that, if the items to be delivered have already been stored in a storage container corresponding to this system, they are stored in the storage space as is. If they have not yet been stored, they are stored in a storage container of the storage container type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the volume information of the items to be delivered, and then stored in the storage space before being delivered to the user.

[0065] On the other hand, in step S102, if it is determined that there is sufficient remaining space (for example, there is enough remaining space to accommodate at least one container of the smallest container type), the mixed-loading object extraction unit 152 extracts mixed-loading object information indicating the mixed-loading objects that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space (S104). More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 9, for example, the mixed-loading object display areas 1010, 1011, etc. of the mixed-loading object information are displayed in a list on the user's or worker's application, and the mixed-loading object information is determined in response to a mixed-loading object selection operation via the mixed-loading object display area 1010, etc. of the mixed-loading object list information, and the determined mixed-loading object information is transmitted to the management server 1, and the data management unit 120 (especially the delivery management unit 150) updates (including adding) the delivery mixed-loading object information included in the delivery information. Alternatively, instead of presenting the information as a list of items to be mixed, the system may refer to user information such as the user's purchase history, or to information on items the user has previously set as desired for mixing, and present a predetermined number of items to be mixed as options on the user's or worker's application, allowing the user or worker to select which items to mix. Alternatively, the system may present a predetermined number of items to be mixed as a mixing confirmation notice on the user's or worker's application, allowing the user or worker to select whether or not to mix the items. In addition, the system may determine which items to mix in the user's delivery from among the storable items to be mixed in as extracted by the mixing item extraction unit 152, without user or worker operation. In accordance with this determination, the system may transmit the determined items to be mixed to the management server 1, as described above, and the data management unit 120 (especially the delivery management unit 150) may update (including adding) the delivery items information included in the delivery information. Furthermore, even if the worker selects information on items to be mixed in the application, a mixed-in confirmation notice may be presented to the user, allowing them to choose whether or not to mix the items before determining which items to ship. In addition, once the items to be shipped are determined on the user's application or on this system, the information on these items may be displayed on the worker's terminal 3 so that the worker can confirm it during the storage process.Furthermore, based on information regarding items to be included in the shipment, storage equipment (such as storage robots, storage arms, or movable storage platforms) for storing the shipments may be autonomously controlled to retrieve the items to be included in the shipment from the shipment management space (e.g., shelves) and store them in the storage space.

[0066] Furthermore, the display of the list of items to be included in the mixed shipment may be configured by a mixed shipment item display information setting unit, such as a display target specification unit 1040 (e.g., checkbox or pull-down format) for selecting which types of mixed shipment items to display, or a display order specification unit 1050 for selecting which types of mixed shipment items to display first. "Display first" here means, for example, that the display order is set earlier. More specifically, in the case of vertical scrolling, it may be displayed at the top of the display area, or when advancing through the provided item information displayed sequentially by swiping, it may be displayed at the beginning. Also, the operation of selecting the mixed shipment item display area 1010 etc. from the mixed shipment item list information may be called a mixed shipment item selection operation, or the mixed shipment item selection operation may be made within the mixed shipment item detailed information screen displayed after selecting the mixed shipment item display area 1010 etc., and is not limited to these.

[0067] Furthermore, especially when processing payment for shipping charges after step S104, if the information for items to be included in the shipment is advertising item information, considering the nature of advertising, the system may reduce at least part or all of the shipping charges indicated by the shipping charge information related to the user's shipment before proceeding to payment processing, and / or grant the user a predetermined benefit (e.g., a refund or points). The system may also perform billing processing to the advertiser for the reduced amount or the amount of the granted benefit. In addition, if the information for items to be included in the shipment is information about items requested by another user that have specified the user (especially gifts), the shipping charges indicated by the shipping charge information related to the user's shipment may be apportioned with the other user at a predetermined ratio (e.g., divided into two), and the apportioned shipping charge information may be linked and stored for each user, allowing each user to perform their own payment processing. Alternatively, the system may link and store the shipping charge information for one shipment associated with the user on behalf of the other user, allowing the other user to perform the payment processing.

[0068] Subsequently, if the delivered items are already stored in a storage container compatible with this system, they are stored directly in the storage space. If they are not yet stored, they are stored in a storage container of the type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the volume information of the delivered items, and then stored in the storage space. Furthermore, selected mixed items are stored in the remaining space of the storage space, and then the items are delivered to the user.

[0069] As described above, by standardizing and managing deliveries (e.g., cargo) using storage container type identification information, it is possible to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that facilitates the overall understanding of the volume of deliveries and enables efficient storage in various storage spaces.

[0070] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1. Management Server 2 User terminals

Claims

1. a remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space that stores one or more storage containers that store deliveries to users; a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of a target storage space, The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user. An information processing system comprising:

2. The mixed loading object information includes advertising item information, 2. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The mixed object extraction unit further refers to purchase history information of the user.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system.

4. The mixed object extraction unit further refers to purchase information of the user.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system.

5. The mixed object extraction unit further refers to at least one of purchase history information and purchase request information of other users associated with the user.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system.

6. The mixed loading target information includes information on desired items indicating items provided by other users.

7. An information processing system according to claim 1, wherein:

7. a remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space that stores one or more storage containers that store deliveries to users; a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of a target storage space, The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user. A server comprising:

8. A step of calculating, by a remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space for storing one or more storage containers for storing deliveries to users; extracting, by a mixed object extraction unit, mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of the target storage space; The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user.

23. An information processing method comprising:

9. A step of calculating, by a remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space for storing one or more storage containers for storing deliveries to users; extracting, by a mixed object extraction unit, mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of the target storage space; The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user. A program characterized by:

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