Information processing device and method for providing maas

Abstract

To allow a user to notify a delivery vehicle that the user is temporarily unable to receive delivery.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 includes: a communication unit configured to communicate with a terminal device 20 of a user 21; and a control unit configured to: acquire location data indicating a location of a delivery vehicle 30, calculate a distance from the location indicated by the acquired location data to a delivery destination, calculate from the calculated distance an estimated time that is an estimated length of time required for the delivery vehicle 30 to arrive at the delivery destination, and when the calculated estimated time becomes less than a threshold time, enable reception of a notification that the user is temporarily unable to receive delivery from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and a MaaS providing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for storing a parcel in a parcel storage device near the recipient's address when the recipient is not at home, and automatically notifying the recipient that a parcel is waiting for delivery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-321793 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With the conventional method, when a user has a package that the user wants to receive in person, the user cannot inform the delivery vehicle that the user is temporarily unable to receive the package.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable a user to notify a delivery vehicle that they are temporarily unable to receive the package. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device according to the present disclosure includes: a communication unit that communicates with a user's terminal device; a control unit that acquires location data indicating a location of a delivery vehicle, calculates a distance from the location indicated by the acquired location data to a delivery destination, calculates a predicted time that is a predicted time until the delivery vehicle arrives at the delivery destination based on the calculated distance, and when the calculated predicted time becomes less than a threshold time, makes it possible to receive a notification from the terminal device via the communication unit that receipt is temporarily unavailable; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a user can inform a delivery vehicle that they are temporarily unable to receive the package. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of the operation of the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a second modified example of the operation of the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] The configuration of a system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0012] The system 1 according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 10, a terminal device 20, and a delivery vehicle 30. The information processing device 10 is capable of communicating with the terminal device 20 and the delivery vehicle 30 via a network 40.

[0013] The information processing device 10 is installed in a facility such as a data center and operated by a business operator that manages the delivery vehicle 30. The information processing device 10 is a computer such as a server that belongs to a cloud computing system or other computing system.

[0014] The terminal device 20 is a computer capable of installing and executing application programs, such as a PC, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. The terminal device 20 is used by a user 21.

[0015] The delivery vehicle 30 may be any type of automobile, such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. In this embodiment, the delivery vehicle 30 is a large vehicle such as a truck. In this embodiment, the delivery vehicle 30 is driven by a driver, but the driving may be automated at any level. The level of automation is, for example, any of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE classification. "SAE" is an abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers. The delivery vehicle 30 may also be a vehicle dedicated to MaaS. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

[0016] Network 40 may include the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 40 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. A wireless network may be, for example, an ad-hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0017] An overview of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0018] The information processing device 10 acquires location data indicating the location of the delivery vehicle 30. The information processing device 10 calculates the distance from the location indicated by the acquired location data to the delivery destination. Based on the calculated distance, the information processing device 10 calculates a predicted time, which is the predicted time until the delivery vehicle 30 arrives at the delivery destination. When the calculated predicted time falls below a threshold time, the information processing device 10 enables reception of a notification from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit, indicating that pickup is temporarily unavailable.

[0019] According to this embodiment, the user 21 can inform the delivery vehicle 30 that he / she is temporarily unable to receive the package.

[0020] In FIG. 1, user 21 is a purchaser who has ordered a product on an EC site and requested delivery. "EC" is an abbreviation for E-Commerce. A delivery vehicle 30 delivers a package, which is the product ordered by user 21, to a delivery address specified by user 21. In this embodiment, the delivery address is the home of user 21. User 21 wishes to receive the package in person. The delivery address is not limited to the home of user 21, but includes any location where user 21 can receive the package in person, such as a hotel or workplace.

[0021] Delivery vehicles 30 are driven by drivers who refer to the delivery data and deliver the packages. The delivery data indicates the order in which delivery vehicles 30 will deliver the packages. The delivery data is stored in the information processing device 10 in the form of a database. When the delivery vehicle 30 obtains the delivery data from the information processing device 10, it presents the delivery data to the driver. The delivery vehicle 30 delivers the package to the destination that is first in the order indicated by the delivery data. When delivery is completed, the delivery data is updated, and the second destination in the order becomes first.

[0022] In one example, the information processing device 10 may be used to provide MaaS, which is a service that utilizes mobility.

[0023] The configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] The information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0025] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. An example of the programmable circuit is an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. An example of the dedicated circuit is an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 11 controls each unit of the information processing device 10 and executes processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0026] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. Flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores data used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10. In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores at least delivery data.

[0027] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module that supports a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11, or a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 13 communicates with the delivery vehicle 30 via the network 40. The communication unit 13 receives data used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0028] The functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 11. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the information processing device 10, thereby causing the computer to function as the information processing device 10. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 10 by executing the operations of the information processing device 10 in accordance with the program.

[0029] The program can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, and ROMs. The program can be distributed by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs that store the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program can also be distributed by storing it in the storage of a server and transferring it from the server to another computer. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0030] A computer temporarily stores a program stored on a portable medium or transferred from a server in its main storage device. The computer then reads the program stored in the main storage device using a processor and executes processing in accordance with the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from a portable medium and execute processing in accordance with the program. The computer may also execute processing in accordance with the received program each time a program is transferred from a server to the computer. Processing may also be executed through a so-called ASP-type service that achieves its function simply by issuing an execution command and obtaining the results, without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. Programs include information used for processing by a computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that does not directly instruct a computer but has properties that define computer processing falls under the category of "equivalent to a program."

[0031] Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 11. In other words, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by hardware.

[0032] The operation of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The operation described below corresponds to the method according to this embodiment. That is, the method according to this embodiment includes steps S101 to S110 shown in Fig. 3.

[0033] In this embodiment, S101 starts when the delivery vehicle 30 departs from the branch nearest to the delivery destination.

[0034] In S101, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 acquires location data indicating the location of the delivery vehicle 30. Specifically, the delivery vehicle 30 measures the location of the delivery vehicle 30 using a GPS receiver mounted on the delivery vehicle 30. "GPS" is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. The delivery vehicle 30 transmits data indicating the measured location as location data to the information processing device 10. The control unit 11 receives the transmitted location data via the communication unit 13.

[0035] In S102, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 calculates the distance from the position indicated by the position data acquired in S101 to the delivery destination. For example, the control unit 11 calculates the distance from the position indicated by the position data to the home of the user 21.

[0036] In S103, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 calculates a predicted time, which is a predicted time until the delivery vehicle 30 arrives at the delivery destination, based on the distance calculated in S102. For example, the control unit 11 calculates a predicted time until the delivery vehicle 30 arrives at the home of the user 21, taking into consideration the distance calculated in S102, the order in which the packages will be delivered, road conditions, weather, or time of day.

[0037] In S104, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 transmits predicted time data indicating the predicted time calculated in S103 to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. The terminal device 20 receives the transmitted predicted time data. The terminal device 20 displays the predicted time indicated by the received predicted time data on a display. For example, if the predicted time is 15 minutes, the terminal device 20 displays a message on the display screen saying, "Your package will arrive in about 15 minutes." Alternatively, the terminal device 20 may display a more relaxed message on the screen, such as "Your package will probably arrive in about 15 minutes," accompanied by an illustration of a cat.

[0038] In S105, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 transmits the location data acquired in S101 to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. The terminal device 20 receives the transmitted location data. The terminal device 20 displays the location indicated by the received location data on a display. For example, the terminal device 20 displays a map of the area around the location of the delivery vehicle 30 on the display screen, and also displays a truck icon at the location of the delivery vehicle 30 on the map.

[0039] In S106, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 determines whether the predicted time calculated in S103 is less than a threshold time. If it is less than the threshold time, the control unit 11 performs the process of S107. If it is equal to or greater than the threshold time, the control unit 11 performs the process of S101. The threshold time is, for example, 15 minutes. If the predicted time is less than 15 minutes, the control unit 11 performs the process of S107. If the predicted time is equal to or greater than 15 minutes, the control unit 11 performs the process of S101. The process of S101 is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed after the determination in S106. The predetermined time may vary depending on the predicted time. For example, if the predicted time is 60 minutes or more, the control unit 11 performs the process of S101 30 minutes after the determination in S106. If the predicted time is equal to or less than 60 minutes but equal to or greater than 30 minutes, the control unit 11 performs the process of S101 10 minutes after the determination in S106. If the predicted time is less than 30 minutes but equal to or greater than 15 minutes, the control unit 11 performs the process of S101 after 5 minutes have elapsed after the determination of S106. If the predicted time is less than 15 minutes, the control unit 11 performs the process of S107.

[0040] In S107, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 enables reception of a notification from the terminal device 20 that receipt is temporarily unavailable via the communication unit 13. Specifically, the control unit 11 notifies the terminal device 20 that it is able to receive a notification that receipt is temporarily unavailable. The terminal device 20 displays on a display screen that the information processing device 10 is able to receive the notification. For example, the terminal device 20 displays a message such as "Press a button if you will be away from your desk" or "Press a button if you wish delivery to your front door" on the screen of the display. The terminal device 20 also displays buttons such as "5 seats away," "10 seats away," or "Request delivery to your front door" on the screen. The user 21 presses the button when they are temporarily unable to receive the package due to a short errand.

[0041] In S108, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 determines whether or not a notification has been received from the terminal device 20. Specifically, when the user 21 presses a button, the terminal device 20 transmits a notification that the button has been pressed to the information processing device 10. The control unit 11 receives the notification via the communication unit 13. Upon receiving the notification, the control unit 11 performs the process of S109. If a predetermined time has passed without receiving a notification since the notification was made receivable in S107, the control unit 11 performs the process of S101. The predetermined time is, for example, five minutes. If five minutes have passed since the notification was made receivable in S107, the control unit 11 performs the process of S101.

[0042] In S109, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 updates the delivery data stored in the memory unit 12. The method of updating the delivery data may vary depending on the content of the notification received in S108. For example, when the control unit 11 receives a notification that the button "5 separate seats" has been pressed, it reverses the order of the delivery destination of the user 21 and the second delivery destination. When the control unit 11 receives a notification that the button "10 separate seats" has been pressed, it moves the delivery destination of the user 21 three places later. When the control unit 11 receives a notification that the button "I want delivery to my front door" has been pressed, it changes the delivery method of the user 21 to "front door delivery."

[0043] In S110, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 outputs a notification. Specifically, the control unit 11 transmits update data indicating the content updated in S109 to the delivery vehicle 30 via the communication unit 13. The delivery vehicle 30 receives the update data. The delivery vehicle 30 outputs the content indicated by the update data as a notification. For example, if the delivery address of the user 21 is changed, the delivery vehicle 30 displays a message saying "Delivery destination has been changed" and the changed delivery address on the display screen of the navigation system installed in the delivery vehicle 30. If the delivery method of the user 21 is changed, the delivery vehicle 30 displays a message saying "Changed to front door delivery" on the display screen of the navigation system. The delivery vehicle 30 may output these messages as audio from a speaker built into the delivery vehicle 30. In accordance with such notification, the delivery vehicle 30 is driven by the driver to accommodate the changed delivery address or delivery method.

[0044] After S110, the flow shown in Fig. 3 ends. Moreover, regardless of which process in Fig. 3 is performed, when delivery to user 21 is completed, the flow shown in Fig. 3 ends.

[0045] In one example, the above processing procedure may be executed when providing a service (MaaS) using the delivery vehicle 30. In this case, the information processing method according to the above processing procedure is an example of a method for providing a service (MaaS) using the delivery vehicle 30.

[0046] As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 acquires location data indicating the location of the delivery vehicle 30. The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 calculates the distance from the location indicated by the acquired location data to the delivery destination. Based on the calculated distance, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 calculates a predicted time, which is a predicted time until the delivery vehicle 30 arrives at the delivery destination. When the calculated predicted time falls below a threshold time, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 enables reception of a notification from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13, indicating that pickup is temporarily unavailable.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the user 21 can inform the delivery vehicle 30 that he / she is temporarily unable to receive the package.

[0048] As a modified example of this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 may notify the terminal device 20 that the second predicted time recalculated in S103 is different from the time obtained by simply subtracting the elapsed time from the previously calculated predicted time. The second predicted time is the predicted time recalculated in S103 when the flow returns to S101 after the predicted time is calculated in S103. Specifically, if the second predicted time recalculated in S103 is different from the predicted time minus the elapsed time indicated by the predicted time data transmitted in S104, the control unit 11 transmits a notification to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13 that the predicted time has been changed, along with second predicted time data indicating the second predicted time. The terminal device 20 receives the second predicted time data and the notification. The terminal device 20 displays the second predicted time indicated by the received second predicted time data and the notification on a display. For example, if the predicted time calculated in S103 is 10 minutes, the predicted time data is transmitted to the terminal device 20 in S104, and then 5 minutes have passed without receiving a notification from the terminal device 20 in S108, the control unit 11 returns to S101 and calculates a second predicted time in S103. The predicted time indicated by the predicted time data transmitted in S104 minus the elapsed time is 10 minutes - 5 minutes = 5 minutes. If the second predicted time is calculated to be 15 minutes due to congestion on the road on which the delivery vehicle 30 is traveling, the control unit 11 transmits to the terminal device 20 the second predicted time data indicating the second predicted time of 15 minutes, along with a notification that the predicted time has changed. The terminal device 20 displays a message on the display screen stating, "The predicted time has been extended by 10 minutes."

[0049] As another modification of this embodiment, S104 may be omitted. In this case, after calculating the predicted time in S103, the control unit 11 does not transmit the predicted time data, but transmits the position data in S105. The terminal device 20 receives the position data. The terminal device 20 displays the position indicated by the received position data on the display.

[0050] As yet another modification of this embodiment, S105 may be omitted. In this case, after calculating the predicted time in S103, the control unit 11 transmits the predicted time data in S104, but does not transmit the position data. The terminal device 20 receives the predicted time data. The terminal device 20 displays the predicted time indicated by the received predicted time data on the display.

[0051] As yet another modification of the present embodiment, steps S104 and S105 may be omitted. In this case, after calculating the predicted time in step S103, the control unit 11 does not transmit the predicted time data and the position data, and determines in step S106 whether the predicted time is less than the threshold time.

[0052] A first modified example of the operation of the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. However, since steps S201 to S203 and S205 to S211 are the same as steps S101 to S103 and S104 to S110 shown in Fig. 3, respectively, description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] In S204, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 determines whether the distance calculated in S202 is less than the threshold distance. If it is less than the threshold distance, the control unit 11 performs the process of S205. If it is equal to or greater than the threshold distance, the control unit 11 performs the process of S201. That is, when the distance calculated in S202 becomes less than the threshold distance, the control unit 11 transmits predicted time data in S205. The threshold distance is, for example, 2 km. If the distance is less than 2 km, the control unit 11 performs the process of S205. If the distance is equal to or greater than 2 km, the control unit 11 performs the process of S201. The process of S201 is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed after the determination in S204. The predetermined time may vary depending on the distance. For example, if the distance is 5 km or greater, the control unit 11 performs the process of S201 30 minutes after the determination in S204. If the distance is less than 5 km but equal to or greater than 3 km, the control unit 11 performs the process of S201 10 minutes after the determination of S204. If the distance is less than 3 km but equal to or greater than 2 km, the control unit 11 performs the process of S201 5 minutes after the determination of S204. If the distance is less than 2 km, the control unit 11 performs the process of S205. The predetermined time may vary depending on the predicted time calculated in S203. An example of how the predetermined time varies depending on the predicted time is the same as in S106.

[0054] A second modified example of the operation of the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. However, since steps S301 to S303 and S305 to S311 are the same as steps S101 to S103 and S104 to S110 shown in Fig. 3, respectively, description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] In S304, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 refers to the delivery data and determines whether the delivery destination of the user 21 is at the top of the order. If it is at the top, the control unit 11 performs the process of S305. If it is not at the top, the control unit 11 performs the process of S301. As a result, the predicted time is notified only to the user who is the next delivery destination.

[0056] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagrams may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Two or more steps shown in the flowcharts may be executed in parallel or in a different order, instead of being executed in chronological order as described, depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step, or as needed. Other modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] For example, the information processing device 10 may be mounted on the delivery vehicle 30. That is, the operations shown in Figures 3 to 5 may be performed in the delivery vehicle 30. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 System 10. Information processing equipment 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 20 Terminal equipment 21 users 30 Delivery Vehicles 40 Network

Claims

1. a communication unit that communicates with a user's terminal device; a control unit that acquires location data indicating a location of a delivery vehicle, calculates a distance from the location indicated by the acquired location data to a delivery destination, calculates a predicted time that is a predicted time until the delivery vehicle arrives at the delivery destination based on the calculated distance, and when the calculated predicted time becomes less than a threshold time, makes it possible to receive a notification from the terminal device via the communication unit that receipt is temporarily unavailable; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit transmits predicted time data indicating the predicted time to the terminal device via the communication unit.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit further transmits the position data to the terminal device via the communication unit.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit transmits the predicted time data when the distance becomes less than a threshold distance.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit refers to delivery data indicating the order in which the delivery vehicle will deliver packages, and transmits the predicted time data when the delivery destination becomes first in the order.

6. A method for providing MaaS (Mobility as a Service) using the information processing device according to claim 1.

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