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 storage containers, calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in the storage space; and a delivery schedule determination unit 152 that, based on at least the remaining space information and a predetermined condition related to delivery, determines a delivery schedule for the deliveries.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, self-controlled mobile bodies 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 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 goods to be delivered to a user are stored, and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space in which the storage containers are stored; and a delivery schedule determination unit that determines the delivery schedule for the goods based on at least the residual space information and predetermined conditions relating to delivery. [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 the storage space in which the storage containers are stored. The system includes a delivery schedule determination unit that determines the delivery schedule for the delivered items based on at least the residual space information and predetermined conditions relating to delivery, An information processing system characterized by the following: [Item 2] The storage container type information is made distinguishable from each other based on the volume obtained by dividing the reference storage space volume, which is a predetermined storage space volume, by a predetermined number. The information processing system according to item 1, characterized by this. [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 any one of items 1 or 2, characterized by this. [Item 4] The condition is an update condition that enables updating of the delivery schedule. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized by this. [Item 5] The update condition is that the user has permitted a co-loading request from another user related to the user, and the storage of the delivery items of the other user does not fit into the user's delivery schedule before the update. The information processing system according to item 4, characterized by this. [Item 6] The update condition is that the other user related to the user has permitted a co-loading request to the other user, and the storage of the delivery items of the other user does not fit into the user's delivery schedule before the update. The information processing system according to item 4, characterized by this. [Item 7] The update condition is that the delivery of the user is a regular delivery with an automatically set delivery time, and the storage of the delivery items of other users does not fit into the user's delivery schedule before the update. The information processing system according to item 4, characterized by this. [Item 8] The condition is an update restriction condition that does not update the delivery schedule. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized by this. [Item 9] The update restriction condition is that the management temperature zone information associated with the user's delivery indicates a predetermined management temperature zone other than normal temperature. The information processing system according to item 8, characterized by this. [Item 10] The update restriction condition is that the fresh product presence / absence information associated with the user's delivery indicates that it includes fresh products. The information processing system according to item 8, characterized by this. [Item 11] The update restriction condition is that the delivery type information associated with the user's delivery indicates urgent delivery. The information processing system according to item 8, characterized by this. [Item 12] The update restriction condition is that the delivery type information associated with the user's delivery indicates time-specified delivery. The information processing system according to item 8, characterized by this. [Item 13] The condition is whether the delivery associated with the user satisfies the conditions of the mixable target indicated in the mixable target information. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized by this. [Item 14] The condition of the mixable target is that the delivery of the target user is within the delivery time zone specified by the user. The information processing system according to item 13, characterized by this. [Item 15] The condition of the mixable target is that the other user making the mix-in request is a user who permits at least part or all of the burden of the delivery fee. The information processing system according to item 13, characterized by this. [Item 16] When the delivery related to the delivery schedule is mixed with the deliveries of other users, the delivery fee information related to the user is apportioned at a predetermined ratio with the other user, and the apportioned delivery fee information is stored associated with each user. An information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 15, characterized by the features described herein. [Item 17] 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 the storage space in which the storage containers are stored. The system includes a delivery schedule determination unit that determines the delivery schedule for the delivered items based on at least the residual space information and predetermined conditions relating to delivery, A server characterized by the following features. [Item 18] The residual space calculation unit calculates residual space information, which indicates the residual space within the storage space, based on storage container type information, which indicates 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, which indicates the volume of the storage space in which the storage containers are stored. The delivery schedule determination unit includes the step of determining the delivery schedule for the delivery item based on at least the residual space information and predetermined conditions relating to delivery, An information processing method characterized by the following: [Item 19] The residual space calculation unit calculates residual space information, which indicates the residual space within the storage space, based on storage container type information, which indicates 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, which indicates the volume of the storage space in which the storage containers are stored. The delivery schedule determination unit causes the computer to perform the steps of determining the delivery schedule for the delivery items based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery. 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 delivery schedule determination 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.), subscription information, and information on items that can be included in a mixed shipment.

[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, presence or absence of fresh products, stacking capability information (upper stacking capability information or lower stacking capability information), delivery schedule time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time zone information), regular delivery reservation information, and consolidated delivery 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 mixed in, delivery type information, delivery schedule information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time slot information), delivery cost information, etc., and may also include, but is not limited to, information on the type of storage container, weight information, management temperature zone information, presence or absence of fresh products, and regular delivery reservation 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 standard storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space in which one or more storage containers are stored; a delivery schedule determination process that determines the delivery schedule for the items to be delivered based on at least the residual space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery; and a delivery information update process that updates (including adding) consolidated delivery information (such as delivery identification information that has been consolidated) 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 storage information regarding stored items by workers, etc., and user purchase processing in e-commerce or specification of scheduled delivery time processing. When a delivery item is accepted, if the delivery item has not yet been stored in a storage container with a set storage container type, the delivery item may be stored in each storage container, or a known boxing calculation algorithm for storing a predetermined object in a predetermined volume space based on size information may be used to associate the storage container type information with the delivery item information.

[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 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 determine delivery schedule information related to the user's deliveries (for example, delivery schedule information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time slot information), etc.). This will be described in detail below.

[0046] The delivery schedule determination unit 152 determines the delivery schedule for the user's delivery based on at least residual space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery. More specifically, for example, if the volume indicated by the residual space information is smaller than a predetermined volume (for example, smaller than the volume of the smallest type of storage container used for delivery), the already stored delivery schedule is determined as the final delivery schedule. However, if the volume indicated by the residual space information is greater than or equal to the predetermined volume, the already stored delivery schedule is updated based on predetermined conditions to determine the final delivery schedule. The predetermined conditions include, for example, update conditions that allow the delivery schedule to be updated and update restriction conditions that prevent the delivery schedule from being updated.

[0047] Example update condition 1 is, for example, that the user has authorized a consolidation request from another user related to the user, and that the storage of the other user's shipments will not be completed in time for the user's pre-update delivery schedule. In such cases, the pre-update delivery schedule may be updated to delay the delivery schedule so that the storage of the other user's shipments will be completed in time. If the storage of the other user's shipments will be completed in time for the user's pre-update delivery schedule, the pre-update delivery schedule may be used as the finalized delivery schedule. At this time, the shipping fee indicated by the shipping fee information related to the user's shipment may be apportioned with the other user at a predetermined ratio (for example, divided into 2), and the apportioned shipping fee information may be linked and stored for each user, allowing each user to perform their own payment processing. Alternatively, only the shipping fee for one shipment may be linked and stored for either the user or the other user, and payment processing may be performed accordingly.

[0048] This encourages users to accept consolidated shipment requests, particularly to benefit from the combined shipping cost, and consequently, service providers also benefit as the number of shipments decreases. Furthermore, in cases where there is no need to burden other users, such as when users share a household (e.g., parent and child), the user may process the payment for the combined shipping cost for a single shipment.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Example update condition 2 is, for example, that the user is permitted to request consolidation of shipments to other users related to the user, and that the storage of other users' shipments will not be completed in time for the user's pre-update delivery schedule. In such cases, the pre-update delivery schedule may be updated to a delivery schedule that allows for the storage of other users' shipments in time. If the storage of other users' shipments will be completed in time for the user's pre-update delivery schedule, the pre-update delivery schedule may be used as the finalized delivery schedule. At this time, the shipping fee indicated by the shipping fee information related to the user's shipment may be apportioned with other users at a predetermined ratio (for example, divided into 2), and the apportioned shipping fee information may be linked and stored for each user, allowing each user to perform their own payment processing. Alternatively, only the shipping fee for one shipment may be linked and stored for either the user or the other user, and payment processing may be performed accordingly.

[0051] Furthermore, when a user requests consolidation of deliveries from other users, for example, as shown in Figure 9, the application on the user terminal 2 may extract deliveries from other users with similar delivery schedules (for example, the difference in delivery start times is within a specified time) and present a list of consolidation target delivery information 910. The consolidation request may then be sent to the other user in response to the other user's selection operation for the consolidation target delivery information 910 and their decision operation in the consolidation target delivery decision area 920. In this example, the display shows that the consolidation target delivery information with a scheduled delivery time of "10:00-10:15" has been selected by the user, and the display has changed from that of unselected consolidation target delivery information. Furthermore, instead of presenting the information as a list of items to be consolidated, the system may present a predetermined number of extracted consolidated shipping information as options on the user's application and allow the user to select which shipments to consolidate, or it may present a predetermined number of extracted consolidated shipping information as a consolidation confirmation notice on the user's application and allow the user to select whether or not to consolidate the shipments to consolidate, or the system may automatically decide which shipments to consolidate from the extracted consolidated shipping candidates without user intervention. In addition, if there are no suitable items among the consolidated shipping information 910 displayed on the application and a decision operation is made to reject consolidation 930, or if there is no shipping information that can be used as a candidate for consolidation, or if no selection of consolidated shipping information is made before a predetermined period before the user's scheduled delivery time, the data management unit 120 (especially the delivery management unit 150) may update the user's shipping information and shipping information by updating the shipping type information to indicate individual shipping instead of consolidation, or by calculating the remaining space and updating the remaining space information included in the shipping information.

[0052] Thus, in this update condition example 2, unlike the update condition example 1 described above, the user is making a request for consolidation of shipments with other users. As a result, users are more likely to request consolidation in order to take advantage of the benefit of consolidating shipping costs into a single shipment, and consequently, the number of shipments decreases, which also benefits the service provider. However, in cases where the relationship between the user and the other user is such that they are parent and child or other users who share a household, and it is not necessary to burden the other user, the user may process the payment for the consolidated shipping cost for a single shipment.

[0053] Example update condition 3 is, for example, a delivery scheduled at a time automatically set based on the regular delivery reservation information linked to the user's delivery, and the storage of other users' deliveries is not completed in time for the user's pre-update delivery schedule. The regular delivery reservation information may be set based on, for example, the regular purchase information included in the user information. In such cases, the pre-update delivery schedule may be updated to a delivery schedule that allows for the storage of other users' deliveries in time. If the storage of other users' deliveries is completed in time for the user's pre-update delivery schedule, the pre-update delivery schedule may be used as the finalized delivery schedule. At this time, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned with other users at a predetermined ratio (for example, divided into 2), and the apportioned delivery fee information may be linked and stored for each user, allowing each user to perform their own payment processing. Alternatively, only the delivery fee for one delivery may be linked and stored for either the user or another user, and payment processing may be performed accordingly.

[0054] Thus, unlike the update condition example 1 described above, this update condition example 3 does not require the user to grant permission for consolidation with other users. This is because regular deliveries, which are automatically scheduled based on regular delivery reservation information, often only need to have their delivery dates changed significantly, and therefore do not require immediate delivery. As a result, users can benefit from having their delivery fees consolidated into a single delivery, and the service provider also benefits from the reduction in the number of deliveries. In cases where it is not necessary to burden other users, such as when users share a household like parent and child, the user may process the payment for the consolidated delivery fee. Furthermore, even for regular deliveries based on regular delivery reservation information, users may be allowed to optionally set options to exclude deliveries from consolidation, or to require permission when including deliveries in consolidation.

[0055] On the other hand, example of update restriction condition 1 is that the temperature zone information associated with the user's delivery (i.e., the temperature zone information of the delivered item) indicates a predetermined temperature zone. The predetermined temperature zone may not be a temperature zone such as ambient temperature (e.g., approximately 10-15 or 20°C), but rather a temperature zone lower than ambient temperature such as refrigerated (e.g., approximately -5 to 5°C) or frozen (e.g., below -15°C), or a temperature zone higher than ambient temperature such as hot (e.g., above approximately 25°C). If any of these temperature zones are indicated, the delivery schedule before the update may be finalized as is without waiting for other deliveries. However, this does not mean that consolidation is rejected altogether; if other users' deliveries can be stored in the pre-update delivery schedule in time and the temperature zones are the same, consolidation is permitted. In that case, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned with other users at a predetermined ratio (e.g., divided into two), and the apportioned delivery fee information may be linked and stored for each user, with each user performing their own payment processing. Alternatively, the system could be configured to associate and store only the shipping fee for one delivery for either the user or another user, and then process the payment accordingly.

[0056] Thus, in this update restriction example 1, deliveries in temperature ranges where temperature control is difficult are handled without updating the schedule. Therefore, especially when immediately delivering freshly prepared food, deliveries can be made at a temperature favorable to the user.

[0057] Example of update restriction condition 2 is, for example, that the information regarding the presence or absence of fresh produce associated with a user's delivery indicates that it includes fresh produce. In such cases, the pre-update delivery schedule may be used as the final delivery schedule without waiting for other deliveries. However, this does not mean that consolidation is rejected altogether; consolidation is permitted if there is enough time to store other users' deliveries in the pre-update delivery schedule. In that case, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned with other users at a predetermined ratio (for example, divided into two), and the apportioned delivery fee information may be linked and stored for each user, allowing each user to perform their own payment processing. Alternatively, only the delivery fee for one delivery may be linked and stored for either the user or another user, and payment processing may be performed accordingly.

[0058] Thus, in this update restriction example 2, deliveries containing perishable fresh goods (especially fresh foods such as raw fish and raw meat) are handled without updating the schedule, so they can be delivered in a condition favorable to the user.

[0059] Example of update restriction condition 3 is, for example, that the delivery type information associated with a user's delivery indicates an express delivery (a delivery with a shorter delivery period than a standard delivery) or a time-specified delivery, rather than a standard delivery. The delivery type information may be set by the user on the application when the user requests a delivery. In such cases, the delivery schedule before the update may be used as the final delivery schedule without waiting for other deliveries. However, this does not mean that consolidation is rejected, and consolidation is permitted if there is enough time to store other users' deliveries in the pre-update delivery schedule. In that case, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information associated with the user's delivery may be apportioned with other users at a predetermined ratio (for example, divided into two), and the apportioned delivery fee information may be linked and stored for each user, with each user performing their own payment processing. Alternatively, only the delivery fee for one delivery may be linked and stored for either the user or another user, and payment processing may be performed accordingly.

[0060] Thus, in this update restriction example 3, deliveries that the user requests to be delivered faster than usual or at a specified time will be handled without updating the schedule, so they may be delivered at a time that is convenient for the user.

[0061] Furthermore, other possible conditions include determining whether a delivery associated with a user meets the conditions for consolidation as indicated in the consolidation eligibility information. For example, a condition for consolidation eligibility might be that the user's delivery falls within the user-specified delivery time slot (e.g., daytime hours). This is because, for example, if the user requesting consolidation is a proxy recipient who does not live with the user, it may be undesirable for the delivery to be consolidated during nighttime hours. Alternatively, a condition for consolidation eligibility might be that the other user requesting the consolidation is authorized to bear at least part or all of the delivery costs. This is because the user may want the delivery costs to be reduced compared to having the delivery made at the scheduled time.

[0062] <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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] Next, the residual space calculation unit 151 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 the goods to be delivered to the user are stored (this may also be storage container type information as delivery item information linked to delivery information) and standard storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space in which the storage containers are stored, and updates the corresponding delivery information (S102). In particular, it is preferable that the residual space information is residual converted storage container type information obtained by converting the residual space into storage container type.

[0066] Then, in step S103, if it is determined that there is insufficient remaining space (for example, there is no remaining space to accommodate the smallest type of storage container), the delivery schedule determination unit 152 determines the delivery schedule, and this flow ends thereafter. Subsequently, if the items to be delivered are already stored in a storage container corresponding to this system, they are stored in the storage space as is. 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 items to be delivered, and then stored in the storage space before being delivered to the user.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that there is sufficient remaining space (for example, there is enough remaining space to accommodate at least the smallest type of containment container), the delivery schedule determination unit 152 further determines the delivery schedule for the delivered items based on predetermined conditions related to delivery (S104). The predetermined conditions related to delivery are as described above, and the delivery schedule is determined according to the predetermined conditions (for example, renewal conditions or renewal restriction conditions).

[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] Furthermore, if a shipment to be consolidated is determined on the user's application or on this system, and a delivery schedule is determined, the information on the consolidated shipment and the delivery schedule may be displayed on the worker terminal 3 so that the worker can confirm them during storage work. In addition, based on the information on the consolidated shipment and the delivery schedule, storage work equipment (storage work robot, storage work arm, storage work movable platform, etc.) for storing the shipments may be autonomously controlled to retrieve the user's shipments and other users' shipments from the shipment management space (e.g., shelves) and store them in the same storage space.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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]

[0072] 1. Management Server 2 User terminals

Claims

1. a delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for a delivery item to a user based on at least a predetermined condition related to delivery; the conditions include an update condition that allows the delivery schedule to be updated; The update conditions include that the user permits a consolidation request from another user related to the user, and that the storage of the delivery items of the other users is not in time for the delivery schedule before the update of the user. An information processing system comprising:

2. A delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for a delivery item to a user based on at least a predetermined condition related to delivery, the conditions include an update condition that allows the delivery schedule to be updated; The update conditions include that a consolidation request to another user related to the user is permitted by the other user, and the storage of the delivery items of the other user is not in time for the delivery schedule before the update of the user. An information processing system comprising:

3. When the delivery according to the delivery schedule is mixed with deliveries of other users, the delivery fee information related to the user is prorated to the other users at a predetermined ratio, and the prorated delivery fee information is stored in association with each user.

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

4. A delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for a delivery item to a user based on at least a predetermined condition related to delivery, the conditions include an update condition that allows the delivery schedule to be updated; The update conditions include that the user permits a consolidation request from another user related to the user, and that the storage of the delivery items of the other users is not in time for the delivery schedule before the update of the user. A server comprising:

5. A delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for a delivery item to a user based on at least a predetermined condition related to delivery, the conditions include an update condition that allows the delivery schedule to be updated; The update conditions include that a consolidation request to another user related to the user is permitted by the other user, and the storage of the delivery items of the other user is not in time for the delivery schedule before the update of the user. A server comprising:

6. A step of determining a delivery schedule for the delivery item to the user based on at least a predetermined condition related to the delivery by a delivery schedule determination unit; the conditions include an update condition that allows the delivery schedule to be updated; The update conditions include that the user permits a consolidation request from another user related to the user, and that the storage of the delivery items of the other users is not in time for the delivery schedule before the update of the user.

23. An information processing method comprising:

7. A step of determining a delivery schedule for the delivery item to the user based on at least a predetermined condition related to the delivery by a delivery schedule determination unit; the conditions include an update condition that allows the delivery schedule to be updated; The update conditions include that a consolidation request to another user related to the user is permitted by the other user, and the storage of the delivery items of the other user is not in time for the delivery schedule before the update of the user.

23. An information processing method comprising:

8. a step of determining a delivery schedule for the delivery item to the user based on at least a predetermined condition related to the delivery by a delivery schedule determination unit; the conditions include an update condition that allows the delivery schedule to be updated; The update conditions include that the user permits a consolidation request from another user related to the user, and that the storage of the delivery items of the other users is not in time for the delivery schedule before the update of the user. A program characterized by:

9. a step of determining a delivery schedule for the delivery item to the user based on at least a predetermined condition related to the delivery by a delivery schedule determination unit; the conditions include an update condition that allows the delivery schedule to be updated; The update conditions include that a consolidation request to another user related to the user is permitted by the other user, and the storage of the delivery items of the other user is not in time for the delivery schedule before the update of the user. A program characterized by:

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