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

Abstract

To improve delivery efficiency of deliverers.SOLUTION: An information processing system is provided, comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether or not allowing a deliverer to respond to a delivery request satisfies conditions related to delivery efficiency of the deliverer on the basis of request content included in the delivery request associated with delivery or collection of a package as registered by a delivery requester; and a generation unit configured to generate delivery instruction information regarding delivery or collection of the package by delivery means other than the deliverer if the determination unit determines that the conditions are not satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, technology has been developed for a delivery service to efficiently deliver or collect parcels requested by a user. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for acquiring the load of one or more circular flights that circulate between three base stations, and determining whether to change the operation plan of the circular flight based on the acquired load. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-52525 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 increases or decreases the number of circular deliveries depending on the load, and does not take into account the delivery efficiency of the deliverers who deliver the packages via circular deliveries, which can vary depending on the request content included in the package delivery request.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program that can further improve the delivery efficiency of delivery companies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided which includes a determination unit that determines whether a deliverer's response to a delivery request regarding delivery or collection of a package registered by a delivery requester satisfies a condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer, based on the request content included in the delivery request, and a generation unit that generates delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package by a delivery means other than the deliverer, based on the determination by the determination unit that the condition is not satisfied.

[0007] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing device comprising: a determination unit that determines whether a deliverer's response to a delivery request regarding delivery or collection of a package registered by a delivery requester satisfies a condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer, based on request content included in the delivery request, and a generation unit that generates delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package by a delivery means other than the deliverer, based on the determination by the determination unit that the condition is not satisfied.

[0008] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method executed by a computer, which includes determining whether a deliverer's response to a delivery request regarding delivery or collection of a package registered by a delivery requester satisfies a condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer, based on request content included in the delivery request, and generating delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package by a delivery means other than the deliverer based on the determination that the condition is not satisfied.

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer to realize a determination function for determining, based on the request content included in a delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of a package registered by a delivery requester, whether a deliverer's response to the delivery request satisfies a condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer, and a generation function for generating delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package by a delivery means other than the deliverer based on the determination by the determination function that the condition is not satisfied. Effect of the Invention

[0010] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to further improve the delivery efficiency of the delivery company. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a delivery slot according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a functional configuration of an information terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a functional configuration of the fleet management server 30 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a functional configuration of a schedule management server 40 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a process for determining whether a condition regarding delivery efficiency is satisfied. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the process of determining whether or not a condition regarding delivery efficiency is satisfied. [Figure 8] 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining other examples of collection locations and receiving locations according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an operation process of the fleet management server 30 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a hardware configuration of the fleet management server 30 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The contents of the embodiment of the present invention will be listed and described below. An information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. [Item 1] A determination unit that determines whether or not a delivery request registered by a delivery requester satisfies a condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the delivery requester, based on a request content included in the delivery request regarding delivery or collection of the package; a generation unit that generates delivery instruction information regarding delivery or collection of the package by a delivery means other than the deliverer based on the determination by the determination unit that the condition is not satisfied; An information processing system comprising: [Item 2] a communication unit that transmits the delivery instruction information generated by the generation unit to an external device; 2. The information processing system according to item 1, further comprising: [Item 3] The external device includes an information terminal used by an administrator who manages the unmanned moving body. Item 3. An information processing system according to item 2. [Item 4] The external device includes an unmanned vehicle. Item 3. An information processing system according to item 2. [Item 5] The delivery person delivers the package using a mobile object. 5. An information processing system according to item 4. [Item 6] The moving object includes a vehicle moving on land. Item 6. An information processing system according to item 5. [Item 7] The unmanned moving body includes a moving body that autonomously moves on the land route. Item 7. An information processing system according to item 6. [Item 8] The unmanned moving body includes a moving body that autonomously moves along a route different from the land route. Item 7. An information processing system according to item 6. [Item 9] The unmanned moving body includes an air vehicle that flies autonomously on an air route. Item 9. An information processing system according to item 8. [Item 10] The determination unit is determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the location where the package is to be received, which is included in the request; 10. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 9. [Item 11] The determination unit is determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the delivery area of ​​the deliverer; 10. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 9. [Item 12] The determination unit is When the request content includes a predetermined request that affects the delivery plan of the delivery person, it is determined that the condition is not satisfied. 10. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 9. [Item 13] The determination unit is determining that the condition is not satisfied when the delivery start position of the package is included within a predetermined range from the position of the unmanned moving object that can be used for the delivery of the package; 10. The information processing system according to any one of items 3 to 9. [Item 14] The determination unit is determining that the condition is not satisfied when the delivery start position of the package is the same as the position of the unmanned moving object that can be used for delivering or collecting the package; 10. The information processing system according to any one of items 3 to 9. [Item 15] The generation unit is generating other delivery instruction information regarding delivery or collection of the package by the delivery means of the deliverer based on the determination by the determination unit that the condition is satisfied; 10. The information processing system according to any one of items 3 to 9. [Item 16] The communication unit is Transmitting the other delivery instruction information to a terminal used by the deliverer; Item 16. An information processing system according to item 15. [Item 17] A determination unit that determines whether or not a delivery request registered by a delivery requester satisfies a condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the delivery requester, based on a request content included in the delivery request regarding delivery or collection of the package; a generation unit that generates delivery instruction information regarding delivery or collection of the package by a delivery means other than the deliverer based on the determination by the determination unit that the condition is not satisfied; An information processing device comprising: [Item 18] Based on the request content included in the delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of the package registered by the delivery requester, determining whether or not the delivery by the delivery person of the delivery request satisfies a condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the delivery person; Based on the determination that the condition is not satisfied, generating delivery instruction information regarding delivery or collection of the package by a delivery means other than the deliverer; 2. An information processing method implemented by a computer, comprising: [Item 19] On the computer, A determination function that determines whether or not a delivery request registered by a delivery requester satisfies a condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the delivery requester based on the request content included in the delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of the package; a generation function for generating delivery instruction information regarding delivery or collection of the package by a delivery means other than the deliverer, based on the determination by the determination function that the condition is not satisfied; A program to achieve this.

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0014] In addition, in this specification and drawings, the mobile bodies are distinguished as necessary, such as a manned mobile body 10A for a mobile body used by a deliverer, and an unmanned mobile body 10B for a mobile body that moves by autonomous control or remote control. However, when there is no need to distinguish between the mobile bodies, each mobile body is simply referred to as a mobile body 10. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the mobile bodies, each information terminal is distinguished as necessary, such as an information terminal used by a deliverer who delivers or collects packages is referred to as a deliverer terminal 20A, and an information terminal used by a requester who requests delivery or collection of packages is referred to as a requester terminal 20B. However, when there is no need to distinguish between the information terminals, each information terminal is simply referred to as an information terminal 20.

[0015] <<1. Overview of the information processing system>> An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing system that can further improve the delivery efficiency of a deliverer with respect to delivery or collection.

[0016] <1.1. Overview> Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of an information processing system according to the present embodiment. The information processing system according to the present embodiment includes a moving object 10, an information terminal 20, a traffic management server 30, and a schedule management server 40, as shown in Fig. 1, for example.

[0017] The moving object 10, the information terminal 20, the traffic management server 30, and the schedule management server 40 are connected to each other via a network.

[0018] (Mobile 10) The mobile object 10 according to this embodiment is a mobile object used in delivery work such as delivering or collecting a package L. For example, the mobile object 10 is used when delivering a package L requested for delivery by a requester U2 from a warehouse WH where the package L is stored. Note that the mobile object 10 is not essential for delivery work, and for example, delivery may be performed on foot together with a dolly (e.g., a box dolly or a basket dolly).

[0019] For example, the mobile object 10 includes a manned mobile object 10A used by a delivery person U1 to deliver or pick up a package L.

[0020] For example, the manned moving body 10A according to the present embodiment may be a vehicle moving on a land route as shown in Fig. 1 (for example, a passenger car, a light truck, a cargo vehicle such as a light van, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a kick scooter, etc.). However, the manned moving body 10A is not limited to a vehicle. For example, the manned moving body 10A may be an aircraft flying on an air route, or a ship moving on a waterway such as a sea route or a river route.

[0021] Moreover, the moving body 10 according to this embodiment includes an unmanned moving body 10B that moves by autonomous control or remote control. For example, the unmanned moving body 10B may move by autonomous control using input information such as two positions such as a start point (e.g., a delivery start position of the baggage L or a movement start position of the unmanned moving body 10B) and an end point (e.g., a receiving position of the baggage L), or three or more positions including a relay point (e.g., a collection position of the baggage L in the case of a delivery involving collection of the baggage L) and a return point (e.g., a position that is the same as the movement start position of the unmanned moving body 10 or a different waiting position). Note that the input information used for autonomous control may include various information such as other intermediate points and a delivery route.

[0022] Furthermore, the unmanned mobile body 10B may be moved by remote control using operation information remotely input by an administrator who manages the unmanned mobile body 10B.

[0023] For example, the unmanned moving body 10B may be an air vehicle as shown in Fig. 1. For example, the air vehicle may be a drone that flies by autonomous control, or may be an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that flies by remote control by an administrator.

[0024] In addition, the unmanned mobile body 10B according to the present embodiment is not limited to an aircraft. For example, the unmanned mobile body 10B may be a vehicle that moves on land, such as an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), or a ship that moves on waterways, such as seaways and riverways.

[0025] Furthermore, the manned moving body 10A and the unmanned moving body 10B may be moving bodies capable of moving along at least two or more routes, including land routes, water routes, and air routes.

[0026] (Information terminal 20) The information terminal 20 according to this embodiment is a terminal used by a person involved in a service related to delivery or collection. For example, the information terminal 20 may be various terminals such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a PC (Personal Computer).

[0027] For example, the information terminal 20 includes a deliverer terminal 20A used by a deliverer U1 who delivers or collects a package L. For example, the deliverer U1 may use the deliverer terminal 20A to confirm delivery instruction information including a delivery task based on the request content included in the delivery request registered by the requester U2. In FIG. 1, the package L is delivered to the requester U2 who made the delivery request, but this is not limited to this case, and the package may be delivered to a recipient other than the requester, with the requester being the sender. In such a case, the deliverer U1 may load the package L onto a mobile unit 10 or the like when leaving the warehouse WH, and one or more delivery tasks may be set in advance as a delivery plan in a predetermined order.

[0028] The information terminal 20 also includes a requester terminal 20B that is used by a requester U2 who requests delivery or collection of a package L. For example, the requester U2 may use the requester terminal 20B to register a delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of the package L.

[0029] (Traffic management server 30) The fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment is an example of an information processing device, and is a server that manages the operation of the mobile object 10. For example, the fleet management server 30 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a PC, or may be a cloud server.

[0030] For example, the fleet management server 30 determines whether or not the delivery request for delivery or collection registered by the requester U2 by the deliverer U1 satisfies the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer U1. A specific example of the determination of whether or not the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency are satisfied will be described later.

[0031] In addition, based on the determination that the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer U1 are not satisfied, the fleet management server 30 generates delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package L by a delivery means other than that of the deliverer U1.

[0032] For example, if the fleet management server 30 determines that the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer U1 are not satisfied, it generates delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package L by an unmanned mobile body 10B, which is a delivery means different from the deliverer U1.

[0033] In addition, the fleet management server 30 may generate other delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package L by the deliverer U1 based on the determination that the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer U1 are satisfied.

[0034] Specific examples of delivery instruction information and other delivery instruction information will be described later, but the delivery instruction information is information used, for example, for autonomously controlling or remotely controlling the movement of the unmanned mobile body 10B, and may include, for example, location information of the home B (or collection location) designated by the requester U2 as the receiving location for the package L.

[0035] (Schedule management server 40) The schedule management server 40 according to this embodiment is a server that manages various schedules related to delivery and collection. For example, the schedule management server 40 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer, or may be a cloud server.

[0036] For example, the schedule management server 40 manages a delivery plan and a delivery schedule related to the delivery and collection of the deliverer U1. The schedule management server 40 also manages a delivery plan and a delivery schedule related to the delivery and collection of the unmanned mobile body 10B.

[0037] For example, the schedule management server 40 receives a determination result of whether or not a condition related to delivery efficiency is satisfied from the traffic management server 30. Then, the schedule management server 40 may register a delivery schedule for delivery or collection of the package L in a delivery slot of the delivery plan of the deliverer U1 or the unmanned mobile unit 10B that delivers the package L, depending on the received determination result.

[0038] A delivery slot is a time slot in which the unmanned mobile unit 10B or the deliverer U1 responds to a delivery request. For example, the daily delivery plan of the unmanned mobile unit 10B (or the deliverer U1) is divided into predetermined delivery slots (for example, 15 minutes or 30 minutes for an unmanned mobile unit, or 1 hour for a deliverer), and the unmanned mobile unit 10B (or the deliverer U1) delivers the parcel L registered for each delivery slot at the time indicated by the delivery slot. In the delivery slot of the unmanned mobile unit, parcels to a delivery destination such as 1 or 2 may be registered, and in the delivery slot of the deliverer, parcels to multiple delivery destinations such as 5 to 10 may be registered, but this is not limited thereto.

[0039] 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a delivery slot according to this embodiment. For example, the daily delivery plan DS of the unmanned mobile body 10B (or the deliverer) is divided into predetermined delivery slots (for example, 15 minutes), and the unmanned mobile body 10B (or the deliverer) delivers the parcel L registered for each delivery slot at the time indicated by the delivery slot. Such a combination of the delivery plan DS and the delivery slot may be set for each of multiple candidate receiving locations.

[0040] For example, a delivery plan DS set for a certain receiving location (such as relay locations S1 and S2 shown in Figure 8) includes two types of delivery slots: a "full" delivery slot (hereinafter referred to as a "full slot DF") indicating that the delivery schedule for the unmanned mobile unit 10B (or the deliverer) has already been filled, and an "empty" delivery slot (hereinafter referred to as an "empty slot DE") indicating that there is a vacancy in the delivery schedule for the unmanned mobile unit 10B (or the deliverer).

[0041] The outline of the information processing system according to the present embodiment has been described above. Next, examples of functional configurations of the information terminal 20, the fleet management server 30, and the schedule management server 40 according to the present embodiment will be described in order.

[0042] <1.2. Example of functional configuration of information processing terminal 20> 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a functional configuration of the information terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the information terminal 20 according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit 210, a control unit 230, and an operation display unit 240.

[0043] (Communication unit 210) The communication unit 210 according to the present embodiment performs various communications with the fleet management server 30 and the schedule management server 40. For example, the communication unit 210 included in the requester terminal 20B may transmit to the fleet management server 30 a delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of a package registered by a requester.

[0044] In addition, the communication unit 210 included in the deliverer terminal 20A may receive other delivery instruction information from the fleet management server 30 based on the determination that the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer is satisfied.

[0045] (Control unit 230) The control unit 230 according to this embodiment controls the overall operation of the information terminal 20. For example, the control unit 230 controls the transmission and reception of various information by the communication unit 210. For example, the control unit 230 included in the requester terminal 20B may control the communication unit 210 to transmit a delivery request including the request content inputted by the operation display unit 240.

[0046] In addition, the control unit 230 may control the operation display unit 240 to display the delivery instruction information received from the fleet management server 30. For example, the control unit 230 included in the deliverer terminal 20A may control the operation display unit 240 to display other delivery instruction information received from the fleet management server 30.

[0047] (Operation display section 240) The operation display unit 240 according to this embodiment functions as an operation unit for inputting request details regarding delivery or collection of parcels. The operation display unit 240 also functions as a display unit for displaying delivery instruction information received from the fleet management server 30.

[0048] The function of the operation unit may be realized by, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard. The function of the display unit may be realized by a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device. The function of the display unit and the function of the operation unit may be configured separately.

[0049] The information terminal 20 may be equipped with a microphone not shown in Fig. 3, in which case the requester may use the microphone to input the request details regarding the delivery or collection of the package by voice. The information terminal 20 may further be equipped with a speaker not shown in Fig. 3, in which case the deliverer may confirm the delivery instruction information by the voice output from the speaker.

[0050] <1.3. Example of functional configuration of the traffic management server 30> 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a functional configuration of the fleet management server 30 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the fleet management server 30 according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a control unit 330.

[0051] (Communication unit 310) The communication unit 310 according to this embodiment performs various communications with the information terminal 20 and the schedule management server 40. For example, the communication unit 310 may receive a delivery request for delivery or collection of a package registered by a requester from the requester terminal 20B.

[0052] The communication unit 310 may also transmit a determination result as to whether or not the delivery request fulfilled by the delivery person satisfies a condition related to the delivery efficiency of the delivery person to the schedule management server 40. Then, the communication unit 310 may receive various delivery information such as a delivery method and a delivery slot transmitted from the schedule management server 40 as a response to the determination result.

[0053] Furthermore, the communication unit 310 may transmit delivery instruction information generated by a generation unit 333 described below to an external device such as the information terminal 20 or the unmanned mobile unit 10B.

[0054] (Storage unit 320) The storage unit 320 according to this embodiment stores software and various data. For example, the storage unit 320 may store requester information. Here, the requester information may include various basic information such as the requester's name, the requester's name in the service, an email address, an address, or a telephone number, or may include one or more of the requester's identification information (ID), account information of an external application, or information regarding the location where the package is to be received. However, the requester information is not limited to these.

[0055] The storage unit 320 may also store deliverer information. Here, the deliverer information may include basic information of the deliverer, such as the deliverer's name, email address, and telephone number, or may include the deliverer's identification information, current location information, current delivery area, and vehicle type identification information, or may include the delivery company name and delivery company identification information. The deliverer information may also include, for example, external application account information, desired delivery area, identification card information (including driver's license information), transfer account information, and delivery history information. However, the deliverer information is not limited to these.

[0056] The storage unit 320 may also store store information. For example, the store information may include basic store information such as the store name, business hours, address, contact information, phone number, store URL, and shipping fee. The store information may also include product-related information such as product name, product identification information, product-compatible storage container type information, weight information, and management temperature range information. However, the store information is not limited to these.

[0057] (Control unit 330) The control unit 330 according to this embodiment controls the overall operation of the fleet management server 30. The control unit 330 includes a determination unit 331 and a generation unit 333, as shown in FIG.

[0058] The determination unit 331 in this embodiment determines whether a certain deliverer's response to a delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of a package registered by a requester satisfies the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer, based on the request content included in the delivery request.

[0059] The generation unit 333 according to this embodiment generates delivery instruction information regarding delivery or collection of the package by a delivery means other than the deliverer, based on the determination by the determination unit 331 that the condition is not satisfied.

[0060] For example, the generating unit 333 may generate delivery instruction information using various delivery information such as a delivery means and a delivery slot designated by the schedule management server 40 based on the determination result of the determining unit 331.

[0061] Furthermore, the generation unit 333 may generate other delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package by the deliverer, based on the determination by the determination unit 331 that the condition is satisfied.

[0062] <1.4. Example of functional configuration of schedule management server 40> 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the schedule management server 40 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the schedule management server 40 according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit 410, a storage unit 420, and a control unit 430.

[0063] (Communication unit 410) The communication unit 410 according to the present embodiment performs various communications with the information terminal 20 and the fleet management server 30. For example, the communication unit 410 may receive a determination result as to whether or not the delivery by the deliverer of the delivery request satisfies a condition related to the delivery efficiency of the deliverer.

[0064] Furthermore, the communication unit 410 may transmit to the fleet management server 30 various kinds of delivery information such as the delivery means and delivery slot designated based on the received determination result.

[0065] (Storage unit 420) The storage unit 420 according to this embodiment stores software and various data. For example, the storage unit 420 stores a delivery plan for each deliverer and a delivery plan for the unmanned mobile body 10B. For example, the delivery plan includes various information such as the loading status of packages for each delivery slot of the manned mobile body 10A used by the deliverer for delivery and the availability of the unmanned mobile body 10B.

[0066] (Control unit 430) The control unit 430 according to this embodiment controls the overall operation of the schedule management server 40. For example, the control unit 430 designates various delivery information such as a delivery method and a delivery time based on a determination result of whether or not the delivery by the deliverer of the delivery request satisfies a condition related to the delivery efficiency of the deliverer.

[0067] For example, when a determination result including that a condition related to delivery efficiency is satisfied is received, the control unit 430 may specify delivery by a deliverer using the manned mobile unit 10A, and may also interrupt a specified order in the delivery plan of a specified deliverer, specify a delivery slot according to the availability included in the delivery plan of the deliverer, etc. Then, the control unit 430 may control the communication unit 410 to transmit delivery information including the specified delivery means (deliveryer) and delivery slot to the traffic management server 30, or to change the delivery plan of a specified delivery vehicle.

[0068] When a determination result including that the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency are not satisfied is received, the control unit 430 may specify delivery by the unmanned mobile body 10B, and may specify a delivery slot according to the availability included in the delivery plan of the unmanned mobile body 10B. Then, the control unit 430 may control the communication unit 410 to transmit delivery information including the specified delivery means (unmanned mobile body 10B) and the delivery slot to the traffic management server 30.

[0069] An example of the functional configuration of the information terminal 20, the fleet management server 30, and the schedule management server 40 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Next, a specific example of the process for determining whether or not a condition regarding delivery efficiency is satisfied will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8.

[0070] <<2. Specific example of the process for determining whether the conditions related to delivery efficiency are satisfied>> When a requester requests delivery or collection of food, daily necessities, or other items via an application or browser, a delivery person may be assigned to handle the delivery request for the package.

[0071] For example, a deliverer who responds to a delivery request for a package requested by a requester needs to go to a warehouse or store where the package is stored to pick up the package as needed. As a result, for example, if the location where the deliverer is located is far from the location where the package is collected, the deliverer needs to travel a long distance to collect the package, which may reduce the delivery efficiency of the deliverer.

[0072] In addition, the delivery request of the requester may include various requests. For example, the delivery request may include various requests such as a delivery slot, a location for receiving the package, etc. In addition, the delivery request may include a specific request such as an immediate delivery of the package (e.g., food, etc.).

[0073] If such a request is included, the deliverer may have to pick up the parcel from the warehouse or store where the parcel is stored as soon as it is decided to deliver the parcel, which may affect the delivery plan of the deliverer. In other words, if the deliverer were to respond appropriately to such an irregular request, the delivery efficiency of the deliverer may be reduced.

[0074] In order to reduce the burden on such a deliverer and to prevent a decrease in delivery efficiency, it may be desirable to have, for example, the unmanned mobile body 10B assist in the delivery of parcels for which delivery has been requested on an irregular basis.

[0075] Therefore, in the information processing system according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not a deliverer's response to a delivery request for a certain package satisfies the conditions related to the delivery efficiency of the deliverer, and if the conditions related to the delivery efficiency of the deliverer are not satisfied (for example, if the delivery request is an irregular request as described above), the unmanned mobile unit 10B is made to assist in the delivery and collection of the package. Specific examples of the process of determining whether or not the conditions related to the delivery efficiency of the deliverer are satisfied are described below in order.

[0076] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a process for determining whether or not a condition related to delivery efficiency is satisfied. For example, a case will be described where delivery area A is specified for a deliverer U1 as the area in which the deliverer U1 is responsible for delivering a package L. Note that in the examples shown in Figs. 6 to 8, "inside delivery area A of deliverer U1" is the left side of the dashed line indicating the boundary of delivery area A, and "outside delivery area A" is the right side of the dashed line indicating the boundary of delivery area A.

[0077] 6 to 8, for convenience of explanation, the luggage L is exposed to the outside of the moving body 10, but the luggage L may be stored inside the moving body 10. The unmanned moving body 10B may have a structure for holding the luggage L.

[0078] For example, the determination unit 331 may determine whether or not the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer U1 is satisfied based on the receiving location of the package L included in the request content of the requester U2.

[0079] For example, the judgment unit 331 may determine that the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer U1 are not satisfied when the delivery location or collection location for the package L is specified as the home B2 (or a delivery location or collection location such as a store or dedicated delivery facility near the home B2) that is not included in the delivery area A as shown in Figure 6.

[0080] If it is determined that the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer U1 are not satisfied, the generation unit 333 may generate delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package L by the unmanned mobile unit 10B as a delivery means other than the deliverer U1.

[0081] Then, the communication unit 310 may transmit to the unmanned mobile body 10B the delivery instruction information generated by the generation unit 333. In this case, the unmanned mobile body 10B that has received the delivery instruction information may deliver the package L by autonomous control based on the received delivery instruction information.

[0082] Furthermore, the communication unit 310 may transmit the delivery instruction information generated by the generation unit 333 to the information terminal 20 used by the manager of the unmanned mobile body 10B. In this case, the manager may remotely operate the unmanned mobile body 10B based on the delivery instruction information, or may transmit the delivery instruction information to the unmanned mobile body 10B using the information terminal 20 used by the manager.

[0083] The delivery instruction information includes various information for use in, for example, the autonomous control of the unmanned mobile body 10B or the remote operation of the unmanned mobile body 10B. For example, the delivery instruction information may include information on the delivery start position of the package and the receiving position of the requester of the package L, or may include information on the delivery route and waypoints.

[0084] Furthermore, when a house B1 included in the delivery area A is specified as the receiving location or collection location of the package L, the determination unit 331 may determine that the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer U1 is satisfied.

[0085] If it is determined that the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer U1 is satisfied, the generation unit 333 may generate other delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package L by the deliverer U1.

[0086] Then, the communication unit 310 may transmit other delivery instruction information generated by the generation unit 333 to the deliverer terminal 20A used by the deliverer U1, which is an external device.

[0087] The other delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package by the deliverer U1 may be the same as or different from the delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package by other delivery means (e.g., the unmanned mobile unit 10B). For example, the other delivery instruction information may include information regarding delivery assistance by the deliverer U1 (e.g., the order of delivery or traffic congestion, etc.).

[0088] In addition, the traffic management server 30 does not necessarily have to transmit the delivery instruction information or other delivery instruction information to an external device. For example, if the traffic management server 30 has a display unit, the delivery instruction information or other delivery instruction information may be displayed on the display unit. Then, the manager who has confirmed the delivery instruction information displayed on the display unit may instruct the deliverer U1 or the unmanned mobile unit 10B to make delivery by any method.

[0089] According to the example described above, the unmanned mobile unit 10B assists in the delivery of packages for delivery requests requiring delivery to other areas (e.g., outlying areas indicating locations that are far away or geographically separated) that are not included in the delivery area A. As a result, the deliverer U1 can focus on deliveries within the delivery area A, and the delivery efficiency of the deliverer U1 can be further improved.

[0090] Although a warehouse WH has been given as an example of a place where luggage L is stored, the warehouse WH may be a warehouse owned by each delivery company, or it may be a warehouse where storage location and sorting space are shared by multiple delivery companies.

[0091] In addition, if the delivery plan of the deliverer U1 does not include a plan to deliver other packages within a predetermined range from the receiving location or collection location of the package L for which delivery has been newly requested, the determination unit 331 may determine that the condition regarding delivery efficiency is not satisfied. This allows the deliverer U1 to respond to a delivery request only when there is a plan to deliver other packages in the vicinity, and the delivery efficiency of the deliverer U1 can be further improved.

[0092] In addition, the delivery area A that the deliverer U1 is responsible for may change depending on the time and date. In this case, the determination unit 331 may determine whether the conditions regarding delivery efficiency are satisfied based on the desired delivery time and desired delivery date included in the request content.

[0093] For example, a certain deliverer U1 may be in charge of deliveries in a first delivery area (e.g., east area) in the morning and in a second delivery area (e.g., west area) in the afternoon. In this case, when the receiving location or collection location is specified in a location included in the first delivery area and the desired delivery time is included in the request content as being in the morning, the determination unit 331 may determine that the condition regarding delivery efficiency is satisfied because the deliverer U1 is in charge of the first delivery area during that time.

[0094] On the other hand, when a receiving location or collection location is specified in a location included in the first delivery area and the request details include a desired delivery time of afternoon, the judgment unit 331 may determine that the condition regarding delivery efficiency is not met because this is a time when deliverer U1 is not in charge of the first delivery area.

[0095] 6, a case has been described in which the base of the unmanned mobile body 10B and the warehouse WH where the package L is stored are set as the delivery start position, but the delivery start position according to this embodiment is not limited to this example. Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an example in which the delivery start position is not the base of the unmanned mobile body 10B (i.e., an example in which the package to be delivered is located at a position other than the base of the unmanned mobile body 10B) will be described.

[0096] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the process of determining whether or not a condition related to delivery efficiency is satisfied. For example, the base of the unmanned mobile body 10B (warehouse WH shown in Fig. 7) and the delivery start position do not necessarily have to be the same. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the unmanned mobile body 10B may collect food F included in the delivery request at store B3 where the food F is located. Note that, although food F is given as an example of a package in the example shown in Fig. 7, other packages may also be used.

[0097] The judgment unit 331 may determine that the condition regarding delivery efficiency is not satisfied if the home B2, which is the pickup location of the requester U2, is not included in the delivery area A, even if the store B3 that collects food F as shown in Figure 7 is included in the delivery area A.

[0098] In addition, the judgment unit 331 may determine that the condition regarding delivery efficiency is not satisfied even if the pickup location, that is, home B2, is included in the delivery area A, if the store B3 that collects the food F is not included in the delivery area A.

[0099] On the other hand, if the delivery area A includes both the store B3 where the food F is collected and the home B2 that is the pick-up location, the determination unit 331 may determine that the condition regarding delivery efficiency is satisfied.

[0100] 7, a store B3 is exemplified as a location where food F is collected (hereinafter, may be referred to as a collection location) and a home B2 is exemplified as a receiving location, but the collection location and receiving location of the package L are not limited to buildings or facilities such as the home B2 or the store B3. Next, other examples of collection locations and receiving locations will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0101] 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the collection location and the receiving location according to the present embodiment. For example, the collection location and the receiving location may be relay locations S1 and S2 as shown in FIG.

[0102] For example, the relay positions S1 and S2 may be the installation positions of a stand where the unmanned mobile unit 10B can wait. For example, a transporter U3 may collect food F requested for delivery by a requester U2 at a store B3. Then, the transporter U3 may transport the food F from the store B3 to the relay position S1.

[0103] The unmanned mobile body 10B may receive the food F from the transporter U3, for example, at the relay position S1 as a collection position. Note that the transporter U3 may be any transporter such as a clerk of the store B3, a gig worker, or a user of the store B3.

[0104] Then, the unmanned mobile body 10B, which has received the food F from the transporter U3, may deliver the food F from the relay position S1 to the relay position S2 designated as the receiving position by the requester U2.

[0105] The unmanned mobile body 10B may wait at the relay position S2 until the requester U2 arrives at the relay position S2. The unmanned mobile body 10B may leave the food F at the relay position S2 and return to the warehouse WH, which is the base, without waiting until the requester U2 arrives at the relay position S2, or, if a storage box is present at the relay position S2, may store the food F in the storage box and return to the warehouse WH. Furthermore, when the requester U2 receives the food F from the waiting unmanned mobile body 10B or the storage box, delivery authentication may be performed using predetermined identification information.

[0106] This makes it possible to increase the options for the pickup location of the requester U2, such as the nearest bus stop or train station to the requester U2, thereby further improving convenience for the requester U2.

[0107] The relay positions S1 and S2 are not limited to the installation positions of stands where the unmanned mobile body 10B can wait. The relay positions S1 and S2 may be any meeting positions, but are preferably positions that serve as meeting landmarks, such as bus stops, buildings, or parking lots.

[0108] Other examples of the collection location and the receiving location according to the present embodiment have been described above. As described above, the delivery request may include various requests. Therefore, the determination unit 331 may determine whether the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency are satisfied using various factors that affect the delivery efficiency of the deliverer, for example.

[0109] For example, if a new delivery request is added while a deliverer is delivering multiple packages in a certain delivery area, if the newly added delivery request includes a specific request such as urgent delivery, the deliverer may need to prioritize collection of the package including the specific request and deliver it to the requester.

[0110] As a result, it may affect the delivery plan of multiple packages that the deliverer was originally delivering. Therefore, the determination unit 331 may determine that the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer are not satisfied when the request content includes a specific request that affects the delivery plan of the deliverer. Note that the deliverer information may include additional allowance information (e.g., additional allowable number of times information, additional allowable time information, additional allowable distance information, etc.), and the determination unit 331 may determine that the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer are satisfied when the new delivery request is within the allowable range indicated by the additional allowance information.

[0111] In addition, even if a delivery area has not been specified for the deliverer, the determination unit 331 may determine that the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer are not satisfied when the distance from the delivery start location of the package to the receiving location is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0112] Also, for example, when the unmanned mobile body 10B is located within a predetermined range from the store B3, which is the delivery start position of the food F as shown in Fig. 7, it may be more efficient to deliver the food F by the unmanned mobile body 10B. Therefore, the determination unit 331 may determine that the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer is not satisfied when the delivery start position of the package is included within a predetermined range from the position of the unmanned mobile body 10B that can be used to deliver or collect the package. Alternatively, instead of determining that the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer is not satisfied, delivery by the unmanned mobile body 10B may be specified regardless of the delivery efficiency of the deliverer.

[0113] Furthermore, the determination unit 331 may determine that the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer is not satisfied when the delivery start position of the parcel is the same as the position of the unmanned mobile body 10B that can be used to deliver or collect the parcel. For example, the determination unit 331 may determine that the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer is not satisfied when the unmanned mobile body 10B is located in the store B3 that is the delivery start position of the food F as shown in Fig. 7. Alternatively, instead of determining that the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer is not satisfied, delivery by the unmanned mobile body 10B may be specified regardless of the delivery efficiency of the deliverer.

[0114] Alternatively, when a parcel requested for delivery by a requester is present at warehouse WH, which is the base of unmanned mobile body 10B (or when a parcel requested for delivery by a requester is brought directly to warehouse WH), determination unit 331 may determine that the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer is not satisfied. Alternatively, instead of determining that the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer is not satisfied, delivery by unmanned mobile body 10B may be specified regardless of the delivery efficiency of the deliverer. This promotes utilization of unmanned mobile body 10B and can further reduce the burden on the deliverer.

[0115] Another example of the process for determining whether or not the condition regarding delivery efficiency is satisfied has been described above. Next, an example of the operation process of the fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0116] <<3. Operation processing example>> 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation process of the fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment. First, the communication unit 310 receives a delivery request from the client terminal 20B (S101).

[0117] Next, the determination unit 331 determines whether or not the delivery by the deliverer fulfilling the delivery request satisfies a condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer, based on the request contents included in the received delivery request (S105).

[0118] Then, the communication unit 310 transmits to the schedule management server 40 the result of the determination as to whether or not the delivery by the deliverer of responding to the delivery request satisfies the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer (S109).

[0119] Next, the communication unit 310 receives information on the delivery means and the delivery slot based on the determination result from the schedule management server 40 (S113).

[0120] Then, the control unit 330 judges whether or not the judgment unit 331 judges in S105 that the delivery person's response to the delivery request satisfies the condition regarding delivery efficiency (S117). If it is judged that the delivery person's response to the delivery request does not satisfy the condition regarding delivery efficiency (S117 / No), the process proceeds to S121, and if it is judged that the delivery person's response to the delivery request satisfies the condition regarding delivery efficiency (S117 / Yes), the process proceeds to S125.

[0121] If it is determined that the delivery person's response to the delivery request does not satisfy the conditions regarding delivery efficiency (S117 / No), the generation unit 333 generates delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package, the communication unit 310 transmits the generated delivery instruction information to the unmanned mobile body 10B (S121), and the operation management server 30 in this embodiment terminates the operation processing.

[0122] If it is determined that the delivery person's response to the delivery request satisfies the conditions regarding delivery efficiency (S117 / Yes), the generation unit 333 generates other delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package, the communication unit 310 transmits the generated other delivery instruction information to the delivery person terminal 20A (S125), and the operations management server 30 terminates the operation processing.

[0123] <<4. Hardware configuration example>> The information processing described above is realized by cooperation between software and the hardware of the fleet management server 30 described below. The hardware configuration described below is also applicable to the information terminal 20 and the schedule management server 40.

[0124] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a hardware configuration of the fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment. The fleet management server 30 includes a control unit 330, a memory 31, a storage 32, a transmission / reception unit 33, an input / output unit 34, etc., which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 35, as shown in FIG.

[0125] The control unit 330 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the fleet management server 30, controls the transmission and reception of data between each element, and performs information processing required for application execution and authentication processing. For example, the control unit 330 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes programs for this system stored in the storage 32 and deployed in the memory 31 to perform various information processing as described above.

[0126] The memory 31 includes a main memory configured with a volatile storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and an auxiliary memory configured with a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD). The memory 31 is used as a work area for the control unit 330, and also stores a basic input / output system (BIOS) executed when the fleet management server 30 is started up, various setting information, and the like.

[0127] The storage 32 stores various programs such as application programs, etc. A database that stores data used in each process may be constructed in the storage 32.

[0128] The transmission / reception unit 33 connects the fleet management server 30 to a network and / or a blockchain network. The transmission / reception unit 33 may include a short-range communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0129] The input / output unit 34 includes information input devices such as a keyboard, a microphone, and a mouse, and output devices such as a display and a speaker.

[0130] A bus 35 is commonly connected to each of the above elements, and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals and various control signals.

[0131] <<5. Supplementary Information>> Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such an example. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0132] For example, when the determination unit 331 determines that the first deliverer who delivers in the first delivery area does not satisfy the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the first deliverer to handle a delivery request, the generation unit 333 may generate delivery instruction information for a second deliverer who delivers in the second delivery area. Also, when it is determined that the condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the first deliverer is not satisfied and delivery by the unmanned mobile body 10B is not appropriate (for example, there is no available unmanned mobile body 10B, charging the unmanned mobile body 10B takes time, the luggage L exceeds the loadable weight and loadable size of the unmanned mobile body 10B, the temperature range is not compatible, etc.), the generation unit 333 may generate delivery instruction information for a second deliverer who delivers in the second delivery area. In this way, by having a person assist another person, various situations such as a case where the unmanned mobile body 10B is not at a base or a case where delivery by a person is more efficient can be handled.

[0133] In addition, in the present specification, an example in which a deliverer delivers a package using a mobile object 10 has been mainly described, but the deliverer does not necessarily have to use the mobile object 10. For example, the deliverer may deliver the package on foot.

[0134] Furthermore, the determination unit 331 may determine whether or not the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer are satisfied based on various information such as the deliverer information, the store information, and the information regarding the product stored in the storage unit 320. For example, if the weight of the package requested to be delivered by the requester exceeds a predetermined standard (for example, exceeds the loadable weight of the unmanned mobile body 10B), it may be deemed that delivery by the unmanned mobile body 10B is difficult, and the determination unit 331 may determine that the conditions regarding the delivery efficiency of the deliverer are satisfied.

[0135] In addition, the fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment may have some or all of the functional configuration of the schedule management server 40. If the fleet management server 30 has all of the functional configuration of the schedule management server 40, the information processing system according to this embodiment may not have the schedule management server 40.

[0136] Furthermore, the schedule management server 40 may have some or all of the functional configuration of the fleet management server 30. For example, the schedule management server 40 may have a configuration having the functions of a determination unit 331 and a generation unit 333.

[0137] It is also possible to create a computer program that causes hardware such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM built into the information terminal 20, the operations management server 30, and the schedule management server 40 to perform functions equivalent to those of the above-mentioned information terminal 20, the operations management server 30, and the schedule management server 40. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 10 Mobile 20 Information terminal 210 Communications Department 230 Control Unit 240 Operation display section 30 Traffic management server 310 Communications Department 320 Storage section 330 Control Unit 331 Judgment section 333 Generation part 40 Schedule Management Server 410 Communications Department 420 Storage section 430 Control Unit

Claims

1. A determination unit that determines whether a condition regarding the delivery efficiency of the delivery person is satisfied based on the request content included in a delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of a package registered by a delivery requester, and whether the delivery person responds to the delivery request; A generation unit that generates delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package by a delivery means different from the delivery person based on the determination by the determination unit that the condition is not satisfied; An information processing system comprising:

2. Based on the determination by the determination unit that the condition is not satisfied, the generation unit generates delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package by a delivery means different from the delivery person that does not include a moving body owned by the delivery requester. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. Based on the determination by the determination unit that the condition is not satisfied, the generation unit generates delivery instruction information instructing the delivery of the package from the base where the package is stored to the pick-up location of the package by an unmanned moving body. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The determination unit determines whether the condition is satisfied based on the pick-up location of the package included in the request content. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The determination unit determines whether the condition is satisfied based on the delivery area of the delivery person. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The determination unit determines that the condition is not satisfied when a predetermined request that affects the delivery plan of the delivery person is included in the request content. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The determination unit determines that the condition is not satisfied when the delivery start position of the package is within a predetermined range from the position of an unmanned moving body that can be used for the delivery of the package. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The determination unit determines that the condition is not satisfied when the delivery start position of the package is the same as the position of an unmanned moving body that can be used for the delivery or collection of the package. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. Based on the request content included in the delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of the package registered by the delivery requester, a determination unit that determines whether the delivery person's handling of the delivery request meets the conditions related to the delivery efficiency of the delivery person, Based on the determination by the determination unit that the conditions are not met, a generation unit that generates delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package by another delivery means different from the delivery person, An information processing apparatus comprising:

10. Based on the request content included in the delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of the package registered by the delivery requester, determining whether the delivery person's handling of the delivery request meets the conditions related to the delivery efficiency of the delivery person; Based on the determination that the conditions are not met, generating delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package by another delivery means different from the delivery person; An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising:

11. Causing a computer to Have a determination function that determines whether the delivery person's handling of the delivery request meets the conditions related to the delivery efficiency of the delivery person based on the request content included in the delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of the package registered by the delivery requester; Have a generation function that generates delivery instruction information regarding the delivery or collection of the package by another delivery means different from the delivery person based on the determination by the determination function that the conditions are not met; A program for realizing the above.

Images