Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique that assists in delivering items without delays.SOLUTION: A collection unit (11) collects delivery delay information indicating delay factors of delivery. A determination unit (12) determines the delivery method on the basis of the collected delivery delay information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program, and in particular to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that support package delivery. [Background technology]

[0002] The distance from the final logistics base to the delivery destination of the package is called the last mile, but it is a technical area with many challenges. Related technologies determine the optimal route to the delivery destination, taking into account road traffic conditions such as congestion, so that the package can be delivered by the time specified by the shipper (customer).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a parcel delivery system that uses drones to deliver parcels from a distribution center to a pickup location designated by the recipient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-97444 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There are cases where it takes a lot longer than usual for a delivery truck to complete delivery of a package after it arrives near the delivery destination. For example, there may be no place to park the delivery truck near the delivery destination, or the elevator in the delivery destination building may be broken. As a result, the package may not be delivered by the time specified by the shipper.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for helping to ensure delivery without delay. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a collection means for collecting delivery delay information indicating causes of delivery delays, and a determination means for determining a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information.

[0008] In an information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer collects delivery delay information indicating causes of delivery delays, and determines a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information.

[0009] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to collect delivery delay information indicating factors causing delivery delays, and determine a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, delivery can be aided without delay. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery system including an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (Delivery System 1) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery system 1 equipped with any one of information processing devices 10, 20, 30 according to embodiments 1 to 3 described below. Fig. 1 illustrates an overview of a delivery procedure in the delivery system 1. In Fig. 1, "information processing device 10 (20, 30)" represents any one of the information processing devices 10, 20, 30.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing device 10 (20, 30) is communicatively connected to mobility vehicles 100A, 100B that are responsible for distribution or delivery via a communication network.

[0014] Mobility 100A transports the parcel from a business base (office) near the delivery destination to the vicinity of the delivery destination (such as a parking space). Mobility 100B or a delivery person transports the parcel transported by mobility 100A from the vicinity of the delivery destination (such as a parking space) to the delivery destination (such as a private home or a corporate office).

[0015] Mobility 100A is, for example, a truck or a drone. Mobility 100B is, for example, a drone or a robot. Mobility 100A and mobility 100B may be the same. That is, one mobility 100A (100B) may transport a package from a business base near the delivery destination to the delivery destination.

[0016] The information processing device 10 (20, 30) collects delivery delay information indicating the cause of delivery delay. Then, the information processing device 10 (20, 30) determines a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information.

[0017] For example, the delivery delay information is dynamic information associated with a delivery. Dynamic information is information that may change over time (e.g., weather). In another example, the delivery delay information includes traffic information associated with the delivery address (e.g., traffic congestion). In yet another example, the delivery delay information is related to the condition of roads leading to the delivery destination (e.g., whether there are road constructions, whether there is a parking spot). In yet another example, the delivery delay information is related to the condition of facilities at the delivery destination.

[0018] The configuration and operation of the information processing device 10 (20, 30) will be described in the following first to third embodiments.

[0019] [Embodiment 1] The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG.

[0020] (Configuration of information processing device 10) 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment 1. As shown in FIG.

[0021] The collection unit 11 collects delivery delay information indicating causes of delivery delays. The collection unit 11 is an example of a collection means.

[0022] For example, the delivery delay information is dynamic information associated with a delivery. In another example, the delivery delay information includes traffic information associated with a delivery destination address. In yet another example, the delivery delay information is associated with the condition of roads leading to the delivery destination. In yet another example, the delivery delay information is associated with the condition of equipment at the delivery destination.

[0023] For example, the collection unit 11 collects delivery delay information by the mobility 100B (FIG. 1) that has been moved to the delivery destination. The mobility 100B photographs the delivery destination and its surroundings. The collection unit 11 then collects data of the images photographed by the mobility 100B.

[0024] Alternatively, the mobility 100B uses the captured image data by a known image analysis technique to determine whether there is road construction, whether there is a temporary road closure, or whether parking is permitted. The collection unit 11 collects the determination results from the mobility 100B.

[0025] In the above example, the delivery delay information includes road traffic information associated with the delivery address. However, the delivery delay information is not limited to the above example. The delivery delay information may be dynamic information associated with the delivery. The delivery delay information may include street parking information or parking information. Alternatively, the delivery delay information may include weather information associated with the delivery address.

[0026] In another example, the delivery delay information relates to the status of the delivery destination's facilities, such as the status of elevator construction, availability of delivery lockers, or the availability of parking spaces.

[0027] The collection unit 11 outputs the collected delivery delay information to the decision unit 12.

[0028] The determination unit 12 determines a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information. The determination unit 12 is an example of a determination means.

[0029] For example, the determination unit 12 receives delivery delay information from the collection unit 11. Using the received delivery delay information, the determination unit 12 determines a mobility 100A (e.g., a truck or a drone) (FIG. 1) that will transport the package from a business base near the delivery destination to the vicinity of the delivery destination. Furthermore, using the received delivery delay information, the determination unit 12 determines whether to have the mobility 100B (e.g., a drone) (FIG. 1) or a delivery person deliver the package from the vicinity of the delivery destination to the delivery destination. Note that the determination unit 12 can also determine a delivery method other than the mobility 100B or a delivery person.

[0030] The determination unit 12 transmits information indicating the determined delivery method to a business base (FIG. 2) in the vicinity of the delivery destination. Alternatively, the determination unit 12 may transmit information indicating the determined delivery method to a mobility 100A that transports the package from the business base in the vicinity of the delivery destination to the vicinity of the delivery destination. Alternatively, the determination unit 12 may transmit information indicating the determined delivery method to a terminal carried by a delivery person.

[0031] (Operation of information processing device 10) The operation of the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0032] 3, the collection unit 11 collects delivery delay information indicating causes of delivery delays (S101). The collection unit 11 outputs the collected delivery delay information to the determination unit 12.

[0033] The determination unit 12 receives the delivery delay information from the collection unit 11. The determination unit 12 determines a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information (S102).

[0034] The determination unit 12 transmits information indicating the determined delivery method to a business base (FIG. 2) in the vicinity of the delivery destination. Alternatively, the determination unit 12 may transmit information indicating the determined delivery method to a mobility 100A that transports the package from the business base in the vicinity of the delivery destination to the vicinity of the delivery destination. Alternatively, the determination unit 12 may transmit information indicating the determined delivery method to a terminal carried by a delivery person.

[0035] This is the end of the operation of the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the collection unit 11 collects delivery delay information indicating causes of delivery delays. The decision unit 12 decides a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information.

[0037] The determined delivery method takes into consideration the delivery delay information indicating the cause of the delivery delay. Therefore, even if there is a cause of the delivery delay, the determined delivery method allows the mobility 100B or the delivery person to deliver the parcel without delay.

[0038] [Embodiment 2] A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which delivery instructions are given to the mobility 100B (Figure 1) or a delivery person based on the determined delivery method.

[0039] (Configuration of information processing device 20) Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device 20 according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the information processing device 20 includes a collection unit 11 and a decision unit 12. The information processing device 20 further includes an instruction unit 23.

[0040] The instruction unit 23 instructs delivery based on the delivery method determined by the determination unit 12. The instruction unit 23 is an example of an instruction means.

[0041] For example, the instruction unit 23 receives information indicating a delivery method determined based on the delivery delay information from the determination unit 12. The instruction unit 23 gives instructions for delivery based on the delivery method determined by the determination unit 12. The delivery instructions may include the time when the delivery should be made and important points for delivery (for example, elevator failure).

[0042] In one example, when the delivery method is determined to be delivery by mobility 100B, instruction unit 23 transmits a delivery instruction to mobility 100. On the other hand, when the delivery method is determined to be delivery by a delivery person (man), instruction unit 23 transmits a delivery instruction to a terminal carried by the delivery person. Mobility 100B or the delivery person that receives the instruction performs delivery by the determined delivery method.

[0043] (Operation of information processing device 20) The operation of the information processing device 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0044] 5, the collection unit 11 collects delivery delay information indicating the cause of a delivery delay (S201). The collection unit 11 outputs the collected delivery delay information to the determination unit 12.

[0045] The determination unit 12 receives the delivery delay information from the collection unit 11. The determination unit 12 determines a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information (S202).

[0046] The determination unit 12 transmits information indicating the determined delivery method to a business base (FIG. 2) in the vicinity of the delivery destination. Alternatively, the determination unit 12 may transmit information indicating the determined delivery method to a mobility 100A that transports the package from the business base in the vicinity of the delivery destination to the vicinity of the delivery destination. Alternatively, the determination unit 12 may transmit information indicating the determined delivery method to a terminal carried by a delivery person.

[0047] The determination unit 12 outputs information indicating the determined delivery method to the instruction unit 23.

[0048] The instruction unit 23 receives information indicating the determined delivery method from the determination unit 12. The instruction unit 23 instructs delivery based on the delivery method determined by the determination unit 12 (S203).

[0049] This is the end of the operation of the information processing device 20 according to the second embodiment.

[0050] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the collection unit 11 collects delivery delay information indicating causes of delivery delays. The decision unit 12 decides a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information.

[0051] The determined delivery method takes into consideration the delivery delay information indicating the cause of the delivery delay. Therefore, even if there is a cause of the delivery delay, the determined delivery method allows the mobility 100B or the delivery person to deliver the parcel without delay.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the instruction unit 23 instructs delivery based on the delivery method determined by the determination unit 12. The mobility 100B or the delivery person who receives the instruction can deliver the parcel without delay using the determined delivery method.

[0053] [Embodiment 3] A third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 7. In the third embodiment, a configuration for outputting information indicating the determined delivery method will be described.

[0054] (Configuration of information processing device 30) 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device 30 according to embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing device 30 includes a collection unit 11 and a decision unit 12. The information processing device 30 further includes an output unit 33.

[0055] The output unit 33 outputs information indicating the delivery method determined by the determination unit 12. The output unit 33 is an example of an output means.

[0056] For example, the output unit 33 receives information indicating the delivery method determined based on the delivery delay information from the determination unit 12. The output unit 33 presents the information indicating the delivery method determined by the determination unit 12 to an OA (Office Automation) device in the sales office or distribution center.

[0057] (Operation of information processing device 30) The operation of the information processing device 30 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0058] 7, the collection unit 11 collects delivery delay information indicating the cause of delivery delay (S301). The collection unit 11 outputs the collected delivery delay information to the determination unit 12.

[0059] The determination unit 12 receives the delivery delay information from the collection unit 11. The determination unit 12 determines a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information (S302).

[0060] The determination unit 12 transmits information indicating the determined delivery method to a business base (FIG. 2) in the vicinity of the delivery destination. Alternatively, the determination unit 12 may transmit information indicating the determined delivery method to a mobility 100A that transports the package from the business base in the vicinity of the delivery destination to the vicinity of the delivery destination. Alternatively, the determination unit 12 may transmit information indicating the determined delivery method to a terminal carried by a delivery person.

[0061] The determination unit 12 outputs information indicating the determined delivery method to the output unit 33.

[0062] The output unit 33 receives information indicating the determined delivery method from the determination unit 12. The output unit 33 outputs information indicating the delivery method determined by the determination unit 12 (S303).

[0063] For example, the output unit 33 receives information indicating the delivery method determined based on the delivery delay information from the determination unit 12. The output unit 33 outputs the information indicating the delivery method determined by the determination unit 12 to an office automation device or the like in the sales office or distribution center.

[0064] This is the end of the operation of the information processing device 30 according to the third embodiment.

[0065] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the collection unit 11 collects delivery delay information indicating causes of delivery delays. The decision unit 12 decides a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information.

[0066] The determined delivery method takes into consideration the delivery delay information indicating the cause of the delivery delay. Therefore, even if there is a cause of the delivery delay, the determined delivery method allows the mobility 100B or the delivery person to deliver the parcel without delay.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the output unit 33 outputs information indicating the delivery method determined by the determination unit 12. This allows the office or distribution center to give appropriate and prompt instructions to the mobility 100A, 100B or the delivery person based on the output information indicating the delivery method.

[0068] (Hardware configuration) Each of the components of the information processing devices 10, 20, and 30 described in the first to third embodiments is represented by a functional block. Some or all of these components are realized by an information processing device as shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device.

[0069] 8, the computer 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a main memory 112, a storage device 113, an input interface 114, a display controller 115, a data reader / writer 116, and a communication interface 117. These components are connected to each other via a bus 121 so as to be able to communicate data with each other. Note that the computer 110 may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) in addition to the CPU 111 or instead of the CPU 111.

[0070] The CPU 111 loads the programs (codes) in this embodiment stored in the storage device 113 into the main memory 112 and executes them in a predetermined order to perform various calculations. The main memory 112 is typically a volatile storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The programs in this embodiment are provided in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium 120. The programs in this embodiment may be distributed over the Internet connected via a communication interface 117.

[0071] Specific examples of the storage device 113 include a hard disk drive and a semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory. The input interface 114 mediates data transmission between the CPU 111 and input devices 118 such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display controller 115 is connected to a display device 119 and controls the display on the display device 119.

[0072] Data reader / writer 116 mediates data transmission between CPU 111 and recording medium 120, reads programs from recording medium 120, and writes processing results in computer 110 to recording medium 120. Communication interface 117 mediates data transmission between CPU 111 and other computers.

[0073] Specific examples of recording medium 120 include general-purpose semiconductor storage devices such as CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) and SD (Secure Digital), magnetic recording media such as a flexible disk, or optical recording media such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory).

[0074] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0075] (Appendix 1) a collection means for collecting delivery delay information indicative of a cause of the delivery delay; A determination means for determining a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information. Information processing device.

[0076] (Appendix 2) The collection means collects the delivery delay information by using a mobility that is moved to a delivery destination. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

[0077] (Appendix 3) The determining means determines the delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information so as to deliver the package within a predetermined time. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

[0078] (Appendix 4) The delivery delay information is dynamic information related to delivery. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

[0079] (Appendix 5) The delivery related dynamic information includes parking related dynamic information. 5. The information processing device according to claim 4.

[0080] (Appendix 6) The dynamic parking information relates to at least one of the presence or absence of on-street parking and the availability of parking spaces. 6. The information processing device according to claim 5,

[0081] (Appendix 7) The delivery delay information is related to the status of the facilities at the delivery destination (e.g., whether an elevator is available, whether a parcel box is available, whether a parking space is available, etc.). 5. The information processing device according to claim 4.

[0082] (Appendix 8) The method further includes an instruction means for instructing delivery based on the delivery method determined by the determination means. 8. The information processing device according to claim 1,

[0083] (Appendix 9) The method further includes an output unit that outputs information indicating the delivery method determined by the determination unit. 8. The information processing device according to claim 1,

[0084] (Appendix 10) The computer Collect delivery delay information that indicates the cause of the delivery delay; A delivery method is determined based on the collected delivery delay information. Information processing methods.

[0085] (Appendix 11) Collecting delivery delay information indicative of factors causing delivery delays; determining a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

[0086] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to several embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configurations and details of the above-mentioned embodiments within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0087] The present disclosure can be used, for example, in a delivery system that utilizes mobility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10. Information processing device 11 Collection Department 12 Decision Section 20 Information processing device 23 Instruction section 30 Information processing device 33 Output section 100, 100A, 100B Mobility

Claims

1. a collection means for collecting delivery delay information indicative of factors that cause the delivery to be delayed; A determination means for determining a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information. Information processing device.

2. The collection means collects the delivery delay information by using a mobility that is moved to a delivery destination.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The determining means determines the delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information so as to deliver the package within a predetermined time.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

4. The delivery delay information is dynamic information related to delivery.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

5. The delivery related dynamic information includes parking related dynamic information.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. The dynamic parking information relates to at least one of the presence or absence of on-street parking and the availability of parking spaces.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,

7. The method further includes an instruction means for instructing delivery based on the delivery method determined by the determination means.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

8. The method further includes an output unit that outputs information indicating the delivery method determined by the determination unit.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

9. The computer Collect delivery delay information that indicates the cause of the delivery delay; A delivery method is determined based on the collected delivery delay information. Information processing methods.

10. Collecting delivery delay information indicative of factors causing delivery delays; determining a delivery method based on the collected delivery delay information; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

Images