Information processing method and information processing device

Abstract

To improve a technique for enhancing the quality of delivery.SOLUTION: An information processing device 20 for determining a delivery method for delivery items including refrigerated or frozen goods calculates the estimated time required from the delivery preparation start of a delivery item to the completion of the delivery. If the estimated time is less than a predetermined time, the information processing device 20 determines the delivery method so as to use a cooling box for delivering the delivery item. If the estimated time is greater than or equal to the predetermined time, the information processing device determines the delivery method so as to use a refrigerated vehicle for the delivery of the delivery item.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are known techniques for improving the quality of deliveries. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention that includes a delivery box in which packages are stored and delivered, and a storage cooling rack that is installed at a base and stores the delivery box, the delivery box is loaded with a refrigerant, and the storage cooling rack is equipped with a cooling device, and the inside of the delivery box is cooled by the cooling device while the delivery box is stored therein. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 11-79330 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There was room for improvement in technology to improve the quality of delivery.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the purpose of the present disclosure is to improve the technology for improving the quality of delivery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: An information processing method implemented by an information processing device that determines a delivery method for a delivery item including a refrigerated or frozen item, Calculating the estimated time required from the start of delivery preparation for the previous delivery item to the completion of delivery; If the scheduled time is less than a predetermined time, determining the delivery method so that an insulated box is used for delivering the delivery item; If the scheduled time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, determining the delivery method so as to use a refrigerated vehicle for the delivery of the delivery item; Includes.

[0007] An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: An information processing device that determines a delivery method for a delivery item including a refrigerated or frozen item, the information processing device includes a control unit, The control unit calculates an estimated time required from the start of delivery preparation for the delivery item to the completion of delivery, If the scheduled time is less than a predetermined time, the delivery method is determined to use an insulated box for delivering the delivery item; If the scheduled time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the delivery method is determined so that a refrigerated vehicle is used for the delivery of the item. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an improved technique for improving the handling of refrigerated and frozen goods during delivery is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] (Outline of the embodiment) An overview of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The system 1 includes a plurality of terminal devices 10 and an information processing device 20. Each of the terminal devices 10 and the information processing device 20 is communicably connected to a network 30 including, for example, the Internet and a mobile communication network.

[0012] The terminal device 10 is a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 is used by a delivery person who delivers a delivery item.

[0013] The information processing device 20 is, for example, a computer such as a server device, etc. The information processing device 20 is capable of communicating with a plurality of terminal devices 10 via a network 30.

[0014] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, and details will be described later. The information processing device 20, which determines the delivery method for a delivery item including a refrigerated or frozen item, calculates the estimated time required from the start of delivery preparation for the delivery item to the completion of delivery. If the estimated time is less than a predetermined time, the information processing device 20 determines the delivery method to use an insulated box for delivery of the delivery item, and if the estimated time is greater than or equal to the predetermined time, determines the delivery method to use a refrigerated truck for delivery of the delivery item.

[0015] When a delivery includes refrigerated or frozen items, there is a possibility that the delivery may spoil or melt during delivery, depending on the delivery time. However, according to this embodiment, for refrigerated and frozen items, the information processing device 20 determines whether to use an insulated box or a refrigerated truck to deliver the item based on the estimated time required from the start of delivery preparation to delivery completion, thereby reducing the likelihood of the item spoiling or melting during delivery. Therefore, for example, in the case of a frozen item, if an insulated box were used, the item would have melted during delivery. However, by using the refrigerated truck determined by the information processing device 20, the item is prevented from melting during delivery, and the quality of the item is more likely to be maintained. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the technology for improving delivery quality is improved in that the likelihood of maintaining the quality of refrigerated and frozen items during delivery is increased.

[0016] Next, each component of the system 1 will be described in detail.

[0017] (Terminal Device Configuration) As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, an output unit 12, an input unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0018] The communication unit 11 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 40. The communication interfaces correspond to mobile communication standards such as, but not limited to, 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 communicates with the information processing device 20 via the communication unit 11 and the network 30.

[0019] The output unit 12 includes one or more output devices that output information. Examples of the output devices include, but are not limited to, a display that outputs information as a video or a speaker that outputs information as a sound. Alternatively, the output unit 12 may include an interface for connecting an external output device.

[0020] The input unit 13 includes one or more input devices that detect an input operation by a user. Examples of the input devices include, but are not limited to, physical keys, capacitive keys, a mouse, a touch panel, a touch screen integrated with the display of the output unit 12, or a microphone. Alternatively, the input unit 13 may include an interface for connecting an external input device.

[0021] The storage unit 14 includes one or more memories. The memories may be, for example, semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, or the like, but are not limited to these. Each memory included in the storage unit 14 may function, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 14 stores any information used in the operation of the terminal device 10. The storage unit 14 may store delivery information related to deliveries handled by delivery personnel associated with the terminal device 10. Furthermore, for example, the storage unit 14 may store system programs, application programs, embedded software, and the like. For example, the information stored in the storage unit 14 may be updateable with information obtained from the network 40 via the communication unit 11, for example.

[0022] The control unit 15 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor may be, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited to these. The programmable circuit may be, for example, but is not limited to, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The dedicated circuit may be, for example, but is not limited to, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 15 controls the operation of the terminal device 10.

[0023] (Configuration of information processing device) As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit .

[0024] The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 30. The communication interfaces correspond to, for example, a mobile communication standard, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) standard, or a wireless LAN standard, but are not limited to these and may correspond to any communication standard. In this embodiment, the information processing device 20 communicates with multiple terminal devices 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 30.

[0025] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used in the operation of the information processing device 20. For example, the storage unit 22 may store a system program, an application program, embedded software, a database, etc. In this embodiment, the storage unit 22 stores delivery information regarding each delivery piece delivered by multiple delivery personnel carrying the terminal device 10. The information stored in the storage unit 22 may be updatable with information obtained from the network 30 via the communication unit 21, for example.

[0026] "Delivery information" may include, but is not limited to, the name of the delivery item, information on whether the delivery item includes refrigerated or frozen items, the delivery method, the delivery location of the delivery item, the delivery person who made the delivery, the delivery route, the scheduled time to start delivery preparation, the scheduled time to start delivery preparation, the scheduled time to complete delivery, and the time to complete delivery. Delivery information may also include any information related to delivery. Delivery information may also include the vehicle or vehicle model used for the delivery, the attributes of the delivery item, and the importance of the delivery item.

[0027] The "attributes of the delivery item" is information that indicates the attributes of the delivery item, such as refrigerated or frozen. The attributes of the delivery item may further include the specific type of delivery item, such as meat, fish, cake, or ice cream. The attributes of the delivery item may also further include the size of the delivery item.

[0028] The control unit 23 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor may be, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited to these. The programmable circuit may be, for example, but is not limited to, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The dedicated circuit may be, for example, but is not limited to, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 23 controls the operation of the entire information processing device 20.

[0029] (Operation flow of information processing device) The operation of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0030] S100: The control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 calculates the estimated time required from the start of delivery preparation for the delivery item to the completion of delivery.

[0031] Specifically, when the control unit 23 determines to deliver a delivery item, it acquires a delivery location included in the delivery information related to the delivery item stored in the memory unit 22. Next, the control unit 23 determines a delivery route to be used for the delivery from the delivery location, and calculates the estimated time required from the start of delivery preparation to the completion of delivery of the delivery item based on the distance of the delivery route. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may search for a delivery route that is the same as or similar to the delivery route of the delivery item from past delivery information stored in the memory unit 22. If a route is found, the control unit 23 may calculate the estimated time from the delivery preparation start time and delivery completion time included in the past delivery information. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may search for a delivery location that is the same as or nearby the delivery location from the start of delivery preparation of the delivery item to the delivery location. If a route is found, the control unit 23 may calculate the estimated time from the delivery preparation start time and delivery completion time included in the past delivery information.

[0032] The control unit 23 may calculate the final estimated time by multiplying the estimated time calculated in the above process by an arbitrary safety value.

[0033] S101: The control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 determines whether the scheduled time is less than a predetermined time.

[0034] Specifically, the control unit 23 checks whether the delivery includes refrigerated or frozen items contained in the delivery information for the delivery stored in the memory unit 22. If the delivery includes refrigerated or frozen items, the control unit 23 determines whether the estimated time calculated in S100 is less than a predetermined time. If it is determined that the estimated time is less than the predetermined time (S101-Yes), the process proceeds to step S102. If it is determined that the estimated time is equal to or greater than the predetermined time (S101-No), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0035] The "predetermined time" may be any time expressed in hours, minutes, and seconds, such as 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours 30 minutes, or 3 hours 45 minutes 30 seconds. The predetermined time may be variable and may differ depending on the attributes of the delivery. For example, the predetermined time may be different depending on whether the delivery includes refrigerated items or frozen items.

[0036] If the predetermined time varies depending on the attribute of the delivery, the control unit 23 may use the predetermined time associated with the attribute of the delivery to determine whether the scheduled time is less than the predetermined time. For example, if the delivery includes a refrigerated item, the control unit 23 may use the predetermined time associated with the refrigerated item to determine whether the scheduled time is less than the predetermined time.

[0037] The control unit 23 may also calculate the predetermined time using the temperature. Specifically, the control unit 23 may set a plurality of predetermined times, such as setting the predetermined time to one hour when the temperature is between 10°C and 20°C, and setting the predetermined time to two hours when the temperature is between 20°C and 30°C. The predetermined time may be set longer the higher the temperature. When executing S101, the control unit 23 checks the temperature on the delivery route during the time period in which delivery is to be made from the delivery route, the scheduled delivery preparation start time, and the scheduled delivery completion time included in the delivery information of the delivery item, and obtains the predetermined time associated with the temperature.

[0038] Alternatively, when a delivery including a refrigerated or frozen item spoils or melts, the control unit 23 may store information on the attributes of the delivery, the temperature along the delivery route at the time of spoilage or melting, and the time taken for delivery in the storage unit 22. Then, the control unit 23 may derive the relationship between the temperature and the time it takes for the delivery to spoil or melt based on the above information, thereby calculating a predetermined time associated with the temperature and storing the calculated time in the storage unit 22.

[0039] The control unit 23 may take into consideration the attributes of the delivery item when calculating the predetermined time using the temperature. In this case, the storage unit 22 may store the predetermined time associated with the attributes of the delivery item and the temperature.

[0040] S102: If it is determined in S101 that the estimated time is less than the predetermined time (S101-Yes), the control unit 23 determines the delivery method so that an insulated box is used to deliver the delivery item.

[0041] When using a refrigerated box, the delivery person who delivers the item loads the refrigerated box into the vehicle used for delivery. In this case, the vehicle used for delivery may be a two-wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle or motorcycle, or may be a passenger car, small truck, or large truck.

[0042] S103: If it is determined in S101 that the scheduled time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (S101-No), the control unit 23 determines the delivery method to use a refrigerated truck for delivering the piece.

[0043] In this specification, "refrigerated vehicle" refers to a vehicle capable of controlling the temperature of the luggage compartment, such as a low-temperature refrigerated vehicle, a medium-temperature refrigerated vehicle, or a refrigerated vehicle.

[0044] After determining the delivery method of the delivery item in S102 or S103, the control unit 23 may transmit the delivery method to the terminal device 10 carried by the delivery person in charge of the delivery. Specifically, after determining the delivery method of the delivery item in S102 or S103, the control unit 23 checks the delivery person who made the delivery, which is included in the delivery information of the delivery item stored in the memory unit 22, and transmits the delivery method of the delivery item to the terminal device 10 associated with the delivery person who made the delivery, via the communication unit 21. The control unit 23 may also check the scheduled delivery preparation start time, which is included in the delivery information of the delivery item, and transmit the delivery method to the terminal device 10 when the scheduled delivery preparation start time arrives.

[0045] As described above, the information processing device 20, which determines the delivery method for a delivery item including a refrigerated or frozen item, calculates the estimated time required from the start of delivery preparation for the delivery item to the completion of delivery. If the estimated time is less than a predetermined time, the information processing device 20 determines the delivery method to use an insulated box for delivery of the delivery item, and if the estimated time is greater than or equal to the predetermined time, determines the delivery method to use a refrigerated truck for delivery of the delivery item.

[0046] When a delivery includes refrigerated or frozen items, there is a possibility that the delivery may spoil or melt during delivery, depending on the delivery time. However, according to this embodiment, for refrigerated and frozen items, the information processing device 20 determines whether to use an insulated box or a refrigerated truck to deliver the item based on the estimated time required from the start of delivery preparation to delivery completion, thereby reducing the likelihood of the item spoiling or melting during delivery. Therefore, for example, in the case of a frozen item, if an insulated box were used, the item would have melted during delivery. However, by using the refrigerated truck determined by the information processing device 20, the item is prevented from melting during delivery, and the quality of the item is more likely to be maintained. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the technology for improving delivery quality is improved in that the likelihood of maintaining the quality of refrigerated and frozen items during delivery is increased.

[0047] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple components or steps can be combined or divided into one.

[0048] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an embodiment is also possible in which the configuration and operation of the information processing device 20 are distributed among multiple computers that can communicate with each other. Also, for example, an embodiment is also possible in which some or all of the components of the information processing device 20 are provided in the terminal device 10. For example, the terminal device 10 may be provided with some or all of the components of the information processing device 20. Also, for example, the information processing device 20 according to the above-described embodiment may be used to provide MaaS (Mobility as a Service), a service that utilizes mobility.

[0049] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, if the delivery information includes the importance of the delivery item, the control unit 23 may determine to use an insulated box or a refrigerated truck as the delivery method based further on the importance of the delivery item.

[0050] Specifically, if it is determined in S101 that the scheduled time is less than the predetermined time (S101-Yes), the control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 checks the importance of the delivery item included in the delivery information of the delivery item. If the importance is higher than a specified value, the control unit 23 may determine the delivery method to use a refrigerated truck to deliver the delivery item.

[0051] The "importance" may be expressed in a numerical format using integers such as 1, 2, 3, etc., or in a text format such as "important" or "normal." The "default value" may also be expressed in the same format as the importance. The default value may also be changeable.

[0052] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 may determine to use the insulated box or the refrigerated vehicle as the delivery method further based on the delivery route of the delivery item.

[0053] Specifically, if it is determined in S101 that the scheduled time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (S101-No), the control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 may check the delivery route included in the delivery information of the delivery item. Then, for example, if there is a vehicle restriction on the delivery route, such as not allowing trucks weighing more than 1 ton to enter, the control unit 23 may determine the delivery method to use an insulated box for delivering the delivery item.

[0054] Alternatively, if it is determined in S101 that the scheduled time is less than the predetermined time (S101-Yes), the control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 may check the delivery route included in the delivery information of the delivery item. Then, for example, if there is a traffic jam on the delivery route, the control unit 23 may determine the delivery method to use a refrigerated truck to deliver the delivery item.

[0055] Checking the delivery route may include checking any information along the delivery route, including, but not limited to, vehicle restrictions, traffic congestion information, and weather information.

[0056] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described modified example, the control unit 23 may determine the vehicle to be used for delivery. For example, if there is a vehicle restriction such that only motorcycles are allowed on the delivery route, the control unit 23 may determine that the vehicle to be used for delivery is a motorcycle.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 may determine the vehicle to be used for delivery based on the delivery item.

[0058] Specifically, for example, if the delivery method is a refrigerated box, the attribute of the delivery item is meat or fish, and the size is large, the control unit 23 may decide that the vehicle to be used for delivery will be a truck.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 23 of the information processing device 20 may determine the refrigerated vehicle to be used for delivery based on the delivery item.

[0060] Specifically, for example, when the delivery method is a refrigerated vehicle and the attribute of the delivery item is ice cream, the control unit 23 may determine that the refrigerated vehicle to be used for delivery is a low-temperature refrigerated vehicle.

[0061] Also, for example, an embodiment is possible in which a general-purpose computer functions as the information processing device 20 according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the information processing device 20 according to the above-described embodiment is stored in the memory of the general-purpose computer, and the program is read and executed by a processor. Therefore, the present disclosure can also be realized as a program executable by a processor, or a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 System 10 Terminal Equipment 11 Communications Department 12 Output section 13 Input section 14 Storage section 15 Control Unit 20 Information processing equipment 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23 Control Unit 30 Network

Claims

1. An information processing method implemented by an information processing device that determines a delivery method for a delivery item including a refrigerated or frozen item, Calculating an estimated time required from the start of delivery preparation to the completion of delivery of the delivery item; If the scheduled time is less than a predetermined time, determining the delivery method so that an insulated box is used for delivering the delivery item; If the scheduled time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, determining the delivery method so as to use a refrigerated vehicle for the delivery of the delivery item; An information processing method, including:

2. 2. The information processing method according to claim 1, The information processing method, wherein the information processing device determines to use the insulated box or the refrigerated vehicle as the delivery method further based on the importance of the delivery item.

3. 2. The information processing method according to claim 1, Calculating the predetermined time period using air temperature; The information processing method further comprises:

4. 2. The information processing method according to claim 1, The information processing method, wherein the information processing device determines to use the insulated box or the refrigerated vehicle as the delivery method based further on the delivery route of the delivery item.

5. An information processing device that determines a delivery method for a delivery item including a refrigerated or frozen item, the information processing device includes a control unit, The control unit calculates an estimated time required from the start of delivery preparation for the delivery item to the completion of delivery, If the scheduled time is less than a predetermined time, the delivery method is determined to use an insulated box for delivering the delivery item; If the scheduled time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the delivery method is determined to use a refrigerated vehicle for the delivery of the delivery item. Information processing device.

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

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