Delivery management device, delivery management system, delivery management method, and program

Abstract

To provide a delivery management device, a delivery management system, a delivery management method, and a program capable of improving convenience related to delivery of baggage performed by an unmanned mobile body.SOLUTION: A delivery management device includes: a delivery destination acquisition unit configured to acquire a delivery destination of baggage delivered by an unmanned mobile body; a weather information acquisition unit for acquiring weather information of an area including the delivery destination of baggage acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit; and an arrangement permission time acquisition unit for acquiring arrangement permission time for permitting continuous arrangement of the baggage at the delivery destination of the baggage based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery management device, a delivery management system, a delivery management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, a system that performs drop-off delivery has been disclosed among systems that deliver parcels using unmanned moving objects such as drones. Drop-off delivery is a delivery form in which the parcel is not delivered directly to the intended recipient, but is received by the intended recipient in a state in which the parcel delivered to the delivery destination is continuously placed there. More specifically, in such a system, the parcel is detached from the unmanned moving object at the delivery destination, and the delivery of the parcel is completed by dropping the parcel at the delivery destination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-87898 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in such a system, if the parcel delivered to the destination by the unmanned mobile body is continuously placed, the quality of the parcel may deteriorate or the parcel may be lost depending on the weather at the destination. For this reason, it is desired to improve the convenience of parcel delivery by the unmanned mobile body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A delivery management device that solves the above problem includes a delivery destination acquisition unit that acquires a delivery destination of a package to be delivered by an unmanned mobile vehicle, a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and a placement allowable time acquisition unit that acquires, based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit, a placement allowable time that allows the package to be continuously placed at the delivery destination.

[0006] A delivery management system that solves the above problem includes a delivery destination acquisition unit that acquires a delivery destination of a package to be delivered by an unmanned mobile vehicle, a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and a placement allowable time acquisition unit that acquires, based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit, a placement allowable time that allows the package to be continuously placed at the delivery destination.

[0007] A delivery management method that solves the above problem includes one or more computers acquiring a delivery destination of a package to be delivered by an unmanned mobile body, acquiring weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package, and acquiring, based on the weather information, a placement allowable time that allows the package to be continuously placed at the delivery destination.

[0008] A program for solving the above problem causes one or more computers to acquire a delivery destination of a package to be delivered by an unmanned mobile device, acquire weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package, and acquire, based on the weather information, a placement allowable time that allows the package to be continuously placed at the delivery destination. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of parcel delivery by unmanned vehicles. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a delivery management system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the user information database of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the delivery management database of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement allowable time database according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the delivery setting process executed by the delivery management device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the delivery control process executed by the delivery management device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing display contents displayed on the terminal display unit in the first and second embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the delivery management device of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the arrangement allowable time database of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the quality maintenance time database according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a delivery control process executed by the delivery management device of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] [First embodiment] An embodiment of a delivery management device, a delivery management system, a delivery management method, and a program will be described.

[0012] <Configuration of Delivery Management System 1> As shown in Fig. 1, the delivery management system 1 is a system for delivering parcels to delivery destinations. In particular, parcel delivery includes so-called drop-off delivery. Drop-off delivery is a service for delivering parcels to the delivery destination without meeting the parcel face-to-face. The delivery destination is the location where the parcel is delivered. The delivery destination may be the address of the delivery destination of the parcel.

[0013] The delivery management system 1 includes a delivery management device 10, a mobile terminal device 20, and an unmanned mobile body 30. The delivery management device 10, the mobile terminal device 20, and the unmanned mobile body 30 are communicatively connected via a network 15. Hereinafter, a description of communication between each device via the network 15 will be omitted. Hereinafter, the unmanned mobile body 30 may be referred to as a drone.

[0014] <Configuration of the delivery management device 10> The delivery management device 10 is a server that manages information related to delivery of packages. The delivery management device 10 is managed by an administrator of the delivery service. The delivery management device 10 is composed of one or more computers.

[0015] The delivery management device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 includes a calculation device and a main storage medium. The calculation device loads an OS (Operating System) and a program from the storage unit 12 to the main storage medium, and executes the command retrieved from the main storage medium. The calculation device is one or more circuits. The circuit may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural network Processing Unit). The storage unit 12 may be a secondary storage medium and store a program. The storage unit 12 stores various information for managing the delivery of packages.

[0016] The communication unit 13 is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of these. The communication unit 13 transmits and receives data between the mobile terminal device 20 and the unmanned mobile body 30. The delivery management device 10 may include an operation unit for an administrator or the like to perform input operations, and may include a display unit that displays information.

[0017] <Configuration of the Mobile Terminal Device 20> The mobile terminal device 20 is an information processing device that can be carried by a prospective recipient. The prospective recipient is a user who plans to receive a package. The mobile terminal device 20 is composed of one or more computers. The mobile terminal device 20 is a smartphone, a feature phone, a tablet terminal, a wearable computer, or a device other than these devices that can display images.

[0018] The mobile terminal device 20 includes a terminal control unit 21, a terminal storage unit 22, a terminal communication unit 23, a terminal input unit 24, a terminal display unit 25, a speaker 26, and a position measurement unit 27. The terminal control unit 21 is configured to control the mobile terminal device 20. The terminal control unit 21 includes a calculation device and a main storage medium. The terminal control unit 21 has a similar configuration to the control unit 11, and therefore descriptions of the calculation device and the main storage medium will be omitted.

[0019] The terminal storage unit 22 is a secondary storage medium and stores various information related to the intended recipient. The terminal storage unit 22 may store a notification program capable of receiving notifications related to delivery. The notification program may be a program dedicated to receiving delivery services. The notification program may be a program that uses a social networking service. The notification program may be email software capable of receiving notification emails.

[0020] The terminal communication unit 23 is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of these. The terminal communication unit 23 transmits and receives data between the delivery management device 10 and the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0021] The terminal input unit 24 is configured to input information in response to an operation by the prospective recipient. The terminal input unit 24 may be a pointing device such as an operation button. The terminal input unit 24 may be a touch panel integrated with the terminal display unit 25. The terminal display unit 25 displays various images in response to an output instruction from the terminal control unit 21. The speaker 26 outputs various sounds in response to an output instruction from the terminal control unit 21.

[0022] The position measurement unit 27 acquires the position information of the mobile terminal device 20 by measuring the position information of the mobile terminal device 20. That is, the position measurement unit 27 measures the position information of the intended recipient. The position measurement unit 27 may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor.

[0023] <Configuration of the unmanned vehicle 30> The unmanned mobile body 30 is a device that delivers luggage without a person on board. The unmanned mobile body 30 may be an aircraft that flies in the air without a person on board, and is also called an unmanned aerial vehicle or a drone. The unmanned mobile body 30 may be a device that is managed by a manager of a delivery service or an owner of another unmanned mobile body 30. The unmanned mobile body 30 is composed of one or more computers.

[0024] The unmanned vehicle 30 is equipped with a drone control device 31. The drone control device 31 is equipped with a drone control unit 32, a drone memory unit 33, and a drone communication unit 34. The drone control unit 32 is configured to control the unmanned vehicle 30. The drone control unit 32 includes a calculation device and a main memory medium. The drone control unit 32 has a similar configuration to the control unit 11, and a description of the calculation device and the main memory medium will be omitted. The drone memory unit 33 is a secondary memory medium, and stores various information for delivering packages.

[0025] The drone communication unit 34 is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of these. The drone communication unit 34 transmits and receives data between the delivery management device 10 and the mobile terminal device 20.

[0026] The unmanned vehicle 30 includes a drive unit 35 and a battery 36. The drive unit 35 includes a drive source and a rotor. The drive source is configured to be driven by power supplied from the battery 36. The drive source may be an electric motor. The rotor is configured to operate by power from the drive source. The battery 36 is an energy source for at least the drive unit 35, and may also be an energy source for the unmanned vehicle 30. The battery 36 may be a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0027] The drive unit 35 may be an engine that consumes fuel to operate. In this case, a fuel supply unit that supplies fuel to the drive unit 35 is provided instead of the battery 36. The unmanned vehicle 30 may also be equipped with a hybrid drive unit 35 equipped with multiple types of drive sources.

[0028] The unmanned vehicle 30 may include a luggage holding unit 37. The luggage holding unit 37 is configured to hold luggage until it reaches a delivery destination. The luggage holding unit 37 delivers the luggage by detaching the luggage at the delivery destination. The luggage holding unit 37 is configured to be driven by power supplied from the battery 36.

[0029] The luggage holding unit 37 may include a reel or a winch. The luggage holding unit 37 may include a hook and a cable. The hook is capable of detaching the luggage. The hook may be provided at the end of the cable. The hook may detach the luggage when the cable slackens and the tension decreases. The hook may detach the luggage by applying or de-applying electricity. The luggage holding unit 37 may include a support arm that supports the luggage and a drive mechanism for the support arm.

[0030] The unmanned mobile body 30 may include a sensor unit 38. The sensor unit 38 may include a GPS sensor that detects the current position. The sensor unit 38 may include a distance measurement sensor. The distance measurement sensor may be a ToF sensor that measures and detects the time of flight. The distance measurement sensor may be a LiDAR, a radar, or an ultrasonic sensor. The LiDAR distance measurement sensor irradiates a target with pulsed laser light and measures the time difference until it hits the target and bounces back. The distance measurement sensor measures the distance to the target, the position of the target, or the shape of the target based on the time difference. The radar irradiates the target with radio waves such as millimeter waves and measures the time difference until it hits the target and bounces back. The ultrasonic sensor irradiates the target with ultrasonic waves. The sensor unit 38 may include at least one of a wind direction and speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, an infrared sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an altitude sensor, a displacement sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0031] The unmanned moving body 30 may include one or more imaging devices 39. The imaging device 39 is configured to capture images. An example of the imaging device 39 is a visible light camera. Also, an example of the imaging device 39 is an omnidirectional camera.

[0032] In this way, the unmanned mobile body 30 can acquire information detected by the sensor unit 38 and recognize the position information of the unmanned mobile body 30. The unmanned mobile body 30 can recognize obstacles, package delivery positions, and the like by performing image processing on the imaging data acquired from the imaging device 39.

[0033] <Configuration of control unit 11> Here, the configuration of the control unit 11 will be described. The control unit 11 configures a processing circuit by executing a program. The control unit 11 includes, as its processing circuits, a delivery destination acquisition unit 11A, a delivery date and time acquisition unit 11B, a delivery start date and time acquisition unit 11C, a weather information acquisition unit 11D, a placement allowable time acquisition unit 11E, and a placement allowable date and time acquisition unit 11F. The control unit 11 includes, as its processing circuits, a location information acquisition unit 11G, a predicted receipt date and time acquisition unit 11H, a notification unit 11I, a delivery date and time change unit 11J, and a delivery control unit 11K. The control unit 11 includes, as its processing circuits, a weight information acquisition unit 11L and an attribute information acquisition unit 11M.

[0034] The delivery destination acquisition unit 11A acquires the delivery destination of the package by the unmanned mobile body 30. In particular, the delivery destination acquisition unit 11A acquires the delivery destination of the package by the unmanned mobile body 30 according to the designation of the intended recipient. The delivery destination is the address of the intended recipient, but may be, for example, the address of the intended recipient's workplace, or may be, for example, a public facility such as a meeting hall.

[0035] The delivery date and time acquisition unit 11B acquires the delivery date and time of the package. The delivery date and time is the date and time when the package is delivered to the delivery destination by the unmanned mobile object 30. In particular, the delivery date and time acquisition unit 11B acquires the delivery date and time of the package according to the specification of the intended recipient.

[0036] The delivery start date and time acquisition unit 11C acquires the delivery start date and time of the parcel by the unmanned mobile body 30. The delivery start date and time of the parcel is the date and time when the unmanned mobile body 30 departs from the parcel delivery base to the parcel delivery destination. The parcel delivery base may be a store that manages the parcel, or may be a collection point that collects the parcel. In particular, the delivery start date and time acquisition unit 11C acquires a delivery distance corresponding to the parcel delivery route based on the location information of the parcel delivery base and the location information of the parcel delivery destination. The delivery start date and time acquisition unit 11C acquires a delivery travel time based on the delivery distance and the travel speed of the unmanned mobile body 30. The delivery travel time is the time when the unmanned mobile body 30 travels from the parcel delivery base to the parcel delivery destination. The delivery start date and time acquisition unit 11C acquires the date and time that is earlier than the delivery date and time by the delivery travel time as the parcel delivery start date and time.

[0037] The weather information acquisition unit 11D acquires weather information for an area including a delivery destination of a package. In particular, the weather information acquisition unit 11D acquires forecast precipitation as weather information. The forecast precipitation may include forecast rainfall and forecast snowfall. The weather information acquisition unit 11D may acquire weather information by communicating with a server that provides weather information.

[0038] The placement allowable time acquisition unit 11E acquires the placement allowable time based on weather information. The placement allowable time is the time allowed for continuous placement of a package at a delivery destination. In detail, the placement allowable time acquisition unit 11E acquires the placement allowable time when the predicted precipitation is low or high. The placement allowable time acquisition unit 11E does not acquire the placement allowable time when the predicted precipitation is zero or slight.

[0039] The placement permission date and time acquisition unit 11F acquires the placement permission date and time. The placement permission date and time is the date and time when the placement permission time has elapsed from the delivery date and time. In other words, the placement permission date and time acquisition unit 11F acquires the placement permission date and time based on the delivery date and time and the placement permission time.

[0040] The location information acquisition unit 11G acquires the location information of the intended recipient. In particular, the location information acquisition unit 11G acquires the location information of the mobile terminal device 20 in response to communication with the mobile terminal device 20, thereby acquiring the location information of the intended recipient.

[0041] The expected receipt date and time acquisition unit 11H acquires the expected receipt date and time by the prospective recipient based on the delivery destination of the parcel and the location information of the prospective recipient. In particular, the expected receipt date and time acquisition unit 11H may calculate the shortest time until the prospective recipient arrives at the delivery destination based on the location information of the delivery destination of the parcel and the location information of the prospective recipient, and calculate the date and time when the shortest time has elapsed from the current date and time as the expected receipt date and time. The expected receipt date and time acquisition unit 11H may acquire the expected receipt date and time by communicating with another server that provides the delivery travel route and delivery travel time for the prospective recipient to travel to the delivery destination.

[0042] The notification unit 11I notifies the intended recipient of the parcel delivery. In particular, the notification unit 11I notifies the intended recipient of the placement allowable time. In addition, if the predicted receipt date and time is later than the placement allowable date and time, the notification unit 11I notifies the intended recipient of a request to change the delivery date and time of the parcel.

[0043] The delivery date and time change unit 11J changes the delivery date and time of the package. In particular, the delivery date and time change unit 11J changes the delivery date and time of the package when a change instruction is received from the intended recipient in response to a request to change the delivery date and time of the package.

[0044] The delivery control unit 11K performs control regarding the delivery of parcels by the unmanned mobile body 30. When the delivery start date and time arrives and various conditions are satisfied, the delivery control unit 11K starts the delivery of parcels by the unmanned mobile body 30. In particular, when the delivery start date and time arrives and the predicted receipt date and time is earlier than the placement allowable date and time, the delivery control unit 11K starts the delivery of parcels by the unmanned mobile body 30. When the delivery start date and time arrives and the predicted receipt date and time are the same as the placement allowable date and time, the delivery control unit 11K may start the delivery of parcels by the unmanned mobile body 30. When the delivery start date and time arrives and information not to change the delivery date and time of the parcel is received from the intended recipient in response to a request to change the delivery date and time of the parcel, the delivery control unit 11K starts the delivery of the parcel by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0045] The weight information acquisition unit 11L acquires weight information of the package. The weight information acquisition unit 11L acquires information indicating the delivery item delivered by the unmanned mobile body 30 through communication with the mobile terminal device 20. The weight information acquisition unit 11L acquires weight information corresponding to the delivery item.

[0046] The attribute information acquisition unit 11M acquires attribute information of the package. The attribute information acquisition unit 11M acquires information indicating the delivery item through communication with the mobile terminal device 20. The attribute information acquisition unit 11M acquires attribute information corresponding to the delivery item. The attribute information acquisition unit 11M acquires attribute information of the package including the storage temperature of the package.

[0047] <Database> Next, the database stored in the storage unit 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0048] 2, the storage unit 12 stores a user information database 40. The user information database 40 includes one or more pieces of user information 40A. A user is a user who uses the delivery management system 1, and may be a prospective recipient.

[0049] The user information 40A includes a user ID, address information, a terminal ID, and notification destination information. In the user information 40A, the user ID, the address information, the terminal ID, and the notification destination information are associated with each other.

[0050] The user ID is information that can identify the user as a prospective recipient. The address information is information that indicates the user's address and is information that indicates the delivery destination. The terminal ID is information that can identify the mobile terminal device 20 carried by the user. The terminal ID is referenced when acquiring location information of the mobile terminal device 20. The notification destination information is information that indicates the destination of notifications to the user, and may be the user's email address or a device token associated with the mobile terminal device 20.

[0051] 3, the storage unit 12 stores a delivery management database 41. The delivery management database 41 includes one or more pieces of delivery information 41A. The delivery information 41A includes a delivery number, a user ID, a delivery destination, a delivery base, a drone ID, a delivery item, a delivery date and time, a delivery start date and time, attribute information, weight information, and a delivery status. In the delivery information 41A, the delivery number, the user ID, the delivery destination, the delivery base, the drone ID, the delivery item, the delivery date and time, the delivery start date and time, attribute information, weight information, and the delivery status are associated with each other.

[0052] The delivery number is identification information assigned to the delivery of a package. The delivery destination is the location where the package is delivered, and may be the address where the package is delivered. The delivery base is the location of the base for delivering the package, and may be the address of the base. The drone ID is information that can identify the unmanned mobile body 30 that delivers the package.

[0053] The delivery item is information indicating the type of parcel delivered by the unmanned mobile body 30. The delivery item may be product information of the parcel. The delivery date and time is information indicating the date and time when the unmanned mobile body 30 is scheduled to deliver the parcel to the delivery destination. The delivery start date and time is information indicating the date and time when the unmanned mobile body 30 departs from the delivery base to the delivery destination. The attribute information is information indicating the attribute of the parcel. The attribute information is information corresponding to the delivery item. The attribute information may include information indicating whether the parcel is one whose quality needs to be maintained. The attribute information may include information indicating that the parcel is one that needs to be frozen. The attribute information may include information indicating that the parcel is one of fresh food. In other words, the attribute information is information including the appropriate storage temperature of the parcel. The weight information is information indicating the weight of the parcel. The weight information is information corresponding to the delivery item. The delivery status is information indicating the status regarding the delivery of the parcel, and may be information indicating whether the parcel has not yet been delivered, whether the parcel is being delivered, or whether the parcel has been delivered.

[0054] 4, the storage unit 12 stores an allowable placement time database 42. In the allowable placement time database 42, a weather type is associated with one or more pieces of weather information. In the allowable placement time database 42, weather information is associated with an allowable placement time.

[0055] Specifically, in the placement allowable time database 42, the predicted precipitation is set as the weather type. In the placement allowable time database 42, the time t11 is associated with the weather information with a high predicted precipitation as the placement allowable time. The time t11 corresponds to the time during which the deterioration of the quality of the package can be suppressed when the package is continuously placed at the delivery destination in the case of a high predicted precipitation. In the placement allowable time database 42, the time t12 is associated with the weather information with a low predicted precipitation as the placement allowable time. The time t12 corresponds to the time during which the deterioration of the quality of the package can be suppressed when the package is continuously placed at the delivery destination in the case of a low predicted precipitation. The time t11 is shorter than the time t12. In the placement allowable time database 42, the placement allowable time is not associated with the weather information with no or slight predicted precipitation. In this way, the placement allowable time is set in correspondence with the predicted precipitation as the weather information.

[0056] In the delivery management device 10, the control unit 11 can acquire various pieces of information by referring to these databases. Also, in the unmanned mobile body 30, the unmanned vehicle control unit 32 can acquire various pieces of information by communicating with the delivery management device 10. As a result, the unmanned vehicle control unit 32 delivers packages based on these databases.

[0057] <Shipping setting process> Next, a delivery setting process executed in the delivery management device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The delivery setting process is a process executed by the control unit 11 at predetermined intervals.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, in the delivery management device 10, in step S10, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the delivery information 41A has been input. The control unit 11 may determine whether or not the delivery information 41A has been input by communication with the mobile terminal device 20, regardless of whether or not it is via another server. The delivery information 41A may include a user ID, a delivery destination, and a delivery date and time. The delivery information 41A may include a delivery base and a delivery item. If the control unit 11 determines that the delivery information 41A has not been input, it ends the delivery setting process. If the control unit 11 determines that the delivery information 41A has been input, it transitions to step S11.

[0059] In step S11, the control unit 11 executes a delivery destination acquisition process. In the delivery destination acquisition process, the control unit 11 acquires a delivery destination included in the delivery information 41 A. That is, the control unit 11 acquires a delivery destination of the package to be delivered by the unmanned mobile unit 30.

[0060] In step S12, the control unit 11 executes a delivery date and time acquisition process. In the delivery date and time acquisition process, the control unit 11 acquires the delivery date and time included in the delivery information 41A. That is, the control unit 11 acquires the delivery date and time when the unmanned mobile unit 30 delivers the package to the delivery destination.

[0061] In step S13, the control unit 11 executes a delivery start date and time acquisition process. In the delivery start date and time acquisition process, the control unit 11 acquires a delivery distance corresponding to the delivery route based on the location information of the delivery base and the location information of the delivery destination. The control unit 11 calculates a delivery travel time based on the delivery distance and the travel speed of the unmanned mobile body 30. The control unit 11 calculates a delivery start date and time based on the delivery date and time and the delivery travel time. The control unit 11 may calculate a date and time that is earlier than the delivery date and time by the delivery travel time as the delivery start date and time. In this manner, the control unit 11 acquires the delivery start date and time.

[0062] In step S14, the control unit 11 executes a weight information acquisition process. In the weight information acquisition process, the control unit 11 acquires weight information. More specifically, the control unit 11 acquires information indicating the delivery item contained in the delivery information 41A. The control unit 11 reads out a database in which the delivery item corresponds to the weight information from the storage unit 12, and acquires the weight information corresponding to the delivery item. In other words, the control unit 11 acquires the weight information based on the information indicating the delivery item acquired by communication with the mobile terminal device 20.

[0063] In step S15, the control unit 11 executes attribute information acquisition processing. In the attribute information acquisition processing, the control unit 11 acquires attribute information. More specifically, the control unit 11 acquires information indicating the delivery item contained in the delivery information 41A. The control unit 11 reads out a database in which the delivery item corresponds to the attribute information from the storage unit 12, and acquires the attribute information corresponding to the delivery item. In other words, the control unit 11 acquires the attribute information based on the information indicating the delivery item acquired by communication with the mobile terminal device 20.

[0064] In step S16, the control unit 11 executes a delivery information registration process. In the delivery information registration process, the control unit 11 generates a delivery number. The control unit 11 registers delivery information 41A including the delivery number in the delivery management database 41. In detail, the control unit 11 determines an unmanned vehicle ID corresponding to the delivery number based on the delivery plan information of the unmanned mobile unit 30. Then, the control unit 11 registers the delivery information 41A including the delivery number, user ID, delivery destination, delivery base, unmanned vehicle ID, delivery item, delivery date and time, delivery start date and time, attribute information and weight information in the delivery management database 41. The control unit 11 registers information indicating "before delivery" in the delivery status corresponding to the delivery number.

[0065] <Delivery control process> Next, the delivery control process executed in the delivery management device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The delivery control process is a process executed at predetermined intervals by the control unit 11. The delivery control process is a process for controlling one or more pieces of delivery information 41A whose delivery status is before the package is delivered, but to facilitate understanding of the invention, the process will be described with one piece of delivery information 41A whose delivery status is before the package is delivered as the control target.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, in step S20, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it is a delivery preparation date and time. The delivery preparation date and time is a time a predetermined time before the delivery start date and time. The delivery preparation date and time may be 5 minutes before the delivery start date and time. The control unit 11 acquires the delivery start date and time corresponding to the delivery number to be delivered from the delivery management database 41. The control unit 11 acquires the time a predetermined time before the delivery start date and time as the delivery preparation date and time. If the control unit 11 determines that it is not a delivery preparation date and time, it terminates the delivery control process. If the control unit 11 determines that it is a delivery preparation date and time, it transitions to step S21.

[0067] In step S21, the control unit 11 executes a weather information acquisition process. In the weather information acquisition process, the control unit 11 acquires weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package by communicating with a server that provides weather information. In particular, the control unit 11 acquires weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package that corresponds to the delivery date and time. The control unit 11 acquires a predicted precipitation amount as the weather information for the area including the delivery destination of the package.

[0068] In step S22, the control unit 11 executes an allowable placement time acquisition process. In the allowable placement time acquisition process, the control unit 11 refers to the allowable placement time database 42 and acquires the allowable placement time corresponding to the weather information. In particular, the control unit 11 refers to the allowable placement time database 42 and acquires the allowable placement time corresponding to the predicted amount of precipitation. In this way, the control unit 11 acquires the allowable placement time based on the weather information.

[0069] As a specific example, when the control unit 11 acquires weather information with a high predicted precipitation, it acquires time t11 as the allowable placement time. When the control unit 11 acquires weather information with a low predicted precipitation, it acquires time t12 as the allowable placement time. When the control unit 11 acquires weather information with no or slight predicted precipitation, it acquires invalid information as the allowable placement time.

[0070] In step S23, the control unit 11 executes an arrangement permitted date and time acquisition process. In the arrangement permitted date and time acquisition process, the control unit 11 acquires the time when the arrangement permitted time has elapsed from the delivery date and time as the arrangement permitted date and time.

[0071] In step S24, the control unit 11 executes a location information acquisition process. In the location information acquisition process, the control unit 11 acquires the location information of the intended recipient by communicating with the mobile terminal device 20 corresponding to the user's terminal ID.

[0072] In step S25, the control unit 11 executes a process for obtaining an expected receipt date and time. In the process for obtaining an expected receipt date and time, the control unit 11 obtains an expected receipt date and time by the intended recipient based on the delivery destination of the package and the location information of the intended recipient.

[0073] As a specific example, the control unit 11 obtains the shortest time required for the intended recipient to arrive at the delivery destination based on the location information of the parcel delivery destination and the location information of the intended recipient. The control unit 11 calculates the date and time that is the shortest time after the current date and time as the predicted receipt date and time. The control unit 11 may obtain the predicted receipt date and time by communicating with another server that provides the receipt travel route and receipt travel time. The control unit 11 may obtain the predicted receipt date and time from another server by transmitting the location information of the parcel delivery destination and the location information of the intended recipient to the other server.

[0074] In step S26, the control unit 11 determines whether the predicted receipt date and time is later than the placement permitted date and time. If the control unit 11 determines that the predicted receipt date and time is later than the placement permitted date and time, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S27. If the control unit 11 determines that the predicted receipt date and time is not later than the placement permitted date and time, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S32. Also, if the placement permitted date and time is invalid information, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S32.

[0075] In step S27, the control unit 11 executes a change request notification process. In the change request notification process, the control unit 11 notifies the mobile terminal device 20 corresponding to the user's terminal ID of a request to change the delivery date and time of the package. In this way, when the predicted receipt date and time is later than the placement allowable date and time, the control unit 11 notifies the intended recipient of a request to change the delivery date and time of the package.

[0076] In step S28, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the waiting time has elapsed. The waiting time is the time to wait for an instruction in response to the change request. If the control unit 11 determines that the waiting time has not elapsed, it shifts the process to step S28 again. If the control unit 11 determines that the waiting time has elapsed, it shifts the process to step S29. In this way, the control unit 11 waits for an instruction from the mobile terminal device 20 corresponding to the terminal ID until the waiting time has elapsed.

[0077] In step S29, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a continuation instruction has been received. The continuation instruction is information indicating that the delivery date and time will not be changed in response to the change request. If the control unit 11 determines that a continuation instruction has been received, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S32. If the control unit 11 determines that a continuation instruction has not been received, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S30.

[0078] In step S30, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a change instruction has been received. The change instruction is information indicating that the delivery date and time is to be changed in accordance with the change request, and the delivery date and time to be changed. If the control unit 11 determines that a change instruction has not been received, the control unit 11 shifts processing to step S32. In this way, the control unit 11 shifts processing to step S32 when a continuation instruction has been received and when neither a continuation instruction nor a change instruction has been received. If the control unit 11 determines that a change instruction has not been received, the control unit 11 shifts processing to step S31.

[0079] In step S31, the control unit 11 executes a delivery date and time change process. In the delivery date and time change process, the control unit 11 acquires the delivery start date and time corresponding to the delivery date and time to be changed, similar to step S13, based on the received change instruction. The control unit 11 updates the delivery date and time and the delivery start date and time in the delivery management database 41 based on the delivery date and time to be changed and the delivery start date and time corresponding to the delivery date and time to be changed. In this way, when the predicted receipt date and time is later than the placement allowable date and time, the control unit 11 changes the delivery date and time of the package when it receives a change instruction in response to the change request. When the delivery date and time change process is completed, the control unit 11 ends the delivery control process.

[0080] In step S32, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it is the delivery start date and time. The control unit 11 acquires the delivery start date and time corresponding to the delivery number to be delivered from the delivery management database 41. If the control unit 11 determines that it is not the delivery start date and time, it shifts the process to step S32 again. If the control unit 11 determines that it is the delivery start date and time, it shifts the process to step S33.

[0081] In step S33, the control unit 11 executes a placement permission notification process. In the placement permission notification process, the control unit 11 notifies the mobile terminal device 20 corresponding to the user's terminal ID of information based on the start of package delivery. In detail, the control unit 11 notifies the intended recipient that package delivery will start. The control unit 11 notifies the intended recipient of the placement permission time. The control unit 11 may notify the intended recipient of the placement permission date and time.

[0082] In step S34, the control unit 11 executes a delivery start control process. In the delivery start control process, the control unit 11 transmits delivery information 41A corresponding to the delivery number of the delivery target in the delivery management database 41 to the unmanned mobile unit 30. The control unit 11 instructs the unmanned mobile unit 30 corresponding to the unmanned vehicle ID to start delivering the package. The control unit 11 registers information indicating "in delivery" in the delivery status corresponding to the delivery number. When the delivery start control process is completed, the control unit 11 ends the delivery control process.

[0083] In this manner, the control unit 11 starts delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile body 30. In particular, when the predicted receipt date and time is earlier than the permitted placement date and time, the control unit 11 starts delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile body 30. When the predicted receipt date and time are the same as the permitted placement date and time, the control unit 11 starts delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0084] When the predicted receipt date and time is later than the permitted placement date and time and a continuation instruction has been received from the intended recipient in response to the change request, the control unit 11 starts delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile unit 30. When the predicted receipt date and time is later than the permitted placement date and time and a continuation instruction or a change instruction has not been received in response to the change request, the control unit 11 starts delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile unit 30.

[0085] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in the mobile terminal device 20, the first screen 25A may be displayed on the terminal display unit 25. The first screen 25A is a screen that can be displayed in association with delivery of a package to a delivery destination through communication with the delivery management device 10. In particular, the first screen 25A is a screen that can be displayed when the predicted receipt date and time is earlier than the placement allowable date and time. The first screen 25A displays the delivery date and time, attribute information, weather information, and a message. In this case, the first screen 25A displays the predicted precipitation amount as low weather information. The first screen 25A also displays the placement allowable time. The placement allowable date and time may be displayed on the first screen 25A. The first screen 25A also displays a message including the start of delivery of the package and a message encouraging the user to receive the package early.

[0086] Also, the second screen 25B may be displayed on the terminal display unit 25. In particular, the second screen 25B is a screen that can be displayed when the expected receipt date and time is later than the placement allowable date and time. The second screen 25B displays a message including a request to change the delivery date and time, notifying the user that the quality of the package may be deteriorated if the package cannot be received by the placement allowable date and time.

[0087] A plurality of instruction images are displayed on the second screen 25B. The plurality of instruction images include a continuation instruction image corresponding to a continuation instruction that does not change the delivery date and time, and a change instruction image corresponding to a change instruction that changes the delivery date and time. When a continuation instruction image is designated by the intended recipient, the continuation instruction is transmitted to the delivery management device 10. In this manner, when there is no change to the delivery date and time, the first screen 25A is displayed on the terminal display unit 25.

[0088] On the other hand, when a change instruction image is specified by the intended recipient, the change instruction is sent to the delivery management device 10 after specifying the delivery date and time to be changed. In this way, when changing the delivery date and time, the third screen 25C is displayed on the terminal display unit 25. The third screen 25C displays the changed delivery date and time and a message including the fact that the delivery date and time has been changed.

[0089] <Advantages of the First Embodiment> The effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) The control unit 11 acquires the placement allowable time based on weather information. Therefore, it is possible to acquire the placement allowable time taking the weather into consideration. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration in the quality of packages due to the weather. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0090] (1-2) The control unit 11 notifies the intended recipient of the placement allowable time. This allows the intended recipient to be aware of the placement allowable time. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration in the quality of the package due to weather. This makes it possible to improve the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0091] (1-3) The control unit 11 acquires the predicted date and time of receipt by the intended recipient based on the delivery destination of the package and the location information of the intended recipient. If the predicted date and time of receipt is earlier than the placement allowable date and time, the control unit 11 starts delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile body 30. Therefore, if the control unit 11 can predict that the intended recipient will receive the package on a date and time earlier than the placement allowable date and time, it starts delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile body 30. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the quality of the package due to weather based on the location information of the intended recipient. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of delivery of packages by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0092] (1-4) When the predicted receipt date and time is later than the permitted placement date and time, the control unit 11 notifies the intended recipient of a request to change the delivery date and time of the parcel. Therefore, when the control unit 11 predicts that the intended recipient will not be able to receive the parcel on a date and time earlier than the permitted placement date and time, it notifies the intended recipient of the change request. This makes it possible to notify the intended recipient that he or she will not be able to receive the parcel on a date and time earlier than the permitted placement date and time, and to provide the intended recipient with an opportunity to change the delivery date and time. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of parcel delivery by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0093] (1-5) When the control unit 11 receives a continuation instruction from the intended recipient not to change the delivery date and time of the package, it starts delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile body 30. Therefore, as a result of providing the intended recipient with an opportunity to change the delivery date and time, it is possible to start delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile body 30 without changing the delivery date and time of the package as intended by the intended recipient. This makes it possible to deliver the package at the delivery date and time intended by the intended recipient, even if it is predicted that the intended recipient will not be able to receive the package at an earlier date and time than the placement allowable date and time. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0094] (1-6) When the predicted receipt date and time is later than the allowable placement date and time, the control unit 11 changes the delivery date and time of the parcel when a change instruction is received in response to the change request. Therefore, by providing the intended recipient with an opportunity to change the delivery date and time, the delivery date and time of the parcel can be changed as intended by the intended recipient. As a result, even if it is predicted that the intended recipient will not be able to receive the parcel on a date and time earlier than the allowable placement date and time, the parcel can be delivered at the changed delivery date and time as intended by the intended recipient. Therefore, the convenience of parcel delivery by the unmanned mobile body 30 can be improved.

[0095] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the already described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0096] <Configuration of control unit 11> 8, in the second embodiment, the weather information acquisition unit 11D acquires wind speed information as the weather information. The weather information acquisition unit 11D acquires temperature information as the weather information. The weather information acquisition unit 11D may acquire wind speed information and temperature information as the weather information together with the predicted precipitation.

[0097] The control unit 11 includes a quality maintenance time acquisition unit 11N as a processing circuit. The quality maintenance time acquisition unit 11N acquires the quality maintenance time based on attribute information of the package. In particular, the quality maintenance time acquisition unit 11N may acquire the quality maintenance time based on attribute information of the package and temperature information.

[0098] The placement allowable time acquisition unit 11E acquires a placement allowable time based on the weight information and the wind speed information. The placement allowable time acquisition unit 11E may also acquire a placement allowable time that is equal to or less than the quality maintenance time. In detail, the placement allowable time acquisition unit 11E compares the acquired placement allowable time with the quality maintenance time, and if the quality maintenance time is equal to or less than the placement allowable time, determines the quality maintenance time as the placement allowable time. If the placement allowable time is invalid information but the quality maintenance time is not invalid information, the placement allowable time acquisition unit 11E determines the quality maintenance time as the placement allowable time.

[0099] <Database> As shown in FIG. 9, in the placement allowable time database 42, the predicted wind speed is set as the weather type. In the placement allowable time database 42, the time t21 is associated with the weather information with the predicted wind speed being a strong wind as the placement allowable time. The time t21 corresponds to the time that the loss of the luggage can be suppressed when the luggage is continuously placed at the delivery destination when the luggage weight is less than the specified weight and the predicted wind speed is a strong wind. The specified weight corresponds to the weight that needs to suppress the loss of the luggage. In the placement allowable time database 42, the time t22 is associated with the weather information with the predicted wind speed being a moderate wind as the placement allowable time. The time t22 corresponds to the time that the loss of the luggage can be suppressed when the luggage weight is less than the specified weight and the predicted wind speed is a moderate wind when the luggage is continuously placed at the delivery destination. The time t21 is shorter than the time t22. In the placement allowable time database 42, the placement allowable time is not associated with the weather information with the predicted wind speed being none or a light breeze. In this way, the placement allowable time is set in correspondence with the predicted wind speed as the weather information.

[0100] The allowable placement time database 42 is also referred to when the weight of the luggage is less than the specified weight. That is, when the weight of the luggage is less than the specified weight, the allowable placement time corresponding to the predicted wind speed is determined. Also, when the weight of the luggage is equal to or greater than the specified weight, invalid information is determined as the allowable placement time.

[0101] 10, the storage unit 12 stores a quality maintenance time database 43. In the quality maintenance time database 43, an attribute type, a weather type, and one or more pieces of weather information are associated with each other. In the quality maintenance time database 43, weather information is associated with a quality maintenance time.

[0102] Specifically, a "needs freezing" attribute and a "fresh food" attribute are set as attribute types in the quality maintenance time database 43. A "predicted temperature" is set as a weather type in the quality maintenance time database 43.

[0103] When the attribute type is a "requires freezing" attribute and the predicted temperature is in the high temperature range T11, time t31 is associated as the quality maintenance time. When the attribute type is a "requires freezing" attribute and the predicted temperature is in the high temperature range T11, time t31 corresponds to the time during which the quality of the parcel can be maintained when the parcel is continuously placed at the delivery destination. When the attribute type is a "requires freezing" attribute and the predicted temperature is in the medium temperature range T12, time t32 is associated as the quality maintenance time. When the attribute type is a "requires freezing" attribute and the predicted temperature is in the medium temperature range T12, time t32 corresponds to the time during which the quality of the parcel can be maintained when the parcel is continuously placed at the delivery destination. Time t31 is shorter than time t32. When the attribute type is a "requires freezing" attribute and the predicted temperature is in the low temperature range, no quality maintenance time is associated.

[0104] When the attribute type is a fresh food attribute, and the predicted temperature is in the high temperature range T21, time t33 is associated as the quality maintenance time. When the attribute type is a fresh food attribute and the predicted temperature is in the high temperature range T21, time t33 corresponds to the time during which the quality of the parcel can be maintained when the parcel is continuously placed at the delivery destination. When the attribute type is a fresh food attribute and the predicted temperature is in the medium temperature range T22, time t34 is associated as the quality maintenance time. When the attribute type is a fresh food attribute and the predicted temperature is in the medium temperature range T22, time t34 corresponds to the time during which the quality of the parcel can be maintained when the parcel is continuously placed at the delivery destination. Time t33 is shorter than time t34. When the attribute type is a fresh food attribute and the predicted temperature is in the low temperature range, no quality maintenance time is associated. In this way, the quality maintenance time is set in correspondence with the predicted temperature as weather information.

[0105] <Delivery control process> 6, the control unit 11 acquires a predicted wind speed as weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package, and acquires a predicted temperature as weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package.

[0106] In step S22, the control unit 11 refers to the allowable placement time database 42 and acquires the allowable placement time corresponding to the weight information and the predicted wind speed. In this manner, the control unit 11 acquires the allowable placement time based on the weather information and the weight information.

[0107] As a specific example, the control unit 11 determines whether the weight of the luggage is less than a specified weight based on the weight information. When the control unit 11 determines that the weight of the luggage is equal to or greater than the specified weight, it sets invalid information as the placement allowable time.

[0108] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the weight of the luggage is less than the specified weight, it refers to the weather information. When the control unit 11 acquires weather information in which the predicted wind speed is a strong wind, it acquires time t21 as the allowable placement time. When the control unit 11 acquires weather information in which the predicted wind speed is a moderate wind, it acquires time t22 as the allowable placement time. When the control unit 11 acquires weather information in which the predicted wind speed is none or a light breeze, it acquires invalid information as the allowable placement time.

[0109] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may refer to the placement allowable time database 42 and acquire placement allowable times corresponding to a plurality of types of weather information. In this case, the control unit 11 may acquire a first placement allowable time corresponding to the first weather information and a second placement allowable time corresponding to the second weather information. The control unit 11 may compare the first placement allowable time with the second placement allowable time and determine a shorter placement allowable time.

[0110] As a specific example, when the control unit 11 acquires weather information indicating that the predicted precipitation amount is low and the predicted wind speed is strong, the control unit 11 acquires times t12 and t21 as the allowable placement time. In this case, the control unit 11 compares times t12 and t21. If the time t12 is shorter than the time t21, the control unit 11 determines the time t12 as the allowable placement time. If the time t21 is shorter than the time t12, the control unit 11 determines the time t21 as the allowable placement time.

[0111] Next, the control unit 11 refers to the placement allowable time database 42 and acquires the quality maintenance time corresponding to the attribute information and the predicted temperature. In this manner, the control unit 11 acquires the quality maintenance time based on the attribute information and temperature information of the package.

[0112] As a specific example, when the attribute type is a "needs freezing" attribute based on the attribute information, the control unit 11 acquires a quality maintenance time corresponding to the predicted temperature. When the attribute type is a fresh food attribute based on the attribute information, the control unit 11 acquires a quality maintenance time corresponding to the predicted temperature. When the attribute type is neither a "needs freezing" attribute nor a fresh food attribute, the control unit 11 acquires invalid information as the quality maintenance time.

[0113] Next, the control unit 11 compares the placement allowable time with the quality maintenance time. If the placement allowable time is less than the quality maintenance time, the control unit 11 does not change the placement allowable time. If the placement allowable time is equal to or greater than the quality maintenance time, the control unit 11 changes the quality maintenance time itself to the placement allowable time. In this way, the control unit 11 obtains a placement allowable time that is less than or equal to the quality maintenance time.

[0114] <Operation of the Second Embodiment> The operation of the second embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 7, in the mobile terminal device 20, a fourth screen 25D may be displayed on the terminal display unit 25. The fourth screen 25D is a screen that can be displayed in association with delivery of a package to a delivery destination through communication with the delivery management device 10. The fourth screen 25D displays the delivery date and time, attribute information, weather information, and a message. In this case, the fourth screen 25D displays that the product is a fresh food product as attribute information. The fourth screen 25D displays temperature information as weather information.

[0115] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) The control unit 11 acquires a quality maintenance time based on the attribute information of the package, including the appropriate storage temperature of the package. The control unit 11 acquires an allowable placement time that is equal to or less than the quality maintenance time. This makes it possible to acquire an allowable placement time that takes into account the appropriate storage temperature of the package. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of package quality due to weather. This makes it possible to improve the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned mobile unit 30.

[0116] (2-2) The control unit 11 acquires the quality maintenance time based on the attribute information and the temperature information. Therefore, it is possible to acquire the placement allowable time taking into consideration the appropriate storage temperature of the package and the temperature information. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the package's quality due to weather. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned mobile unit 30.

[0117] (2-3) The control unit 11 acquires the allowable placement time based on the package weight information and the wind speed information. Therefore, it is possible to acquire the allowable placement time taking into account the package weight information and the wind speed information. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of package quality or loss of package due to weather. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0118] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. <Delivery control process> As shown in FIG. 11, in the third embodiment, in step S26 of the delivery control process, if the control unit 11 determines that the placement permitted date and time is later than the predicted receipt date and time, the control unit 11 may proceed to step S31 without executing steps S27 to S30. In other words, if the predicted receipt date and time is later than the placement permitted date and time, the control unit 11 may change the delivery date and time of the parcel without notifying the intended recipient of a request to change the delivery date and time of the parcel. In this case, the control unit 11 may change the delivery date and time by a predetermined amount. The control unit 11 may notify the intended recipient of the changed delivery date and time.

[0119] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0120] In the second embodiment, the control unit 11 may acquire the placement allowable time after acquiring the quality maintenance time. In this case, after acquiring the quality maintenance time, the control unit 11 may determine the quality maintenance time as the placement allowable time when the acquired placement allowable time is longer than the quality maintenance time.

[0121] In the second embodiment, the control unit 11 may obtain an allowable placement time corresponding to whether the weight of the luggage is less than a first specified weight, or is equal to or greater than the first specified weight and less than a second specified weight. As a specific example, when the wind speed information is the same, the control unit 11 may shorten the allowable placement time when the luggage weight is extremely light and less than the first specified weight, compared to when the luggage weight is somewhat light and is equal to or greater than the first specified weight and less than the second specified weight.

[0122] In the second embodiment, the control unit 11 may obtain a specified weight corresponding to a predicted wind speed from among a plurality of types of specified weights. As a specific example, when the predicted wind speed is a strong wind, the control unit 11 may obtain a specified weight that is lighter than a specified weight when the predicted wind speed is a moderate wind.

[0123] The control unit 11 may receive the delivery information 41A by communication with the mobile terminal device 20, not via another server. The control unit 11 may receive the delivery information 41A by communication with the mobile terminal device 20 via another server. In this case, the other server may obtain weight information and attribute information corresponding to the delivery item and transmit them to the delivery management device 10. In other words, the control unit 11 may receive the weight information and attribute information as the delivery information 41A by communication with the mobile terminal device 20 via another server.

[0124] When the delivery start date and time is reached, the control unit 11 may obtain the placement allowable time and the expected receipt date and time. When the expected receipt date and time is later than the placement allowable time, the control unit 11 may change the delivery date and time without notifying the intended recipient of the change request.

[0125] The control unit 11 may acquire any type of weather information, such as forecast weather, forecast precipitation, forecast wind speed, and forecast temperature. The control unit 11 may acquire one type of weather information, or may acquire multiple types of weather information.

[0126] The control unit 11 may obtain weather information for the current date and time, instead of weather information predicted for the delivery date and time. In particular, when the current date and time and the delivery date and time are included in the same time zone, the control unit 11 may obtain weather information for the current date and time. When the current date and time are included in a time zone different from the delivery date and time, the control unit 11 may obtain weather information predicted for the delivery date and time.

[0127] The control unit 11 may obtain the expected date and time of receipt by the intended recipient based on the delivery destination of the parcel and the location information of the intended recipient without communicating with another server. In this case, the control unit 11 specifies the intended recipient's travel means and travel time for receipt based on the location information of the delivery destination of the parcel and the location information of the intended recipient. The control unit 11 may obtain the shortest travel time for receipt by the intended recipient.

[0128] The control unit 11 may determine the straight-line distance between the parcel delivery destination and the location information of the intended recipient based on the delivery destination of the parcel and the location information of the intended recipient, and obtain the predicted date and time of receipt by the intended recipient based on the straight-line distance.

[0129] The control unit 11 may notify the intended recipient of a change request when the expected receipt date and time are the same as the permitted placement date and time. The control unit 11 may change the delivery date and time when the expected receipt date and time are the same as the permitted placement date and time.

[0130] The control unit 11 may change the delivery date and time to the expected receipt date and time if there is no instruction from the intended recipient. The control unit 11 may change the delivery date and time to the expected receipt date and time if there is an instruction to change the expected recipient. The control unit 11 may execute a placement permission notification process if it is determined that the delivery preparation date and time is reached.

[0131] The mobile terminal device 20 may be a terminal device that at least enables identification of the location information of the intended recipient. As a specific example, the delivery management system 1 may include a navigation device installed in an automobile owned by the intended recipient instead of the mobile terminal device 20.

[0132] The unmanned mobile body 30 may be any mobile body that does not have a human on board, and may be, for example, an unmanned mobile body that travels on the ground. The unmanned mobile body 30 may be, for example, a mobile body that flies in the air and travels on the ground.

[0133] The delivery management system 1 may include an administrator device in addition to the delivery management device 10, the mobile terminal device 20, and the unmanned mobile body 30. The administrator device is a device used by an administrator who manages the delivery management system 1 or an administrator who manages the unmanned mobile body 30. The administrator device may have a configuration substantially similar to that of the mobile terminal device 20. The administrator may use the administrator device to monitor the unmanned mobile body 30 placing the package.

[0134] The unmanned mobile body 30 may have some or all of the functions of the delivery management device 10. The unmanned mobile body control device 31 may have some or all of the functions of the delivery management device 10. In this case, in the unmanned mobile body 30, the unmanned mobile body control unit 32 may have the same functions as the control unit 11. In other words, the unmanned mobile body 30 may be an example of a delivery management device.

[0135] The delivery management system 1 may be configured so that functions similar to those of the control unit 11 are provided in either the control unit 11 or the drone control unit 32. The term "at least any" as used herein means one or more of the desired options. As an example, the term "at least any" as used herein means only one option or both options if the number of options is two. As another example, the term "at least any" as used herein means only one option or any combination of two or more options if the number of options is three or more.

[0136] [Note] The technical ideas understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below. (A) The delivery management device includes a delivery destination acquisition unit that acquires a delivery destination of a package to be delivered by an unmanned mobile body, a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and a placement allowable time acquisition unit that acquires, based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit, a placement allowable time that allows the package to be continuously placed at the delivery destination.

[0137] (B) The delivery control device described in (A) includes a notification unit that notifies the intended recipient of the allowable placement time acquired by the allowable placement time acquisition unit. (C) The delivery control device described in (A) or (B) comprises a delivery date and time acquisition unit that acquires the delivery date and time of the package by the unmanned mobile body, a placement allowable date and time acquisition unit that acquires the delivery date and time after the placement allowable time acquired by the placement allowable time acquisition unit has elapsed from the delivery date and time acquired by the delivery date and time acquisition unit, a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of a recipient, a predicted receipt date and time acquisition unit that acquires a predicted receipt date and time by the recipient based on the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit and the location information of the recipient acquired by the location information acquisition unit, and a delivery control unit that starts delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile body, and the delivery control unit starts delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile body when the predicted receipt date and time acquired by the predicted receipt date and time acquisition unit is earlier than the placement allowable date and time acquired by the placement allowable date and time acquisition unit.

[0138] (D) The delivery control device described in (C) includes a notification unit that notifies the intended recipient of a request to change the delivery date and time of the package if the predicted receipt date and time acquired by the predicted receipt date and time acquisition unit is later than the permitted placement date and time acquired by the permitted placement date and time acquisition unit.

[0139] (E) In the delivery control device described in (D), when the delivery control unit receives information from the intended recipient that does not change the delivery date and time of the package, it starts delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile object.

[0140] (F) The delivery control device described in (C) includes a delivery date and time change unit that changes the delivery date and time of the package when the predicted receipt date and time acquired by the predicted receipt date and time acquisition unit is later than the permitted placement date and time acquired by the permitted placement date and time acquisition unit.

[0141] (G) A delivery control device described in any one of (A) to (F) includes an attribute information acquisition unit that acquires attribute information of the parcel including an appropriate storage temperature of the parcel, and a quality maintenance time acquisition unit that acquires a quality maintenance time based on the attribute information of the parcel acquired by the attribute information acquisition unit, and the placement allowable time acquisition unit acquires as the placement allowable time a time that is less than the quality maintenance time acquired by the quality maintenance time acquisition unit.

[0142] (H) In the delivery control device described in (G), the weather information acquisition unit acquires at least temperature information as the weather information, and the quality maintenance time acquisition unit acquires the quality maintenance time based on the attribute information of the package acquired by the attribute information acquisition unit and the temperature information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit.

[0143] (I) A delivery control device described in any one of (A) to (H) includes a weight information acquisition unit that acquires weight information of the parcel, the weather information acquisition unit acquires at least wind speed information as the weather information, and the allowable placement time acquisition unit acquires the allowable placement time based on the weight information of the parcel acquired by the weight information acquisition unit and the wind speed information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit.

[0144] (J) A delivery management system includes a delivery destination acquisition unit that acquires a delivery destination of a package to be delivered by an unmanned mobile body, a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and a placement allowable time acquisition unit that acquires, based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit, a placement allowable time that allows the package to be continuously placed at the delivery destination.

[0145] (K) A delivery management method includes one or more computers that acquire a delivery destination of a package to be delivered by an unmanned mobile object, acquire weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package, and acquire, based on the weather information, a placement allowable time that allows the package to be continuously placed at the delivery destination.

[0146] (L) The program causes one or more computers to acquire a delivery destination of a package by an unmanned mobile object, acquire weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package, and acquire, based on the weather information, a placement allowable time that allows the package to be continuously placed at the delivery destination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1...Delivery management system, 10...Delivery management device, 11...Control unit, 11A...Delivery destination acquisition unit, 11B...Delivery date and time acquisition unit, 11C...Delivery start date and time acquisition unit, 11D...Weather information acquisition unit, 11E...Placement allowable time acquisition unit, 11F...Placement allowable date and time acquisition unit, 11G...Location information acquisition unit, 11H...Predicted receipt date and time acquisition unit, 11I...Notification unit, 11J...Delivery date and time change unit, 11K...Delivery control unit, 20...Portable terminal device, 30...Unmanned mobile body.

Claims

1. a delivery destination acquisition unit that acquires a delivery destination of a package to be delivered by the unmanned mobile object; a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit; a placement allowable time acquisition unit that acquires, based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit, a placement allowable time that allows the package to be continuously placed at the delivery destination of the package; Equipped with Delivery management device.

2. A notification unit notifies a recipient of the placement allowable time acquired by the placement allowable time acquisition unit. The delivery management device according to claim 1 .

3. a delivery date and time acquisition unit that acquires a delivery date and time of the package by the unmanned moving body; a placement permitted date and time acquisition unit that acquires a placement permitted date and time when the placement permitted time acquired by the placement permitted time acquisition unit has elapsed from the delivery date and time acquired by the delivery date and time acquisition unit; A location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of a recipient; A receipt predicted date and time acquisition unit that acquires a receipt predicted date and time by the intended recipient based on the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit and the location information of the intended recipient acquired by the location information acquisition unit; A delivery control unit that starts delivery of the package by the unmanned moving object; Equipped with The delivery control unit starts delivery of the package by the unmanned moving body when the predicted receipt date and time acquired by the predicted receipt date and time acquisition unit is earlier than the placement permitted date and time acquired by the placement permitted date and time acquisition unit. The delivery management device according to claim 1 .

4. and a notification unit that notifies the intended recipient of a request to change the delivery date and time of the package when the expected receipt date and time acquired by the expected receipt date and time acquisition unit is later than the placement allowable date and time acquired by the placement allowable date and time acquisition unit. The delivery management device according to claim 3.

5. When the delivery control unit receives information from the intended recipient that does not change the delivery date and time of the package, the delivery control unit starts delivery of the package by the unmanned mobile object. The delivery management device according to claim 4.

6. a delivery date and time change unit that changes a delivery date and time of the package when the expected receipt date and time acquired by the expected receipt date and time acquisition unit is later than the placement allowable date and time acquired by the placement allowable date and time acquisition unit; The delivery management device according to claim 3.

7. an attribute information acquisition unit that acquires attribute information of the package including an appropriate storage temperature of the package; a quality maintenance time acquisition unit that acquires a quality maintenance time based on the attribute information of the package acquired by the attribute information acquisition unit; Equipped with the placement allowable time acquisition unit acquires, as the placement allowable time, a time equal to or less than the quality maintenance time acquired by the quality maintenance time acquisition unit; A delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The weather information acquisition unit acquires at least temperature information as the weather information, the quality maintenance time acquisition unit acquires the quality maintenance time based on the attribute information of the package acquired by the attribute information acquisition unit and the temperature information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit; The delivery management device according to claim 7.

9. A weight information acquisition unit that acquires weight information of the luggage, The weather information acquisition unit acquires at least wind speed information as the weather information, the placement allowable time acquisition unit acquires the placement allowable time based on the luggage weight information acquired by the weight information acquisition unit and the wind speed information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit; A delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. a delivery destination acquisition unit that acquires a delivery destination of a package to be delivered by the unmanned mobile object; a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information for an area including the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit; a placement allowable time acquisition unit that acquires, based on the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit, a placement allowable time that allows the package to be continuously placed at the delivery destination of the package; Equipped with Delivery management system.

11. One or more computers Acquiring a delivery destination of a package by an unmanned mobile object; Obtaining weather information for a region including a delivery destination of the package; acquiring an allowable placement time that allows the package to be continuously placed at the delivery destination based on the weather information; A delivery management method to carry out.

12. On one or more computers, Acquiring a delivery destination of a package by an unmanned mobile object; Obtaining weather information for a region including a delivery destination of the package; acquiring an allowable placement time that allows the package to be continuously placed at the delivery destination based on the weather information; A program that executes the following.

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