Control device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To deliver a product to a user who is moving.SOLUTION: A control device (11) determines, on the basis of an arrival time when a vehicle (10) arrives at a destination desired by a user (60) and a delivery time necessary for a drone (40) to deliver, to the vehicle, a product ordered by the user who is in the vehicle moving, whether or not it is possible for the drone to deliver the product to the vehicle before the vehicle arrives at the destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a control method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a delivery system that uses drones to deliver products ordered by users. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-90152 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 is a system that uses drones to deliver goods to a user's residence, and there is no mention of delivering goods to a user who is on the move.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to deliver goods to users who are on the move. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control device having a controller, which determines, based on the arrival time of a vehicle at a destination desired by a user and the delivery time for a drone to deliver goods ordered by the user who is traveling in the vehicle to the vehicle, whether the drone will be able to deliver the goods to the vehicle by the time the vehicle arrives at the destination.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method used in a control device having a controller, and includes a step of determining, based on an arrival time of a vehicle to a destination desired by a user and a delivery time for a drone to deliver goods ordered by the user who is traveling in the vehicle, to the vehicle by the time the vehicle arrives at the destination.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a control program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process to determine whether a drone will be able to deliver goods ordered by the user who is traveling in the vehicle to the destination by the time the vehicle arrives at the destination, based on the arrival time of the vehicle at the destination desired by the user and the delivery time for the drone to deliver the goods to the vehicle while the user is traveling in the vehicle.

[0009] The control device according to the aspects of the present disclosure may be realized by a computer. In this case, the control program that realizes the control device in a computer by causing the computer to operate as each part (software element) of the control device, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to deliver products to a user who is on the move. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a delivery management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for receiving a package from a drone. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a first management server. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a second management server. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a control device for a vehicle. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an external view of a drone. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a drone control device. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing a process flow of a delivery management system. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing a process flow of a delivery management system. [Figure 11] 13 is an example of an order screen when a user orders a product. [Figure 12] This is map information showing the route the vehicle will take to reach the destination. [Figure 13] This is map information showing the route the vehicle will take to reach the destination. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, a delivery management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted.

[0013] (Configuration of delivery management system 100) The delivery management system 100 is a system that uses a drone to deliver products ordered by a user who is in a vehicle to the user. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the delivery management system 100.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the delivery management system 100 includes a vehicle 10 used in the ride-sharing service, a first management server 20 managed and operated by an operator providing the ride-sharing service, a second management server 30 managed and operated by an operator providing a food delivery service, a drone 40 which is an aerial vehicle, a communication network 50, and a user terminal 70 carried by a user 60 riding in the vehicle 10.

[0015] In FIG. 1, there is one vehicle 10, but this is not limited thereto, and the delivery management system 100 may include two or more vehicles. In FIG. 1, there is one drone 40, but this is not limited thereto, and the delivery management system 100 may include two or more drones. In FIG. 1, there is one user terminal 70, but this is not limited thereto, and the delivery management system 100 may include two or more user terminals. For example, the delivery management system 100 may include a user terminal owned by a user 61 in addition to the user terminal 70 owned by a user 60. In addition, if the operator who develops the ride-sharing service and the operator who develops the food delivery service are the same operator, the first management server 20 and the second management server 30 may be integrated into one server. In addition, the service provided by the operator who manages and operates the second management server 30 is not limited to a food delivery service, and may be a delivery service for daily necessities, medicines, etc.

[0016] The vehicle 10 and the drone 40 are equipped with a control device described below. The control device of the vehicle 10, the first management server 20, the second management server 30, the control device of the drone 40, and the user terminal 70 can communicate with each other via a communication network 50.

[0017] In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is described as a vehicle used in a ride-sharing service, but is not limited thereto, and the vehicle 10 may be a vehicle used as a private car. The vehicle 10 is also described as a vehicle having an automatic driving function. It is assumed that the automatic driving function installed in the vehicle 10 does not require monitoring by an occupant. In other words, the level of automatic driving is assumed to be so-called level 3 or higher. However, it is not limited thereto, and the vehicle 10 may be a vehicle without an automatic driving function. Two users, i.e., user 60 and user 61, are on board the vehicle 10, but three or more users may be on board.

[0018] The vehicle 10 includes a control device 11, a GPS receiver 12, a camera 13, a sensor group 14, a display 15, a ceiling module 16, an opening / closing module 17, and an actuator 18.

[0019] The control device 11 controls the actuators 18 based on information acquired from the GPS receiver 12, the camera 13, and the sensor group 14 to realize autonomous driving. The actuators 18 include a brake actuator, an accelerator pedal actuator, a steering actuator, etc. The control device 11 also has a function of controlling the operation of the ceiling module 16 and the opening / closing module 17 to receive luggage from the drone 40.

[0020] The GPS receiver 12 receives radio waves from artificial satellites to obtain information on the ground position of the vehicle 10. The information on the ground position of the vehicle 10 obtained by the GPS receiver 12 is transmitted to the control device 11.

[0021] The camera 13 has an imaging element such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The number and installation locations of the cameras 13 are not particularly limited, but as an example, the cameras 13 are installed in front, on the sides, and behind the vehicle 10. The camera 13 captures images of the surroundings of the vehicle 10 at a predetermined period and detects information about the surroundings of the vehicle 10. The information about the surroundings of the vehicle 10 includes information about moving objects such as pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, and other vehicles, and information about stationary objects such as lane lines, traffic lights, signs, crosswalks, and intersections. The information about the surroundings of the vehicle 10 detected by the camera 13 is transmitted to the control device 11.

[0022] The sensor group 14 includes a sensor that detects the state of the vehicle 10 and a sensor that detects information about the surroundings of the vehicle 10. Examples of sensors that detect the state of the vehicle 10 include a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a steering angle sensor, a gyro sensor, a brake oil pressure sensor, and an accelerator opening sensor. Examples of sensors that detect information about the surroundings of the vehicle 10 include a millimeter wave radar and a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). A LiDAR is a sensor that measures the distance and direction to an object or recognizes the shape of an object by emitting a laser beam to an object around the vehicle 10 and measuring the time it takes for the laser beam to hit the object and bounce back. The state of the vehicle 10 and the information about the surroundings of the vehicle 10 detected by the sensor group 14 are transmitted to the control device 11.

[0023] The display 15 is a device for displaying various types of information.

[0024] The ceiling module 16 is a module that can move within the vehicle cabin along a rail (not shown) provided on the ceiling of the vehicle cabin. The term "module" used here refers to a component having a predetermined function.

[0025] The opening / closing module 17 is a module that is provided on a part of the roof of the vehicle 10 and is capable of opening and closing an opening in a part of the roof. In this embodiment, an example in which the opening / closing module 17 is provided on the rear end part of the roof is shown, but the opening / closing module 17 may be provided on the center part or the front end part of the roof.

[0026] The communication network 50 will be described as the Internet, but is not limited to this and other wireless communication methods may be adopted.

[0027] (How to receive your package) Next, an example of a method for receiving a package 80 from a drone 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a scene in which the ceiling module 16 of the vehicle 10 receives the package 80 carried by the drone 40. The package 80 is a product that a user 60 has ordered via the Internet using a user terminal 70.

[0028] When the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 detects the arrival of the luggage 80, it slides the opening / closing module 17 forward of the vehicle 10 to open an opening 81 in a part of the roof.

[0029] The control device 11 of the vehicle 10 moves the ceiling module 16 from the opening 81 toward the outside of the vehicle 10. The ceiling module 16 has a rectangular box shape with an open top surface. Therefore, it is possible to place the luggage 80 inside the ceiling module 16 from the top surface of the ceiling module 16. After placing the luggage 80 on the ceiling module 16, the drone 40 releases the arm that has been holding the luggage 80. By transferring the luggage 80 in this manner, the luggage 80 is prevented from falling, and damage to the luggage 80 is prevented.

[0030] In this embodiment, it is assumed that a series of steps from when a user 60 orders a product via the Internet until the drone 40 delivers the ordered product, i.e., the package 80, is performed while the vehicle 10 is moving toward the destination. Here, depending on conditions, the package 80 may not be delivered by the time the vehicle 10 reaches the destination. Therefore, in this embodiment, a determination is made as to whether or not the package 80 can be delivered by the drone 40 before the vehicle 10 reaches the destination, and if it is determined that the package 80 can be delivered, the drone 40 is caused to deliver the package 80.

[0031] (Hardware configuration of the first management server 20) Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the first management server 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first management server 20.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the first management server 20 is a general-purpose computer equipped with a communication I / F 21, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22, a memory 23, and a storage device 24, and these components are electrically connected via a bus not shown.

[0033] The communication I / F 21 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wireless communication via the communication network 50.

[0034] The CPU 22 is a central processing unit and a controller that executes various programs. The memory 23 is a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage device 24 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like, and stores various programs and various data. Specifically, the storage device 24 stores account information such as a user ID and password for using the ride sharing service, usage history, and the like.

[0035] (Hardware configuration of the second management server 30) Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the second management server 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the second management server 30.

[0036] 4, the second management server 30 is a general-purpose computer including a communication I / F 31, a CPU 32, a memory 33, and a storage device 34, and these components are electrically connected via a bus (not shown). The configurations of the communication I / F 31, the CPU 32, the memory 33, and the storage device 34 are similar to the configurations of the communication I / F 21, the CPU 22, the memory 23, and the storage device 24 of the first management server 20 described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0037] The storage device 34 stores account information such as a user ID and password for using the food delivery service, stores registered with the food delivery service, and menus offered by those stores.

[0038] (Hardware configuration of the control device 11 of the vehicle 10) Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control device 11 of the vehicle 10.

[0039] 5, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 is a general-purpose computer including a communication I / F 11b, a CPU 11a, a memory 11c, a storage device 11d, and an input / output I / F 11e, and these components are electrically connected via a bus (not shown). The configurations of the communication I / F 11b, the CPU 11a, the memory 11c, and the storage device 11d are similar to the configurations of the communication I / F 21, the CPU 22, the memory 23, and the storage device 24 of the first management server 20 described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0040] The input / output I / F 11e is an interface for communicating with the GPS receiver 12, the camera 13, the sensor group 14, the ceiling module 16, the opening / closing module 17, and the actuator 18, which are mounted on the vehicle 10. For example, a communication standard based on the CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol is used as this interface.

[0041] In the control device 11 of this embodiment, the CPU 11a executes a predetermined program stored in the memory device 11d, thereby functioning as a notification unit 111, a location information acquisition unit 112, a driving route setting unit 113, a driving control unit 114, a baggage determination unit 115, a receipt determination unit 116, a module control unit 117, and a timing calculation unit 118.

[0042] The notification unit 111 notifies predetermined information to the drone 40 or the user 60. The position information acquisition unit 112 acquires position information from the GPS receiver 12, and outputs the acquired position information to the traveling control unit 114.

[0043] The travel route setting unit 113 sets a travel route to a destination desired by the user 60, and outputs the set travel route to the travel control unit 114. The travel control unit 114 controls the actuator 18 to make the vehicle 10 travel along the travel route acquired from the travel route setting unit 113.

[0044] The baggage determination unit 115 determines whether the baggage 80 carried by the drone 40 is a product ordered by the user 60. The receipt determination unit 116 determines whether the baggage 80 can be received.

[0045] The module control unit 117 controls the operation of the ceiling module 16 and the opening / closing module 17. When the receipt determination unit 116 determines that the package 80 cannot be received, the timing calculation unit 118 calculates a suitable timing for receiving the package.

[0046] (Hardware configuration of user terminal 70) Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 70 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 70.

[0047] The user terminal 70 is a device carried by a user 60 who is using a ride-sharing service and riding in the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the user terminal 70 is described as a smartphone, but is not limited thereto, and the user terminal 70 may be a tablet terminal or a wearable device.

[0048] 6, the user terminal 70 includes a communication I / F 71, a CPU 72, a memory 73, a storage device 74, a GPS receiver 75, and a display 76. Each component is electrically connected via a bus (not shown). The configurations of the communication I / F 71, the CPU 72, the memory 73, and the storage device 74 are similar to the configurations of the communication I / F 21, the CPU 22, the memory 23, and the storage device 24 of the first management server 20 described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0049] An application 741 for using a ride-sharing service and a food delivery service is installed in the storage device 74. Hereinafter, the application 741 will be simply referred to as an "app 741." The app 741 is realized by the CPU 72 reading out a dedicated application program from the storage device 74 and executing it.

[0050] The display 76 is configured with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays various information. The display 76 also includes a capacitive touch sensor, and functions as an input device that accepts a touch operation by the user 60 as an input operation.

[0051] (Drone 40) Next, the drone 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an external view of the drone 40.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 7, the drone 40 includes a main body 40a, four propellers 45 connected to the main body 40a, and a pair of arms 46 connected to the main body 40a. The main body 40a includes a control device 41, a GPS receiver 42, a camera 43, and a sensor group 44. The number of propellers is not limited to four, and may be any number that realizes stable flight. Two or more pairs of arms may be provided.

[0053] The GPS receiver 42 receives radio waves from artificial satellites to obtain position information of the drone 40. The position information of the drone 40 obtained by the GPS receiver 42 is transmitted to the control device 41.

[0054] The camera 43 has an imaging element such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The camera 43 captures images of the surroundings of the drone 40 at a predetermined period and detects information about the surroundings of the drone 40. The information about the surroundings of the drone 40 includes, for example, the weather and brightness around the drone 40, and obstacles such as trees and birds that exist in front of the drone 40. The information about the surroundings of the drone 40 detected by the camera 43 is transmitted to the control device 41.

[0055] The sensor group 44 includes a sensor that detects the state of the drone 40 and a sensor that detects information about the surroundings of the drone 40. Examples of sensors that detect the state of the drone 40 include a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor. Examples of sensors that detect information about the surroundings of the drone 40 include an ultrasonic sensor and an air pressure sensor. The state of the drone 40 and the information about the surroundings of the drone 40 detected by the sensor group 44 are transmitted to the control device 41.

[0056] The control device 41 controls the propellers 45 based on information obtained from the GPS receiver 42, the camera 43, and the group of sensors 44, and flies the drone 40.

[0057] (Hardware configuration of the control device 41 of the drone 40) Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the control device 41 of the drone 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control device 41 of the drone 40.

[0058] 8, the control device 41 of the drone 40 is a general-purpose computer including a communication I / F 41b, a CPU 41a, a memory 41c, a storage device 41d, and an input / output I / F 41e, and these components are electrically connected via a bus (not shown). The configurations of the communication I / F 41b, the CPU 41a, the memory 41c, and the storage device 41d are similar to the configurations of the communication I / F 21, the CPU 22, the memory 23, and the storage device 24 of the first management server 20 described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0059] The input / output I / F 41e is an interface for communicating with the GPS receiver 42, the camera 43, the group of sensors 44, the propeller 45, and the arm 46 mounted on the drone 40.

[0060] In the control device 41 of this embodiment, the CPU 41a executes a predetermined program stored in the memory device 41d, thereby functioning as a notification unit 411, an order information acquisition unit 412, a location information acquisition unit 413, a flight path calculation unit 414, an environment determination unit 415, a delivery determination unit 416, a flight control unit 417, an arm control unit 418, a vehicle identification unit 419, and a reading unit 420.

[0061] The notification unit 411 notifies predetermined information to the vehicle 10 or the user 60. The order information acquisition unit 412 acquires information on an order placed by the user 60 from the second management server 30.

[0062] The position information acquisition unit 413 acquires position information from the GPS receiver 42, and outputs the acquired position information to the flight control unit 417. The flight path calculation unit 414 calculates a flight path to the vehicle 10, and outputs the calculated flight path to the flight control unit 417.

[0063] The environment determination unit 415 determines the environment around the drone 40. Specifically, based on information acquired from the camera 43 and the sensor group 44, the environment determination unit 415 determines the weather and brightness around the drone 40 and determines the presence or absence of obstacles such as trees and birds.

[0064] The delivery determination unit 416 determines whether or not the package 80 can be delivered to the vehicle 10 before the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination. The flight control unit 417 flies the drone 40 along the flight path calculated by the flight path calculation unit 414 while taking into account the environment around the drone 40.

[0065] The arm control unit 418 controls the arm 46 to cause the arm 46 to grasp the luggage 80. The vehicle identification unit 419 identifies the vehicle 10 to which the luggage 80 is to be delivered, using a known image processing method such as pattern matching. The reading unit 420 reads a QR code (registered trademark) affixed to the vehicle 10 using the camera 43, and acquires information embedded in the QR code (registered trademark).

[0066] (Processing flow performed by the delivery management system 100) Next, an example of the flow of processing performed by the delivery management system 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 9 and 10. This flowchart is performed, for example, in a scene where a drone 40 delivers an item ordered by a user 60 riding in a vehicle 10 to the vehicle 10 and the user receives the item from the drone 40. As a prerequisite for this flowchart, it is assumed that the user 60 is riding in the vehicle 10 using a ride-sharing service.

[0067] In step S101, the user 60 in the vehicle 10 selects and places an order for a desired store from among available stores and for food and drink from a menu provided by the store, using the application 741. Information regarding the store and the menu order selected by the user 60 is transmitted to the first management server 20.

[0068] In step S102, the first management server 20 acquires the information about the order transmitted in the process of step S101 and accepts the order of the user 60. In this embodiment, the operator providing the ride sharing service and the operator providing the food delivery service are in cooperation with each other, and are configured to be able to share information about the user 60 who uses the ride sharing service and the food delivery service. Specifically, the first management server 20 is configured to be able to share with the second management server 30 information about the ride sharing service of the user 60 who placed the order, such as (1) whether or not the user 60 is using the ride sharing service, (2) if the user 60 is using the ride sharing service, which manufacturer's vehicle the user is riding in, (3) where the user 60 is currently traveling, and (4) where the user 60 is heading.

[0069] Here, an example of an order screen when the user 60 orders food and drink will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The order function is a function provided by the application 741, and the order is placed on the application 741. As shown in Fig. 11, when the user 60 orders food and drink, an icon 90 indicating that the user 60 is logged in to the application 741, a notification 91 indicating whether the user 60 is using a ride-sharing service, and a notification 92 regarding the order contents are displayed on the display 76 of the user terminal 70.

[0070] As shown in the notification 91, the display 76 displays information that the user 60 is using a ride sharing service, the manufacturer name and model of the vehicle 10 in which the user 60 is riding, and the destination. The information related to the notification 91 is information transmitted from the first management server 20 to the second management server 30 when the user 60 touches the icon 93 to place an order.

[0071] Returning to FIG. 9, in step S102, the first management server 20 transmits information about the accepted order and information about the ride-sharing service to the second management server 30. The second management server 30 transmits the information about the order to the store selected by the user 60, the control device 41 of the drone 40 located in the store, and the control device 11 of the vehicle 10. An employee of the store prepares the food and drink ordered by the user 60 and has the drone 40 deliver it.

[0072] In step S103, the control device 41 of the drone 40 calculates a flight route from the store to the vehicle 10 based on the information received in the processing of step S102. Specifically, the control device 41 of the drone 40 calculates a flight route from the store to the vehicle 10 using the position information of the vehicle 10 received from the second management server 30.

[0073] In step S104, the control device 41 of the drone 40 determines whether or not the luggage 80 can be delivered to the vehicle 10 before the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination.

[0074] (One example of how to determine whether delivery is possible) Here, a specific method of the determination in step S104 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0075] FIG. 12 is map information showing the travel route of the vehicle 10 until it reaches the destination 85. P1 to P6 in the figure show specific points that the vehicle 10 passes through before reaching the destination 85. The specific points are candidates for locations at which the package 80 is received from the drone 40, and are set appropriately. The specific point is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an intersection where a traffic light exists. This is because it is considered relatively easy to receive the package 80 if the vehicle 10 is stopped at a red light.

[0076] The control device 11 of the vehicle 10 calculates the time of arrival at the destination 85 and the time of passing each of the points P1 to P6. The calculated time is one piece of information related to the ride sharing service, and is transmitted from the second management server 30 to the control device 41 of the drone 40.

[0077] A store 84 in the drawing is a store selected by the user 60. The drone 40 is placed in the store 84.

[0078] The control device 41 of the drone 40, which has acquired information about the order of the user 60, calculates flight routes R1 to R6 from the store 84 to each of the points P1 to P6 and the time of arrival at each of the points P1 to P6. Note that the flight routes R1 to R6 are flight routes that can arrive at each of the points P1 to P6 in the shortest time.

[0079] Here, it is assumed that the current time is 10:00, and the times when the vehicle 10 passes each of points P1 to P6 and the time when the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination 85 are calculated as follows. The time when the vehicle 10 passes the point P1 is 10:05. The time when the vehicle 10 passes the point P2 is 10:10. The time when the vehicle 10 passes the point P3 is 10:15. The time when the vehicle 10 passes the point P4 is 10:20. The time when the vehicle 10 passes the point P5 is 10:25. The time when the vehicle 10 passes the point P6 is 10:30. The time when the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination 85 is 10:35.

[0080] Also assume that the time at which the drone 40 arrives at each of the points P1 to P6 has been calculated as follows: The time at which the drone 40 arrives at point P1 is 10:10. The time at which the drone 40 arrives at point P2 is 10:08. The time at which the drone 40 arrives at point P3 is 10:10. The time at which the drone 40 arrives at point P4 is 10:15. The time when the drone 40 arrives at the point P5 is 10:10. The time when the drone 40 arrives at the point P6 is 10:15. In other words, the delivery time required to arrive at the points P1, P3, and P5 is 10 minutes, the delivery time required to arrive at the point P2 is 8 minutes, and the delivery time required to arrive at the points P4 and P6 is 15 minutes.

[0081] When the arrival time is calculated as described above, the drone 40 cannot deliver the package 80 to the vehicle 10 at point P1. This is because the vehicle 10 has already passed point P1 when the drone 40 arrives at point P1. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that the speeds of the vehicle 10 and the drone 40 are approximately the same, and the drone 40 cannot catch up with the vehicle 10 unless the vehicle 10 slows down or stops at a red light. However, if the maximum speed permitted for the drone 40 is sufficiently faster than the legal speed of the vehicle 10, the drone 40 can catch up with the vehicle 10.

[0082] On the other hand, the drone 40 can deliver the package 80 to the vehicle 10 at the points P2 to P6. This is because when the drone 40 arrives at the points P2 to P6, the vehicle 10 has not yet arrived at the points P2 to P6.

[0083] Therefore, the control device 41 of the drone 40 determines that, if the flight route is from R2 to R6, it is possible to deliver the package 80 to the vehicle 10 before the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination 85 (YES in step S104).

[0084] 12 has described an example in which it is determined that, if a portion of the flight routes is taken, delivery of package 80 is possible before vehicle 10 arrives at destination 85. The portion of the flight routes are flight routes R2 to R6. In contrast, an example in which it is determined that delivery of package 80 is not possible before vehicle 10 arrives at destination 85 regardless of any flight route will be described with reference to FIG.

[0085] 13, like FIG 12, is map information showing the route the vehicle 10 will take to reach the destination 85. FIG 13 differs from FIG 12 in the current location of the vehicle 10 and the location of the store 84.

[0086] 13, as in FIG. 12, it is assumed that the current time is 10:00, and the times when the vehicle 10 passes each of points P5 to P6 and the time when the vehicle 10 arrives at destination 85 are calculated as follows: The time when the vehicle 10 passes point P5 is 10:25. The time when the vehicle 10 passes point P6 is 10:30. The time when the vehicle 10 arrives at destination 85 is 10:35.

[0087] Also assume that the time at which drone 40 arrives at each of points P5 to P6 has been calculated as follows: The time at which drone 40 arrives at point P5 is 10:30. The time at which drone 40 arrives at point P6 is 10:35. In other words, the delivery time required to arrive at point P5 is 30 minutes, and the delivery time required to arrive at point P6 is 35 minutes.

[0088] When the arrival time is calculated as described above, the drone 40 cannot deliver the package 80 to the vehicle 10 at either point P5 or point P6. This is because when the drone 40 arrives at point P5 or point P6, the vehicle 10 has already passed point P5 or point P6.

[0089] Therefore, the control device 41 of the drone 40 determines that the luggage 80 cannot be delivered to the vehicle 10 before the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination 85 (NO in step S104).

[0090] 12 and 13, each of the points P1 to P6 is set as a candidate location for receiving the package 80 from the drone 40, but such points do not have to be set. If a point is not set, the control device 41 of the drone 40 may compare the arrival time of the vehicle 10 at the destination 85 with the delivery time of the drone 40, and determine whether the package 80 can be delivered to the vehicle 10 by the time the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination 85. For example, if the delivery time is shorter than the arrival time, the control device 41 of the drone 40 may determine that the package 80 can be delivered to the vehicle 10 by the time the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination 85.

[0091] Note that the subject of the determination in step S104 is not limited to the control device 41 of the drone 40. For example, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 may perform the determination in step S104. In order for the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 to perform the determination in step S104, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 only needs to acquire from the drone 40 the time at which the drone 40 arrives at each of the points P1 to P6.

[0092] The determination in step S104 can be made if the time when the vehicle 10 passes each of the points P1 to P6 and the time when the drone 40 arrives at each of the points P1 to P6 are known. Therefore, the determination in step S104 may be made by the user terminal 70, the first management server 20, or the second management server 30.

[0093] In this embodiment, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10, the first management server 20, the second management server 30, the control device 41 of the drone 40, and the user terminal 70 can communicate with each other via the communication network 50, so that each device can obtain the time when the vehicle 10 passes each of the points P1 to P6 and the time when the drone 40 arrives at each of the points P1 to P6. Therefore, each device can perform the determination of step S104.

[0094] If it is determined that delivery of the package 80 is possible (YES in step S104), the process proceeds to step S105, and the control device 41 of the drone 40 flies the drone 40 along the flight path calculated in the process of step S103.

[0095] The process proceeds to step S106, where the control device 41 of the drone 40 that has arrived at the delivery point of the luggage 80 identifies the vehicle 10 that will deliver the luggage 80 based on the image captured by the camera 43. The delivery point of the luggage 80 is, for example, any of points P2 to P6 shown in Fig. 12. The control device 41 of the drone 40 needs to identify the vehicle 10 that will deliver the luggage 80 from among the vehicles traveling at the delivery point of the luggage 80.

[0096] An example of a method for identifying the vehicle 10 that will deliver the luggage 80 will be described. The control device 41 of the drone 40 knows the name of the vehicle 10 that will deliver the luggage 80 because it has acquired the name from the second management server 30. In addition, the shape of the vehicle 10 is stored in the storage device 41d of the drone 40. Thus, the control device 41 of the drone 40 can use pattern matching to compare the shape of the vehicle captured in the image captured by the camera 43 at the delivery point of the luggage 80 with the shape of the vehicle 10 stored in the storage device 41d, and identify a vehicle whose shape matches or nearly matches as the vehicle 10 that will deliver the luggage 80.

[0097] The processing proceeds to step S107, where the control device 41 of the drone 40 captures an image of the QR code (registered trademark) affixed to the vehicle 10 identified in the processing of step S106 with the camera 43 and acquires the information embedded in the QR code (registered trademark).

[0098] In the process of step S107, the reason for obtaining information from the QR code (registered trademark) affixed to the vehicle 10 is to confirm whether the baggage 80 carried by the drone 40 is the product ordered by the user 60. The control device 41 of the drone 40 transmits the information related to the ride sharing service obtained from the second management server 30 and the information embedded in the QR code (registered trademark) to the control device 11 of the vehicle 10. As described above, the "information related to the ride sharing service" includes the manufacturer name and vehicle name of the vehicle 10 in which the user 60 who ordered the product of the baggage 80 is riding (see FIG. 11). As an example, the "information embedded in the QR code (registered trademark)" is the manufacturer name and vehicle name of the vehicle 10 to which the QR code (registered trademark) is affixed.

[0099] The control device 11 of the vehicle 10 compares the information regarding the ride-sharing service obtained from the control device 41 of the drone 40 with the information embedded in the QR code (registered trademark), and if both pieces of information match, it determines that the luggage 80 carried by the drone 40 is the product ordered by the user 60 (YES in step S107).

[0100] The process of step S107 is effective when two or more vehicles of the same manufacturer and model are running side by side. When two or more vehicles of the same manufacturer and model are running side by side, in the process of step S106, any vehicle may be identified as a vehicle that delivers the package 80. In this case, the drone 40 may deliver the package 80 to a vehicle that should not deliver the package 80. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drone 40 is configured to confirm whether the package 80 carried by the drone 40 is the product ordered by the user 60 by using information of a QR code (registered trademark) attached to the vehicle. As a result, even when two or more vehicles of the same manufacturer and model are running side by side, the package 80 can be delivered to the vehicle that should deliver the package 80.

[0101] In addition, the information acquired by the control device 41 of the drone 40 in the process of step S107 is not limited to QR code (registered trademark) information, and may be license plate information. The information acquired by the control device 41 of the drone 40 is sufficient as long as it is information that can distinguish between two or more vehicles of the same manufacturer and model when they are running side by side.

[0102] If the information regarding the ride-sharing service obtained from the control device 41 of the drone 40 does not match the information embedded in the QR code (registered trademark) (NO in step S107), processing proceeds to step S117, and the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 notifies the control device 41 of the drone 40 that the vehicle delivering the luggage 80 is different.

[0103] The process proceeds to step S118, where the control device 41 of the drone 40 again acquires information about the order and information about the ride-sharing service from the second management server 30. The process proceeds to step S119, where the control device 41 of the drone 40 moves the drone 40 to the location of the vehicle that will deliver the package 80, based on the information acquired in the process of step S118. Then, the process returns to step S106.

[0104] In step S108, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 determines whether or not the luggage 80 can be received. The control device 11 of the vehicle 10 can determine whether or not the luggage 80 can be received based on the driving state of the vehicle 10 or the driving environment of the vehicle 10. The driving state of the vehicle 10 can be the speed of the vehicle 10. As a specific example, when the speed of the vehicle 10 is less than 30 km / h, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 determines that the luggage 80 can be received. On the other hand, when the speed of the vehicle 10 is 30 km / h or more, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 determines that the luggage 80 cannot be received. Note that the value of 30 km / h is an example and can be changed as appropriate.

[0105] The driving environment of the vehicle 10 includes the road on which the vehicle 10 is traveling. As a specific example, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 determines that the luggage 80 cannot be received if the road on which the vehicle 10 is traveling has a sharp curve or a steep slope. The control device 11 of the vehicle 10 may also determine that the luggage 80 cannot be received if the road on which the vehicle 10 is traveling is a rough road. The "bad road" here includes a Belgian road, a wavy road, a gravel road, and the like. On the other hand, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 determines that the luggage 80 can be received if the road on which the vehicle 10 is traveling is a straight, paved, flat road. The control device 11 of the vehicle 10 can identify the type of road on which the vehicle 10 is traveling from an image captured by the camera 13.

[0106] Furthermore, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 may determine whether or not it is possible to pick up the baggage 80 by using both the driving state and driving environment conditions of the vehicle 10. For example, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 may determine that it is possible to pick up the baggage 80 when the speed of the vehicle 10 is less than 30 km / h and the road on which the vehicle 10 is traveling is a straight, paved, flat road.

[0107] If the process of step S108 is YES, the process proceeds to step S109, and the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 slides the opening / closing module 17 toward the front of the vehicle 10 to open an opening 81 in a part of the roof (see FIG. 2).

[0108] The process proceeds to step S110, where the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 moves the ceiling module 16 from the opening 81 toward the outside of the vehicle 10 to a position where the luggage 80 can be placed (see FIG. 2).

[0109] The process proceeds to step S111, where the control device 41 of the drone 40, having confirmed the movement of the ceiling module 16 with the camera 43, places the luggage 80 on the ceiling module 16 and releases the arm 46 that had been holding the luggage 80. This completes the handover of the luggage 80.

[0110] If the process of step S108 is NO, the process proceeds to step S120, and the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 calculates a suitable timing for receiving the luggage 80. As a specific example, if the vehicle 10 is traveling around a sharp curve, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 calculates the timing after the vehicle 10 has passed the sharp curve as the timing for receiving the luggage 80. In addition, if the speed of the vehicle 10 is 30 km / h or higher, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 may calculate the timing when the speed of the vehicle 10 becomes less than 30 km / h as the timing for receiving the luggage 80.

[0111] If the timing calculated in step S120 comes within the predetermined time (YES in step S121), the process proceeds to step S122, and the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 notifies the control device 41 of the drone 40 of that fact. An example of the "predetermined time" here is 30 seconds, but is not limited to this. After that, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0112] If the timing calculated in step S120 does not arrive within a predetermined time (NO in step S121), the process proceeds to step S123, where the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 notifies the control device 41 of the drone 40 of that effect. The process proceeds to step S124, where the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 stops the vehicle 10 to receive the baggage 80. After that, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0113] If the processing of step S104 is NO, the processing proceeds to step S112, and the control device 41 of the drone 40 notifies the user 60 that the luggage 80 cannot be delivered to the vehicle 10 before the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination 85.

[0114] The process proceeds to step S113, where the user 60 who has received the notification specifies the pick-up location and desired pick-up time for picking up the package 80 on the application 741. The information entered by the user 60 is transmitted to the first management server 20.

[0115] The process proceeds to step S114, where the first management server 20 acquires the information on the pickup location and pickup time transmitted in the process of step S113, and accepts the designation of the user 60. The first management server 20 transmits the information on the pickup location and pickup time designated by the user 60 to the second management server 30. Then, the second management server 30 transmits the information on the pickup location and pickup time designated by the user 60 to the control device 41 of the drone 40.

[0116] The process proceeds to step S115, and the control device 41 of the drone 40 calculates a flight path to the pick-up location obtained in the process of step S114.

[0117] The process proceeds to step S116, where the control device 41 of the drone 40 flies the drone 40 along the flight path calculated in the process of step S115. At the pick-up location and pick-up time designated by the user 60, the handover of the luggage 80 is completed.

[0118] If the process in step S104 is NO, the control device 41 of the drone 40 may cancel the order of the user 60 because delivery is not possible before the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination 85. In this case, the user 60 is notified that the order has been canceled.

[0119] In addition, if the control device 41 of the drone 40 detects strong winds or heavy rain around the drone 40, it may determine that the flight itself is not possible and cancel the order of the user 60.

[0120] 9-10 are merely examples, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order of steps may be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the subject of each process is not limited to those described above, and the control device 11 of the vehicle 10, the first management server 20, the second management server 30, the control device 41 of the drone 40, or the user terminal 70 may perform the process depending on the case.

[0121] (Action and effect) As described above, according to this embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0122] The control device 11 of the vehicle 10 determines whether the drone 40 will be able to deliver the goods to the vehicle 10 by the time the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination 85 desired by the user 60, based on the arrival time of the vehicle 10 at the destination 85 desired by the user 60 and the delivery time for the drone 40 to deliver the goods ordered by the user 60 while traveling in the vehicle 10 to the vehicle 10.

[0123] If it is determined that delivery is possible, the drone 40 will deliver the product. This makes it possible to deliver the product to the user 60 who is on the move. The user 60 will be able to receive the product while on the move, which contributes to the expansion of demand for shopping or eating out while on the move.

[0124] Furthermore, when it is determined that the drone 40 can deliver the goods to the vehicle 10 before the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination 85, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 may determine whether it is possible to receive the goods from the drone 40 based on at least one of the driving state of the vehicle 10 and the driving environment of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, when it is determined that the goods cannot be received, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 may calculate the timing at which it will be possible to receive the goods from the drone 40 based on at least one of the driving state of the vehicle 10 and the driving environment of the vehicle 10.

[0125] According to the above configuration, when it is difficult to receive the goods from the drone 40, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 does not control the ceiling module 16 and the opening / closing module 17, and does not permit the receipt of the goods. On the other hand, by receiving the goods when certain conditions are met, such as the speed of the vehicle 10 being less than a predetermined speed and the road on which the vehicle 10 is traveling being a straight, paved, flat road, the possibility of damaging the goods can be reduced.

[0126] (Modification) As explained above, when the processing of step S108 in Figure 10 is YES, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 controls the opening / closing module 17 and the ceiling module 16 to receive the luggage 80. However, before controlling the opening / closing module 17 and the ceiling module 16, the timing for receiving the luggage 80 from the drone 40 may be calculated according to the wishes of the user 60.

[0127] Specifically, when the process of step S108 in FIG. 10 is YES, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 may notify the user 60 that the drone 40 has arrived by displaying the information on the display 15 of the vehicle 10 or on the user terminal 70. The user 60 who has received the information selects whether or not to receive the luggage 80. This selection is made on the app 741, for example. When the user 60 wishes to receive the luggage 80, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 controls the opening / closing module 17 and the ceiling module 16 to receive the luggage 80. With this configuration, the user 60 can receive the luggage 80 at a desired timing.

[0128] If the user 60 does not wish to receive the package 80, the user 60 may input a desired time for receiving the package 80.

[0129] In addition, when the user 60 specifies a desired receiving time when ordering a product, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10 may notify the user 60 by displaying "The ordered product will arrive in 10 minutes" on the display 15 a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) before the receiving time. Assume that the desired receiving time is 12:00. In this case, the time when the notification is given to the user 60 is 11:50. If the user 60 who has received the notification wants to delay the receiving time, the user 60 may change the desired receiving time on the app 741. For example, the user 60 can change the desired receiving time from 12:00 to 12:15. Information indicating the changed time is transmitted to the control device 41 of the drone 40. The control device 41 of the drone 40 flies the drone 40 so that the drone 40 arrives at the vehicle 10 at the changed time. According to this configuration, the user 60 can receive the luggage 80 at the desired timing.

[0130] [Software implementation example] The functions of the first management server 20, the second management server 30, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10, the control device 41 of the drone 40, or the user terminal 70 are realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the first management server 20, the second management server 30, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10, the control device 41 of the drone 40, or the user terminal 70, and can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as each control block of the first management server 20, the second management server 30, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10, the control device 41 of the drone 40, or the user terminal 70.

[0131] In this case, the first management server 20, the second management server 30, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10, the control device 41 of the drone 40, or the user terminal 70 includes a computer having at least one device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing a program. The computer executes the program to realize each function described in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0132] The program may be recorded in one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporarily. The first management server 20, the second management server 30, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10, the control device 41 of the drone 40, or the user terminal 70 may or may not have this recording medium. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the first management server 20, the second management server 30, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10, the control device 41 of the drone 40, or the user terminal 70 via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0133] In addition, some or all of the functions of each control block can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each control block is formed is also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the functions of each control block can be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0134] Furthermore, each process described in the above-mentioned embodiment may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may operate in the first management server 20, the second management server 30, the control device 11 of the vehicle 10, the control device 41 of the drone 40, or the user terminal 70, or may operate in another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0135] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 100 Delivery Management System 10 Vehicles 11 Control device 40 Drone

Claims

1. A control device including a controller, The controller determines whether the drone can deliver the goods to the vehicle by the time the vehicle arrives at the destination based on an arrival time of the vehicle at the destination desired by the user and a delivery time for the drone to deliver the goods ordered by the user who is traveling in the vehicle to the vehicle. Control device.

2. When it is determined that the drone can deliver the product to the vehicle before the vehicle arrives at the destination, the controller determines whether it is possible to receive the product from the drone based on at least one of a driving state of the vehicle and a driving environment of the vehicle. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. When it is determined that the product cannot be received, the controller calculates a timing at which the product can be received from the drone based on at least one of a driving state of the vehicle and a driving environment of the vehicle. The control device according to claim 2.

4. When it is determined that the drone can deliver the product to the vehicle before the vehicle arrives at the destination, the controller calculates a timing to receive the product from the drone in accordance with a request from the user. The control device according to claim 1 .

5. A control method for use in a control device including a controller, comprising: The method includes a step of determining whether the drone can deliver the product to the vehicle by the time the vehicle arrives at the destination, based on an arrival time of the vehicle at the destination desired by the user and a delivery time for the drone to deliver the product ordered by the user who is traveling in the vehicle to the vehicle. Control methods.

6. A control program that causes a computer to execute a process to determine whether a drone will be able to deliver goods ordered by the user while traveling in the vehicle to the destination, based on the arrival time of the vehicle at the destination desired by the user and the delivery time for the drone to deliver the goods to the vehicle by the time the vehicle arrives at the destination.

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