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 storage space capacity information generation unit 151 that, based on storage container type information indicating the type for every capacity of a storage container storing a storage material in a storage space linked to a user, and storage space capacity state information indicating at least the capacity of the storage space, generates storage capacity state information indicating a state related to the capacity in the storage space; and a notification unit 154 that creates a notification related to the storage space according to a determination as to if the capacity of the space indicated by the storage capacity state information is under a predetermined condition.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 technology]

[0002] Conventionally, information processing systems have been known in which delivery boxes are installed in individual homes or apartment complexes (communal housing), and when the recipient is absent, the delivery is completed by storing the package in the delivery box, and a delivery completion notice is sent to the recipient's terminal. Patent Document 1 discloses a delivery system that can store the package in a substitute storage space when delivery is not possible, in order to deal with the situation where delivery is not possible if the package is already stored in the delivery box and a redelivery is required. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-109558 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, if a package is already stored in a home's delivery box, it is stored in a proxy storage space. However, if the package already stored is a small item such as stationery or daily necessities, the next delivered package will be stored in the proxy storage space even if it is small enough to fit in the remaining space (so-called free space) in the delivery box, which often requires the user to pick up the package from multiple locations. Furthermore, if this occurs at every household, the proxy storage space located in the common area of ​​the apartment building will be filled up, ultimately requiring redelivery. In addition, when storing deliveries in a designated storage space, not just delivery boxes, the availability of the storage space cannot be determined and is not taken into consideration when delivering.

[0005] On the other hand, even if the size of the parcels in the delivery locker and the parcels to be delivered can be determined in advance, there is actually variation in the shape of each parcel. As a result, even if parcels are stored in the delivery locker, dead space is created, making it difficult to store them efficiently. Furthermore, even if multiple parcels are stored in the delivery locker, if the user does not collect the delivered parcels, there will be no remaining space. As a result, it cannot be said that excessive use of the proxy storage space is sufficiently suppressed.

[0006] In recent years, autonomously controlled mobile objects, such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), have begun to be used in industry. In this context, experimental operation of a parcel delivery system has begun, in which mobile objects deliver parcels, such as goods ordered on e-commerce (EC) websites. While such parcel delivery systems are expected to control multiple mobile objects, due to the nature of the experimental operation, virtual parcels (e.g., daily necessities and food) are set within the range that can be loaded onto a single mobile object. However, in reality, users do not order with the load capacity of a single mobile object in mind. They typically order the desired items at the desired timing and in the desired quantity, making it difficult to predict whether the items will fit on a single mobile object.

[0007] On the other hand, high delivery efficiency reduces delivery costs (and therefore delivery fees), so loading a large amount of cargo onto a single mobile vehicle is desirable for both service providers and users. However, as mentioned above, considering the variation in cargo size, it is difficult to determine how much space is remaining in the mobile vehicle's loading section, and therefore operation with high loading efficiency is desirable.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of this background, and provides an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that make it easier to grasp the overall quantity of stored items and enable efficient storage in various storage spaces by standardizing and managing stored items (e.g., deliveries) using storage container type identification information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problem is an information processing system, etc., that includes a storage volume status information generation unit that generates storage volume status information that indicates the status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information that indicates the type of storage container for each volume that stores items in a storage space linked to a user and storage space volume status information that indicates at least the volume of the storage space, and a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space depending on whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information meets specified conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, by standardizing and managing stored items (e.g., deliveries) using storage container type identification information, it is possible to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that make it easier to grasp the overall quantity of stored items and enable efficient storage in various storage spaces. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal and the worker terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the management server of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the storage in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 1 is an example illustrating generation of storage volume status information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of a storage space information storage unit in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 1 is an example of a storage space according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described below. An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. [Item 1] a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information that indicates a status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information that indicates the type of storage container for each volume that stores stored items in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information that indicates at least the volume of the storage space; a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information satisfies a predetermined condition; An information processing system comprising: [Item 2] The containment vessel type information is distinguishable from one another based on a volume obtained by dividing a predetermined containment space volume as a reference containment space volume by a predetermined number. 2. The information processing system according to item 1, [Item 3] the storage volume status information is remaining space information indicating remaining space within the storage space, the condition is that the volume of the remaining space indicated by the remaining space information is equal to or less than a predetermined value; 3. The information processing system according to item 1 or 2, [Item 4] The storage volume status information is stored space information indicating a stored space within the storage space, The condition is that the volume of the stored space indicated by the stored space information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. 3. The information processing system according to item 1 or 2, [Item 5] The condition is that the storage period of any stored object in the storage space has passed a predetermined period. 5. The information processing system according to item 3 or 4, [Item 6] The determination is performed by reflecting a volume corresponding to the purchased product information associated with the user in the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information. 6. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 5, [Item 7] The determination is performed by reflecting a volume corresponding to a product previously purchased by the user in the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information. 6. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 5, [Item 8] the notification includes a notification including a status regarding a volume within the storage space; 8. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 7, [Item 9] The notification includes a notification prompting the user to pick up the stored item in the storage space. 9. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 8, [Item 10] The notification includes a notification confirming use of another storage space linked to another user identification information associated with the user identification information linked to the storage space. 10. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 9, [Item 11] the notification includes a notification confirming availability of additional storage space; 11. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 10. [Item 12] The notification includes a notification regarding additional processing of additional storage space. 12. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 11, [Item 13] The notification is sent to a user terminal of a proxy recipient user who has set the user as a proxy recipient user or who has been set as a proxy recipient user by the user. 13. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 12. [Item 14] The notification is transmitted to a worker terminal owned by a worker who performs work related to the storage space. 14. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 13, [Item 15] a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information that indicates a status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information that indicates the type of storage container for each volume that stores stored items in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information that indicates at least the volume of the storage space; a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls under a predetermined condition, A server characterized by: [Item 16] generating, by a storage volume status information generating unit, storage volume status information indicating a status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores stored objects in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information indicating at least the volume of the storage space; generating a notification regarding the storage space by a notification unit in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information satisfies a predetermined condition; Including, 1. An information processing method comprising: [Item 17] generating, by a storage volume status information generating unit, storage volume status information indicating a status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores stored objects in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information indicating at least the volume of the storage space; and generating a notification regarding the storage space by a notification unit in accordance with a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information satisfies a predetermined condition. A program characterized by:

[0013] <First Embodiment> An information system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the accompanying drawings, identical or similar elements are given identical or similar reference symbols and names, and duplicate descriptions of identical or similar elements may be omitted in the description of each embodiment. Furthermore, the features shown in this embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0014] <Configuration> 1, the information processing system according to this embodiment includes a management server 1, one or more user terminals 2, and one or more worker terminals 3. The management server 1, the user terminals 2, and the worker terminals 3 are connected to each other via a network so that they can communicate with each other. Note that the illustrated configuration is an example and is not limiting.

[0015] <Administration Server 1> 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server 1. Note that the configuration shown in the figure is an example, and other configurations may also be used.

[0016] As shown in the figure, a 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 may be logically realized by cloud computing.

[0017] The management server 1 includes at least a control unit 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a transmission / reception unit 13, an input / output unit 14, etc., which are electrically connected to one another via a bus 15.

[0018] The control unit 10 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the 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 GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes programs for this system stored in the storage 12 and deployed in the memory 11 to perform various information processing.

[0019] The memory 11 includes a main memory configured with a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and an auxiliary memory configured with a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The memory 11 is used as a work area for the processor 10, and also stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is executed when the management server 1 starts up, various setting information, etc.

[0020] The storage 12 stores various programs such as application programs. A database that stores data used for each process may be constructed in the storage 12.

[0021] The transmitting / receiving unit 13 connects the management server 1 to the network and the blockchain network. The transmitting / receiving unit 13 may include a short-range communication interface for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0022] The input / output unit 14 is an information input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an output device such as a display.

[0023] A bus 15 is commonly connected to the above elements and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals and various control signals.

[0024] <User terminal 2, worker terminal 3> The user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 3 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, or PDA owned by a user. The user terminal 2 also includes a control unit 20, memory 21, storage 22, a transceiver unit 23, and an input / output unit 24, 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 detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted. The worker terminal 3 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, or PDA owned by a worker who manages deliveries at a collection point or the like. The main functions of each element can be configured in the same way as the user terminal 2 described above, so detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted.

[0025] <Management server functions> Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating functions implemented in the control unit 10 of the management server 1, and Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating information stored in the storage 12. In this embodiment, the control unit 10 of the management server 1 has, as functional units, an information transmission / reception unit 100, a data management unit 120, and a storage management unit 150. The storage management unit 150 includes a storage space volume status information generation unit 151 and a notification unit 154. The storage space volume status information generation unit 151 includes a remaining space calculation unit 152 and a stored space calculation unit 153. In addition, the storage 12 includes various databases, such as a user information storage unit 121 and a storage space information storage unit 122.

[0026] The user information stored in the user information storage unit 121 may be, for example, basic user information (user name, username, email address, address, telephone number, etc.), user identification information, external application account information, etc., but is not limited to these. For example, when electronic commerce is conducted on this information processing system or on an external system that transmits or receives related information to and cooperates with this information processing system, the user information may include payment information (credit card information, etc.), purchased product information (including planned purchase product information such as a shopping cart), purchase history information, regular purchase product information (e.g., product identification information, product size (depth, width, height), conversion container type information, scheduled regular delivery delivery date information (e.g., what day of each month regular delivery will occur, etc.)), etc.

[0027] The storage space information stored in the storage space information memory unit 122 may include, for example, storage space identification information, user identification information, stored object information, remaining space information (particularly, remaining space converted storage vessel type information), stored space information (particularly, stored space converted storage vessel type information), load-bearing capacity information, manageable temperature range information, etc., and stored object information may include, but is not limited to, storage vessel type information, weight information, manageable temperature range information, etc.

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

[0029] The screen information generating unit 110 generates screen information to be displayed via the user interface of the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3. The screen information may be, for example, user interface screen information generated by arranging various images and text based on a predetermined layout rule using image and text data stored in the storage 12 as material. The screen information generating 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 or the like. That is, the management server 1 may transmit information necessary for generating a user interface screen, such as image data, and an application on the user terminal 2 or the like may generate a user interface screen based on the necessary information in accordance with a predetermined layout rule and display it on the user terminal 2. Processing related to the screen information generating unit 110 may 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 processing such as a storage volume status information generation process that generates storage volume status information (remaining space information and / or stored space information) indicating the status of the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume of the storage object stored in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information indicating the volume of the storage space, a notification process that generates a notification regarding the storage space and transmits it to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3 when the volume indicated by the storage volume status information falls under a predetermined condition, and a storage space information update process that updates the stored object information, remaining space information, and stored space information included in the storage space information.

[0031] The shape of the storage container is, for example, a three-dimensional container with a geometric shape, and is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped (including a cube) in consideration of storage in the storage space, stacking, etc. The material of the storage container may be any material, such as paper, plastic, metal, etc., and cardboard made of paper or cardboard made of plastic is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of ease of production and weight. Here, in the present invention, storage container type information is set so that the type of storage container can be identified for stored items such as deliveries. The containment vessel type may be, for example, a plurality of containment vessel volume types that are set to be distinguishable from one another based on a volume obtained by dividing a predetermined containment space volume as a reference containment space volume by a predetermined number (e.g., an integer) (for example, it may include a plurality of containment vessel volume types that are set to be distinguishable for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing the reference containment space volume by a predetermined number (e.g., an integer) and multiplying the result by a number equal to or less than the predetermined number (e.g., 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 1, etc.), or it may include a plurality of containment vessel volume types that are set to be distinguishable for each containment vessel volume divided by a predetermined number (for example, which may be an integer, and in particular may be 2 to the nth power (n is an integer that may include 0)) (e.g., 1 / 2, 1 / 4, 1 / 8, etc.), but is not limited to these). Furthermore, more specifically, with regard to the volume of the storage vessel, for example, when the reference storage space volume is divided by 4 (i.e., 1 / 4), the storage vessel may have a volume obtained by dividing any one of the depth, width, or height of the storage space by 4, or the storage vessel may have a volume obtained by dividing two of the depth, width, or height of the storage space by 2.

[0032] In addition, the reference storage space volume does not have to be the same volume as the specified storage space volume, but may be substantially the same (approximately the same) volume, and may be a volume minus the amount of excess space (e.g., a few millimeters or centimeters) required, particularly in consideration of the storage work of the container in the storage space, or if a partition is installed inside the storage container, may be a volume minus the amount of the partition (e.g., a few millimeters or centimeters) (or the storage space may have substantially the same volume as the reference storage space volume, but be larger by the amount of the partition).

[0033] The storage space for storing a user's stored items and / or the storage space that is the target of the reference storage space volume may be any space having a predetermined volume, but is preferably a storage space for receiving stored items. More specifically, it may be an installed object used by a user, such as a user's storage space, a smart-locked delivery box installed in a private home or a delivery box located in a common area of ​​an apartment building (the location of the space may be determined in advance by linking it to information related to the user, or it may be a location where the delivery person stores the package by linking it to information related to the user), a shelf, locker, post office box, or insulated box that does not require electrical locking and unlocking control. The reference may also be a storage space for delivery, or a delivery item storage section of a mobile object for delivering packages (such as a mobile object such as a UAV or UGV, especially an autonomously controlled mobile object), a loading platform used by a delivery person for delivery (e.g., a truck loading platform, a motorcycle rear box, a box cart, a basket cart, etc.), or a mobile object such as a delivery bag. Furthermore, the space having a predetermined volume may be a space whose depth, width, and height lengths are fixed as described above, but it may also be a space whose volume is set by imaginarily setting a height length for an area whose depth and width lengths are fixed, such as a pallet, or a space whose volume is set by imaginarily setting a portion of the depth, width, and height lengths. However, this is not limited to these. 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 size of the reference storage space multiplied by a predetermined number (especially an integer).

[0034] The storage management unit 150 performs information registration such as adding stored object identification information in the stored object information storage unit 123 and adding storage space identification information in the storage space information storage unit 124 and associating it with user identification information, in response to stored object acceptance processing such as reading (e.g., reading two-dimensional barcodes, RFID tags, NFC, etc.) identification codes attached to stored objects such as deliveries using a reader (e.g., a reader operated by a worker, a stationary reader, or a reader attached to a work robot (especially an autonomously controlled work robot)), or inputting stored object information related to the stored object by a worker, etc.

[0035] The storage volume status information generating unit 151 generates storage volume status information indicating the status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores objects in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information indicating the volume of the storage space, and updates the storage volume status information in the storage space information storage unit 122. The storage volume status information may be, for example, remaining space information indicating the remaining space within the storage space and / or stored space information indicating the stored space within the storage space.

[0036] The residual space calculation unit 152 calculates residual space information indicating the residual space (so-called free space) in the storage space based on storage vessel type information indicating the type of storage vessel for each volume that stores the stored object in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information indicating at least the volume of the storage space. The residual space is calculated using a known packing calculation algorithm for storing a specified object in a space of a specified volume. Here, the calculation result of the residual space is a volume value that is easy to convert to the storage vessel type, especially when the storage vessel type is specified for each specified volume with respect to the reference storage space volume according to the specified rule as described above, and it can be easy to obtain residual-converted storage vessel type information by converting the residual space to the storage vessel type. In particular, when the storage space includes multiple types of containment vessel volume identifiable for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing any one of the depth, width, or height of the storage space by a predetermined number and multiplying by a number smaller than the predetermined number, as described above, or when the storage space includes multiple types of containment vessel volume identifiable for each containment vessel volume divided by a predetermined number, calculation of the remaining space within the storage space becomes easier. Furthermore, when the storage space is divided by partitions or the like to correspond to each of the storage vessel types, the storage space information storage unit 124 stores, linked to the storage space identification information, divided area identification information identifiable for each area divided by partitions or the like within the storage space, and corresponding containment vessel type information corresponding to the divided area identification information, and the remaining space calculation unit 152 may use storable divided area identification information as the remaining space information.

[0037] The stored space calculation unit 153 calculates stored space information indicating the stored space within the containment space based on containment vessel type information indicating the type of containment vessel for each volume that stores the stored object in the containment space linked to the user and containment state information indicating the storage state of the containment space. The stored space calculation method calculates the stored space using a known packing calculation algorithm for storing a specified object in a space of a specified volume. Here, particularly when the containment vessel type is specified for each specified volume relative to the reference containment space volume according to a specified rule as described above, the stored space information also becomes a volume value that is easy to convert to the containment vessel type, making it easier to obtain the stored space converted containment vessel type information by converting the stored space to the containment vessel type. In particular, when the containment space includes multiple containment vessel volume types that are identifiable for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing any one of the depth, width, or height of the containment space by a specified number and multiplying it by a number smaller than the specified number, as described above, or when the containment space includes multiple containment vessel volume types that are identifiable for each containment vessel volume divided by a specified number, as described above. Furthermore, when the storage space is divided by partitions or the like to correspond to one of the storage vessel types, the storage space information storage unit 124 stores, linked to the storage space identification information, divided area identification information that is identifiably assigned to each area divided by partitions or the like within the target storage space, and corresponding storage vessel type information that corresponds to the divided area identification information, and the stored space calculation unit 153 may treat the storable divided area identification information as stored space information.

[0038] Here, a simplified explanation will be given of an example of calculating the remaining space and / or stored space in the case where the containment vessel type is defined for each predetermined volume relative to the reference containment space volume, using Fig. 6. The containment vessel is exemplified for a plurality of containment vessel volume types (e.g., 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1) that are set identifiable for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing the height by 3 relative to the reference containment space volume and multiplying the result by the number equal to or less than 3.

[0039] First, the storage space identification information "0001" is linked to the user information "U0001." If a stored object (stored object information "N0001") stored in a container (containment vessel type "S033") that is one-third of the reference containment space volume is stored here, the stored object will be stored in an unstored storage space, so the remaining space information is updated to "2 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 1, the remaining equivalent containment vessel type information is updated to indicate two "S033"s and / or one "S066 (containment vessel type indicating a container that is two-thirds of the reference containment space volume)," the stored space information is updated to "1 / 3" by adding 1 / 3 to 0, and the stored equivalent containment vessel type information is updated to indicate one "S033."

[0040] Similarly, if a stored object (stored object information "N0010") stored in a container (containment vessel type "S033") that is one-third of the standard containment space volume is to be further stored, the remaining space information is updated to "1 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 2 / 3, the remaining equivalent containment vessel type information is updated to indicate one "S033", the stored space information is updated to "2 / 3" by adding 1 / 3 to 1 / 3, and the stored equivalent containment vessel type information is updated to indicate two "S033".

[0041] The remaining space and / or stored space is calculated in this manner, and can be more easily executed when, as shown in the example, any one of the depth, width, or height of the storage space is divided by a predetermined number. Note that, as described above, a more advanced calculation of the remaining space and / or stored space is possible using a known packing calculation algorithm, and in that case, the storage positions of stored items may also be reorganized.

[0042] Furthermore, in a case where the containment space is not stored in a common area within the containment space as in the above example, but the containment space is divided into divided areas by partitions or the like to correspond to one of the containment vessel types, the residual space information may be divided area identification information with no associated stored object, and the residual converted containment vessel type information may be corresponding containment vessel type information corresponding to the divided area identification information with no associated stored object, or the stored space information may be divided area identification information with which a stored object is associated, and the stored converted containment vessel type information may be corresponding containment vessel type information corresponding to the divided area identification information with which a stored object is associated. Note that the position of the partitions may be movable, and the corresponding containment vessel type information may be changeable (e.g., changing from two "S033"s to "S066" or vice versa), and instead of or in addition to one corresponding containment vessel type information corresponding to each divided area identification information (e.g., "S066"), multiple corresponding containment vessel type information (two "S033"s) may be associated.

[0043] 7 and 8, examples of information (particularly remaining space information and / or stored space information) and storage spaces (for example, storage space groups such as shelves assigned to each individual) stored in the storage space information storage unit 122 will be shown. First, for storage space identification information "0001," the linked user information is "U0001," the stored object information is "N0001," and it is shown that one "S025" indicating a container type with a quarter of the reference storage space volume is stored as storage container type information corresponding to the stored object. Therefore, the remaining space information is calculated as "3 / 4" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S075" indicating a container type with three-quarters of the reference storage space volume), and the stored space information is calculated as "1 / 4" (the stored converted storage container type information is "S025" indicating a container type with a quarter of the reference storage space volume).

[0044] Next, for storage space identification information "0002," the linked user information is "U0011," the stored object information is "N0002," and it is shown that one "S050," which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume, is stored as the storage vessel type information corresponding to the stored object. Therefore, the residual space information is calculated as "1 / 2" (the residual converted storage vessel type information is "S050," which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume), and the stored space information is calculated as "1 / 2" (the stored converted storage vessel type information is "S050").

[0045] Next, for storage space identification information "0003," the linked user information is "U0005" and the stored object information is "N0003," and it is shown that one storage vessel type information corresponding to the stored object is "S100," which indicates a vessel type that is approximately the same as the reference storage space volume. Therefore, the remaining space information is calculated as "0" (i.e., no space available), and the stored space information is calculated as "1" (stored converted storage vessel type information is "S100").

[0046] Next, for storage space identification information "0004," the linked user information is "U0003," the stored object information is "N0004," and "N0005," and it is shown that one of the above-mentioned "S025" (for example, the top-bottom loading possibility information indicates that top-loading is strictly prohibited) and one "S050" are stored as storage vessel type information corresponding to the stored object, so the remaining space information is calculated as "1 / 4" (the remaining equivalent storage vessel type information is "S025," which indicates a vessel type that is one-quarter of the standard storage space volume), and the stored space information is calculated as "3 / 4" (the stored equivalent storage vessel type information is "S025," "S050," or "S075").

[0047] Finally, for the storage space identification information "0005" and "0006," the associated user information is "U0009" (i.e., two storage spaces are being used), the stored object information is "N0006" and "N0007," and it is indicated that one "S100" and one "S050" are stored as the containment vessel type information corresponding to the stored objects. Therefore, the remaining space information is calculated as "0" and "1 / 2," and the stored space information is calculated as "1" and "1 / 2" (stored converted containment vessel type information is "S100" and "S050"). In this case, the effective remaining space of the storage space for the user with user information "U0009" can be said to be "1 / 2" (the remaining converted containment vessel type information is "S050," which indicates a vessel type that is half the standard containment space volume).

[0048] In this way, the storage volume status information generator 151 can generate storage volume status information (remaining space information and / or stored space information) indicating the status of the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of volume of the storage container storing the stored items in the storage space associated with the user and storage space volume status information indicating the volume of the storage space. In particular, by setting identification information for each storage container volume obtained by dividing a predetermined storage space volume by a predetermined number as the reference storage space volume as the storage container type information, it becomes possible to efficiently store stored items in the storage space like a puzzle, and the remaining space volume and / or the stored space volume can be clarified as residual equivalent storage container type information. Using this, when the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls under a predetermined condition, a notification regarding the storage space can be generated and sent to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3. The generation of the notification will be described in detail below.

[0049] The notification unit 154 generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falling under a predetermined condition, and transmits the notification to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3. When the storage volume status information is residual space information, the notification unit 154 generates a notification regarding the storage space linked to the user in response to the volume of the residual space indicated by the residual space information falling under a predetermined condition (when based on residual converted containment vessel type information, the residual converted containment vessel type information becomes containment vessel type information under a predetermined condition), and transmits the notification to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3. When the storage volume status information is stored space information, the notification unit 154 generates a notification regarding the storage space linked to the user in response to the volume of the stored space indicated by the stored space information falling under a predetermined condition (when based on stored converted containment vessel type information, the stored converted containment vessel type information becomes containment vessel type information under a predetermined condition), and transmits the notification to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3.

[0050] The notification unit 154 may determine, for example, when the stored object is registered, whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information meets the specified conditions, or may make the determination based on the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information calculated as a result of the storage object being registered.

[0051] Furthermore, the notification unit 154 may determine whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information satisfies a predetermined condition, for example, based on the volume indicated by the storage volume status information when the purchased items are virtually stored in the storage space, in accordance with the setting of storage container type information corresponding to purchased item information linked to e-commerce performed on the information processing system or on an external system that transmits or receives related information and interacts with the information processing system. The setting of the storage container type information corresponding to the purchased item information may be performed, for example, by reading size information (depth, width, height) corresponding to each purchased item and virtually storing the purchased item in a container of each storage container type using a known packing calculation algorithm for storing a predetermined object in a space of a predetermined volume, or by setting product-corresponding storage container type information in advance for each purchased item.

[0052] The notification unit 154 may determine whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information satisfies a predetermined condition, for example, based on the volume indicated by the storage volume status information when a product to be purchased is virtually stored in the storage space, as predicted based on repurchase timing information for a previously purchased product or regular delivery timing information (e.g., scheduled regular delivery date information) associated with the regularly purchased product. The repurchase timing information may be set using a known method. For example, it may be set based on the date when a predetermined amount of a product will remain, calculated by assuming that a predetermined number of the product will be consumed periodically. If the product has been purchased multiple times, it may be set by, for example, calculating an average value based on past repurchase periods. The storage container type information corresponding to the product to be purchased may be set by, for example, reading size information (depth, width, height) corresponding to the product to be purchased and virtually storing the product to be purchased in a container of each storage container type using a known packing calculation algorithm for storing a predetermined object in a space of a predetermined volume. Alternatively, product-specific storage container type information may be set in advance for each product to be purchased.

[0053] The specified condition is that, when the storage volume status information is residual space information, the volume of the residual space indicated by the residual space information is equal to or less than a specified volume (including falling below the specified volume), and in particular, when based on residual equivalent storage vessel type information, the residual equivalent storage vessel type information may be storage vessel type information that indicates a volume equal to or less than the specified volume.

[0054] The specified condition is that, when the storage volume status information is stored space information, the volume of the stored space indicated by the stored space information is equal to or greater than a specified volume (including exceeding the specified volume), and in particular, when based on stored equivalent storage vessel type information, the stored equivalent storage vessel type information may be storage vessel type information that indicates a volume equal to or greater than a specified volume.

[0055] Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned conditions, a condition may be that any stored object in the storage space has been stored for a predetermined period of time (for example, several days, one week, or several weeks). This makes it possible to prevent a notification from being generated and sent to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3 every time the volume exceeds a predetermined volume value.

[0056] The storage period is calculated, for example, based on the elapsed time from the registration date. When it is determined that the user has received the item, the stored item information corresponding to the received item is deleted from the storage space information storage unit 122. The determination of the user's receipt may be, for example, a receipt operation performed on an application on the user terminal 2, or authentication may be performed by reading an identification code when receiving the item from the storage space, or, in the case of a storage space that can be electrically locked and unlocked, authentication may be performed to unlock the storage space. Alternatively, the determination of the user's receipt may be, for example, a determination that the item has been removed from the storage space based on image recognition using a photographing device provided in the storage space or mutual communication with a tag attached to the storage container.

[0057] The reference values ​​for the above conditions (such as the predetermined volume value and the predetermined period) may be predetermined in advance for all users on the system, or may be set for each user. If set for each user, the user may set them themselves, or they may be set based on the type of storage container that is frequently purchased, which is determined according to the user's purchase history information.

[0058] The notification regarding the storage space may include, for example, a notification including the status regarding the volume of the storage space, or a notification urging the user to pick up the items stored in the storage space. More specifically, if the predetermined value of the above condition is set to "1 / 3 (S033)", the user terminal 2 may be notified that "the remaining space is 1 / 3 or less, so please pick up the items stored in the storage space."

[0059] The notification regarding the storage space may include, for example, a notification confirming the use of another storage space associated with another user identification information associated with the user identification information associated with the storage space, and may further include a notification including the status of the volume of the other storage space. The other user identification information may be, for example, the identification information of a cohabiting user set as a family member or partner, or the identification information of a proxy requesting user who has set the user as a proxy receiving user or a proxy receiving user set by the user. In this example, for the association, for example, a registration process of the other user's identification information may be executed on the user's application, and / or a process of selecting whether to allow association with the user's identification information may be executed on the other user's application. More specifically, the notification may be to the user terminal 2, such as, "The remaining space is less than one-third, but the remaining space of your wife's storage space is 1. Would you like to store it in this storage space?"

[0060] The notification regarding the storage space may include, for example, a notification to confirm the use of additional storage space, and may further include a notification regarding the process of adding the additional storage space (e.g., the cost of the addition, a link for the addition process, etc.). More specifically, the notification may be sent to the user terminal 2, such as, "The remaining space is now less than one-third. Would you like to use the additional storage space? If you do, you will be charged an additional XX yen. To proceed with the addition process, please select the reservation link below." After that, when the addition process is executed on the user's application, etc., the new storage space identification information and user identification information may be linked and stored in the storage space information storage unit 122, and the corresponding user may be charged.

[0061] If a proxy recipient user is set, the above-mentioned various notifications may be sent only to the proxy recipient user or to the proxy recipient user as well.

[0062] Furthermore, notifications including the status of the volume within the storage space may be sent to a worker terminal 3 owned by a worker who performs work related to the storage space, such as storage work and management of stored items, at a location having the storage space, instead of or in addition to the user terminal 2. As a result, other notifications (such as a notification confirming the use of another storage space, a notification confirming the addition of storage space, or a notification confirming the use of temporary space) may be sent to the user terminal 2 by operating the worker terminal 3, or the worker may contact the user directly.

[0063] <Processing flow> The flow of processing of the information processing method executed by the information processing system of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing system of Fig. 1.

[0064] Here, a user or worker provided by this information processing system accesses the management server 1 using an application (including a web browser) or the like, and when using a service for the first time, they may log in by performing a user registration process, or if they have already obtained an account, they may log in after undergoing predetermined authentication, such as entering an ID and password, to use the service. Note that instead of an account, a unique application ID associated with an application downloaded to the user terminal 2 or worker terminal 3 may be used as user identification information (ID) to use the service. After this login authentication, the service can be started via an application (including a web browser) or the like.

[0065] First, in this example, the data management unit 120 (particularly the storage management unit 150) of the management server 1 generates new stored object identification information and storage space identification information in response to a stored object acceptance process, such as reading an identification code attached to a stored object by a reader, and links the stored object information and storage space information to the user and executes registration (S101). Here, if the storage space is already linked to the user, only the stored object information may be registered.

[0066] Next, the storage volume status information generation unit 151 generates storage volume status information indicating the status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores the contents in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information indicating the volume of the storage space, and updates the storage volume status information in the storage space information memory unit 122 (S102).

[0067] If it is determined in step S102 that the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information does not meet the predetermined conditions, the flow ends. After that, if the stored object is already stored in a storage container corresponding to this system, it is stored in the storage space as is, and if it has not yet been stored, it is stored in a storage container of the storage container type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the size information of the stored object, and then stored in the storage space.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the predetermined condition is met, the notification unit 154 generates a notification regarding the storage space and transmits it to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3 (S104).

[0069] After that, if the stored item is already stored in a storage container corresponding to this system, it is stored in the storage space as is, and if it has not yet been stored, it is stored in a storage container of the storage container type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the size information of the stored item, etc., and then stored in the storage space.

[0070] As described above, by standardizing and managing stored items (e.g., deliveries) using storage container type identification information, it is possible to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that make it easier to grasp the overall quantity of stored items and enable efficient storage in various storage spaces.

[0071] The above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 Management Server 2. User terminal

Claims

1. a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with a user; a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; Equipped with The notification includes a notification confirming use of another storage space linked to another user identification information associated with the user identification information linked to the storage space. An information processing system comprising:

2. a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with a user; a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; Equipped with The notification is sent to a user terminal of a substitute receiving user who has set the user as a substitute receiving user or who has been set as a substitute receiving user by the user. An information processing system comprising:

3. a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with a user; a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls under a predetermined condition, The notification includes a notification confirming use of another storage space linked to another user identification information associated with the user identification information linked to the storage space. A server comprising:

4. a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with a user; a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls under a predetermined condition, The notification is sent to a user terminal of a substitute receiving user who has set the user as a substitute receiving user or who has been set as a substitute receiving user by the user. A server comprising:

5. generating storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with the user by a storage volume status information generating unit; generating a notification regarding the storage space by a notification unit in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; Including, The notification includes a notification confirming use of another storage space linked to another user identification information associated with the user identification information linked to the storage space.

23. An information processing method comprising:

6. generating storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with the user by a storage volume status information generating unit; generating a notification regarding the storage space by a notification unit in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; Including, The notification is sent to a user terminal of a substitute receiving user who has set the user as a substitute receiving user or who has been set as a substitute receiving user by the user.

23. An information processing method comprising:

7. generating storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with the user by a storage volume status information generating unit; and generating a notification regarding the storage space by a notification unit in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; The notification includes a notification confirming use of another storage space linked to another user identification information associated with the user identification information linked to the storage space. A program characterized by:

8. generating storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with the user by a storage volume status information generating unit; and generating a notification regarding the storage space by a notification unit in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; The notification is sent to a user terminal of a substitute receiving user who has set the user as a substitute receiving user or who has been set as a substitute receiving user by the user. A program characterized by:

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