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

Abstract

To provide a management server, an information processing system and 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 allowing efficient storage of the deliveries in various storage spaces.SOLUTION: In an information processing system in which a management server, a user terminal, and an operator terminal are communicably connected with each other via a network, a control unit 10 of the 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 target delivery extraction unit 152 that extracts mixed loading target delivery information indicating delivery to another user that allows mixed loading of the delivery to the user in a remaining space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, autonomous mobile bodies such as flying bodies like drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and running bodies like 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 the demonstration experiment, virtual delivery goods (for example, daily necessities and food) are set within the range that can be loaded onto one mobile body, 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 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 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 delivery target extraction unit that extracts mixed delivery target information indicating deliveries of other users that can be mixed in the residual space with the user's delivered items. [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. A mixed delivery extraction unit extracts mixed delivery information indicating the deliveries of other users that can be mixed in with the aforementioned user's deliveries in the remaining space, An information processing system characterized by comprising the following features. [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 by the following. [Item 3] The remaining space information is remaining converted storage container type information obtained by converting the remaining space into storage container types. The information processing system according to either item 1 or 2, characterized by the following. [Item 4] Further comprising a data management unit that transmits the extracted mixed-loading target delivery information to the operator terminal. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized by the following. [Item 5] 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 for each volume of the storage container storing the user's delivery and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space storing one or more storage containers; A mixed-loading target delivery extraction unit that extracts mixed-loading target delivery information indicating deliveries of other users whose deliveries to the user can be mixed in the remaining space; A server, characterized by comprising the above. [Item 6] A step of calculating, by the remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type for each volume of the storage container storing the user's delivery and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space storing one or more storage containers; A step of extracting, by the mixed-loading target delivery extraction unit, mixed-loading target delivery information indicating deliveries of other users whose deliveries to the user can be mixed in the remaining space, including the above steps. An information processing method, characterized by the following. [Item 7] A step of calculating, by the remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type for each volume of the storage container storing the user's delivery and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space storing one or more storage containers; Causing a computer to execute a step of extracting co-loading target delivery information indicating deliveries of other users whose deliveries of the user can be co-loaded in the remaining space by a co-loading target delivery extraction unit A program characterized by the above.

[0011] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information system and the like according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar elements are given the same or similar reference numerals and names, and duplicate descriptions of the same or similar elements in the description of each embodiment may be omitted. Further, the features shown in this embodiment are applicable to other embodiments as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0012] <Configuration> As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system in this embodiment has a management server 1, one or more user terminals 2, and one or more worker terminals 3. The management server 1, the user terminal 2, and the worker terminal 3 are communicably connected to each other via a network. Note that the illustrated configuration is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0013] <Management Server 1> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server 1. Note that the illustrated configuration is an example, and it may have other configurations.

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

[0015] The management server 1 includes at least a control unit 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a transmission / reception unit 13, an input / output unit 14, etc., and these are electrically connected to each other through 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 delivery 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, and a delivery information storage unit 123.

[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 also 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), mixed shipment target information, mixed shipment acceptance feasibility 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, information on items to be consolidated, delivery type information, and scheduled delivery time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time slot information). It may also include, but is not limited to, information on container type information, weight information, management temperature zone information, consolidation acceptance status information, and delivery cost information, which are linked to the delivery item identification information.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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 reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space in which one or more storage containers are stored; a mixed delivery target delivery extraction process that extracts mixed delivery target delivery information indicating deliveries of other users that can be mixed in the remaining space with the user's items; and a delivery information update process that updates (including adding) mixed delivery target delivery information (such as delivery item identification information that has been mixed) included in the delivery information.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 124 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 delivery identification information, and the remaining space calculation unit 151 may use the storable divided area identification information as the remaining space information.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 space 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)".

[0037] Similarly, if a delivery item (delivery item information "N0010") stored in a container (storage container type "S033") that occupies one-third of the standard storage space volume is to be further stored, the remaining space information is updated to "1 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 2 / 3, because it will be stored in the storage space where the delivery item (N0001) is already stored. The remaining converted storage container type information is then updated to indicate that there is one "S033".

[0038] 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.

[0039] Furthermore, in cases where storage is not in a common area within the storage space 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 any 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 any 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 place of or in addition to this.

[0040] Here, using Figure 7, an example of the 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).

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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 for each volume 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 items 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 mixed delivery information indicating deliveries that can be mixed in with the user's deliveries in the residual space. This will be described in detail below.

[0046] The mixed-load delivery extraction unit 152 extracts mixed-load delivery information that indicates deliveries by other users that can be mixed with the user's deliveries in the remaining space. More specifically, the mixed-load delivery extraction unit 152 extracts mixed-load delivery information that indicates deliveries that can be mixed with the user's deliveries in the remaining space, based, for example, on container type information linked to user identification information and remaining space information linked to other users' delivery information. In particular, by comparing container type information linked to user identification information and remaining space information linked to other users' delivery information (especially residual equivalent container type information), mixed-load delivery information corresponding to residual equivalent container type information that is greater than or equal to the volume indicated by the container type information linked to user identification information is extracted. The residual space calculation unit 151 may calculate combination information of residual space calculation unit 151 (for example, a combination in which two items of container type 1 / 4 can be stored in 1 / 2 of the residual space, a combination in which one item of container type 1 / 4 and two items of container type 1 / 8 can be stored, a combination in which four items of container type 1 / 8 can be stored), and extract mixed delivery information (more specifically, the comparison described above) based on this combination information.

[0047] Here, "other user" refers to the user whose other user identification information is associated with the user's 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.

[0048] For example, the user or worker may be presented with a list of extracted delivery information from other users on the application and asked to select one from the list. Here, the extraction by the consolidated delivery extraction unit 152 may be further conditional in addition to the residual space information. For example, if each delivery information includes delivery type information indicating whether it is an individual delivery or a consolidated delivery, the delivery information that indicates an individual delivery may be selected as the extraction target. Alternatively, for example, if each delivery information includes delivery type information indicating whether it is a regular delivery or an express delivery (a delivery with a shorter delivery period than a regular delivery), the system may select whether the delivery information that indicates a regular delivery or an express delivery may be selected as the extraction target. Alternatively, for example, in each delivery information, if the weight information associated with another user's delivery exceeds the standard weight information for consolidated delivery, or if the management temperature range information associated with another user's delivery is higher than or lower than the standard temperature range (for example, if it includes hot goods or frozen foods), or if the consolidation acceptance status information indicates a rejection of consolidation acceptance, the delivery information may not be selected as the extraction target. The conditions may satisfy at least one of these conditions.

[0049] Furthermore, the system may present a confirmation of permission for consolidated delivery to other users related to other users' delivery information selected by the user or worker. If the other user selects permission for consolidated delivery, the consolidated delivery will proceed as scheduled. However, if permission is denied, the system may prompt the user or worker to select the other user's delivery information again within the application, or / or set the delivery type information as individual delivery without consolidation. In this regard, the system may allow other users to register users who require permission confirmation or do not, or to set the system to not require permission confirmation from associated users (or to require permission confirmation from unassociated users).

[0050] In this way, by taking into account the remaining storage space left over from other users' deliveries, extracting information on other users' deliveries, and consolidating the user's deliveries, it becomes possible to deliver together with other users' deliveries, taking into account the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined by whether or not it fits within the standard storage space volume).

[0051] <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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] Next, the mixed-load delivery extraction unit 152 extracts mixed-load delivery information indicating other users' deliveries that can be mixed with the user's deliveries in the remaining space. As shown in Figure 9, a list of mixed-load delivery information 910 is displayed on the application, and the user or worker is prompted to select the desired mixed-load delivery information (step S102). The mixed-load delivery information 910 displayed on the application may include, for example, delivery schedule information, remaining space information, and corresponding user information, but is not limited to these and may also include weight information, temperature control zone information, and information on whether or not items can be stacked above or below each other. In this example, a mixed-load delivery information with a delivery schedule of "10:00-10:15" is selected by the user or worker, and the display changes to show a different display from the mixed-load delivery information that is not selected. The "scheduled delivery time information" referred to here may be the scheduled delivery time information that may be included in the delivery information, but it may also be the differential scheduled delivery time calculated from the difference between the scheduled delivery time information and the current time (for example, if the scheduled delivery start time is "10:00" and the current time is "9:30", the differential scheduled delivery time is "30 minutes later"). Furthermore, if the relevant consolidated delivery information becomes unavailable for selection because another user or worker has already sent the same consolidated delivery information to the management server 1 before the user or worker can make a decision, a notification prompting the subsequent user or worker to make another selection may be displayed.

[0055] Furthermore, instead of presenting the information as a list of items to be mixed, the system may present a predetermined number of mixed shipment information extracted by the mixed shipment extraction unit 152 as options on the user's or worker's application, allowing the user or worker to select which shipments to be mixed. Alternatively, the system may present a predetermined number of mixed shipment information extracted by the mixed shipment extraction unit 152 as a mixed shipment confirmation notice on the user's or worker's application, allowing the user or worker to select whether or not to mix the shipments. Alternatively, the system may automatically determine which shipments to be mixed from among the mixed shipment candidates extracted by the mixed shipment extraction unit 152, without user or worker intervention. In addition, even if mixed shipment information is selected on the worker's application, a mixed shipment confirmation notice may be presented, allowing the user to select whether or not to mix the shipments. Moreover, once a mixed shipment is determined on the user's application or within this system, the mixed shipment information may be displayed on the worker terminal 3 for the worker to confirm during storage. Furthermore, based on the consolidated shipment information, storage equipment (such as storage robots, storage arms, and storage platforms) for storing shipments may be autonomously controlled to retrieve the user's shipments from the shipment management space (e.g., shelves) and store them in the storage space related to the consolidated shipment.

[0056] Next, for example, if consolidated shipment information is selected in response to a decision operation in the delivery schedule time determination area 920 (YES), the data management unit 120 (especially the delivery management unit 150) of the management server 1 updates the shipment information related to the user's shipment (in particular, the changed delivery schedule time information and consolidated shipment information, and consolidated acceptance / rejection information (information indicating consolidated rejection)) and the shipment information related to other users' shipments (in particular, the consolidated shipment information and shipment type information (information indicating consolidated shipment)) based on the consolidated shipment information received from the user terminal 2 (step S103). If further consolidation is not permitted in another user's delivery (for example, if consolidation is not permitted based on criteria such as the remaining space volume after consolidation falling below a certain value, or the weight after consolidation exceeding a certain value, or if consolidation is not permitted based on settings such as the user's settings or the information processing system's pre-configured settings not allowing multiple consolidations), the consolidation acceptance status information in the other user's delivery information and delivery information may also be updated to indicate consolidation rejection.

[0057] Furthermore, especially when processing payment for shipping fees before or after step S103, the shipping fees indicated by the shipping fee information related to other users' deliveries may be apportioned with the user at a predetermined ratio (for example, divided into two), and the apportioned shipping fee information may be linked and stored for each user, allowing each user to process their own payment. Alternatively, only the shipping fee for one delivery may be linked and stored for either the user or another user, and payment processing may be performed accordingly.

[0058] Subsequently, if the user's shipment is already stored in a storage container compatible with this system, it is stored directly in the storage space associated with the shipment to be consolidated. If it is not yet stored, it is stored in a storage container of the type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the size information of the shipment, and then stored in the storage space associated with the shipment to be consolidated, and delivered to other users.

[0059] On the other hand, if there is no suitable target among the consolidated shipment target shipment information 910 displayed on the application and a decision operation is made to reject the consolidation decision area 930, or if there is no shipment information that can be used as a candidate for consolidation, or if no selection of consolidated shipment information is made by a predetermined period before the user's scheduled delivery time (NO), the data management unit 120 (especially the delivery management unit 150) updates the user's shipment information and delivery information by updating the delivery type information to indicate individual delivery instead of consolidation, or by calculating the remaining space and updating the remaining space information included in the delivery information (S104).

[0060] This allows the user's shipments to be included in the extraction of shipments to be consolidated by the shipment extraction unit 152 if no consolidated shipment is selected. A configuration that allows for multiple consolidated shipments is also possible.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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]

[0063] 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 delivery extraction unit extracts mixed delivery information indicating deliveries of other users that can be mixed with the user's delivery items in the remaining space; Equipped with The mixed delivery target extraction unit presents the extracted other users to be mixed delivery targets on a worker terminal owned by a worker different from the user, and determines the other users to be targets of mixed delivery in response to a selection operation of the mixed delivery target other users on the worker terminal. An information processing system comprising:

2. 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 delivery extraction unit extracts mixed delivery information indicating deliveries of other users that can be mixed with the user's delivery items in the remaining space; Equipped with The mixed delivery target extraction unit presents the extracted other users to be mixed delivery targets on a worker terminal owned by a worker different from the user, and determines the other users to be targets of mixed delivery in response to a selection operation of the mixed delivery target other users on the worker terminal. A server comprising:

3. 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; A step of extracting mixed-loading target delivery information indicating deliveries of other users that can be mixed with the user's delivery items in the remaining space by a mixed-loading target delivery extraction unit; The step of extracting the mixed-loading target delivery information includes presenting the extracted other users to be mixed-loaded on an operator terminal owned by an operator different from the user, and determining the other users to be the targets of mixed-loading delivery in response to a selection operation of the other users to be mixed-loaded on the operator terminal.

23. An information processing method comprising:

4. 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; a step of extracting mixed-loading target delivery information indicating deliveries of other users that can be mixed with the delivery of the user in the remaining space by a mixed-loading target delivery extraction unit; The step of extracting the mixed-loading target delivery information includes presenting the extracted other users to be mixed-loaded on an operator terminal owned by an operator different from the user, and determining the other users to be the targets of mixed-loading delivery in response to a selection operation of the other users to be mixed-loaded on the operator terminal. A program characterized by:

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