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 the convenience relating to delivery of a package by an unmanned movable body.SOLUTION: A delivery management device comprises: a delivery destination acquisition unit which acquires a delivery destination of a package by an unmanned movable body; a precipitation information acquisition unit which acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit; and a packaging form determination unit which determines any one from multiple kinds of packaging forms of the package including a normal packaging form and a precipitation packaging form, on the basis of precipitation information acquired by the precipitation information acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

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 parcels are not delivered directly to the intended recipient, but are continuously placed at the delivery destination and received by the intended recipient. More specifically, in such a system, the parcel is wrapped in a predetermined wrapping form, and is detached from the unmanned moving object at the delivery destination, whereupon the parcel is dropped at the delivery destination, completing the delivery of the parcel. [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 precipitation occurs during delivery of a package, the quality of the package may deteriorate depending on the packaging method of the package. For this reason, it is desirable to improve the convenience of package delivery by unmanned vehicles. [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 precipitation information acquisition unit that acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and a packaging form determination unit that determines one of multiple types of package packaging forms, including a normal packaging form and a precipitation packaging form, based on the precipitation information acquired by the precipitation information acquisition unit.

[0006] A delivery management system that solves the above problem includes a delivery destination acquisition unit that acquires the delivery destination of a package to be delivered by an unmanned mobile vehicle, a precipitation information acquisition unit that acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and a packaging form determination unit that determines one of several types of package packaging forms, including a normal packaging form and a precipitation packaging form, based on the precipitation information acquired by the precipitation information acquisition unit.

[0007] A delivery management method that solves the above problem involves one or more computers acquiring a delivery destination for a package to be delivered by an unmanned mobile vehicle, acquiring precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package, and determining from a plurality of types of package packaging forms, including a normal packaging form and a precipitation packaging form, based on the precipitation information.

[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 object, acquire precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package, and determine one of several types of package packaging styles for the package, including a normal packaging style and a precipitation packaging style, based on the precipitation information. 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 base database according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the delivery management database of 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 first delivery preparation process executed by the delivery management device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the second delivery preparation process executed by the delivery management device of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing display contents displayed on the terminal display unit in the first and second embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the second delivery preparation process executed by the delivery management device of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the second delivery preparation 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 terminal device 20, and an unmanned mobile body 30. The delivery management system 1 may include a plurality of terminal devices 20. The delivery management system 1 may include a user terminal device 20A and a work terminal device 20B.

[0014] The user terminal device 20A is an information processing device that can be used by the intended recipient. The user terminal device 20A may be an information processing device that can be carried by the intended recipient. The intended recipient is a user who is planning to receive the package. The work terminal device 20B is a terminal device used by a worker who packages the delivery at a delivery base. The delivery base of the package may be a store that manages the package, or may be a collection point where the package is collected. The user terminal device 20A and the work terminal device 20B have a similar configuration. For this reason, hereinafter, the terminal devices 20 may be collectively described, and the user terminal device 20A and the work terminal device 20B may be distinguished from each other as necessary.

[0015] The delivery management device 10, the terminal device 20, and the unmanned moving body 30 are connected to be able to communicate with each other via a network 15. Hereinafter, a description of the communication between each device via the network 15 will be omitted. Hereinafter, the unmanned moving body 30 may be referred to as a drone.

[0016] <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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The communication unit 13 is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of these. The communication unit 13 transmits and receives data between the 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.

[0019] <Configuration of Terminal Device 20> The terminal device 20 is composed of one or more computers. The 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.

[0020] The 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, and a speaker 26. The terminal control unit 21 is configured to control the 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.

[0021] The terminal storage unit 22 is a secondary storage medium and stores various information. In particular, the terminal storage unit 22 may store a notification program capable of receiving notifications regarding 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The terminal device 20 may include a position measurement unit 27. The position measurement unit 27 acquires the position information of the terminal device 20 by measuring the position information of the terminal device 20. In other words, 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.

[0025] <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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 terminal device 20.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] <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 the processing circuit, a delivery destination acquisition unit 11A, a delivery base acquisition unit 11B, a delivery date and time acquisition unit 11C, a delivery route acquisition unit 11D, and a delivery start date and time acquisition unit 11E. The control unit 11 includes, as the processing circuit, a precipitation information acquisition unit 11F, a location information acquisition unit 11G, a ground attribute information acquisition unit 11H, a packaging form determination unit 11I, a notification control unit 11J, a delivery control unit 11K, and a reward granting unit 11L.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The delivery base acquisition unit 11B acquires a delivery base for a package delivered by the unmanned mobile body 30. As a specific example, when a store that actually sells products is the delivery base, the delivery base acquisition unit 11B may be the address of the store where the unmanned mobile body 30 picks up the delivery item packaged in a predetermined packaging form. In this way, when a store that actually sells products is the delivery base, the store clerk not only serves as a salesperson who sells the products, but also as a worker who packages the products in a predetermined packaging form as delivery items in response to product orders.

[0038] The delivery date and time acquisition unit 11C acquires the delivery date and time of the package by the unmanned mobile body 30. The delivery date and time is the date and time when the package is delivered to the delivery destination by the unmanned mobile body 30. In particular, the delivery date and time acquisition unit 11C acquires the delivery date and time of the package according to the designation of the intended recipient.

[0039] The delivery route acquisition unit 11D acquires a package delivery route from the package delivery base to the package delivery destination. In detail, the delivery route acquisition unit 11D acquires the package delivery route based on the location information of the package delivery base and the location information of the package delivery destination. When the unmanned mobile body 30 is an unmanned flying body, the package delivery route may be a route that directly connects the package delivery base and the package delivery destination, or may be a route that avoids no-fly zones.

[0040] The delivery start date and time acquisition unit 11E acquires the delivery start date and time of the package by the unmanned mobile body 30. The delivery start date and time of the package is the date and time when the unmanned mobile body 30 departs from the package delivery base to the package delivery destination. In other words, the delivery start date and time of the package is the date and time when the package delivery starts at the package delivery base.

[0041] In particular, the delivery start date and time acquisition unit 11E acquires the delivery start date and time of the parcel based on the location information of the parcel delivery base, the location information of the parcel delivery destination, and the delivery date and time of the parcel. In detail, the delivery start date and time acquisition unit 11E acquires the delivery distance corresponding to the parcel delivery route. The delivery start date and time acquisition unit 11E acquires the 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 it takes for the unmanned mobile body 30 to travel from the parcel delivery base to the parcel delivery destination. The delivery start date and time acquisition unit 11E acquires the date and time that is the delivery travel time before the delivery date and time as the parcel delivery start date and time. In this way, the delivery start date and time acquisition unit 11E acquires the delivery start date and time of the parcel based on the parcel delivery base, the parcel delivery destination, and the parcel delivery date and time.

[0042] The precipitation information acquisition unit 11F acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including a parcel delivery destination. In particular, the precipitation information acquisition unit 11F acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including a parcel delivery destination at a parcel delivery date and time. The precipitation information acquisition unit 11F also acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including a parcel delivery route. In particular, the precipitation information acquisition unit 11F acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including a parcel delivery route during a period from a parcel delivery start date and time to a parcel delivery date and time.

[0043] The precipitation information acquisition unit 11F may acquire predicted weather as precipitation information. The predicted weather includes, for example, sunny, cloudy, rain, etc. The precipitation information acquisition unit 11F may acquire predicted precipitation probability as precipitation information. The precipitation information acquisition unit 11F may acquire predicted precipitation amount as precipitation information. The predicted precipitation probability may include predicted rainfall probability and predicted snowfall probability. The predicted precipitation amount may include predicted rainfall amount and predicted snowfall amount. The precipitation information acquisition unit 11F may acquire precipitation information by communicating with a server that provides precipitation information.

[0044] 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 intended recipient by acquiring the location information of the user terminal device 20A in response to communication with the user terminal device 20A.

[0045] The ground attribute information acquisition unit 11H acquires ground attribute information at the delivery destination of the package. The ground attribute information is information indicating the attributes of the ground on which the package is placed. The ground attribute information may include pavement attribute information indicating a paved ground and information indicating an unpaved earth ground. The ground attribute information acquisition unit 11H may acquire ground attribute information by specification of the intended recipient through communication with the user terminal device 20A, or may acquire ground attribute information from an image captured when the unmanned mobile body 30 moves to the delivery destination in advance.

[0046] The packaging form determination unit 11I determines one of a plurality of types of package packaging forms. The plurality of types of package packaging forms may include a normal packaging form and a precipitation packaging form. The normal packaging form is a packaging form that does not take precipitation into consideration. The normal packaging form may be a packaging form that is not waterproof. The precipitation packaging form is a packaging form that can maintain the quality of the package even when it rains. The precipitation packaging form may be a packaging form that is waterproof. The precipitation packaging form may be a packaging form that is more expensive than the normal packaging form. As a specific example, the normal packaging form may be a packaging form using cardboard, and the precipitation packaging form may be a packaging form in which a waterproof bag or case is applied to the normal packaging form.

[0047] The packaging form determination unit 11I determines the packaging form of the package based on precipitation information. In particular, the packaging form determination unit 11I determines the packaging form of the package based on precipitation information that corresponds to an area including the package delivery destination and corresponds to the package delivery date and time. The packaging form determination unit 11I determines the packaging form of the package based on precipitation information that corresponds to an area including the package delivery route and corresponds to the period from the package delivery start date and time to the package delivery date and time. The packaging form determination unit 11I determines the packaging form of the package at a date and time prior to the package delivery start date and time.

[0048] The notification control unit 11J controls notifications regarding package delivery. The notification control unit 11J controls the notification of information regarding the package packaging form to a worker at a delivery base. The notification control unit 11J may also control the notification of information regarding the package delivery to a prospective recipient.

[0049] The delivery control unit 11K controls the delivery of packages by the unmanned mobile body 30. When the delivery start date and time arrives, the delivery control unit 11K causes the unmanned mobile body 30 to start delivery of the packages at the delivery base.

[0050] The reward granting unit 11L grants a reward to a user. In particular, the reward granting unit 11L may grant a reward to a prospective recipient when a reward granting condition is met. The reward may be points that can be used in various services. The reward value may be the number of points. The reward may be usable in a system other than the delivery management system 1. The reward may be usable between multiple systems with the same administrator, or between multiple systems with different administrators. As a specific example, the reward may be usable in electronic commerce. The reward may be usable for purchasing a product delivered as a package via electronic commerce. The reward may be a benefit for the user.

[0051] <Database> Next, the database stored in the storage unit 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 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. The user information database 40 is a database for managing the user information 40A.

[0053] The user information 40A includes a user ID, a user's address information, a terminal ID, and a notification destination information of the user. In the user information 40A, the user ID, the user's address information, the terminal ID, and the notification destination information are associated with each other. In the user information 40A, the user ID may be associated with a reward value possessed by the user.

[0054] The user ID is information capable of identifying the user as a prospective recipient. The user's address information is information indicating the user's address, and may be location information indicating the delivery destination. The terminal ID is information capable of identifying the user terminal device 20A owned by the user. The terminal ID is referenced when acquiring location information of the user terminal device 20A. The user's notification destination information is information indicating the destination of notifications to the user, and may be the user's email address, or a device token associated with the user terminal device 20A.

[0055] 3, the storage unit 12 stores a delivery base database 41. The delivery base database 41 includes one or more pieces of delivery base information 41A. The delivery base database 41 is a database for managing the delivery base information 41A.

[0056] The delivery base information 41A includes delivery bases, addresses of the delivery bases, and notification destination information of the delivery bases. In the delivery base information 41A, the delivery bases, the addresses of the delivery bases, and the notification destination information of the delivery bases are associated with each other.

[0057] The address information of the delivery base is information indicating the address of the delivery base, and is location information indicating the delivery base. The notification destination information of the delivery base is information indicating the notification destination of the worker at the delivery base, and may be an email address of the delivery base or a device token associated with the work terminal device 20B.

[0058] 4, the storage unit 12 stores a delivery management database 42. The delivery management database 42 includes one or more pieces of delivery information 42A. The delivery management database 42 is a database for managing the delivery information 42A.

[0059] The delivery information 42A 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 route, a delivery start date and time, ground attribute information, and a delivery status. In the delivery information 42A, 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 route, the delivery start date and time, the ground attribute information, and the delivery status are associated with each other.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 route is information indicating the route from the delivery base 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 ground attribute information is information indicating the attributes of the ground on which the parcel is placed at the delivery destination. 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.

[0062] <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.

[0063] 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 42A has been input. The control unit 11 may determine whether or not the delivery information 42A has been input by communication with the terminal device 20, regardless of whether or not it is via another server. The delivery information 42A may include a user ID, a delivery destination, and a delivery date and time. The delivery information 42A may include a delivery base and a delivery item. The delivery information 42A may include ground attribute information. If the control unit 11 determines that the delivery information 42A has not been input, it ends the delivery setting process. If the control unit 11 determines that the delivery information 42A has been input, it moves the process to step S11.

[0064] 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 42A. That is, the control unit 11 acquires a delivery destination of the package to be delivered by the unmanned mobile unit 30.

[0065] In step S12, the control unit 11 executes a delivery base acquisition process. In the delivery base acquisition process, the control unit 11 acquires a delivery base included in the delivery information 42A. That is, the control unit 11 acquires a delivery base for a package delivered by the unmanned mobile unit 30.

[0066] In step S13, 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 42A. That is, the control unit 11 acquires the delivery date and time of the package by the unmanned mobile unit 30.

[0067] In step S14, the control unit 11 executes a delivery route acquisition process. In the delivery route acquisition process, the control unit 11 acquires a parcel delivery route based on the location information of the delivery base and the location information of the delivery destination. In particular, the control unit 11 may acquire, as the delivery route, a route that avoids predetermined no-fly zones and that takes the shortest travel time from the delivery base to the delivery destination. The control unit 11 may acquire, as the delivery route, a route that takes the shortest travel time from the delivery base to the delivery destination. In this way, the control unit 11 acquires a parcel delivery route from the parcel delivery base to the parcel delivery destination.

[0068] In step S15, 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 of the parcel. 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 way, the control unit 11 acquires a parcel delivery start date and time at which delivery of the parcel will start at the parcel delivery base, based on the parcel delivery base, the parcel delivery destination, and the parcel delivery date and time.

[0069] In step S16, the control unit 11 executes a ground attribute information acquisition process. In the ground attribute information acquisition process, the control unit 11 acquires the ground attribute information included in the delivery information 42A. That is, the control unit 11 acquires the ground attribute information at the delivery destination of the package.

[0070] In step S17, 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 42A including the delivery number in the delivery management database 42. In detail, the control unit 11 determines a drone ID corresponding to the delivery number based on the delivery plan information of the unmanned mobile unit 30. Then, the control unit 11 registers delivery information 42A including the delivery number, user ID, delivery destination, delivery base, drone ID, delivery item, delivery date and time, delivery route, delivery start date and time, and ground attribute information in the delivery management database 42. The control unit 11 registers information indicating "before delivery" in the delivery status corresponding to the delivery number.

[0071] <First delivery preparation process> Next, the first delivery preparation process executed in the delivery management device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The first delivery preparation process is a process executed at a predetermined cycle by the control unit 11. The first delivery preparation process is a process that controls one or more pieces of delivery information 42A 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 42A whose delivery status is before the package is delivered as the control target.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 6, in step S20, the control unit 11 determines whether it is the first delivery preparation date and time. The first delivery preparation date and time is a predetermined time before the delivery start date and time. The first delivery preparation date and time may be 30 minutes before the delivery start date and time. The first delivery preparation date and time corresponds to an example of the first date and time that is before the delivery start date and time of the parcel.

[0073] The control unit 11 acquires the delivery start date and time corresponding to the delivery number to be delivered from the delivery management database 42. The control unit 11 acquires a time a predetermined time earlier than the delivery start date and time as the first delivery preparation date and time. If the control unit 11 determines that it is not the first delivery preparation date and time, it ends the first delivery preparation process. If the control unit 11 determines that it is the first delivery preparation date and time, it transitions to step S21.

[0074] In step S21, the control unit 11 executes a first precipitation information acquisition process. In the first precipitation information acquisition process, the control unit 11 acquires precipitation information by communicating with a server that provides precipitation information. In detail, the control unit 11 acquires precipitation information corresponding to the period from the delivery start date and time to the delivery date and time and corresponding to an area including the delivery route of the package. The control unit 11 acquires precipitation information corresponding to the delivery date and time and corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package. In particular, the control unit 11 acquires a predicted probability of precipitation as the precipitation information.

[0075] In step S22, the control unit 11 determines whether the predicted probability of precipitation is less than a specified probability of precipitation. The specified probability of precipitation is a probability in which the probability of precipitation is high and the possibility of precipitation is extremely high. The specified probability of precipitation may be, for example, 80%. If the control unit 11 determines that the predicted probability of precipitation is less than the specified probability of precipitation, it shifts the process to step S23. If the control unit 11 determines that the predicted probability of precipitation is equal to or greater than the specified probability of precipitation, it shifts the process to step S24.

[0076] In step S23, the control unit 11 executes a package preparation notification process. In the package preparation notification process, the control unit 11 transmits package preparation information to the work terminal device 20B corresponding to the delivery base. The package preparation information is information for notifying the start of preparation for delivering the package in a normal packaging form. The package preparation information may include delivery information 42A. When the package preparation notification process ends, the control unit 11 ends the first delivery preparation process.

[0077] In the work terminal device 20B, when the terminal control unit 21 receives the package preparation information, it causes the terminal display unit 25 to display an image indicating the start of preparation for delivering the package in the normal packaging form. In this way, when the predicted probability of precipitation is less than a specified probability at the first delivery preparation date and time, the control unit 11 performs control to provisionally determine the normal packaging form as the packaging form for the package and notify the worker of the start of preparation of the package in the normal packaging form.

[0078] In step S24, the control unit 11 executes a packaging hold notification process. In the packaging hold notification process, the control unit 11 transmits packaging hold information to the work terminal device 20B corresponding to the delivery base. The packaging hold information is information for holding the packaging of the package without specifying a packaging form. The packaging hold information is information for notifying the start of preparations for delivering the package. The packaging hold information may include delivery information 42A. When the packaging hold notification process is completed, the control unit 11 ends the first delivery preparation process.

[0079] In the work terminal device 20B, when the terminal control unit 21 receives the packaging suspension information, it suspends packaging of the package, but causes the terminal display unit 25 to display an image indicating that preparation for delivery of the package will begin. In this way, the control unit 11 performs control to notify the worker that packaging of the package will be suspended when the predicted probability of precipitation is equal to or higher than a specified probability at the first delivery preparation date and time.

[0080] <Second delivery preparation process> Next, the second delivery preparation process executed in the delivery management device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The second delivery preparation process is a process executed at predetermined intervals by the control unit 11. The second delivery preparation process is a process that controls one or more pieces of delivery information 42A 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 42A whose delivery status is before the package is delivered as the control target.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 7, in step S30, the control unit 11 determines whether it is the second delivery preparation date and time. The second delivery preparation date and time is a predetermined time before the delivery start date and time. The second delivery preparation date and time is a time after the first delivery preparation date and time. The second delivery preparation date and time may be 5 minutes before the delivery start date and time.

[0082] The control unit 11 acquires the delivery start date and time corresponding to the delivery number to be delivered from the delivery management database 42. The control unit 11 acquires a time a predetermined time earlier than the delivery start date and time as the second delivery preparation date and time. If the control unit 11 determines that it is not the second delivery preparation date and time, it ends the second delivery preparation process. If the control unit 11 determines that it is the second delivery preparation date and time, it transitions to step S31.

[0083] In step S31, the control unit 11 executes a second precipitation information acquisition process. In the second precipitation information acquisition process, the control unit 11 acquires precipitation information by communicating with a server that provides precipitation information. In detail, the control unit 11 acquires precipitation information corresponding to the period from the delivery start date and time to the delivery date and time and corresponding to an area including the delivery route of the parcel. The control unit 11 acquires precipitation information corresponding to the delivery date and time and corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the parcel. In particular, the control unit 11 acquires predicted weather as the precipitation information. In addition, the control unit 11 acquires predicted precipitation as the precipitation information. In other words, the control unit 11 acquires predicted precipitation corresponding to the period from the delivery start date and time to the delivery date and time of the parcel and corresponding to an area including the delivery route of the parcel as the precipitation information.

[0084] In step S32, the control unit 11 determines whether the precipitation condition is met. The precipitation condition is not met when the predicted weather does not include rain. The precipitation condition is met when the calculation result of the time length from the delivery start date and time to the delivery date and time and the predicted amount of precipitation is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The threshold is a standard value at which the quality of the package cannot be maintained when it is packaged in a normal packaging format.

[0085] As a specific example, the control unit 11 calculates the total predicted precipitation amount along the delivery route by integrating the time length from the delivery start date and time to the delivery date and time and the predicted precipitation amount. The control unit 11 determines that the precipitation condition is met when the total predicted precipitation amount along the delivery route is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0086] If the control unit 11 determines that the precipitation condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S33. If the control unit 11 determines that the precipitation condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0087] In step S33, the control unit 11 executes a normal packaging form determination process. In the normal packaging form determination process, the control unit 11 determines the normal packaging form as the packaging form of the package. In this manner, when the precipitation condition is not satisfied based on the total precipitation amount on the package delivery route at the second delivery preparation date and time that is prior to the delivery start date and time of the package, the control unit 11 determines the normal packaging form as the packaging form of the package.

[0088] In step S34, the control unit 11 executes a normal packaging form notification process. In the normal packaging form notification process, the control unit 11 transmits normal packaging designation information to the work terminal device 20B corresponding to the delivery base. The normal packaging designation information is information for notifying that a package packaged in the normal packaging form will be delivered. The normal packaging designation information may include delivery information 42A. When the normal packaging form notification process is completed, the control unit 11 terminates the second delivery preparation process.

[0089] In the work terminal device 20B, when the terminal control unit 21 receives the normal packaging designation information, it causes the terminal display unit 25 to display an image indicating that the package will be packaged in the normal packaging form and delivered. That is, the control unit 11 performs control to notify the worker that the normal packaging form has been decided as the packaging form for the package when the precipitation condition is not met based on the total precipitation amount on the package delivery route at the second delivery preparation date and time that is prior to the delivery start date and time of the package.

[0090] In step S35, the control unit 11 executes a process for determining a packaging form for precipitation. In the process for determining a packaging form for precipitation, the control unit 11 determines a packaging form for precipitation as a packaging form for the package. In this manner, the control unit 11 determines the packaging form for precipitation as a packaging form for the package when a precipitation condition is established based on a total amount of precipitation on the delivery route of the package at the second delivery preparation date and time that is prior to the delivery start date and time of the package.

[0091] In step S36, the control unit 11 executes a precipitation packaging form notification process. In the precipitation packaging form notification process, the control unit 11 transmits precipitation packaging designation information to the work terminal device 20B corresponding to the delivery base. The precipitation packaging designation information is information for notifying that a package packaged in a precipitation packaging form will be delivered. The precipitation packaging designation information may include delivery information 42A. When the precipitation packaging form notification process is completed, the control unit 11 ends the second delivery preparation process.

[0092] In the work terminal device 20B, when the terminal control unit 21 receives the precipitation packaging designation information, it causes the terminal display unit 25 to display an image indicating that the package packaged in the precipitation packaging form will be delivered. That is, the control unit 11 performs control to notify the worker that the precipitation packaging form has been decided as the packaging form for the package when the precipitation condition is established based on the total precipitation amount on the delivery route of the package at the second delivery preparation date and time that is prior to the delivery start date and time of the package.

[0093] In this way, the control unit 11 determines one of a plurality of types of package packaging forms, including a normal packaging form and a precipitation packaging form, based on the precipitation information. The control unit 11 performs control to notify the worker of the determined package packaging form.

[0094] In a process separate from the first delivery preparation process and the second delivery preparation process, the control unit 11 transmits delivery information 42A corresponding to the delivery number of the delivery target in the delivery management database 42 to the unmanned mobile body 30. As a result, the control unit 11 instructs the unmanned mobile body 30 corresponding to the unmanned vehicle ID to deliver the package. In detail, the control unit 11 causes the unmanned mobile body 30 to start delivering the package from the delivery base to the delivery destination at the delivery start date and time. In particular, the control unit 11 causes the unmanned mobile body 30 to start delivering the package packaged in the packaging form instructed by the worker. The control unit 11 moves the unmanned mobile body 30 from the delivery base to the delivery destination according to the delivery route. The control unit 11 causes the unmanned mobile body 30 to deliver the package at the delivery destination.

[0095] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the first screen 25A may be displayed on the terminal display unit 25 of the work terminal device 20B. The first screen 25A is a screen that instructs the user to prepare a package in association with the delivery of the package to the delivery destination at the first delivery preparation date and time through communication with the delivery management device 10. In particular, the first screen 25A is a screen that can specify that a normal packaging form is scheduled as the packaging form of the package when the predicted precipitation probability is less than a specified probability. The first screen 25A displays the delivery start date and time, the package as the delivery item, the predicted weather, the predicted precipitation probability, the predicted precipitation amount, and information on the packaging form. In this way, when the delivery base is a store, a store clerk as a worker can collect products stored in the store as packages and proceed with preparations to package the packages in the normal packaging form while managing the store.

[0096] In addition, in the work terminal device 20B, the second screen 25B may be displayed on the terminal display unit 25. The second screen 25B is a screen that instructs, through communication with the delivery management device 10, to prepare the package in association with the delivery of the package to the delivery destination at the first delivery preparation date and time. In particular, the second screen 25B is a screen that can specify that the packaging of the package is to be suspended when the predicted precipitation probability is equal to or higher than a specified probability. The second screen 25B displays the delivery start date and time, the package as the delivery item, the predicted weather, the predicted precipitation probability, the predicted precipitation amount, and information regarding the packaging form. As a result, in the case where the delivery base is a store, the store clerk as a worker can collect the products stored in the store as packages without proceeding with the preparation for packaging the package, while managing the store.

[0097] In addition, in the work terminal device 20B, the third screen 25C may be displayed on the terminal display unit 25. The third screen 25C is a screen that instructs the user to prepare the package in association with the delivery of the package to the delivery destination at the second delivery preparation date and time through communication with the delivery management device 10. In particular, the third screen 25C is a screen that allows the user to specify that the normal packaging form be specified as the packaging form of the package when the precipitation condition is not met. The third screen 25C displays the delivery start date and time, the package as the delivery item, the forecast weather, the forecast precipitation probability, the forecast precipitation amount, and information on the packaging form. As a result, when the delivery base is a store, the store clerk as a worker can package the package in the normal packaging form while managing the store.

[0098] In addition, in the work terminal device 20B, the fourth screen 25D may be displayed on the terminal display unit 25. The fourth screen 25D is a screen that instructs the user to prepare the package in association with the delivery of the package to the delivery destination at the second delivery preparation date and time through communication with the delivery management device 10. In particular, the fourth screen 25D is a screen that allows the user to specify the designation of a precipitation packaging form as the packaging form of the package when the precipitation condition is met. The fourth screen 25D displays the delivery start date and time, the package as the delivery item, the forecast weather, the forecast precipitation probability, the forecast precipitation amount, and information on the packaging form. In this way, when the delivery base is a store, a store clerk as a worker can package the package in the precipitation packaging form while managing the store.

[0099] <Advantages of the First Embodiment> The effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) The control unit 11 determines one of a plurality of types of package packaging forms, including a normal package form and a precipitation package form, based on precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package. Therefore, the control unit 11 can determine the package packaging form of the package taking into consideration the precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the quality of the package due to precipitation. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0100] (1-2) The control unit 11 performs control to notify the worker of the determined package packaging form for the package. In this way, the control unit 11 can notify the worker of the package packaging form that is not at the discretion of the worker. This allows the worker to package the package in a packaging form that is suitable for the precipitation information corresponding to the area including the delivery destination of the package. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the quality of the package due to precipitation. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0101] (1-3) The control unit 11 acquires the delivery start date and time of the package based on the package delivery base, the package delivery destination, and the package delivery date and time. The control unit 11 determines the package packaging form at a date and time that is prior to the package delivery start date and time. This allows the worker to know the package packaging form prior to the delivery start date and time, and to proceed with preparations for packaging the package. This can therefore improve the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned mobile unit 30.

[0102] (1-4) The control unit 11 acquires, as precipitation information, a probability of precipitation that corresponds to the delivery date and time of the parcel and corresponds to an area including the delivery destination of the parcel. The control unit 11 performs control to notify the worker that the packaging of the parcel will be suspended if the probability of precipitation is equal to or greater than a specified probability at a first delivery preparation date and time that is prior to the delivery start date and time of the parcel. Therefore, the worker can know that the packaging of the parcel will be suspended if the probability of precipitation is equal to or greater than a specified probability prior to the delivery start date and time of the parcel, and the efficiency of the work can be improved. As a specific example, if the probability of precipitation is equal to or greater than the specified probability and the worker packages the parcel in a normal packaging form at the first delivery preparation date and time, the worker must change the packaging form of the parcel from the normal packaging form to a precipitation packaging form at the second delivery preparation date and time. In such a case, the worker can reduce the wasteful work of packaging the parcel in a normal packaging form at the first delivery preparation date and time by knowing that the packaging of the parcel will be suspended at the first delivery preparation date and time. Therefore, the convenience of the parcel delivery by the unmanned mobile body 30 can be improved.

[0103] (1-5) The control unit 11 acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery route of the package. Therefore, the control unit 11 can determine the package packaging form of the package taking into consideration not only precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package, but also precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery route of the package. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the quality of the package due to precipitation. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0104] (1-6) The control unit 11 acquires, as precipitation information, the amount of precipitation that corresponds to the period from the delivery start date and time of the package to the delivery date and time of the package and corresponds to an area including the package delivery route. The control unit 11 determines the package packaging form of the package based on the total amount of precipitation on the package delivery route. Therefore, the control unit 11 can determine the package packaging form of the package taking into account the total amount of precipitation that corresponds to the area including the package delivery route. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the quality of the package due to precipitation. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0105] [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.

[0106] <Second delivery preparation process> As shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, in step S32 of the second delivery preparation process, if the control unit 11 determines that the precipitation condition is satisfied, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S37. In step S37, the control unit 11 executes a packaging form change notification process. In the packaging form change notification process, the control unit 11 transmits packaging form change request information to the user terminal device 20A corresponding to the user ID. The packaging form change request information is information requesting that the packaging form of the package be changed from the precipitation packaging form to the normal packaging form. The packaging form change request information may be information for notifying the intended recipient that a reward will be given by changing the packaging form of the package from the precipitation packaging form to the normal packaging form. In this way, when the control unit 11 determines the precipitation packaging form as the packaging form of the package, it notifies the intended recipient of a selection request to package the package in the precipitation packaging form or to change the packaging form of the package from the precipitation packaging form to the normal packaging form.

[0107] In step S38, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a change instruction to change the package packaging form to the normal packaging form has been issued as a result of the selection made by the intended recipient in response to the selection request, through communication with the user terminal device 20A. If the control unit 11 determines that a change instruction to change the package packaging form to the normal packaging form has been issued, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S33. As a result, if the precipitation packaging form has been determined and a selection result to package the package in the normal packaging form has been obtained from the intended recipient in response to the selection request, in step S33, the control unit 11 changes the package packaging form from the precipitation packaging form to the normal packaging form.

[0108] When the control unit 11 determines that there is no instruction to change the package packaging form to the normal package form, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S35. More specifically, when the control unit 11 determines that there is an instruction not to change the package packaging form to the normal package form, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S35. When the control unit 11 determines that there is no reply to the package expectation change request information from the user terminal device 20A before a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S35. The waiting time may be a time before the delivery start date and time, such as 3 minutes. The waiting time may also be 5 minutes, for example, and in this case, the second delivery preparation date and time may be 10 minutes before the delivery start date and time.

[0109] When step S34 is completed, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S39. In step S39, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the reward condition is met. When there is an instruction to change the package packaging form of the package to a normal package form, the control unit 11 determines that the reward condition is met. When the control unit 11 determines that the reward condition is not met, it ends the second delivery preparation process. When the control unit 11 determines that the reward condition is met, it shifts the process to step S40.

[0110] In step S40, the control unit 11 executes a reward granting control process. In the reward granting control process, the control unit 11 controls granting a reward of a predetermined reward value to a user for whom the reward condition is met. In detail, the control unit 11 refers to the user information database 40 and adds the predetermined reward value to the reward value corresponding to the user ID for whom the reward condition is met. In this way, the control unit 11 grants a reward to the prospective recipient when the packaging form of the package is changed from a precipitation packaging form to a normal packaging form. When the control unit 11 ends the reward granting control process, it ends the second delivery preparation process.

[0111] <Operation of the Second Embodiment> The operation of the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the fifth screen 25E may be displayed on the terminal display unit 25 of the user terminal device 20A. The fifth screen 25E is a screen that can be displayed when the package is delivered to the delivery destination at the second delivery preparation date and time through communication with the delivery management device 10. In particular, the fifth screen 25E is a screen that notifies the user that the package packaging form for the package is determined as the package packaging form for the package when the precipitation condition is met, but that the package packaging form for the package can be changed from the package packaging form for the precipitation to the package packaging form for the normal use. In addition, the fifth screen 25E is a screen that can specify that a reward will be given to the intended recipient when the package packaging form for the package is changed from the package packaging form for the precipitation to the package packaging form for the normal use. The fifth screen 25E displays the delivery date and time, the forecast weather, the forecast probability of precipitation, the forecast amount of precipitation, and information on the package packaging form.

[0112] Further, a plurality of instruction images are displayed on the fifth screen 25E. The plurality of instruction images include a continuation instruction image for not changing the packaging form of the parcel from the precipitation packaging form, and a change instruction image for changing the packaging form of the parcel from the precipitation packaging form to the normal packaging form. When the continuation instruction image is designated by the intended recipient, a continuation instruction is transmitted to the delivery management device 10. In this manner, it is possible to instruct the delivery management device 10 not to change the packaging form of the parcel from the precipitation packaging form. When the change instruction image is designated by the intended recipient, a change instruction is transmitted to the delivery management device 10. In this manner, it is possible to instruct the delivery management device 10 to change the packaging form of the parcel from the precipitation packaging form to the normal packaging form.

[0113] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) The control unit 11 determines the package packaging for the package to be a precipitation package, but when it is received from the intended recipient that the package should be packaged in a normal package, it changes the package packaging from the precipitation package to the normal package. This allows the intended recipient to be provided with an opportunity to change the package packaging to the normal package, which is simpler than the precipitation package. This increases the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned vehicle 30.

[0114] (2-2) The control unit 11 provides a reward to the intended recipient when the packaging form of the package is changed from the rainfall packaging form to the normal packaging form. Therefore, by providing the reward, the intended recipient can be encouraged to change the packaging form from the rainfall packaging form to the normal packaging form, which is simpler.

[0115] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. <Second delivery preparation process> As shown in FIG. 10, in the third embodiment, in step S32 of the second delivery preparation process, if the control unit 11 determines that the precipitation condition is not satisfied, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S41. In step S41, the control unit 11 determines whether there is no precipitation. The control unit 11 may determine whether there is no precipitation based on the predicted weather. In detail, the control unit 11 may determine that there is no precipitation when the predicted weather does not include rain. The control unit 11 may determine whether there is no precipitation based on the predicted precipitation. In detail, the control unit 11 may determine that there is no precipitation when the predicted precipitation is determined to be 0. If the control unit 11 determines that there is no precipitation, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S33. If the control unit 11 determines that there is precipitation, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S42.

[0116] In step S42, the control unit 11 judges whether the ground attribute information corresponding to the delivery information 42A is pavement attribute information. If the control unit 11 judges that the ground attribute information corresponding to the delivery information 42A is pavement attribute information, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S33. If the control unit 11 judges that the ground attribute information corresponding to the delivery information 42A is not pavement attribute information, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S43.

[0117] In step S43, 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 user terminal device 20A corresponding to the user ID.

[0118] In step S44, the control unit 11 determines whether the location information of the intended recipient is within a specified distance from the delivery destination of the package. If the control unit 11 determines that the location information of the intended recipient is within the specified distance from the delivery destination of the package, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S33. If the control unit 11 determines that the location information of the intended recipient is not within the specified distance from the delivery destination of the package, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S35.

[0119] In this way, the control unit 11 determines the package wrapping form of the package based on the ground attribute information. In particular, when the ground attribute information is pavement attribute information, the control unit 11 determines the normal package wrapping form as the package wrapping form.

[0120] The control unit 11 determines the package packaging form of the package based on the location information of the intended recipient. In particular, when the control unit 11 determines that the location information of the intended recipient is within a specified distance from the delivery destination of the package, it determines the normal packaging form as the package packaging form. When the control unit 11 determines that the location information of the intended recipient is not within a specified distance from the delivery destination of the package, it determines the rainy weather packaging form as the package packaging form.

[0121] <Effects of the third embodiment> The effects of the third embodiment will be described. (3-1) The control unit 11 determines the package packaging form of the package based on the location information of the intended recipient. Therefore, the control unit 11 can determine the package packaging form of the package taking into account the location information of the intended recipient. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the quality of the package due to precipitation. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of delivery of packages by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0122] (3-2) The control unit 11 determines the package form of the package based on the ground attribute information. Therefore, the control unit 11 can determine the package form of the package taking into account the ground attribute information. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the quality of the package due to precipitation. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of package delivery by the unmanned mobile body 30.

[0123] [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.

[0124] In the second embodiment, the control unit 11 may execute processes such as steps S30 to S32, S37, and S38 at a third delivery preparation date and time that is after the first delivery preparation date and time and before the second delivery preparation date and time. In this case, the control unit 11 acquires precipitation information at the third delivery preparation date and time, and transmits packaging form change request information to the user terminal device 20A when the precipitation condition is met. The control unit 11 executes steps S35 and S36 at the second delivery preparation date and time if there is no change instruction to change the packaging form of the package to the normal packaging form before the second delivery preparation date and time. The control unit 11 executes steps S33, S34, S39, and S40 at the second delivery preparation date and time if there is a change instruction to change the packaging form of the package to the normal packaging form before the second delivery preparation date and time. The control unit 11 acquires precipitation information at the third delivery preparation date and time, and, if the precipitation condition is not met, executes steps S33, S34, S39, and S40 at the second delivery preparation date and time.

[0125] In the third embodiment, in step S44, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not the intended recipient will arrive at the parcel delivery destination on the parcel delivery date and time based on the travel time of the intended recipient. In this case, the control unit 11 may obtain the travel time of the intended recipient based on the location information of the intended recipient and the parcel delivery destination, and obtain the travel time of the intended recipient. If the control unit 11 determines that the intended recipient will arrive at the parcel delivery destination on the parcel delivery date and time, it shifts the process to step S33. If the control unit 11 determines that the intended recipient will not arrive at the parcel delivery destination on the parcel delivery date and time, it shifts the process to step S35.

[0126] In the third embodiment, the control unit 11 may move the unmanned mobile body 30 to the delivery destination separately from the unmanned mobile body 30 that delivers the package before the delivery start date and time, and acquire ground attribute information.

[0127] In the third embodiment, the control unit 11 may use the reward value that is granted to the fee for the parcel to be delivered when the reward granting condition is met. The control unit 11 may use the reward value that is granted to the fee for the parcel to be delivered in response to an instruction from the intended recipient. In addition, the control unit 11 may execute a process that combines the second embodiment and the third embodiment.

[0128] The control unit 11 may notify the worker to hold off on packaging the package if the predicted total precipitation is equal to or greater than a threshold at the first delivery preparation date and time. The control unit 11 may notify the worker to hold off on packaging the package if the predicted weather at the first delivery preparation date and time is precipitation. In other words, the control unit 11 may notify the worker to hold off on packaging the package at the first delivery preparation date and time based on precipitation information.

[0129] The control unit 11 may notify the worker to start preparing the package in the normal packaging form when the predicted total precipitation amount is less than the threshold at the first delivery preparation date and time. The control unit 11 may notify the worker to start preparing the package in the normal packaging form when the predicted weather is no precipitation at the first delivery preparation date and time. In other words, the control unit 11 may notify the worker to start preparing the package in the normal packaging form at the first delivery preparation date and time based on precipitation information.

[0130] If the control unit 11 determines that there is no precipitation at the first delivery preparation date and time, the control unit 11 may determine that the package is to be packaged in a normal packaging form and notify the worker of the determination result. In this case, the control unit 11 may change the package to a packaging form for precipitation at the second delivery preparation date and time based on the precipitation information and notify the worker of the change result.

[0131] The control unit 11 may calculate the delivery distance from the delivery base to the delivery destination and the predicted precipitation as the predicted total precipitation on the delivery route. The control unit 11 may calculate the delivery travel time based on the delivery distance from the delivery base to the delivery destination and the travel speed of the unmanned mobile body 30, and calculate the integrated result of the delivery travel time and the predicted precipitation as the predicted total precipitation on the delivery route.

[0132] The control unit 11 may acquire precipitation information at one or three or more delivery preparation dates and times. As a specific example, the control unit 11 may not execute the first delivery preparation process at the first delivery preparation date and time, but may execute the second delivery preparation process at the second delivery preparation date and time. The control unit 11 may execute various processes at the first delivery preparation date and time, the third delivery preparation date and time, and the second delivery preparation date and time.

[0133] The control unit 11 may determine one of three or more types of package packaging. The control unit 11 may determine one of a plurality of types of package packaging including two or more types of normal package packaging. The control unit 11 may determine one of a plurality of types of package packaging including two or more types of precipitation package packaging. The control unit 11 may determine one of two or more types of precipitation package packaging based on precipitation information, such as at least one of predicted weather, predicted precipitation amount, and predicted precipitation probability.

[0134] The control unit 11 may, for example, grant a discount coupon as a reward to the prospective recipient. The discount coupon may be, for example, a discount for at least one of the purchase of a product, the provision of a trip, and the provision of a service, and may be a coupon that can be used at an affiliated store. The control unit 11 may also grant, for example, the product itself, the provision of a trip, or the provision of a service as a reward to the prospective recipient.

[0135] The control unit 11 may receive the delivery information 42A by communicating with the terminal device 20, not via another server. The control unit 11 may receive the delivery information 42A by communicating with the terminal device 20 via another server.

[0136] The control unit 11 may obtain precipitation information for the current date and time, instead of precipitation 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 precipitation 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 precipitation information predicted for the delivery date and time.

[0137] The user terminal device 20A 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 user terminal device 20A.

[0138] 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.

[0139] The delivery management system 1 may include an administrator device in addition to the delivery management device 10, the 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 terminal device 20. The administrator may use the administrator device to monitor the unmanned mobile body 30 placing the package.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] [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 precipitation information acquisition unit that acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and a packaging form determination unit that determines one of multiple types of package packaging forms, including a normal packaging form and a precipitation packaging form, based on the precipitation information acquired by the precipitation information acquisition unit.

[0143] (B) The delivery management device described in (A) is provided with a notification control unit that controls notifications regarding package delivery, and the notification control unit controls the notification of a worker to the packaging form of the package determined by the packaging form determination unit.

[0144] (C) The delivery management device described in (A) or (B) includes a delivery date and time acquisition unit that acquires a delivery date and time of the package by the unmanned mobile body, a delivery base acquisition unit that acquires a delivery base for the package by the unmanned mobile body, and a delivery start date and time acquisition unit that acquires a delivery start date and time of the package at the delivery base for the package acquired by the delivery base acquisition unit based on the delivery base for the package acquired by the delivery base acquisition unit, the delivery destination for the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and the delivery date and time of the package acquired by the delivery date and time acquisition unit, and the packaging form determination unit determines the packaging form of the package before the delivery start date and time of the package acquired by the delivery start date and time acquisition unit.

[0145] (D) The delivery management device described in (C) includes a notification control unit that controls notifications regarding package delivery, and the precipitation information acquisition unit acquires, as precipitation information, a probability of precipitation that corresponds to the package delivery date and time acquired by the delivery date and time acquisition unit and corresponds to an area including the package delivery destination acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and the notification control unit controls to notify a worker to withhold packaging of the package when the probability of precipitation acquired by the precipitation information acquisition unit at a first date and time prior to the package delivery start date and time acquired by the delivery start date and time acquisition unit is equal to or greater than a specified probability.

[0146] (E) A delivery management device described in any one of (A) to (D) includes a delivery base acquisition unit that acquires a delivery base for the parcel delivered by the unmanned mobile body, and a delivery route acquisition unit that acquires a parcel delivery route from the parcel delivery base acquired by the delivery base acquisition unit to the parcel delivery destination acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and the precipitation information acquisition unit acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including the parcel delivery route acquired by the delivery route acquisition unit.

[0147] (F) The delivery management device described in (E) includes a delivery date and time acquisition unit that acquires the delivery date and time of the package by the unmanned mobile body, and a delivery start date and time acquisition unit that acquires a package delivery start date and time at which delivery of the package will start at the package delivery base acquired by the delivery base acquisition unit based on the package delivery base acquired by the delivery base acquisition unit, the package delivery destination acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and the package delivery date and time acquired by the delivery date and time acquisition unit, wherein the precipitation information acquisition unit acquires, as precipitation information, an amount of precipitation corresponding to the period from the package delivery start date and time acquired by the delivery start date and time acquisition unit to the package delivery date and time acquired by the delivery date and time acquisition unit and corresponding to an area including the package delivery route acquired by the delivery route acquisition unit, and the packaging form determination unit determines a packaging form for the package based on the total amount of precipitation on the package delivery route acquired by the delivery route acquisition unit.

[0148] (G) The delivery management device described in any one of (A) to (F) includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of a recipient, and the packaging form determination unit determines a packaging form for the package based on the location information of the recipient acquired by the location information acquisition unit.

[0149] (H) A delivery management device described in any one of (A) to (G) includes a ground attribute information acquisition unit that acquires ground attribute information at the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and the packaging form determination unit determines a packaging form for the package based on the ground attribute information acquired by the ground attribute information acquisition unit.

[0150] (I) The delivery management device described in any one of (A) to (H) includes a notification control unit that controls notifications regarding delivery of parcels, and when the packaging form determination unit determines a wet weather packaging form, the notification control unit controls to notify the intended recipient of a selection request as to whether or not to package the parcel in the wet weather packaging form, and when the packaging form determination unit determines a wet weather packaging form and obtains a selection result from the intended recipient to package the parcel in a normal packaging form in response to the selection request, the packaging form determination unit changes the packaging form of the parcel from the wet weather packaging form to the normal packaging form.

[0151] (J) The delivery management device described in (I) includes a reward granting unit that grants a reward to a prospective recipient, and the reward granting unit grants a reward to the prospective recipient when the packaging form of the package is changed from a precipitation packaging form to a normal packaging form.

[0152] (K) The 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 precipitation information acquisition unit that acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and a packaging form determination unit that determines one of multiple types of package packaging forms, including a normal packaging form and a precipitation packaging form, based on the precipitation information acquired by the precipitation information acquisition unit.

[0153] (L) A delivery management method in which one or more computers acquire a delivery destination of a package to be delivered by an unmanned mobile body, acquire precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package, and determine one of a plurality of types of package packaging forms, including a normal packaging form and a precipitation packaging form, based on the precipitation information.

[0154] (M) The program causes one or more computers to acquire a delivery destination of a package by an unmanned mobile object, acquire precipitation information corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package, and determine one of a plurality of types of package packaging for the package, including a normal packaging form and a precipitation packaging form, based on the precipitation information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1...Delivery management system, 10...Delivery management device, 11...Control unit, 11A...Delivery destination acquisition unit, 11B...Delivery base acquisition unit, 11C...Delivery date and time acquisition unit, 11D...Delivery route acquisition unit, 11E...Delivery start date and time acquisition unit, 11F...Precipitation information acquisition unit, 11G...Location information acquisition unit, 11H...Ground attribute information acquisition unit, 11I...Packaging form determination unit, 11J...Notification control unit, 11L...Reward granting unit, 20...Terminal device, 20A...User terminal device, 20B...Work 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 body; a precipitation information acquisition unit that acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including the destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit; a packaging form determination unit that determines one of a plurality of types of packaging forms for the package, including a normal packaging form and a rainy packaging form, based on the precipitation information acquired by the precipitation information acquisition unit; Equipped with Delivery management device.

2. The delivery management device according to claim 1, A notification control unit that controls notifications regarding delivery of packages, The notification control unit performs control to notify an operator of the package packaging form determined by the package packaging form determination unit. Delivery management device.

3. The delivery management device according to claim 1, a delivery date and time acquisition unit that acquires a delivery date and time of the package by the unmanned mobile body; A delivery base acquisition unit that acquires a delivery base for the package to be delivered by the unmanned mobile body; a delivery start date and time acquisition unit that acquires a delivery start date and time at which delivery of the package will start at the delivery base of the package acquired by the delivery base acquisition unit, based on the delivery base of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and the delivery date and time of the package acquired by the delivery date and time acquisition unit; Equipped with The packaging form determination unit determines a packaging form of the package before the delivery start date and time of the package acquired by the delivery start date and time acquisition unit. Delivery management device.

4. The delivery management device according to claim 3, A notification control unit that controls notifications regarding delivery of packages, The precipitation information acquisition unit acquires, as precipitation information, a probability of precipitation corresponding to a delivery date and time of the package acquired by the delivery date and time acquisition unit and corresponding to an area including the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit; The notification control unit performs control to notify a worker that packaging of the package will be suspended when the probability of precipitation acquired by the precipitation information acquisition unit at a first date and time that is prior to the package delivery start date and time acquired by the delivery start date and time acquisition unit is equal to or greater than a prescribed probability. Delivery management device.

5. In the delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A delivery base acquisition unit that acquires a delivery base for the package to be delivered by the unmanned mobile body; a delivery route acquisition unit that acquires a package delivery route from the package delivery base acquired by the delivery base acquisition unit to the package delivery destination acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit; Equipped with The precipitation information acquisition unit acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including the package delivery route acquired by the delivery route acquisition unit. Delivery management device.

6. 6. The delivery management device according to claim 5, a delivery date and time acquisition unit that acquires a delivery date and time of the package by the unmanned mobile body; a delivery start date and time acquisition unit that acquires a delivery start date and time at which delivery of the package will start at the delivery base of the package acquired by the delivery base acquisition unit, based on the delivery base of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit, and the delivery date and time of the package acquired by the delivery date and time acquisition unit; Equipped with the precipitation information acquisition unit acquires, as precipitation information, an amount of precipitation corresponding to a period from the delivery start date and time of the parcel acquired by the delivery start date and time acquisition unit to the delivery date and time of the parcel acquired by the delivery date and time acquisition unit and corresponding to an area including the parcel delivery route acquired by the delivery route acquisition unit; The packaging form determination unit determines a packaging form of the package based on a total amount of precipitation along the package delivery route acquired by the delivery route acquisition unit. Delivery management device.

7. In the delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of a recipient is provided, The packaging form determination unit determines a packaging form of the package based on the location information of the intended recipient acquired by the location information acquisition unit. Delivery management device.

8. In the delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a ground attribute information acquisition unit that acquires ground attribute information at the delivery destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit; The packaging form determination unit determines a packaging form of the package based on the ground attribute information acquired by the ground attribute information acquisition unit. Delivery management device.

9. In the delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A notification control unit that controls notifications regarding delivery of packages, The notification control unit, when the packaging form determination unit determines the wet packaging form, controls to notify the intended recipient of a selection request as to whether or not to package the package in the wet packaging form; When the packaging form determination unit determines the wet packaging form and receives a selection result of packaging the package in the normal packaging form from the intended recipient in response to the selection request, the packaging form determination unit changes the packaging form of the package from the wet packaging form to the normal packaging form. Delivery management device.

10. The delivery management device according to claim 9, A reward granting unit that grants a reward to a prospective recipient, The reward granting unit grants a reward to the intended recipient when the packaging form of the package is changed from the precipitation packaging form to the normal packaging form. Delivery management device.

11. a delivery destination acquisition unit that acquires a delivery destination of a package to be delivered by the unmanned mobile body; a precipitation information acquisition unit that acquires precipitation information corresponding to an area including the destination of the package acquired by the delivery destination acquisition unit; a packaging form determination unit that determines one of a plurality of types of packaging forms for the package, including a normal packaging form and a rainy packaging form, based on the precipitation information acquired by the precipitation information acquisition unit; Equipped with Delivery management system.

12. One or more computers Acquiring a delivery destination of a package by an unmanned mobile object; Obtaining precipitation information corresponding to an area including a delivery destination of the package; determining one of a plurality of types of package packaging forms, including a normal package form and a precipitation package form, based on the precipitation information; Delivery management method.

13. On one or more computers, Acquiring a delivery destination of a package by an unmanned mobile object; Obtaining precipitation information corresponding to an area including a delivery destination of the package; determining one of a plurality of types of package packaging forms, including a normal package form and a package form for rainy weather, based on the precipitation information; program.

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