Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing system

Abstract

To reduce costs required for shipping luggage.SOLUTION: An information processing device 1 for generating movement routes for a vehicle and a flying device when delivering luggage to a destination by using the vehicle and the flying device, has: a reception unit 131 that receives setting of the destination; and a route generation unit 132 that generates a first route which is a route taken by a first vehicle when traveling from a first storage location of a flight device to a takeoff location of the flight device, a second route which is a route taken by the flying device when moving from the takeoff location via the destination to a landing location for the flying device, and a third route which is a route taken by a second vehicle when traveling from the landing location to a second storage location for the flying device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing system for generating travel paths for flying devices and vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for more quickly determining a logistics route when carrying out integrated logistics that combines truck transport and drone transport (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-011334 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, when performing integrated logistics combining vehicles and flying vehicles, cargo delivery is carried out using the following procedure: A vehicle carrying the flying vehicle travels to the takeoff point of the flying vehicle, which then departs from the takeoff point to deliver the cargo to its destination. Meanwhile, the vehicle travels from the takeoff point to the landing point of the flying vehicle and waits there. After delivering the cargo, the flying vehicle lands on a vehicle waiting at the landing point, and the vehicle, loaded with the flying vehicle again, heads home.

[0005] However, when delivering luggage using conventional procedures, for example, if the takeoff and landing locations of the flight device are far apart, the vehicle must travel a long distance from the takeoff location to the landing location, which creates a problem in that the costs of power consumption, fuel, etc. required to deliver the luggage become high.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and has as its object to reduce the cost required for delivering packages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that generates travel routes for a vehicle and a flying device when delivering luggage to a destination using the vehicle and the flying device, and has a reception unit that accepts the setting of the destination, and a route generation unit that generates a first route that is the route that a first vehicle will take when traveling from a first storage location of the flying device to a takeoff location of the flying device, a second route that is the route that the flying device will take when traveling from the takeoff location via the destination to a landing location of the flying device, and a third route that is the route that a second vehicle will take when traveling from the landing location to a second storage location of the flying device.

[0008] The route generation unit may generate the first route, which further includes a route for the first vehicle to travel from the takeoff location to the first storage location or the third storage location of the flight device, the third route, which further includes a route for the second vehicle to travel from the second storage location or the fourth storage location of the flight device to the landing location, and a fourth route, which is a route for one vehicle to travel from the first storage location to the second storage location via the takeoff location and the landing location.

[0009] The information processing device may further include a method selection unit that selects a method in which at least one of the power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, and travel time of the vehicles is smaller between a method in which the first vehicle travels along the first route and the second vehicle travels along the third route, and a method in which the one vehicle travels along the fourth route.

[0010] After generating the second route, the route generation unit may generate the first route including the takeoff location on the second route and the third route including the landing location on the second route.

[0011] After generating the second route, the route generation unit may generate the fourth route including the takeoff location and the landing location on the second route.

[0012] The path generation unit may generate the second path so as to minimize at least one of power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, and travel time of the flight device while it travels along the second path.

[0013] After generating a plurality of second routes each having a different combination of the takeoff location and the landing location, the route generation unit may select, as the route to be generated, a combination of the second route and the fourth route corresponding to each of the plurality of second routes that minimizes at least one of the amount of power consumption, amount of fuel, travel distance, and travel time over the entire route.

[0014] After generating a plurality of second routes having different combinations of the takeoff location and the landing location, the route generation unit may select, as the route to be generated, a combination of the first route, the second route, and the third route corresponding to each of the plurality of second routes that minimizes at least one of the amount of power consumption, amount of fuel, travel distance, and travel time over the entire route.

[0015] The route generation unit may generate at least one of the first route and the third route that includes a destination that is different from the destination and that is taken by the vehicle.

[0016] The route generation unit may generate the first route including a loading location through which the vehicle passes and for loading the luggage onto the vehicle.

[0017] The information processing device may further include a vehicle selection unit that selects the first vehicle and the second vehicle based on at least one of a size and a weight of the flying device.

[0018] An information processing method according to a second aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a computer to generate movement routes for a vehicle and a flying device when delivering cargo to a destination using the vehicle and the flying device, and includes a reception step for receiving the target setting, and a route generation step for generating a first route which is the route a first vehicle will take from a first storage location of the flying device to a takeoff location of the flying device, a second route which is the route the flying device will take from the takeoff location via the destination to a landing location of the flying device, and a third route which is the route a second vehicle will take from the landing location to a second storage location of the flying device.

[0019] An information processing system according to a third aspect of the present invention, when using a vehicle and a flying device to deliver luggage to a destination, comprises an information processing device that generates movement routes for the vehicle and the flying device, a vehicle terminal of the vehicle that can communicate with the information processing device, and an information terminal that can communicate with the information processing device, wherein the information processing device has a reception unit that accepts the target setting, and a route generation unit that generates a first route that is the route a first vehicle will take from a first storage location of the flying device to a takeoff location of the flying device, a second route that is the route the flying device will take from the takeoff location via the destination to a landing location of the flying device, and a third route that is the route a second vehicle will take from the landing location to a second storage location of the flying device, wherein the vehicle terminal has a vehicle communication unit that receives information indicating the generated first route and information indicating the generated third route, and the information terminal has a terminal communication unit that receives information indicating the second route. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cost required for delivering packages. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the operation of the information processing system S. [Figure 2]2 is a diagram showing an example of a first route, a second route, and a third route generated by the information processing device 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a demand list file. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing another example of the first route, the second route, and the third route generated by the information processing device 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a comparison between a first path of a single demand and a first path of a multi-demand. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a vehicle terminal 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information terminal 3. [Figure 9] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the information processing device 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a fourth route generated by the information processing device 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device 1 according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] First Embodiment [Outline of Information Processing System S] An overview of an information processing system S according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 1 and 2. The information processing system S includes an information processing device 1, a vehicle terminal 2, and an information terminal 3. The information processing system S may also include other devices such as servers and terminals. The information processing system S is a system for generating travel routes for vehicles and flying devices when performing integrated logistics in which cargo is delivered to a destination using vehicles and flying devices.

[0023] The information processing device 1 is a computer such as a server that generates the travel routes of vehicles and flying devices. Conventionally, when performing integrated logistics combining vehicles and flying devices, the method of delivering cargo using one vehicle and one flying device has been mainstream, as described above. However, with this method, if the takeoff and landing locations of the flying device are far apart, the vehicle must travel a long distance from the takeoff location to the landing location, which creates a problem in that costs such as the amount of electricity consumed and fuel required to deliver the cargo increase.

[0024] Therefore, the information processing device 1 determines a first route, which is the route the first vehicle will take when traveling from the first storage location of the flight device to the takeoff location of the flight device, a second route, which is the route the flight device will take when traveling from the takeoff location to the landing location, and a third route, which is the route the second vehicle will take when traveling from the landing location of the flight device to the second storage location of the flight device, and generates information indicating the determined routes. In other words, the information processing device 1 according to the first embodiment generates information indicating routes assuming the use of two vehicles. In this specification, generating information indicating routes is referred to as "generating routes."

[0025] An overview of the operation of the information processing system S will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the operation of the information processing system S. An information processing device 1 is connected to multiple vehicle terminals 2 and multiple information terminals 3 via a communication network such as the Internet. The vehicle terminal 2 is mounted on a vehicle V and is a terminal on the vehicle V side used by the driver of the vehicle V. The vehicle terminal 2 mounted on a first vehicle V1 receives information indicating a first route for the first vehicle V1 generated by the information processing device 1. Furthermore, the vehicle terminal 2 mounted on a second vehicle V2 receives information indicating a third route for the second vehicle V2 generated by the information processing device 1. Note that the vehicle V may be manually driven by a driver or may be autonomously driven. Furthermore, when the vehicle V is autonomously driven, a driver does not need to be present in the vehicle V.

[0026] The information terminal 3 is an information terminal used by a pilot who pilots the drone D, which is a flying device. The information terminal 3 receives information indicating the second route of the drone D generated by the information processing device 1. The information terminal 3 may be a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet personal computer, or may be a stationary terminal such as a desktop personal computer. The drone D may be manually flown by a pilot or may fly autonomously. Furthermore, if the drone D flies autonomously, a pilot may not be present.

[0027] Vehicle V and drone D may be managed at a control center that is separate from the driving location of vehicle V and the flying location of drone D. The control center has information terminals that can display the current locations and status of vehicle V and drone D. The control center transmits information to vehicle V and drone D instructing them to drive or fly, to stop driving or flying, and to make an emergency stop or emergency landing for safety reasons.

[0028] An overview of the route generation process executed by the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a first route, a second route, and a third route generated by the information processing device 1. When a vehicle V is stored in a first storage location for a drone D, the information processing device 1 generates a first route, which is a route taken by a first vehicle V1 to depart from the first storage location with the drone D loaded thereon, pass through a store that holds the cargo to be transported, and travel to a takeoff location for the drone D. The information processing device 1 also generates a second route, which is a route taken by the drone D to depart from the takeoff location, pass through the destination, and travel to a landing location. The information processing device 1 also generates a third route, which is a route taken by a second vehicle V2 carrying the landed drone D, to depart from the landing location and travel to a second storage location for the drone D.

[0029] In this way, when performing integrated logistics combining a vehicle V and a drone D, the information processing device 1 generates a route assuming the use of two vehicles V. As a result, the vehicle V does not need to move from the takeoff location to the landing location of the drone D, so even if the takeoff location and landing location are far apart, it is possible to reduce costs such as the amount of electricity consumed and fuel required to deliver the package. The configurations and operations of the information processing device 1, the vehicle terminal 2, and the information terminal 3 will be described in detail below.

[0030] [Configuration and Operation of Information Processing Device 1] Next, a description will be given of the configuration and operation of the information processing device 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1 in the first embodiment. The information processing device 1 includes a device communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0031] The device communication unit 11 is a communication interface for communicating with the vehicle terminal 2 and the information terminal 3 via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0032] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 12 stores a program executed by the control unit 13. For example, the storage unit 12 stores an information processing program that causes the control unit 13 to function as a reception unit 131, a route generation unit 132, and a vehicle selection unit 133. The storage unit 12 stores a demand list file.

[0033] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a demand list file. The demand list file is a file that manages delivery requests from customers. In the demand list file, a demand ID, a demand type, a store ID, a delivery destination location, an operating area, a demand occurrence date and time, and a desired delivery date and time are associated with each other.

[0034] The demand ID is an ID for identifying each delivery request. The demand type is information for identifying the type of delivery request, and is either "advance reservation" or "instant reservation." An "advance reservation" is a reservation made before the start of operations on the day. An "instant reservation" is a reservation made after the start of operations on the day.

[0035] The store ID is an ID for identifying the store that is the loading location for loading the cargo to be transported onto vehicle V. Information indicating the location of the store is managed in a separate file. The delivery location is the location of the destination to which the cargo is to be delivered, and is defined, for example, by a combination of latitude and longitude. The operation area is information for identifying whether the destination is included in the area where drone D flies or the area where vehicle V travels. The "drone area" is the area where drone D flies. The "driving area" is the area where vehicle V travels.

[0036] The demand occurrence date and time is the date and time when a delivery request is made by a customer. The desired delivery date and time is the date and time when the customer desires the parcel to be delivered.

[0037] The control unit 13 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 13 executes an information processing program stored in the storage unit 12, thereby functioning as a reception unit 131, a route generation unit 132, and a vehicle selection unit 133.

[0038] The reception unit 131 receives the setting of a destination. For example, the reception unit 131 receives the destination of delivery of a package input by a logistics company that performs a logistics business via the device communication unit 11. Alternatively, the reception unit 131 receives the delivery location in the demand list file stored in the memory unit 12 as the destination.

[0039] The route generation unit 132 generates a first route for the first vehicle V1, a second route for the drone D, and a third route for the second vehicle V2. For example, in the demand list file, the route generation unit 132 first generates routes for delivery requests whose demand type is "advance reservation," and then generates routes for delivery requests whose demand type is "immediate reservation." Note that for delivery requests of the same demand type, the route generation unit 132 generates routes in order of the delivery request with the oldest desired delivery date and time. The process by which the route generation unit 132 generates each route will be described in detail below.

[0040] The route generation unit 132 generates a first route, which is the route taken by the first vehicle V1 when traveling from the first storage location of the drone D to the takeoff location of the drone D. For example, the route generation unit 132 identifies, from among multiple candidate first storage locations, the first storage location from which the first vehicle V1 departs, that has the smallest amount of power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, or travel time required for the vehicle V to travel to the store corresponding to the store ID in the demand list file.

[0041] The route generation unit 132, for example, identifies as the takeoff location of drone D the location that requires the least amount of power consumption, fuel, travel distance, or travel time for drone D to travel to the delivery destination location in the demand list file, from among the candidate takeoff locations included in the area in which drone D can fly.

[0042] When the vehicle V is stored in a first storage location for the drone D, the route generation unit 132 generates a first route, which is the route that the first vehicle V1 takes to travel from the first storage location with the drone D loaded on it, via the store, to the takeoff location, as shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the route generation unit 132 generates the first route so as to minimize, for example, the amount of power consumption, amount of fuel, travel distance, or travel time required for the first vehicle V1 to travel.

[0043] The first vehicle V1 may be stored in a vehicle waiting area instead of the first storage area of ​​the drone D. In this case, the route generation unit 132 generates a first route, which is a route taken by the first vehicle V1, which does not carry the drone D, to travel to the takeoff location, by departing from the vehicle waiting area and passing through the first storage area and the store (this order may be reversed).

[0044] The package to be transported may be stored in a first storage location or a vehicle waiting area instead of a store. In this case, the route generation unit 132 generates a first route for the first vehicle V1 that does not pass through the store.

[0045] The first vehicle V1 may not be a vehicle V in the first storage location or vehicle waiting area, but may be a vehicle V traveling on a road or parked on a road. In this case, the route generation unit 132 selects, for example, from among the multiple vehicles V, the vehicle V that is located at a point where the amount of power consumption, amount of fuel, travel distance, or travel time required for the vehicle V to travel to the store corresponding to the store ID in the demand list file is the smallest as the first vehicle V1. Then, the route generation unit 132 generates a first route that starts from the current location of the selected first vehicle V1.

[0046] The route generation unit 132 generates a second route, which is the route taken by the drone D when it moves from the takeoff location of the drone D via the destination to the landing location of the drone D. For example, the route generation unit 132 identifies, as the landing location of the drone D, a location among candidate landing locations included in the area in which the drone D can fly, which has the smallest amount of power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, or travel time required for the drone D to travel from the delivery destination location in the demand list file. The route generation unit 132 may generate the second route of the drone D taking into consideration wind direction, wind volume, etc.

[0047] The route generation unit 132 may select a drone D suitable for flying on the generated second route from a list including information on multiple drones D. The route generation unit 132 may select a drone D suitable for flying by taking into consideration, for example, the size and weight of the cargo to be transported, the distance of the generated second route, buildings included in the generated second route, and the weather at the time of flight of the drone D on the generated second route. This allows the vehicle selection unit 133 to select a vehicle V suitable for operation with the selected drone D loaded, as will be described later.

[0048] The route generation unit 132 generates a third route, which is the route taken by the second vehicle V2 when traveling from the landing location of the drone D to the second storage location of the drone D. For example, the route generation unit 132 identifies, from among multiple candidate second storage locations, the second storage location that requires the least amount of power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, or travel time for the vehicle V to travel from the landing location, as the second storage location where the second vehicle V2 will arrive.

[0049] When the vehicle V is stored in a storage location for the drone D, the route generation unit 132 generates a third route, which is a route taken by the second vehicle V2 carrying the landed drone D to depart from the landing location and travel to the second storage location, as shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the route generation unit 132 generates the third route so as to minimize, for example, the amount of power consumption, amount of fuel, travel distance, or travel time required for the travel of the second vehicle V2.

[0050] The second vehicle V2 may be stored in a vehicle waiting area instead of the storage area for the drone D. In this case, the route generation unit 132 generates, for example, a third route that is a route along which the second vehicle V2 carrying the landed drone D departs from the landing area, passes through the second storage area, and travels to the vehicle waiting area.

[0051] The first storage location and the second storage location are not limited to being different locations as explained above, and may be the same location. Also, the order in which the route generation unit 132 generates the first route, the second route, and the third route is not limited to this order.

[0052] Up to this point, we have explained the case where the first route is the outbound route of the first vehicle V1 to the takeoff location, and the third route is the return route of the second vehicle V2 from the landing location, but as will be explained below, the first route may include the return route of the first vehicle V1, and the third route may include the outbound route of the second vehicle V2. Figure 5 is a diagram showing another example of the first route, second route, and third route generated by the information processing device 1.

[0053] 5, the route generation unit 132 generates a first route that further includes a route for the first vehicle V1 to travel from the takeoff location of the drone D to the first storage location or the third storage location of the drone D. In other words, when the vehicle V is stored in the storage location of the drone D, the route generation unit 132 generates, as a return route on the first route, a route for the first vehicle V1 to return to the first storage location where the taken-off drone D was stored, or a route for the first vehicle V1 to return to the third storage location which is a location different from where the taken-off drone D was stored.

[0054] 5, the route generation unit 132 generates a third route that further includes a route for the second vehicle V2 to travel from the second storage location or the fourth storage location of the drone D to the landing location of the drone D. In other words, when the vehicle V is stored in the storage location of the drone D, the route generation unit 132 generates, as the outbound route on the third route, a route in which the second vehicle V2 departs from the second storage location, which is the location where the landing drone D is planned to be stored, or a route in which the second vehicle V2 departs from the fourth storage location, which is a location different from the location where the landing drone D is planned to be stored.

[0055] As described above, the departure point of the first vehicle V1 is basically the first storage location or the vehicle waiting area, and the arrival point of the second vehicle V2 is basically the second storage location or the vehicle waiting area, so the number of route patterns that can be generated for the vehicle V is limited. On the other hand, for the drone D, the takeoff and landing points can be set arbitrarily as long as they are within the area where the drone D can fly, so the number of route patterns that can be generated for the drone D is enormous.

[0056] Therefore, after generating the second route, the route generation unit 132 may generate a first route including a takeoff location on the second route and a third route including a landing location on the second route. In this way, by the route generation unit 132 first determining the second route for the drone D, it is only necessary to determine the route for the vehicle V, which has a limited number of patterns, and therefore the time and load required for the route generation performed by the route generation unit 132 can be significantly reduced.

[0057] The route generation unit 132 may generate the second route so as to minimize at least one of the power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, and travel time of the drone D while traveling along the second route. The route generation unit 132 may, for example, select candidate takeoff locations P that are flyable by the drone D and are included in an area within a predetermined distance from the first storage location of the drone D. x1 ~P xn For all of the above, the route generation unit 132 calculates the power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, or travel time required for the drone D to travel along the route from the candidate takeoff location to the delivery destination location in the demand list file. In addition, the route generation unit 132 calculates, for example, the candidate landing location P that the drone D can fly and that is included in an area within a predetermined distance from the second storage location of the drone D. y1 ~P yn For all of the above, the amount of power consumption, amount of fuel, travel distance, or travel time required for drone D to travel the route from the delivery destination location in the demand list file to the candidate landing location is calculated.

[0058] Then, the route generation unit 132 identifies, for example, from among the combinations (N x N) of routes (N ways) from the candidate takeoff location to the delivery destination location and routes (N ways) from the delivery destination location to the candidate landing location, the combination that requires the least amount of power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, or travel time for drone D to travel from the takeoff location via the delivery destination location to the landing location, as the takeoff location and landing location for drone D.

[0059] In this way, the route generation unit 132 first generates the route of the drone D so as to minimize the power consumption, etc. of the drone D, thereby making it possible to efficiently use the drones D, which are limited in number compared to the vehicles V and whose range of flight is also limited.

[0060] Incidentally, in the explanation so far, we have described a case where a trip from vehicle V leaving a vehicle waiting area or a drone D storage location to returning to the vehicle waiting area or drone D storage location is a trip aimed at delivering a package to one destination (the destination of drone D). In this way, a trip aimed at one destination is called "single demand." However, for example, it may be more efficient for vehicle V to stop at another destination on the route to the takeoff location of drone D. In this way, a trip aimed at two or more destinations is called "multi-demand."

[0061] In this way, when multi-demand is more efficient, the route generation unit 132 generates a first route or a third route that includes a destination that is different from the destination of the drone D and that the vehicle V passes through.

[0062] For example, when it is necessary to deliver a package to a first destination of drone D and a second destination different from the destination of drone D, the route generation unit 132 may adopt the multi-demand route if it determines that the multi-demand route has at least one of a lower power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, and travel time of vehicle V than the single-demand route.

[0063] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining a comparison between a first route of a single demand and a first route of a multi-demand. Fig. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of a first route of a single demand. Fig. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a first route of a multi-demand. In Fig. 6, the numbers in parentheses indicate the order in which vehicle V operates.

[0064] In the first route of single demand shown in Figure 6(a), vehicle V departs from the first storage location, loads luggage at a store, delivers the loaded luggage to the second destination, and then returns to the first storage location. Then, vehicle V departs from the first storage location again, loads luggage at the store, and heads toward the takeoff location. On the other hand, in the first route of multi-demand shown in Figure 6(b), vehicle V departs from the first storage location, loads luggage at a store, and delivers the loaded luggage to the second destination, which is the same as single demand, but then does not return to the first storage location, but loads luggage at a store and heads toward the takeoff location.

[0065] When the route generation unit 132 determines that the first multi-demand route shown in FIG. 6(b) has at least one of a lower power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, and travel time of the vehicle V than the first single-demand route shown in FIG. 6(a), the route generation unit 132 adopts the first multi-demand route shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0066] In this way, by adopting the multi-demand route when the route generation unit 132 determines that the multi-demand route consumes less power, etc. than the single-demand route, the logistics company can save on the total cost and time required for delivery, thereby improving its profit margin.

[0067] Finally, in this embodiment, the vehicle V may be any type of vehicle capable of carrying the drone D, such as a passenger car, truck, bus, motorcycle, or robot. The vehicle selection unit 133 may select the first vehicle V1 to be used on the first route and the second vehicle V2 to be used on the third route based on at least one of the size and weight of the drone D. The drone D here may be the drone D selected by the route generation unit 132 when generating the second route, as described above.

[0068] In this way, the vehicle selection unit 133 selects the vehicle V based on at least one of the size and weight of the drone D, thereby making it possible to select a vehicle V that is suitable for carrying the drone D. As a result, the probability that the drone D will break down or be damaged while the vehicle V is in operation is reduced, and the operation of the vehicle V is also stabilized.

[0069] The vehicle V may carry multiple drones D. In this case, the route generation unit 132 generates a second route for each of the multiple drones D. The method for generating the second route is as described above. In this way, if the vehicle V carries multiple drones D, the number of vehicles V required for integrated logistics of the vehicle V and the drone D can be reduced compared to when the vehicle V carries one drone D. This reduces the probability of a situation occurring where a vehicle V cannot be secured when a package delivery is desired.

[0070] [Configuration and operation of vehicle terminal 2] Next, a description will be given of the configuration and operation of the vehicle terminal 2. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle terminal 2. The vehicle terminal 2 includes a vehicle communication unit 21, a display unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a control unit 24.

[0071] The vehicle communication unit 21 is a communication interface for communicating with the information processing device 1 via a communication network such as the Internet. The vehicle communication unit 21 receives information indicating the generated first route and information indicating the generated third route.

[0072] The display unit 22 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The display unit 22 displays various information under the control of the display processing unit 241.

[0073] The storage unit 23 is a storage medium including a ROM, a RAM, etc. The storage unit 23 stores a program executed by the control unit 24. For example, the storage unit 23 stores a program that causes the control unit 24 to function as a display processing unit 241.

[0074] The control unit 24 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 24 functions as a display processing unit 241 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 23.

[0075] The display processing unit 241 displays various types of information on the display unit 22. For example, the display processing unit 241 displays information indicating the first route and information indicating the third route received by the vehicle communication unit 21 on the display unit 22. This allows the driver of the vehicle V to understand the route along which the vehicle V should travel.

[0076] [Configuration and operation of information terminal 3] Next, a description will be given of the configuration and operation of the information terminal 3. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information terminal 3. The information terminal 3 includes a terminal communication unit 31, a display unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a control unit 34.

[0077] The terminal communication unit 31 is a communication interface for communicating with the information processing device 1 via a communication network such as the Internet. The terminal communication unit 31 receives information indicating the generated second route.

[0078] The display unit 32 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The display unit 32 displays various information under the control of the display processing unit 341.

[0079] The storage unit 33 is a storage medium including a ROM, a RAM, etc. The storage unit 33 stores a program executed by the control unit 34. For example, the storage unit 33 stores a program that causes the control unit 34 to function as a display processing unit 341.

[0080] The control unit 34 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 34 executes a program stored in the storage unit 33 to function as a display processing unit 341.

[0081] The display processing unit 341 displays various types of information on the display unit 32. For example, the display processing unit 341 displays information indicating the second route received by the terminal communication unit 31 on the display unit 32. This allows the pilot of the drone D to understand the route that the drone D should fly.

[0082] [Processing flow in information processing device 1] 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in the information processing device 1.

[0083] The receiving unit 131 receives the destination of delivery of the package input by the logistics company via the device communication unit 11, thereby receiving the destination setting (S1).

[0084] The route generation unit 132 generates a second route, which is a route that the drone D will take when traveling from the takeoff location to the landing location via the destination (S2). At this time, the route generation unit 132 generates the second route so that at least one of the power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, and travel time of the drone D while traveling along the second route is minimized.

[0085] The route generation unit 132 generates a first route, which is the route that the first vehicle V1 will take when moving from the first storage location to the takeoff location, and then from the takeoff location to the first storage location or the third storage location after the drone D takes off (S3).

[0086] The route generation unit 132 generates a third route, which is the route that the second vehicle V2 will take when moving from the second storage location or the fourth storage location to the landing location of the drone D, and then from the landing location to the second storage location after the drone D has landed (S4).

[0087] [Effects of information processing device 1] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment generates a route assuming the use of two vehicles V when performing integrated logistics combining a vehicle V and a drone D. As a result, the vehicle V does not need to move from the takeoff location to the landing location of the drone D, so even if the takeoff location and landing location are far apart, it is possible to reduce costs such as the amount of power consumption and fuel required for delivering packages.

[0088] Furthermore, after generating the second route for the drone D, the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment generates a first route for the first vehicle V1 that includes a takeoff location on the second route, and a third route for the second vehicle V2 that includes a landing location on the third route. As a result, the total number of routes to be generated is significantly reduced compared to when the second route for the drone D is not generated first, and therefore the time and load required for route generation can be significantly reduced.

[0089] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the case where the route generation unit 132 generates a route using two vehicles V has been described, but the route generation unit 132 may also generate a route using one vehicle V as follows. That is, the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 may be the same vehicle. The configuration of the information processing device 1 in the second embodiment is similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment.

[0090] However, when generating a route using one vehicle V, the route generation unit 132 generates a fourth route that includes a takeoff location and a landing location on the second route after generating the second route. Furthermore, the route generation unit 132 generates the second route so that at least one of the power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, and travel time of the drone D while traveling along the second route is minimized. Then, the route generation unit 132 generates a fourth route, which is a route for one vehicle V to travel from the first storage location of the drone D to the second storage location of the drone D via the takeoff location and landing location of the drone D. This makes it possible to keep the power consumption of the drone D low, and as a result, the overall route cost required for package delivery can be reduced compared to conventional methods.

[0091] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a fourth route generated by the information processing device 1. When a vehicle V is stored in a storage location for a drone D, the route generation unit 132 generates a fourth route, which is a route taken when one vehicle V loads the drone D and departs from the first storage location, passes through a store, a takeoff location, and a landing location, and travels to the second storage location, as shown in Fig. 10. In this case, the route generation unit 132 generates the fourth route so as to minimize, for example, the amount of power consumption, amount of fuel, travel distance, or travel time required for travel by one vehicle V.

[0092] The vehicle V may be stored in a vehicle waiting area instead of in a storage area for the drone D. In this case, the route generation unit 132 generates a fourth route, which is a route taken by a single vehicle V not carrying a drone D, to depart from the vehicle waiting area, pass through the first storage area and the store (this order may be reversed), and then pass through the takeoff area, landing area, and second storage area to arrive at the vehicle waiting area.

[0093] The explanation for generating the first route in the first embodiment can be used to explain how to specify the first storage location, how to specify the takeoff location, that the luggage storage location does not have to be a store, and that the departure point of vehicle V can be the current location on the road of vehicle V. Furthermore, the explanation for generating the third route in the first embodiment can be used to explain how to specify the second storage location.

[0094] Note that, similar to the first embodiment, if multi-demand is more efficient, the route generation unit 132 may generate a fourth route that includes a destination that is different from the destination of the drone D and that the vehicle V passes through. Also, the vehicle selection unit 133 may select one vehicle V to be used on the fourth route based on at least one of the size and weight of the drone D.

[0095] <Third embodiment> In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which the cost required to deliver a package is determined for a route using two vehicles V generated in the first embodiment and a route using one vehicle V generated in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device 1 in the third embodiment. The configuration of the information processing device 1 in the third embodiment is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment, except that the control unit 13 further includes a method selection unit 134.

[0096] When there are multiple route candidates generated by the route generation unit 132, the method selection unit 134 selects the route with the lowest cost for the vehicle V. For example, between a method in which a first vehicle V1 travels along a first route and a second vehicle V2 travels along a third route, and a method in which one vehicle V travels along a fourth route, the method selection unit 134 selects the method that results in the lowest amount of power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, and travel time for the vehicle V. The method selection unit 134 may calculate predicted values ​​of the power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, and travel time using a predetermined formula. Alternatively, the method selection unit 134 may determine predicted values ​​of the current amount of power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, and travel time by referring to actual values ​​of the power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, and travel time for a vehicle V that traveled the same route in the past.

[0097] In this way, the method selection unit 134 selects a method that consumes less power or fuel, thereby saving energy consumed by the vehicle V, and the logistics company can reduce expenses and improve profit margins as a result. Also, the method selection unit 134 selects a method that requires a short travel distance or travel time, which allows the logistics company to make more deliveries in a short amount of time, thereby improving the working environment of the logistics company and increasing sales.

[0098] The route generation unit 132 may select a second route that minimizes the amount of power consumption, etc., throughout the entire route. That is, when one vehicle V is used, the route generation unit 132 may generate a plurality of second routes with different combinations of takeoff locations and landing locations, and then select, as the route to be generated, a combination of the second route and a fourth route corresponding to each of the plurality of second routes, which minimizes at least one of the amount of power consumption, amount of fuel, travel distance, and travel time throughout the entire route. Furthermore, when two vehicles V are used, the route generation unit 132 may generate a plurality of second routes with different combinations of takeoff locations and landing locations, and then select, as the route to be generated, a combination of the first route, the second route, and a third route corresponding to each of the plurality of second routes, which minimizes at least one of the amount of power consumption, amount of fuel, travel distance, and travel time throughout the entire route.

[0099] For example, when two vehicles V are used, the route generation unit 132 calculates the sum of the power consumption, etc. required by the vehicle V to move along the first route, the power consumption, etc. required by the drone D to move along the second route, and the power consumption, etc. required by the vehicle V to move along the third route, for all candidate combinations of takeoff locations and landing locations for the drone D. Then, the route generation unit 132, for example, identifies the combination of takeoff locations and landing locations that minimizes this sum, thereby generating a first route including the identified takeoff location, a second route including the identified takeoff location and landing location, and a third route including the identified landing location.

[0100] In this way, the route generation unit 132 generates a route that minimizes the amount of power consumption, etc., along the entire route, allowing the logistics company to save on the total cost and time required for delivery, thereby improving the profit margin.

[0101] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and promote innovation and resilience."

[0102] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination also have the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1. Information processing equipment 11 Device communication unit 12 Storage section 13 Control Unit 131 Reception 132 Route Generation Unit 133 Vehicle selection section 134 Method Selection Section 2 Vehicle terminal 21 Vehicle Communication Unit 22 Display section 23 Memory section 24 Control Unit 241 Display processing section 3. Information terminals 31 Terminal communication unit 32 Display section 33 Storage section 34 Control Unit 341 Display processing unit S Information Processing System V vehicle D Drone

Claims

1. An information processing device that generates a travel route for a vehicle and a flight device when delivering a package to a destination using the vehicle and the flight device, a reception unit that receives the setting of the destination; a first route that is a route that a first vehicle takes when traveling from a first storage location of the flight device to a takeoff location of the flight device; a second route that is a route that the flight device takes from the takeoff location to the landing location of the flight device via the destination; a third route that is a route taken by a second vehicle to travel from the landing location to a second storage location for the flight device; a path generation unit that generates a path An information processing device having the above.

2. The path generation unit The first route further includes a route along which the first vehicle travels from the takeoff location to the first storage location or a third storage location for the flight device; the third route further including a route taken by the second vehicle when traveling from the second storage location or a fourth storage location of the flight device to the landing location; a fourth route that is a route taken by one vehicle from the first storage location to the second storage location via the takeoff location and the landing location; Generate The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The information processing device includes: a method selection unit that selects a method in which at least one of the amount of power consumption, the amount of fuel, the travel distance, and the travel time of the vehicles is small from a method in which the first vehicle travels along the first route and the second vehicle travels along the third route, and a method in which the one vehicle travels along the fourth route; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The path generation unit After generating the second route, generating the first route including the takeoff location on the second route and the third route including the landing location on the second route. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The path generation unit After generating the second route, generating the fourth route including the takeoff location and the landing location on the second route. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. The path generation unit generating the second route so as to minimize at least one of power consumption, fuel amount, travel distance, and travel time of the flight device while traveling along the second route; 6. The information processing device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The path generation unit After generating a plurality of second routes each having a different combination of the takeoff location and the landing location, selecting, as a route to be generated, a combination of the second route and the fourth route corresponding to each of the plurality of second routes, which minimizes at least one of the amount of power consumption, the amount of fuel, the travel distance, and the travel time over the entire route. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

8. The path generation unit After generating a plurality of second routes each having a different combination of the takeoff location and the landing location, selecting, as a route to be generated, a combination of the first route, the second route, and the third route corresponding to each of the plurality of second routes, which minimizes at least one of the amount of power consumption, the amount of fuel, the travel distance, and the travel time over the entire route. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The path generation unit generating at least one of the first route and the third route, which includes a destination different from the destination, along which the vehicle passes; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. The path generation unit generating the first route including a loading location for loading the luggage onto the vehicle, the loading location being taken by the vehicle; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. The information processing device includes: Further, a vehicle selection unit is provided that selects the first vehicle and the second vehicle based on at least one of the size and weight of the flying device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

12. 1. An information processing method executed by a computer to generate a travel route for a vehicle and a flight device when delivering a package to a destination using the vehicle and the flight device, a receiving step of receiving the desired setting; a first route that is a route that a first vehicle takes when traveling from a first storage location of the flight device to a takeoff location of the flight device; a second route that is a route that the flight device takes from the takeoff location to the landing location of the flight device via the destination; a third route that is a route taken by a second vehicle to travel from the landing location to a second storage location for the flight device; a path generation step of generating a path; An information processing method comprising:

13. In the case of delivering luggage to a destination using a vehicle and a flying device, the system comprises an information processing device that generates a travel route for the vehicle and the flying device, a vehicle terminal of the vehicle that can communicate with the information processing device, and an information terminal that can communicate with the information processing device; The information processing device includes: a reception unit that receives the desired setting; a route generating unit that generates a first route that is a route that a first vehicle will take when traveling from a first storage location of the flight device to a takeoff location of the flight device, a second route that is a route that the flight device will take when traveling from the takeoff location to a landing location of the flight device via the destination, and a third route that is a route that a second vehicle will take when traveling from the landing location to a second storage location of the flight device; and the vehicle terminal includes a vehicle communication unit that receives the generated information indicating the first route and the generated information indicating the third route; the information terminal has a terminal communication unit that receives information indicating the second route; Information processing system.

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