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 152 that, based on storage container type information indicating the type for every capacity of a storage container storing an inventory to be delivered, of first inventories, which is requested to be delivered, 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 inventory extraction unit 153 that, based on the remaining space information and information related to second inventories different from the first inventories, extracts the second inventories of which a predetermined amount of inventory to be delivered is stored in the storage container together with the inventory to be delivered of the first inventories.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 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) within the range that can be loaded on one mobile body are set, and a test delivery flight is performed at the timing when a predetermined route can be flown.

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

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

[0007] The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problems is an information processing system, etc. comprising: storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume of storage containers that store the first inventory items that require delivery for which a delivery request has been made; a reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage containers, which calculates residual space information indicating the residual space within the storage space; information concerning a second inventory item different from the first inventory item; and a mixed inventory extraction unit that extracts the second inventory item to be stored in the storage container together with the first inventory items that require delivery, based on the residual space information. [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. [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 of the first inventory item that has been requested for delivery, and standard storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that contains one or more storage containers. Based on information regarding a second inventory item different from the first inventory item and the remaining space information, a mixed-loading target inventory extraction unit that extracts the second inventory item to store a predetermined amount of inventory to be delivered in the storage container together with the inventory to be delivered of the first inventory item. An information processing system characterized by the above. [Item 2] The information regarding the second inventory item is inventory quantity information of non-delivery inventory related to the second inventory item, and the mixed-loading target inventory extraction unit extracts the second inventory item whose non-delivery inventory quantity information is less than a predetermined number. The information processing system according to Item 1, characterized by the above. [Item 3] The information regarding the second inventory item is sales management information related to the second inventory item, and the mixed-loading target inventory extraction unit generates consumption prediction information based on the sales management information, and extracts the second inventory item predicted to be less than a predetermined number within a predetermined period based on the consumption prediction information. The information processing system according to Item 1, characterized by the above. [Item 4] The consumption prediction information may be related consumption prediction information regarding the second inventory item consumed in conjunction with the consumption of the first inventory item. The information processing system according to Item 3, characterized by the above. [Item 5] The information regarding the second inventory item is consumption schedule information related to the second inventory item, and the mixed-loading target inventory extraction unit extracts the second inventory item with a predicted consumption of a predetermined number within a predetermined period based on the consumption schedule information. The information processing system according to Item 1, characterized by the above. [Item 6] The mixed-loading target inventory extraction unit does not extract the second inventory item whose inventory quantity information to be delivered related to the second inventory item is less than a predetermined number. The information processing system according to any one of Items 1 to 5, characterized by the above. [Item 7] When the inventory extraction unit for mixed loading includes delivery type information indicating urgent delivery with a shorter period until delivery completion than normal delivery in the delivery information related to the first inventory item, the extraction of the second inventory item is not performed. The information processing system according to any one of Items 1 to 6, characterized in that. [Item 8] Based on the storage container type information indicating the type for each volume of the storage container storing the inventory items to be delivered of the first inventory item for which a delivery request has been made, and the reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space storing one or more storage containers, a remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space; An inventory extraction unit for mixed loading that extracts the second inventory item to store a predetermined amount of inventory items to be delivered in the storage container together with the inventory items to be delivered of the first inventory item, based on information related to the second inventory item different from the first inventory item and the remaining space information; and. A server, characterized in that. [Item 9] A step of calculating remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space by a remaining space calculation unit, based on the storage container type information indicating the type for each volume of the storage container storing the inventory items to be delivered of the first inventory item for which a delivery request has been made, and the reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space storing one or more storage containers; A step of extracting, by an inventory extraction unit for mixed loading, the second inventory item to store a predetermined amount of inventory items to be delivered in the storage container together with the inventory items to be delivered of the first inventory item, based on information related to the second inventory item different from the first inventory item and the remaining space information; and. An information processing method, characterized in that. [Item 10] A step of calculating remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space by a remaining space calculation unit, based on the storage container type information indicating the type for each volume of the storage container storing the inventory items to be delivered of the first inventory item for which a delivery request has been made, and the reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space storing one or more storage containers; The mixed inventory extraction unit causes the computer to perform the following steps: extract information about a second inventory item different from the first inventory item, and, based on the remaining space information, extract the second inventory item to be stored in the storage container together with the first inventory item that needs to be delivered. 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 such as a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, or PDA, owned by a user who manages some of their owned goods as inventory in a delivery-required inventory management space such as a warehouse. 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 such as a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, or PDA, owned by a worker who manages inventory and delivery items in a delivery-required inventory management space. 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] The inventory items can be anything, including food, daily necessities, office supplies sold in stores and supermarkets, medicines (including those requiring prescriptions) sold in hospitals and pharmacies, or parts and materials that form part of a product. A delivery-required inventory management space can be any space where delivery is required when a user acquires inventory, such as a warehouse or logistics center, and can manage delivery-required inventory. A non-delivery-required inventory management space can be any space where delivery is not required when a user acquires inventory, such as a store's back room, and can manage non-delivery-required inventory.

[0024] <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 an inventory management unit 150 as functional units. The inventory management unit 150 includes a storage container type setting unit 151, a remaining space calculation unit 152, and a mixed inventory extraction unit 153. The storage 12 also includes various databases such as a user information storage unit 121, an inventory information storage unit 122, and a delivery information storage unit 123.

[0025] 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, store address, telephone number, etc.), user identification information, and external application account information. For example, when store sales management (e.g., order management, purchasing management, shipping management, inventory management, billing management, sales management, etc.) is performed on this information processing system or on an external system that transmits or receives related information to this information processing system and cooperates with it, the user information may include sales management information (e.g., order information (including order history information), purchasing information (including purchasing history information), shipping information (including shipping history information), inventory information (including inventory trend information), billing information (including billing history information), sales information (including sales history information), etc.), and each piece of information may be linked to each inventory item identification information.

[0026] The inventory information stored in the inventory information storage unit 122 may include, but is not limited to, inventory identification information, user identification information, storage container type information, size information (depth, width, height), weight information, management temperature zone information, stacking capability information (upper stacking capability information or lower stacking capability information), inventory quantity information requiring delivery, inventory quantity information not requiring delivery.

[0027] The delivery information stored in the delivery information storage unit 123 may include, for example, delivery identification information, user identification information, inventory identification information, remaining space information, mixed delivery inventory information, delivery type information, and delivery schedule time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, and scheduled delivery time zone information), and may also include, but is not limited to, storage container type information, weight information, and management temperature zone information linked to the inventory identification information.

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

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

[0030] The data management unit 120 performs data management such as transmitting various information received by the information transmission / reception unit 100 to various functional units and acquiring various information from various functional units. The predetermined processing in the data management unit 120 includes, but is not limited to, various processes such as: a residual space calculation process that calculates residual space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume of storage containers that store the first inventory items for which a delivery request has been made, and standard storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers; a mixed-load inventory item extraction process that extracts second inventory items to be stored in the storage container together with the first inventory items for which a predetermined amount of inventory items for which a delivery request has been made, based on information about second inventory items different from the first inventory items and the residual space information; and a delivery information update process that updates (including adding) delivery mixed-load item information included in the delivery information.

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

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

[0033] The storage space for storing user items and / or the storage space that is the basis for the reference storage space volume may be any space having a predetermined volume, but it is preferably a storage space for inventory management, and more specifically, it may be, for example, a storage space for each inventory item used by the user, or a storage space such as shelves, lockers, or insulated boxes that have or do not have electrical locking / unlocking control. Alternatively, a storage space for delivery may be used as the basis, and it may be the delivery item storage section of a mobile vehicle for delivering goods (such as a UAV or UGV, especially an autonomously controlled mobile vehicle), or a loading platform 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 in which a virtual height direction is set for an area with fixed lengths in the depth and width directions, such as a pallet, that is, a space having a volume in which a part of the length in the depth, width, and height directions is virtually set. However, this is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, 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 reference storage space multiplied by a predetermined number (especially an integer).

[0034] The inventory management unit 150 updates the inventory information in the inventory information storage unit 122 in response to inventory receiving processes such as reading identification codes attached to incoming inventory (especially delivery inventory that arrives in warehouses, etc.) using readers (e.g., reading two-dimensional barcodes, RFID tags, NFC, etc.) or inputting inventory information about incoming inventory by workers, etc., and registering information such as adding delivery identification information in the delivery information storage unit 123 in response to delivery request processing (i.e., delivery request processing) by users regarding delivery inventory.

[0035] The storage container type setting unit 151 sets storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume in which the inventory items to be delivered (hereinafter also referred to as "first inventory items") are stored. More specifically, for example, by referring to the inventory information in the inventory information storage unit 122 and based on the size information (depth, width, height) corresponding to each inventory item, the first inventory items may be virtually stored in containers of each storage container type using a known boxing calculation algorithm for storing a predetermined object in a space of a predetermined volume, thereby setting storage container type information suitable for storing the first inventory items and updating the storage container type information included in the inventory information. Alternatively, considering that inventory items of the same type are stored in storage containers as part of inventory management, each inventory item may actually be stored in a container of each storage container type, and the correspondence between the range of inventory items and the storage container type may be stored in advance. In addition, the most suitable type of storage container is the smallest size that the first inventory item can be stored in, which is preferable from the standpoint of storage efficiency in the subsequent storage space. However, it is not limited to the smallest size; a storage container type that is 1 to 2 sizes larger than the smallest size that can be stored is also acceptable, taking into account size errors due to individual differences in inventory items and cushioning materials (such as foam cushioning material or vinyl air cushioning material).

[0036] The residual space calculation unit 152 calculates the residual space (so-called empty space) in the storage space to be stored for the first inventory item, based on storage container type information (i.e., storage container type information as inventory item information linked to delivery information) indicating the type of storage container for each volume of inventory item to be stored for inventory item to be delivered, which is acquired according to delivery information, and standard storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space to which one or more storage containers are stored. 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 residual space calculation result is such that, especially when the storage containers are defined as having a predetermined volume type for each predetermined volume relative to the standard storage space volume according to a predetermined rule as described above, the residual space also becomes a volume value that is easy to convert to a storage container type, making it easier to obtain residual converted storage container type information by converting the residual space to a storage container type. In particular, if the storage space includes multiple types of storage container volumes that can be identified for each storage container volume obtained by dividing the depth, width, or height of the storage space by a predetermined number and multiplying by a number less than the predetermined number, or if it includes multiple types of storage container volumes that can be identified for each storage container volume obtained by dividing by a predetermined number, the calculation of the remaining space within the storage space becomes easier. Furthermore, if the storage space is divided by partitions or the like to correspond to one of the storage container types, the delivery information storage unit 123 stores divided area identification information and corresponding storage container type information that are attached to each area divided by partitions or the like within the target storage space, linked to the storage space identification information, and the remaining space calculation unit 152 may use the storable divided area identification information as the remaining space information.

[0037] 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.

[0038] First, in the storage space associated with the delivery identification information "0001", user information "U0001" is linked. When inventory (inventory information "N0001") stored in a container (storage container type "S033") that is one-third the volume of the standard storage space is stored here, the remaining information is updated to "2 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 1, because the inventory is stored in a storage space that does not currently contain inventory. The remaining converted storage container type information is then updated to show two "S033" containers and / or one "S066 (storage container type indicating a container that is two-thirds the volume of the standard storage space)".

[0039] Similarly, if inventory (inventory information "N0010") stored in a container (storage container type "S033") that occupies one-third of the standard storage space volume is to be stored further, the remaining information is updated to "1 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 2 / 3, as it will be stored in the storage space where inventory (N0001) is already stored. The remaining converted storage container type information is then updated to indicate that there is one "S033".

[0040] 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, a more sophisticated calculation of the remaining space is possible using a known boxing calculation algorithm, in which case the storage locations of already stored inventory may also be rearranged.

[0041] Furthermore, in cases where storage is not in a common area within the storage space corresponding to delivery, as in the example above, but rather the storage space is divided into partitioned areas corresponding to one of the storage container types, the residual space information may be partitioned area identification information that does not associate with stored items, and the residual equivalent storage container type information may be corresponding storage container type information that corresponds to the partitioned area identification information that does not associate with stored items. Note that the position of the partitions may be movable and the corresponding storage container type information may be changed (for example, changing from two "S033"s to one "S066", or vice versa), and instead of just one corresponding storage container type information (for example, "S066") for each partitioned area identification information, multiple corresponding storage container type information (two "S033"s) may be associated, either in lieu of or in addition to this.

[0042] Next, using Figure 7, an example of information stored in the delivery information storage unit 123 (particularly residual space information) is shown. First, in the delivery identification information "0001", the associated first inventory 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).

[0043] Next, in the delivery identification information "0002", the linked first inventory information is "N0002", the user information is "U0011", and it is indicated that one "S050" container type is stored as the container type information, which represents half of 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 represents half of the standard storage space volume).

[0044] Next, in the delivery identification information "0003", the first inventory information linked to it is "N0003", the user information is "U0005", and as the 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 remaining space information is calculated to be "0" (i.e., no space available).

[0045] Next, in the delivery identification information "0004", the linked first inventory information is "N0004", the user information is "U0003", and it is indicated that one "S025" and one "S050" are stored as the storage container type information. Therefore, the residual space information is calculated as "1 / 4" (the residual equivalent storage container type information is "S025", which indicates a container type that is one-quarter of the standard storage space volume).

[0046] Finally, in the delivery identification information "0005" and "0006", the linked first inventory information is "N0005" and "N0006", the user information is "U0009", and it is indicated that one "S100" and one "S050" are stored as 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).

[0047] Thus, the residual space calculation unit 152 can calculate the residual space within the storage space to which the first inventory items are to be stored, based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores the first inventory items to be delivered, which have been acquired according to the delivery information, and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers. 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 a predetermined storage space volume as the reference storage space volume, can be identified. This makes it possible to efficiently store the delivered 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 inventory items to be mixed in with the residual space. This will be described in detail below.

[0048] The mixed inventory extraction unit 153 extracts a second inventory item that will be stored in the same storage container as the first inventory item, in a predetermined quantity, based on information about a second inventory item different from the first inventory item and residual space information corresponding to the residual space of the target storage space (in particular, residual equivalent storage container type information). Note that multiple storage container types can be selected for the residual space. For example, the residual space calculation unit 152 may calculate combination information of storage container types corresponding to the residual space and extract multiple mixed inventory item information for storage container types corresponding to that combination information (for example, a combination that allows two mixed items of storage container type 1 / 4 to be stored in a residual space of 1 / 2, a combination that allows one mixed item of storage container type 1 / 4 and two mixed items of storage container type 1 / 8 to be stored, a combination that allows four mixed items of storage container type 1 / 8 to be stored, etc.). Information on inventory items to be mixed may be presented, for example, via an application on user terminal 2 (especially as a list), or via an application on worker terminal 3. When a worker selects inventory items to be mixed, the selected inventory items may be sent from the data management unit 120 to user terminal 2, and a permission confirmation process for the inventory items to be mixed may be performed on the user's application. If the data management unit 120 receives information indicating permission, the inventory items may be confirmed as inventory items to be mixed for delivery.

[0049] Furthermore, the second inventory may be stored in a storage container of the corresponding storage container type in a predetermined quantity based on the relevant residual space information (in particular, residual equivalent storage container type information). That is, for example, if the residual space of the storage space after storing the first inventory is 1 / 4 (residual equivalent storage container type information is S025), then the amount that can be stored in storage container type S025 corresponding to the residual space of 1 / 4 (residual equivalent storage container type information is S025) is stored. At this time, the load capacity information associated with the storage space may also be referenced, and the amount of the second inventory to be stored may be set within the range in which the sum of the weight of the first inventory and the second inventory falls within the load capacity information.

[0050] The information regarding the second inventory item is information on the number of non-delivery inventory items related to the second inventory item, and the mixed inventory extraction unit 153 may extract second inventory items for which the number of non-delivery inventory items is below a predetermined number (in particular, second inventory items that are within a predetermined range for the quantity conditions for which a delivery request is sent, and furthermore, second inventory items for which a delivery request has been sent). This makes it easier to extract second inventory items with a higher delivery priority.

[0051] Furthermore, the information regarding the second inventory item is sales management information related to the second inventory item, and the mixed inventory extraction unit 153 may generate consumption forecast information (information indicating a forecast of how much will be consumed and by when) by known methods based on the sales management information (in particular, various historical information such as order history information, purchase order history information, shipment history information, billing history information, sales history information, and inventory trend information), and extract the second inventory item that is predicted to fall below a predetermined number within a predetermined period based on the consumption forecast information. Alternatively, the consumption forecast information may be related consumption forecast information regarding the second inventory item that is consumed together with the consumption of the first inventory item (for example, it is predicted that the consumption of chicken will increase in conjunction with the consumption of eggs).

[0052] Furthermore, the information regarding the second inventory item is consumption schedule information related to the second inventory item, and the mixed inventory extraction unit 153 may extract the second inventory item that is expected to be consumed in a predetermined number within a predetermined period based on the consumption schedule information. The consumption schedule information may be, for example, medicine sold at an in-hospital pharmacy, and may be reservation timing information (e.g., reservation date information) for patients who are prescribed a large amount of a particular medicine. Alternatively, the consumption schedule information may be, for example, products that are discounted at a supermarket sale, and may be sale start timing information (e.g., start date information). Or, the consumption schedule information may be, for example, parts consumed during the manufacture of a product, and may be manufacturing process start timing information related to the parts (e.g., start date information related to the parts). This information is managed 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, and only needs to be accessible to the mixed inventory extraction unit 153.

[0053] Furthermore, if the information regarding the second inventory item is information regarding the number of inventory items that need to be delivered related to the second inventory item, the mixed inventory extraction unit 153 may restrict the extraction of second inventory items for which the number of inventory items that need to be delivered falls below a predetermined number (in particular, second inventory items that are within a predetermined range for the quantity conditions for which an order request is sent, and even more specifically, second inventory items for which an order request has been sent).

[0054] Furthermore, for example, if the delivery information related to the first inventory item includes delivery type information indicating expedited delivery (delivery with a shorter delivery period than standard delivery) rather than standard delivery, the inventory extraction unit 153 may be omitted from the extraction (i.e., if it includes delivery type information indicating standard delivery, the inventory extraction unit 153 may be performed).

[0055] Furthermore, the mixed inventory extraction unit 153 only needs to extract at least one of the mixed inventory items in the above example, but for example, the extraction conditions for a second inventory item that can be mixed may be set in advance on the system, or the user may be able to display and select a second inventory item that meets the extraction conditions for which they wish to mix, or the user may set the extraction conditions for which they wish to mix in advance as user information and the system may extract based on those settings, or when viewing the mixed inventory list information, the system may sort or rearrange to select the inventory item to be viewed.

[0056] <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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] First, in this example, the data management unit 120 (particularly the inventory management unit 150) of the management server 1 updates the inventory information in the inventory information storage unit 122 in response to inventory receiving processes such as reading identification codes attached to incoming inventory items with a reader, or inventory receiving processes such as inputting inventory information about incoming inventory items by workers, etc., and generates new delivery identification information and registers delivery information in response to delivery request processes (i.e., delivery request processes) by users regarding inventory items that need to be delivered (i.e., delivery request processes).

[0059] Next, the residual space calculation unit 152 calculates the residual space within the storage space to which the first inventory item is to be stored, based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores the inventory item to be delivered for which a delivery request has been made, and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers, and updates the corresponding delivery information (S102). In particular, the residual space information may be residual converted storage container type information obtained by converting the residual space into storage container type.

[0060] Then, in step S102, if it is determined that there is insufficient remaining space (for example, there is no remaining space to accommodate a storage container of the smallest storage container type (in particular, the smallest equivalent storage container type for items that can be extracted as mixed inventory items in step S104)) (the result is NO in step S103), this flow is terminated. After that, if the first inventory item is already stored in a storage container corresponding to this system, it is stored in the storage space as is. If it is not yet stored, it is stored in a storage container of the storage container type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the volume information of the first inventory item, and then stored in the storage space before being delivered to the user.

[0061] On the other hand, in step S102, if it is determined that there is sufficient remaining space (for example, there is enough remaining space to accommodate at least one storage container of the smallest storage container type), the mixed inventory extraction unit 153 extracts mixed inventory information indicating the mixed inventory items that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space (S104). More specifically, for example, a list of mixed inventory information and display areas for mixed inventory items is displayed on the user's or worker's application, and mixed inventory information is determined in response to a mixed inventory item selection operation via the mixed inventory information and display areas for mixed inventory items in the mixed inventory list information. The determined mixed inventory information is then transmitted to the management server 1, and the data management unit 120 (especially the inventory management unit 150) updates (including adding) the delivery mixed inventory information included in the delivery information. Alternatively, instead of presenting the information as a list of items to be mixed, the system may present a predetermined number of items to be mixed, extracted by the mixed-item extraction unit 153, as options on the user's or worker's application, allowing the user or worker to select which items to mix. Alternatively, the system may present a predetermined number of items to be mixed, extracted by the mixed-item extraction unit 153, as a mixing confirmation notification on the user's or worker's application, allowing the user or worker to select whether or not to mix the items. In addition, the system may determine which items to be mixed in with the user's delivery from among the storable items to be mixed in extracted by the mixed-item extraction unit 153, without user or worker intervention. In accordance with this determination, the system may transmit the determined mixed-item inventory information to the management server 1, and the data management unit 120 (especially the inventory management unit 150) may update (including adding) the delivery mixed-item inventory information included in the delivery information. Furthermore, even if the worker selects information on inventory items to be mixed on their application, a mixed-item confirmation notice may be displayed to allow the user to choose whether or not to mix the items before determining which inventory items will be mixed for delivery. In addition, once the inventory items to be mixed for delivery have been determined on the user's application or on this system, the information on these items may be displayed on the worker's terminal 3 so that the worker can confirm it during the storage process.Furthermore, based on information about inventory items to be consolidated for delivery, storage equipment (such as storage robots, storage arms, or movable storage platforms) for storing the items may be autonomously controlled to retrieve the inventory items to be consolidated for delivery from the delivery management space (e.g., shelves) and store them in the storage space.

[0062] Furthermore, the display of the list of mixed-item inventory items may be configured by the user as appropriate using a mixed-item inventory display information setting section, such as a display target specification section (e.g., checkboxes or dropdown menus) that allows the user to select which mixed-item inventory items to display based on certain conditions, or a display order specification section that allows the user to select which mixed-item inventory items to prioritize. "Prioritizing display" here means, for example, that the display order is set earlier. More specifically, in the case of vertical scrolling, it may be displayed at the top of the display area, or when advancing through inventory information displayed sequentially by swiping, it may be displayed at the beginning. Also, the operation of selecting the mixed-item inventory list information to the mixed-item inventory display area may be called a mixed-item inventory selection operation, or the mixed-item inventory selection operation may be made within the mixed-item inventory details screen displayed after selecting the mixed-item inventory display area, and is not limited to these.

[0063] Subsequently, if the first inventory item is already stored in a storage container corresponding to this system, it is stored directly in the storage space. If it is not yet stored, it is stored in a storage container of the storage container type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the volume information of the first inventory item, and then stored in the storage space. Furthermore, the selected mixed inventory items (i.e., the extracted and selected second inventory item) are stored in the remaining space of the storage space, and then delivered to the user.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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]

[0066] 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 the first inventory item for which a delivery request has been made; and a consolidation target inventory extraction unit that extracts the second inventory item, which is to be stored in the storage container in a predetermined amount together with a delivery-required inventory item of the first inventory item, based on information on a second inventory item different from the first inventory item and the remaining space information. An information processing system comprising:

2. The information regarding the second inventory item is non-delivery inventory quantity information related to the second inventory item, The consolidation target inventory extraction unit extracts a second inventory item whose non-delivery inventory quantity information is below a predetermined number.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The information regarding the second inventory item is sales management information related to the second inventory item, the consolidation target inventory extraction unit generates consumption forecast information based on the sales management information, and extracts second inventory items that are predicted to fall below a predetermined number within a predetermined period based on the consumption forecast information; 2. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. The consumption forecast information may be related consumption forecast information regarding the second inventory item that is consumed in conjunction with consumption of the first inventory item.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3.

5. The information regarding the second inventory item is consumption schedule information related to the second inventory item, The consolidation target inventory extraction unit extracts second inventory items that are expected to be consumed in a predetermined quantity within a predetermined period based on the consumption schedule information.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. The consolidation target inventory extraction unit does not extract a second inventory item whose delivery-required inventory quantity information related to the second inventory item is below a predetermined number.

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

7. The consolidation target inventory extraction unit does not extract the second inventory item when the delivery information related to the first inventory item includes delivery type information indicating an urgent delivery, which has a shorter delivery completion period than a normal delivery.

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

8. 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 the first inventory item for which a delivery request has been made; and a consolidation target inventory extraction unit that extracts the second inventory item, which is to be stored in the storage container in a predetermined amount together with a delivery-required inventory item of the first inventory item, based on information on a second inventory item different from the first inventory item and the remaining space information. A server comprising:

9. calculating, by a remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space that stores one or more storage containers that store the first inventory item for which a delivery request has been made; and extracting, by a consolidation target inventory extraction unit, information on a second inventory item different from the first inventory item and the remaining space information, the second inventory item to be stored in the storage container in a predetermined amount together with an inventory item to be delivered of the first inventory item, 23. An information processing method comprising:

10. calculating, by a remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space that stores one or more storage containers that store the first inventory item for which a delivery request has been made; and causing a computer to execute a step of extracting, by a consolidation target inventory extraction unit, a second inventory item different from the first inventory item, the second inventory item being stored in the storage container in a predetermined amount together with an inventory item to be delivered of the first inventory item, based on information on the second inventory item and the remaining space information. A program characterized by:

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