Server device, system, control method for server device, and program

Abstract

To provide a server device that prevents unauthorized garbage disposal by a third party who has not made a reservation for a garbage collection service provided to residents who live in an apartment building or the like.SOLUTION: A server device includes storage means and first control means. The storage means uses a database to store biometric information for each of a plurality of residents and garbage collection service reservation information. The first control means acquires biometric information of a user attempting to throw away garbage from a garbage transport robot that transports the garbage, and executes a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information. By executing the matching process, the first control means identifies the user attempting to throw away garbage, and if the reservation information of the identified user is valid, notifies the garbage transport robot of successful authentication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is technology for garbage collection in apartment complexes and other multi-family housing.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a system that reduces the burden of garbage disposal on residents, improves convenience, and reduces costs and space. The system in Patent Document 1 includes an elevator control device that calls an elevator car and controls the destination floor in a multi-story apartment building. The system also uses an autonomous garbage collection robot, and moves the garbage collection robot to collect garbage and transport it to a garbage collection point based on reservation information that includes dwelling unit identification information that identifies the dwelling unit requesting garbage collection and the reserved date and time for garbage collection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-201424 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Many apartment complexes and other collective housing units are home to elderly residents. Apartment complex garbage dumps are often located far from the homes, making it difficult for elderly residents to carry their garbage to the dump. Therefore, autonomously moving robots such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 could be utilized. However, the garbage collection robot disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not authenticate users who have booked the service, so there is a possibility that residents who have not requested garbage collection may dump garbage fraudulently.

[0006] The main object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a program that contribute to preventing fraudulent garbage disposal by third parties who have not made reservations for the garbage collection service provided to residents of apartment buildings, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device comprising: a storage means for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of residents and reservation information for garbage collection services using a database; and a first control means for acquiring biometric information of a user attempting to dispose of garbage from a garbage transport robot that transports the garbage, performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information to identify the user attempting to dispose of the garbage, and notifying the garbage transport robot of successful authentication if the reservation information of the identified user is valid.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system including a garbage transport robot that transports garbage, and a server device, wherein the server device is equipped with a storage means that stores biometric information of each of a plurality of residents and reservation information for garbage collection services using a database, and a first control means that acquires biometric information of a user who is about to dispose of garbage from the garbage transport robot, performs a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information to identify the user who is about to dispose of garbage, and notifies the garbage transport robot of successful authentication if the reservation information of the identified user is valid.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a server device, comprising: a storage step of storing biometric information of each of a plurality of residents and reservation information for a garbage collection service using a database; and a first control step of acquiring biometric information of a user attempting to dispose of garbage from a garbage transport robot that transports the garbage, performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information to identify the user attempting to dispose of the garbage, and notifying the garbage transport robot of successful authentication if the reservation information of the identified user is valid.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute a storage process for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of residents and reservation information for a garbage collection service using a database, and a first control process for acquiring biometric information of a user attempting to dispose of garbage from a garbage transport robot that transports the garbage, performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information to identify the user attempting to dispose of the garbage, and notifying the garbage transport robot of successful authentication if the reservation information for the identified user is valid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to various aspects of the present invention, a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a program are provided that contribute to preventing unauthorized garbage disposal by third parties who have not made reservations for the garbage collection service provided to residents of apartment buildings, etc. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation of one embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a garbage transport robot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a resident management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the robot control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the robot control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a garbage transport robot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units, not hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of main signals (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that in this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0014] A server device 100 according to one embodiment includes a storage means 101 and a first control means 102 (see FIG. 1). The storage means 101 stores biometric information and garbage collection service reservation information for each of a plurality of residents using a database (step S1 in FIG. 2). The first control means 102 acquires biometric information of a user attempting to dispose of garbage from a garbage transport robot that transports the garbage, and performs a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information (step S2). By performing the matching process, the first control means 102 identifies the user attempting to dispose of garbage, and if the reservation information of the identified user is valid, notifies the garbage transport robot of successful authentication (step S3).

[0015] The server device 100 acquires biometric information of a user who intends to dump trash on an autonomously traveling trash-carrying robot from the robot. The server device 100 authenticates the user using the acquired biometric information, the biometric information stored in the database, and reservation information. The server device 100 notifies the trash-carrying robot of the authentication result. Since authentication of a third party who has not reserved a trash collection service is determined to be unsuccessful, fraudulent trash dumping by a third party who has not reserved a trash collection service is prevented.

[0016] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [First embodiment] The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] The information processing system according to the first embodiment provides a garbage collection service to a user. The garbage collection service dispatches a garbage-carrying robot (mobile vehicle) to the user's home in response to the user's request. The user then disposes of the garbage in the robot that arrives at the user's home.

[0019] In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which a garbage collection service is provided to residents (residents) living in a housing complex such as an apartment building. Of course, the garbage collection service may also be provided to people other than the residents of the apartment building.

[0020] [System Configuration] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apartment building illustrated in FIG. 3 is an apartment building that supports biometric authentication. For example, biometric authentication is performed in each residence of the apartment building. Residents who are determined to have been successfully authenticated after undergoing biometric authentication are allowed to enter their homes.

[0021] An authentication module is attached to the door of each residence. The authentication module includes a camera device for capturing images of the person to be authenticated, an electronic lock for locking and unlocking the door, a communication device for connecting to the network, and a touch panel for displaying messages and accepting user operations. The camera device is installed so that it can distinguish between residents standing inside and outside the room and capture images of them.

[0022] There are also garbage dumps both inside and outside the apartment complex. The garbage dumps are also biometrically compatible, allowing apartment residents to use them. An authentication module is also installed on the door to the garbage dump. There is also an attendant on standby at the garbage dump.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system according to the first embodiment includes a server device 10 and a waste transport robot 20.

[0024] The server device 10 is a server that controls the biometric authentication service and garbage collection service provided to apartment building residents. The server device 10 may be installed in the building of the apartment building or the apartment building management company, or may be installed on a network (on the cloud).

[0025] The garbage transport robot 20 is a robot (mobile vehicle) used for garbage collection services. The garbage transport robot 20 is equipped with a camera, a speaker for outputting audio, a display for displaying messages, etc. The garbage transport robot 20 autonomously travels within the apartment building and on the grounds of the apartment building in accordance with instructions from the server device 10.

[0026] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a side of the waste transporting robot 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the waste transporting robot 20 includes a cabinet 21. The cabinet 21 is locked. Waste is placed inside the cabinet 21.

[0027] 3, a user (apartment resident) carries a terminal 30. The user operates the terminal 30 to input various information into the server device 10. Alternatively, the user operates the terminal 30 to apply for a garbage collection service to the server device 10.

[0028] 3 are connected to a network. Specifically, the server device 10, the authentication module installed in a house or the like, and the garbage transport robot 20 are connected to the network via wired or wireless communication means.

[0029] The configuration of the information processing system shown in Fig. 3 is an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the system may include multiple server devices 10. Load balancing and redundancy may be achieved by using multiple server devices 10.

[0030] [General operation] Next, the general operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0031] <Resident registration> To be able to enter and leave their homes, residents (those living in the apartment building) are required to register in advance. Specifically, the residents operate the terminal 30 to register their name, sex, age, address (room number), contact information (e.g., telephone number, email address), biometric information, etc., in the server device 10.

[0032] Examples of biometric information include data (features) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as a face, fingerprint, voiceprint, veins, retina, or iris pattern. Alternatively, biometric information may be image data such as a face image or fingerprint image. The biometric information may be any information that includes an individual's physical characteristics. In the present disclosure, biometric information is defined as a person's face image or features generated from a face image.

[0033] When the resident's name, etc. is acquired, the server device 10 generates an ID (resident ID) for the resident and stores the generated resident ID in association with the name, address (room number), gender, biometric information, etc. The server device 10 stores the resident ID, etc. in a resident management database. The resident management database will be described in detail later.

[0034] Furthermore, the server device 10 issues the generated resident ID to the terminal 30. The terminal 30 stores the acquired resident ID internally.

[0035] <Entry and exit using biometric authentication> When a resident of an apartment building returns home and stands in front of the door, the authentication module 22 attached to the door takes a photo of the resident (person to be authenticated) (see FIG. 5). The authentication module 22 sends an "authentication request" including the image data obtained by the photo and the device ID to the server device (see FIG. 5).

[0036] The device ID is an ID for identifying a device that requests authentication of an authenticatee from the server device 10, such as the authentication module 22 installed in a house or the garbage transport robot 20. The device ID of the authentication module 22 installed in a house may be the room number of the house, etc. For example, a person in charge of an apartment building management company sets the device ID in each authentication module 22.

[0037] Here, when the authentication module 22 captures an image of a user standing outside the room, it sets the room number (entering the room) as the device ID. When the authentication module 22 captures an image of a user standing inside the room, it sets the room number (leaving the room) as the device ID.

[0038] The server device 10 performs biometric authentication using the biometric information acquired from the authentication module 22 and the biometric information registered in the resident management database. If the person to be authenticated (resident) has the authority to enter the house, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful.

[0039] The server device 10 notifies the authentication module 22 of the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure).

[0040] If the authentication is successful, the server device 10 stores the entry of the resident in the resident management database. Specifically, the server device 10 stores the entry and exit history, such as the entry time, in the resident management database.

[0041] When successful authentication is notified, the authentication module 22 unlocks the door, after which the apartment resident enters their home.

[0042] When a resident leaves their home, they are authenticated via the authentication module 22 in the same way as when they entered.

[0043] <Use of garbage dump> Residents of the apartment building can use the garbage dumps installed inside and outside the building. The authentication module 22 attached to the door of the garbage dump sends an authentication request including the biometric information and device ID of the person to be authenticated to the server device 10, just like the authentication module 22 of each residence.

[0044] The authentication module 22 installed in the garbage dump sets a code (character string) corresponding to "garbage dump" as the device ID.

[0045] If the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful. The server device 10 notifies the authentication module 22 of the authentication result (authentication successful or authentication failed). If the authentication is successful, the authentication module 22 unlocks the door.

[0046] Furthermore, when the server device 10 successfully authenticates the person to be authenticated (apartment resident) who uses the garbage dump site, the server device 10 stores the garbage dump site usage history of the resident in the account (resident management database).

[0047] <Application for garbage collection service> A resident who wishes to use the garbage collection service installs an application related to the apartment building (hereinafter referred to as the apartment building app) on terminal 30. For example, the resident operates terminal 30 to access server device 10 and downloads the apartment building app from server device 10. The resident then installs the downloaded apartment building app on terminal 30.

[0048] Residents use the installed condominium app to make reservations for garbage collection services. A resident who wishes to make a reservation for garbage collection services launches the condominium app. The launched condominium app communicates with server device 10.

[0049] At this time, the condominium app transmits the resident ID issued by the server device 10 to the server device 10. The server device 10 identifies the person who wishes to make a reservation for the garbage collection service based on the resident ID.

[0050] The server device 10 acquires reservation information for the garbage collection service (such as the desired date and time of garbage collection) via the condominium app. If the server device 10 can accept the reservation for the garbage collection service, it stores information about the resident who has reserved the garbage collection service in a reservation management database. Details of the reservation management database will be described later. The server device 10 also stores the reservation information in the resident's account (an entry in the resident management database).

[0051] <Garbage collection by garbage-carrying robots> The server device 10 dispatches the garbage transporting robot 20 to the resident's residence on the desired garbage collection date and time reserved by the resident. The server device 10 notifies the garbage transporting robot 20 of information about the residence to be visited and instructs it to move to the residence. Specifically, the server device 10 transmits a "movement instruction" including the room number of the residence to be visited to the garbage transporting robot 20 (see FIG. 6).

[0052] Upon receiving the movement instruction, the garbage transporting robot 20 moves to the front of the specified residence. When it reaches the residence, the garbage transporting robot 20 notifies the server device 10 that it has arrived at the residence of the resident who has reserved the garbage collection service. The garbage transporting robot 20 transmits an "arrival notification" to the server device 10.

[0053] Upon receiving the arrival notification, the server device 10 notifies the resident of the arrival of the garbage transport robot 20. For example, the server device 10 notifies the resident of the arrival of the garbage transport robot 20 via an apartment building app. For example, the apartment building app displays a pop-up to notify the resident that the garbage transport robot 20 has arrived in front of their home.

[0054] When an apartment resident leaves their home with trash, the trash-carrying robot 20 acquires biometric information of the resident who left their home with trash, and transmits an "authentication request" including the acquired biometric information and the device ID to the server device 10 (see FIG. 7).

[0055] The garbage transport robot 20 sets a code (character string) corresponding to "garbage transport robot" as the device ID.

[0056] The server device 10 performs a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the biometric information stored in the resident management database to identify the person to be authenticated (the resident who is about to dump trash on the trash transport robot 20). If the reservation information of the identified resident is valid, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful. The server device 10 transmits the authentication result (authentication successful, authentication failed) to the trash transport robot 20.

[0057] When successful authentication is notified, the waste transport robot 20 unlocks (opens the door of) the cabinet 21 for storing waste. The resident places the waste inside the cabinet 21 of the waste transport robot 20 and closes the door of the cabinet 21. The waste transport robot 20 then locks the cabinet 21.

[0058] When the door of the cabinet 21 is closed, the garbage transporting robot 20 determines that the resident has completed the garbage disposal and notifies the server device 10 of this fact. The garbage transporting robot 20 transmits a "completion notification" to the server device 10 (see FIG. 8).

[0059] Upon receiving the completion notification, the server device 10 instructs the garbage transporting robot 20 to head to the next residence. Alternatively, if there is no next reservation, the server device 10 instructs the garbage transporting robot 20 to head to a garbage dump.

[0060] An attendant is waiting at the garbage dump site. When the garbage transport robot 20 arrives at the garbage dump site, the attendant opens the cabinet 21 and removes the garbage. For example, the attendant opens the door of the cabinet 21 by entering a password (for example, a four-digit password) into the garbage transport robot 20. The attendant removes the garbage stored in the cabinet 21 and places it in a designated location in the garbage dump site.

[0061] If a resident is absent at the time of the reservation for the garbage collection service, the server device 10 does not instruct the garbage transport robot 20 to go to the resident's residence. If it is clear from the resident's entry and exit history that the resident is absent, the server device 10 does not dispatch the garbage transport robot 20 to the resident's residence.

[0062] Furthermore, the server device 10 refers to the garbage dump site usage history and provides information about the garbage collection service to residents who have not had a garbage dump site usage history for a predetermined period of time. For example, the server device 10 sends information about the garbage collection service to the email addresses of residents who have not been authenticated at a garbage dump site for a predetermined period of time.

[0063] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0064] [Server device] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a resident management unit 202, an authentication unit 203, a reservation control unit 204, a robot control unit 205, a guidance control unit 206, and a storage unit 207.

[0065] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the garbage transport robot 20. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the garbage transport robot 20. The communication control unit 201 hands over data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0066] The resident management unit 202 is a means for managing information related to apartment building residents. For example, the resident management unit 202 acquires information such as name, sex, age, address (room number), contact information (e.g., telephone number, email address), and biometric information from apartment building residents using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like.

[0067] When the resident management unit 202 acquires a face image as biometric information, it generates a feature amount from the face image.

[0068] Since existing technology can be used for the feature generation process by the resident management unit 202, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the resident management unit 202 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from a facial image as feature points. The resident management unit 202 then calculates the position of each feature point and the distance between each feature point as feature amounts (generating a feature vector consisting of multiple feature amounts).

[0069] Furthermore, the resident management unit 202 generates a resident ID for identifying a resident. The resident ID may be any information that can uniquely identify an apartment building resident. For example, the resident management unit 202 may assign a unique value each time resident information is registered and use this as the resident ID.

[0070] The resident management unit 202 associates the resident ID, name, address (house ID; room number), biometric information (features), etc. and stores them in the resident management database (see FIG. 10). Note that the resident management database shown in FIG. 10 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, a "face image" may be registered in the resident management database as biometric information.

[0071] The resident management unit 202 also issues the generated resident ID to the corresponding resident, and transmits the resident ID to the terminal 30.

[0072] The authentication unit 203 is a means for authenticating the person to be authenticated. The authentication unit 203 authenticates residents who are entering or leaving their homes and residents who are entering the garbage dump. More specifically, the authentication unit 203 processes an authentication request in which the device ID is set to the room number of each home or a code corresponding to the "garbage dump."

[0073] The authentication unit 203 receives a first authentication request including biometric information of a resident attempting to enter or exit one of the multiple residences from a first authentication module 22 installed in the one of the multiple residences. The authentication unit 203 authenticates the resident attempting to enter or exit the one of the residences through an authentication process using the biometric information included in the first authentication request and the biometric information stored in the resident management database. The authentication unit 203 stores the entry and exit history of the authenticated resident in the resident management database. The authentication unit 203 is a control means (second control means) that controls authentication.

[0074] Furthermore, the authentication unit 203 receives a second authentication request including biometric information of a resident who intends to use the garbage dump from the second authentication module 22 attached to the garbage dump. The authentication unit 203 authenticates the resident who intends to use the garbage dump through an authentication process using the biometric information included in the second authentication request and the biometric information stored in the resident management database, and stores the authenticated resident's garbage dump usage history in the resident database.

[0075] First, a case where a room number is set in the device ID will be described.

[0076] When the authentication unit 203 receives an authentication request from the authentication module 22, it searches the resident management database using the room number included in the authentication request as a key. The authentication unit 203 extracts entries in which the room number obtained from the authentication module 22 is set in the residence field.

[0077] The authentication unit 203 performs a matching process using the biometric information (facial image) included in the authentication request and the biometric information stored in an entry (at least one entry) extracted from the resident management database.

[0078] Specifically, the authentication unit 203 generates features from the facial image included in the authentication request. The authentication unit 203 sets the generated features as a matching target and performs a matching process (1:N matching; N is a positive integer, the same applies below) between the features and the features stored in the entry extracted from the resident management database.

[0079] The authentication unit 203 calculates the similarity between the feature to be matched and each of the multiple feature values ​​on the registration side. The similarity can be calculated using chi-square distance, Euclidean distance, or the like. Note that the greater the distance, the lower the similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the similarity.

[0080] The authentication unit 203 determines that authentication of the person to be authenticated has failed if there is no feature stored in at least one entry extracted from the resident management database that has a similarity with the feature to be matched that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0081] The authentication unit 203 determines that the authentication of the person to be authenticated has been successful if there is a feature stored in at least one entry extracted from the resident management database that has a similarity with the feature to be matched that is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0082] In this way, the authentication unit 203 extracts at least one resident who lives in the house corresponding to the device ID (room number), and determines that the authentication is successful if the person to be authenticated is included in the extracted residents.

[0083] The authentication unit 203 notifies the authentication module 22 of the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure). Specifically, if the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 203 transmits a positive response indicating that to the authentication module 22. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the authentication unit 203 transmits a negative response indicating that to the authentication module 22.

[0084] The authentication unit 203 also identifies the resident of the entry corresponding to the feature with the highest similarity as the person to be authenticated (the resident attempting to enter the home). The authentication unit 203 sets the entry / exit history (the fact of entry / exit and the date and time) in the entry / exit history field of the identified resident (entry in the resident management database).

[0085] The authentication unit 203 uses the device ID to determine whether the resident has entered or left their home.

[0086] When an authentication request is received from authentication module 22 installed on the door of the garbage dump, authentication unit 203 determines that authentication is successful if biometric information substantially matching the biometric information included in the authentication request is stored in the resident management database. Conversely, authentication unit 203 determines that authentication is unsuccessful if biometric information substantially matching the biometric information included in the authentication request is not stored in the resident management database.

[0087] That is, when an authentication request is received from the authentication module 22 installed at the door of the garbage dump, if the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building, it is determined that the authentication is successful.

[0088] In addition, if authentication of a resident attempting to use the garbage dump is successful, the authentication unit 203 stores the resident's garbage dump usage history (the date and time of successful authentication) in the garbage dump usage history field of the resident management database.

[0089] The reservation control unit 204 is a means for controlling reservations for the garbage collection service. The reservation control unit 204 is a control means (fourth control means) that accepts reservations for the garbage collection service from residents who wish to use the garbage collection service among multiple residents.

[0090] When the reservation control unit 204 is accessed by the condominium app on the terminal 30, it acquires a resident ID from the condominium app. The reservation control unit 204 searches the resident management database using the resident ID as a key, and identifies the corresponding entry (a resident who wishes to make a reservation for the garbage collection service).

[0091] Thereafter, the reservation control unit 204 accepts reservations for the garbage collection service by displaying a GUI on the terminal 30. For example, the reservation control unit 204 displays a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 11 on the terminal 30 to obtain the garbage collection date and time desired by the resident.

[0092] The reservation control unit 204 displays the types of garbage that can be disposed of on the resident's desired garbage collection day, as shown in Fig. 11. Alternatively, the reservation control unit 204 may acquire the type of garbage that the resident desires to dispose of, and allow the resident to select the date and time when the garbage corresponding to the acquired garbage type can be disposed of.

[0093] For example, the reservation control unit 204 acquires the desired date and time for garbage collection, taking into consideration the travel time within the apartment building of the garbage transport robot 20. For example, the reservation control unit 204 accepts reservations for garbage collection service in 10-minute increments.

[0094] When the resident's desired garbage collection date and time is acquired, the reservation control unit 204 refers to the reservation management database that manages the reservation status of the garbage collection service, and determines whether or not to accept the reservation of the resident (see FIG. 12).

[0095] If there is availability on the resident's desired garbage collection date and time, the reservation control unit 204 accepts the resident's garbage collection reservation. If there is no availability on the resident's desired garbage collection date and time, the reservation control unit 204 does not accept the resident's garbage collection reservation.

[0096] When a reservation from a resident is accepted, the reservation control unit 204 reflects the accepted reservation in the resident management database and the reservation management database.

[0097] Specifically, the reservation control unit 204 sets the reservation date and time for the garbage collection service in the reservation information field of the entry of the resident who wishes to reserve the garbage collection service (entry in the resident management database). The reservation control unit 204 also sets the resident ID of the person reserving the garbage collection service in the reservation status field of the entry of the date and time the reservation was accepted (entry in the reservation management database).

[0098] The robot control unit 205 is a means for controlling the waste transport robot 20 .

[0099] The robot control unit 205 acquires biometric information of the user attempting to dispose of the waste from the waste transport robot 20 that transports the waste, and performs a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the biometric information stored in the resident management database. By performing the matching process, the robot control unit 205 identifies the user attempting to dispose of the waste, and if the reservation information of the identified user is valid, notifies the waste transport robot 20 of successful authentication. The robot control unit 205 corresponds to a first control means.

[0100] 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the robot control unit 205 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the robot control unit 205 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0101] The robot control unit 205 accesses the reservation management database periodically or at a predetermined timing, and determines whether or not there is a reservation for a garbage collection service that will become valid after a predetermined time from the time of access (step S101).

[0102] For example, the robot control unit 205 determines whether or not there is a reservation for a garbage collection service that will become valid 10 minutes after the access time.

[0103] If there is no reservation that will become valid after a predetermined time (step S102, No branch), the robot control unit 205 does not perform any particular operation.

[0104] If there is a reservation that will become valid after a predetermined time (step S102, Yes branch), the robot control unit 205 determines whether the resident who reserved the garbage collection service is at home (step S103).

[0105] Specifically, the robot control unit 205 obtains the resident ID of the resident who has reserved the garbage collection service from the reservation status field of the reservation management database. The robot control unit 205 accesses the resident management database and references the entry entry / exit history field corresponding to the obtained resident ID. It determines whether the resident is at home or not based on the latest history set in the entry / exit history field. If the latest entry / exit history is "entered," the resident is determined to be at home. If the latest entry / exit history is "left," the resident is determined to be absent.

[0106] If the resident is not present (step S104, No branch), the robot control unit 205 does not perform any particular operation.The robot control unit 205 does not dispatch the waste transport robot 20 to the residence of the person who has reserved the waste collection service.

[0107] If the resident is at home (step S104, Yes branch), the robot control unit 205 dispatches the waste transport robot 20 to the residence of the resident who has reserved the waste collection service (dispatch robot; step S105).

[0108] Specifically, the robot control unit 205 reads out the room number of the person who has reserved the garbage collection service from the resident management database. The robot control unit 205 transmits a movement instruction including the read-out room number to the garbage transport robot 20.

[0109] The robot control unit 205 receives the arrival notification from the waste transport robot 20. Upon receiving the arrival notification, the robot control unit 205 notifies the residents of the arrival of the waste transport robot 20 (step S106).

[0110] For example, the robot control unit 205 notifies the resident of the arrival of the garbage transport robot 20 via an apartment building app running on the terminal 30. Alternatively, the robot control unit 205 may send a message indicating the arrival of the garbage transport robot 20 to the email address of the resident who has reserved the garbage collection service.

[0111] The robot control unit 205 receives an authentication request from the garbage transport robot 20. The robot control unit 205 processes the authentication request received from the garbage transport robot 20. More specifically, the robot control unit 205 processes an authentication request in which "garbage transport robot" is set as the device ID.

[0112] The robot control unit 205, like the authentication unit 203, executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information stored in the resident management database (step S107).

[0113] If the verification process fails (step S108, No branch), the robot control unit 205 sets the result of the authentication request to "authentication failure" (step S109 in FIG. 14).

[0114] If the matching process is successful (step S108, Yes branch), the robot control unit 205 determines whether the reservation information for the garbage collection service of the resident identified by the matching process is valid (determine validity of reservation information; step S110).

[0115] Specifically, if the resident's authentication date and time differs from the reservation date and time, the robot control unit 205 determines that the reservation information is invalid. Alternatively, if there is no reservation information for the resident identified by the matching process, the robot control unit 205 determines that the reservation information is invalid (determines that no valid reservation exists).

[0116] If the resident's authentication date and time match the reservation date and time, the robot control unit 205 determines that the resident's reservation is valid. Note that the robot control unit 205 may allow a difference between the authentication date and time and the reservation date and time when determining the validity of a reservation. For example, the robot control unit 205 may determine that a valid reservation exists if the resident is successfully authenticated during a predetermined period that includes the resident's reservation date and time (for example, a time period that includes five minutes before and after the time period of the reservation date and time).

[0117] For example, consider the case in which a resident with ID01 is identified through the matching process in the example of Figure 10. In this case, if the resident's authentication date and time is included in a period that includes five minutes before and after the garbage collection service reservation date and time (March 11, 2024, 8:00-8:10), the resident's reservation information is determined to be valid.

[0118] On the other hand, if there is no reservation information for the resident identified by the matching process, or if the reservation date and time for the identified resident and the authentication date and time are so different that they cannot be determined to be the same, the resident's reservation information is determined to be invalid. For example, if a neighbor of a person who has made a reservation for garbage collection service is authenticated, it may be determined that the valid reservation does not exist.

[0119] If the resident's reservation is not valid (step S111 in FIG. 14, No branch), the robot control unit 205 sets the result of the authentication request to authentication failure (step S109).

[0120] If the resident's reservation is valid (step S111, Yes branch), the robot control unit 205 sets the result of the authentication request to "authentication success" (step S112).

[0121] The robot control unit 205 notifies the waste transporting robot 20 of the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) (step S113). Specifically, if the authentication is successful, the robot control unit 205 transmits a positive response indicating that to the waste transporting robot 20. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the robot control unit 205 transmits a negative response indicating that to the waste transporting robot 20.

[0122] The robot control unit 205 receives a “completion notification” from the waste transport robot 20.

[0123] Upon receiving the completion notification, the robot control unit 205 moves the garbage transport robot 20 to the next destination (move robot; step S114). Specifically, if there is a reservation for the next garbage collection service, the robot control unit 205 dispatches the garbage transport robot 20 to the residence of the resident who has reserved the next garbage collection service. If there is no reservation for the next garbage collection service, the robot control unit 205 instructs the garbage transport robot 20 to head to the garbage dump.

[0124] In this way, the robot control unit 205 instructs the waste transport robot 20 to move to the residence of a resident who has reserved a waste collection service among multiple residents. When the robot control unit 205 receives a notification from the waste transport robot 20 that it has arrived at the designated residence, it notifies the resident who reserved the waste collection service of the arrival of the waste transport robot 20.

[0125] Furthermore, the robot control unit 205 determines whether the resident who reserved the garbage collection service is at home based on the entry and exit history of the resident who reserved the garbage collection service. If the resident who reserved the garbage collection service is at home, the robot control unit 205 instructs the garbage transport robot 20 to move to the residence of the resident who reserved the garbage collection service among the multiple residents.

[0126] The guidance control unit 206 is a means for controlling guidance on garbage collection services for apartment residents.

[0127] The guidance control unit 206 extracts residents who have not used a garbage dump site for a predetermined period of time based on the garbage dump site usage history of each of multiple residents stored in the resident management database. The guidance control unit 206 controls guidance regarding garbage collection services for the extracted residents.

[0128] The guidance control unit 206 periodically or at a predetermined timing accesses the resident management database and references the latest history in the garbage dump site usage history field of each entry. The guidance control unit 206 references the latest garbage dump site usage history and extracts residents (entries) for whom a predetermined period of time has passed since they last used the garbage dump site.

[0129] For example, the guidance control unit 206 extracts residents whose garbage dump site usage history has not been recorded for one week or more.

[0130] The guidance control unit 206 sends a message recommending the use of the garbage collection service to the extracted email addresses of the residents. At this time, the guidance control unit 206 may send an email to the resident's email address (resident's terminal 30) that includes a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for downloading the condominium app and instructions on how to use the condominium app.

[0131] Alternatively, the guidance control unit 206 may notify the extracted resident that a garbage transport robot 20 will be dispatched to the resident's house. When the guidance control unit 206 obtains consent from the resident to dispatch the garbage transport robot 20, the guidance control unit 206 may notify the robot control unit 205 of the resident's room number. The robot control unit 205 may dispatch the garbage transport robot 20 to the house with the notified room number.

[0132] The storage unit 207 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. The storage unit 207 stores biometric information and garbage collection service reservation information for each of a plurality of residents using a resident management database.

[0133] [Garbage-carrying robot] 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the garbage transport robot 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 15, the garbage transport robot 20 includes a communication control unit 301, a movement control unit 302, an authentication control unit 303, a cabinet control unit 304, and a storage unit 305.

[0134] The communication control unit 301 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 301 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 also transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 301 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 301. The communication control unit 301 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0135] The movement control unit 302 is a means for controlling the movement of the waste transporting robot 20. In response to a movement instruction received from the server device 10, the movement control unit 302 moves the waste transporting robot 20 to a specified location.

[0136] Upon receiving a movement instruction, the movement control unit 302 starts moving toward the destination included in the movement instruction (for example, a resident's house, a garbage dump). For example, the movement control unit 302 refers to table information that stores location information (coordinate information: X coordinate, Y coordinate, floor number) within the apartment building in association with the room number, and acquires the coordinate information of the destination.

[0137] The movement control unit 302 controls the drive system (motor, brake, steering, etc.) of the garbage transport robot 20 so that the garbage transport robot 20 reaches the destination while referring to map information including information on the structure of the apartment building, etc. The movement control unit 302 moves to the destination specified by the server device 10 and stops there.

[0138] Note that existing technology can be used for the automatic operation of the garbage transport robot 20, and since this is different from the spirit of the present disclosure, further detailed explanation will be omitted. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the movement control unit 302 controls the garbage transport robot 20 to move toward the destination while detecting obstacles and calculating the traveled distance using various sensors such as a proximity sensor, a gyro sensor, and a traveled distance sensor.

[0139] The garbage transport robot 20 may move around the apartment building using the apartment building's regular elevator (the elevator used by residents), or may move around the apartment building using a dedicated elevator. For example, the dedicated elevator and the garbage transport robot 20 transmit and receive destination floor information using short-range wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0140] When the vehicle arrives at the destination specified by the server device 10 (the residence of the resident who has reserved the garbage collection service), the movement control unit 302 transmits an arrival notification to the server device 10.

[0141] The authentication control unit 303 is a means for controlling the authentication of users (residents) who are going to dump trash on the trash transport robot 20.

[0142] The authentication control unit 303 controls the camera periodically or at a predetermined timing to acquire image data. Alternatively, the authentication control unit 303 acquires image data in response to an operation by a resident. For example, the authentication control unit 303 acquires image data in response to a resident pressing a button attached to the main body of the garbage transport robot 20.

[0143] The authentication control unit 303 determines whether or not the acquired image data contains a human face image, and if a face image is included, extracts the face image from the acquired image data.

[0144] Note that since existing technology can be used for the facial image extraction process by the authentication control unit 303, detailed description will be omitted. For example, the authentication control unit 303 may extract a facial image (face area) from image data using a learning model trained by a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). Alternatively, the authentication control unit 303 may extract a facial image using a method such as template matching.

[0145] If the facial image extraction is successful, the authentication control unit 303 transmits to the server device 10 an authentication request including the biometric information (extracted facial image) and a device ID to which a code corresponding to "garbage transport robot" is set.

[0146] The authentication control unit 303 receives a response (positive response, negative response) to the authentication request from the server device 10.

[0147] If a negative response indicating authentication failure is received, the authentication control unit 303 notifies the person to be authenticated (the resident of the house where the garbage transport robot 20 has arrived) that authentication has failed. At this time, the authentication control unit 303 may notify the resident that the reservation for the garbage collection service could not be confirmed. For example, the authentication control unit 303 may output a voice message indicating this from a speaker.

[0148] When an affirmative response indicating successful authentication is received, the authentication control unit 303 notifies the user that authentication was successful. At that time, the authentication control unit 303 may output a message welcoming the user to use the garbage collection service.

[0149] Furthermore, upon receiving an affirmative response (authentication success), the authentication control unit 303 notifies the cabinet control unit 304 of this fact.

[0150] The cabinet control unit 304 is a means for executing control relating to the cabinet 21 that stores the waste.

[0151] When the cabinet control unit 304 receives a notification from the authentication control unit 303 that the authentication of the person to be authenticated has been successful, the cabinet control unit 304 unlocks the door of the cabinet 21. After unlocking the door of the cabinet 21, the cabinet control unit 304 notifies the resident that they can throw away their trash.

[0152] When a sensor or the like detects that garbage has been placed inside the cabinet 21 and that the door of the cabinet 21 has been closed, the cabinet control unit 304 locks the door of the cabinet 21. When the door of the cabinet 21 has been locked, the cabinet control unit 304 transmits a completion notification to the server device 10.

[0153] The cabinet control unit 304 acquires a password from an attendant waiting at the garbage dump using a hard key, a touch panel, or the like. If the acquired password matches a preset password, the cabinet control unit 304 opens the door of the cabinet 21. When the door of the cabinet 21 is closed, the cabinet control unit 304 locks the door of the cabinet 21.

[0154] The storage unit 305 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the waste transport robot 20.

[0155] [Device] Examples of the terminal 30 include mobile terminal devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, game consoles, and tablets, as well as computers (personal computers, laptop computers), etc. The terminal 30 can be any equipment or device that can accept operations from residents and communicate with the server device 10, etc.

[0156] [Authentication Module] A detailed description of the configuration and operation of the authentication module 22 will be omitted because the configuration and operation of the authentication module 22 are obvious to those skilled in the art and are different from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0157] [System Operation] Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0158] 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0159] When a resident has made a reservation for a garbage collection service, the server device 10 transmits a "movement instruction" including the room number of the resident to the garbage transport robot 20 (step S01).

[0160] The waste transporting robot 20 moves toward the designated residence (step S02).

[0161] When the waste transport robot 20 arrives in front of the designated house, the waste transport robot 20 transmits an arrival notification to the server device 10 (step S03).

[0162] The server device 10 notifies the resident who has reserved the garbage collection service of the arrival of the garbage transport robot 20 (notifying of robot arrival; step S04). For example, the resident's terminal 30 (apartment app) displays a pop-up message as shown in FIG. 17 to notify the resident that the garbage transport robot 20 has arrived.

[0163] The resident goes outside their home and approaches the waste transport robot 20. The waste transport robot 20 acquires biometric information of the resident and transmits an authentication request including the acquired biometric information to the server device 10 (step S05).

[0164] The server device 10 authenticates the resident (person to be authenticated) who is attempting to dump garbage on the garbage transport robot 20 using the acquired biometric information, the biometric information stored in the resident management database, and the reservation information (performs authentication processing; step S06).

[0165] The server device 10 transmits the authentication result to the waste transporting robot 20 (step S07).

[0166] If the authentication is successful, the waste transporting robot 20 unlocks the door of the cabinet 21. When the resident places the waste in the cabinet 21 and closes the door of the cabinet 21, the waste transporting robot 20 transmits a completion notification to the server device 10 (step S08).

[0167] In response to receiving the completion notification, the server device 10 dispatches the waste transport robot 20 to the next destination.

[0168] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0169] <Variation 1> The garbage transporting robot 20 according to the first embodiment may collect not only ordinary garbage such as burnable garbage and PET bottles, but also garbage with disposal restrictions. For example, the garbage transporting robot 20 may collect garbage such as personal computers and car batteries, the disposal of which must be entrusted to a specialized company.

[0170] In this case, the resident contacts the company that collects the personal computers, etc., and agrees on a collection date and time with the company. The resident also obtains the biometric information of the person in charge of the company that collects the personal computers, etc. (the person who will actually collect the personal computers) from the company.

[0171] Residents use the condominium app to request garbage collection of personal computers and other items from server device 10. At that time, the condominium app makes a reservation for garbage collection service by inputting the collection date and time agreed upon with the contractor and the biometric information of the contractor's person in charge. Note that the resident sets the reservation date and time for the garbage collection service before the collection date and time agreed upon with the contractor.

[0172] The server device 10 stores the acquired information (collection date and time and biometric information of the person in charge) in the resident's account.

[0173] The server device 10 dispatches the waste transport robot 20 to the resident's residence at the date and time reserved by the resident. The waste transport robot 20 acquires biometric information of the resident who is about to dispose of waste (personal computer), and transmits an authentication request including the acquired biometric information to the server device 10.

[0174] If the reservation information of the resident identified by the matching process indicates disposal of a personal computer, the server device 10 notifies the waste transporting robot 20 of that fact. Specifically, the server device 10 transmits an affirmative response including a message to that effect to the waste transporting robot 20.

[0175] When the waste transport robot 20 receives the positive response and determines that the disposal is for a personal computer, it unlocks a cabinet different from the cabinet 21 that stores regular waste. When the resident places the personal computer in the unlocked cabinet, the waste transport robot 20 locks the cabinet.

[0176] The server device 10 moves the garbage transport robot 20 to the garbage dump by the collection date and time agreed upon between the resident and the contractor. When the collection date and time arrives, a person from the personal computer collection contractor appears at the garbage dump. The garbage transport robot 20 acquires the biometric information of the person who appears, sets the device ID to "garbage transport robot (contractor)", and sends an authentication request to the server device 10.

[0177] The server device 10 processes the authentication request. If the biometric information included in the authentication request matches the biometric information stored in the account of the resident who made the reservation for disposal of the personal computer, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful. If the biometric information included in the authentication request is not stored in the account of the resident who made the reservation for disposal of the personal computer, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is unsuccessful.

[0178] The server device 10 notifies the waste transport robot 20 of the authentication result. When the waste transport robot 20 is notified of successful authentication, it unlocks the cabinet in which the personal computer is stored. The contractor's staff member takes out the personal computer from the unlocked cabinet.

[0179] In this way, the waste transporting robot 20 according to the first embodiment can also handle the collection and disposal of waste that can be handled by specific businesses, such as personal computers.

[0180] As described above, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment acquires biometric information of a user who intends to dump trash on the autonomously traveling trash transport robot 20 from the robot. The server device 10 authenticates the user using the acquired biometric information, the biometric information stored in the resident management database, and reservation information. The server device 10 notifies the trash transport robot 20 of the authentication result. The trash transport robot 20 will not open the door of the cabinet 21 unless it is determined that the authentication of the person to be authenticated is successful. As a result, it is possible to prevent other people from taking trash from the trash transport robot 20. It is also possible to prevent residents who have not made a reservation for trash collection service from dumping trash on the trash transport robot 20.

[0181] The garbage-carrying robot 20 also autonomously travels to the front of the residence of a resident who has made a reservation for garbage collection service. Elderly residents can dispose of their garbage without having to carry heavy garbage to the garbage dump. As a result, convenience for apartment residents is improved.

[0182] Furthermore, the server device 10 manages whether the apartment residents are at home or not using biometric authentication. If the resident who made a reservation is not at home, the garbage transport robot 20 will not head to the resident's residence. As a result, unnecessary movements of the garbage transport robot 20 are not generated, and the garbage transport robot 20 can be used efficiently.

[0183] Furthermore, the apartment building's garbage dump supports biometric authentication, and the server device 10 provides information about garbage collection services to residents who have not visited the garbage dump for a certain period of time. Residents can apply for (reserve) garbage collection services in response to the information. As a result, residents who have difficulty disposing of garbage can dispose of it at an appropriate time without letting garbage accumulate at home.

[0184] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0185] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 18. For example, the server device 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0186] 18 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 may include hardware not shown, and may not include the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in FIG. 18, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0187] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0188] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0189] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like that accepts user operations.

[0190] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0191] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. The processing modules can also be realized by semiconductor chips.

[0192] The garbage transport robot 20 and the like can also be configured by an information processing device, just like the server device 10, and the basic hardware configuration is no different from that of the server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0193] The server device 10 is equipped with a computer, and the computer executes a program to realize the functions of the server device 10. The server device 10 also executes a control method for the server device 10 by the program.

[0194] [Variations] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0195] The information processing system disclosed herein may be targeted at an apartment complex consisting of multiple buildings. That is, the garbage collection service may be provided to homes in multiple buildings on the same premises. In this case, the garbage transport robot 20 moves across the multiple buildings.

[0196] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which residents who use the garbage collection service are limited in the dates and times they can make reservations depending on the type of garbage they want to throw away. However, residents who use the garbage collection service may dispose of any type of garbage on the garbage transport robot 20 as long as it is acceptable at the garbage dump. In this case, garbage dump staff may separate the garbage and dispose of it in a designated location.

[0197] If the garbage transporting robot 20 is unable to acquire the resident's biometric information within a predetermined period of time after transmitting the arrival notification to the server device 10, the garbage transporting robot 20 may notify the server device 10 of this fact. Upon receiving this notification, the server device 10 may cancel the reservation made by the resident and dispatch the garbage transporting robot 20 to the resident's residence for the next reservation. Alternatively, the server device 10 may instruct the garbage transporting robot 20 to move to a garbage dump.

[0198] Alternatively, if the server device 10 does not receive an authentication request from the garbage transport robot 20 within a predetermined period of time after receiving an arrival notification from the garbage transport robot 20, the server device 10 may cancel the reservation of the resident.

[0199] When notifying a resident who has made a reservation for a garbage collection service of the arrival of the garbage transporting robot 20, the server device 10 may use an intercom installed in the resident's home to notify the resident of the arrival of the garbage transporting robot 20. The server device 10 and the intercoms of each home are communicably connected, and the server device 10 may output a message or the like notifying the resident of the arrival of the garbage transporting robot 20 from the intercom of the home to which the garbage transporting robot 20 has been dispatched.

[0200] Alternatively, the garbage transporting robot 20 may arrive at the residence of a resident who has made a reservation for garbage collection service and notify the resident of the arrival of the garbage transporting robot 20. In this case, the garbage transporting robot 20 may notify the resident of the arrival of the garbage transporting robot 20 using an intercom.

[0201] In the above embodiment, a case where one reservation is accepted for a short time period has been described. However, multiple reservations may be accepted for a relatively long time period. For example, the server device 10 may accept multiple reservations (reservations for garbage collection services) for a relatively long time period, such as in the morning and afternoon. In this case, the server device 10 calculates a route that enables the garbage transport robot 20 to efficiently visit each residence of the reservation holders a predetermined time before the reserved time period. Specifically, the server device 10 uses information about the internal structure of the apartment building (the location of each residence, the number and location of elevators) to calculate a route that enables the garbage transport robot 20 to visit each residence in the shortest time. For example, the server device 10 determines a route that minimizes the total travel distance of the garbage transport robot 20. For example, the server device 10 determines a route using Dijkstra's algorithm, setting the destination on the top floor as the starting point and the destination on the bottom floor as the end point. The server device 10 then transmits a movement instruction to the garbage transport robot 20 according to the calculated route.

[0202] The garbage transporting robot 20 may calculate position information (current position) in real time and transmit the calculated position information to the server device 10. The server device 10 may determine the timing of transmitting a movement instruction to the garbage transporting robot 20 based on the acquired position information. The server device 10 may transmit the movement instruction based on the distance between the garbage transporting robot 20 and the destination residence so that the garbage transporting robot 20 arrives at the reserved time for the garbage collection service without delay.

[0203] If the garbage transport robot 20 arrives at the residence of the person who has booked the garbage collection service before the reserved time for the garbage collection service, the server device 10 may notify the resident of the arrival of the garbage transport robot 20 after the reserved time arrives.

[0204] When a reservation for a garbage collection service is canceled because the person who made the reservation is absent, the robot control unit 205 of the server device 10 may notify the resident that the reservation has been canceled. For example, the robot control unit 205 may send an email containing a message that the reservation has been canceled to the email address of the person who made the reservation.

[0205] The reservation control unit 204 of the server device 10 may determine whether or not a reservation for garbage collection service can be made (whether or not a reservation can be accepted) based on the resident's attribute information (e.g., age, generation). For example, the reservation control unit 204 may give priority to accepting reservations for elderly residents. For example, the reservation control unit 204 may not impose a limit on the period during which garbage collection service can be reserved for elderly residents. In contrast, the reservation control unit 204 may accept reservations for garbage collection service for residents other than elderly residents starting several days (e.g., one day) before the reservation date and time. Alternatively, the reservation control unit 204 may refuse reservations for garbage collection service for residents other than elderly residents.

[0206] When the server device 10 processes the authentication request received from the garbage transport robot 20, if the authentication is successful, the server device 10 may notify the garbage transport robot 20 of the name, etc. of the resident identified by the matching process. The garbage transport robot 20 may use the notified name, etc. to output a message, etc. welcoming the resident to use the garbage collection service.

[0207] The server device 10 may store the usage history of the garbage collection service by each resident. The usage history of the garbage collection service may be provided to an apartment building management association or the like. The apartment building management association or the like may collect fees from service users according to the usage of the garbage collection service.

[0208] The garbage transport robot 20 may photograph garbage placed in the cabinet 21 by a resident and transmit image data of the garbage to the server device 10. For example, the garbage transport robot 20 photographs the interior of the cabinet 21 when the cabinet 21 is locked. The garbage transport robot 20 extracts the difference between image data taken before unlocking the cabinet 21 and image data taken after locking the cabinet 21, and treats the image of the difference as an image of garbage discarded by the resident. The server device 10 stores the image of the garbage discarded by the resident in the resident's account. Information stored in the account (e.g., the resident's name and the image of the garbage) may be submitted to a condominium management association or the like. The condominium management association or the like may verify whether the garbage is properly separated and discarded. If the verification results in improper garbage disposal, the condominium management association may issue a warning or penalty to the resident who disposed of the garbage improperly.

[0209] In the above embodiment, the resident management database and reservation management database are configured inside the server device 10, but these databases may be configured on an external database server or the like. That is, some of the functions of the server device 10 may be implemented in another device. More specifically, the above-described "authentication unit (authentication means)," "robot control unit (robot control means)," etc. may be implemented in any of the devices included in the system.

[0210] The form of data transmission and reception between the devices (server device 10, waste transport robot 20) is not particularly limited, but the data transmitted and received between these devices may be encrypted. Biometric information and the like is transmitted and received between these devices, and in order to appropriately protect this information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0211] In the flow charts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0212] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the above-described configurations are required. Furthermore, when multiple embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0213] From the above explanation, it is clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention can be suitably applied to an information processing system for collecting garbage from apartment residents, etc.

[0214] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0215] [Appendix 1] a storage means for storing biometric information and garbage collection service reservation information for each of a plurality of residents using a database; a first control means for acquiring biometric information of a user who intends to dispose of waste from a waste transport robot that transports waste, performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information to identify the user who intends to dispose of the waste, and notifying the waste transport robot of successful authentication if the reservation information of the identified user is valid; A server device comprising: [Appendix 2] The first control means instructing the garbage transport robot to move to a residence of a resident who has reserved the garbage collection service among the plurality of residents; The server device described in Appendix 1, when receiving a notification from the garbage transport robot that it has arrived at the designated residence, notifies the resident who has reserved the garbage collection service of the arrival of the garbage transport robot. [Appendix 3] receiving a first authentication request from a first authentication module installed in one of the plurality of residences, the first authentication request including biometric information of a resident attempting to enter or exit the one residence; The server device described in Appendix 2 further comprises a second control means for authenticating a resident attempting to enter or exit the one of the residences through an authentication process using biometric information included in the first authentication request and biometric information stored in the database, and for storing the entry and exit history of the authenticated resident in the database. [Appendix 4] The first control means The server device described in Appendix 3 determines whether the resident who reserved the garbage collection service is at home based on the previously recorded exit history of the resident who reserved the garbage collection service, and if the resident who reserved the garbage collection service is at home, instructs the garbage transport robot to move to the residence of the resident who reserved the garbage collection service among the multiple residents. [Appendix 5] The second control means receiving a second authentication request from a second authentication module attached to the garbage dump, the second authentication request including biometric information of a resident attempting to use the garbage dump; A server device as described in Appendix 4, which authenticates a resident who wishes to use the garbage dump through an authentication process using biometric information included in the second authentication request and biometric information stored in the database, and stores the authenticated resident's garbage dump usage history in the database. [Appendix 6] The server device described in Appendix 5 further comprises a third control means for extracting residents who have not used the garbage dump for a predetermined period of time based on the garbage dump usage history of each of a plurality of residents stored in the database, and controlling the provision of information about the garbage collection service to the extracted residents. [Appendix 7] The server device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, further comprising a fourth control means for accepting reservations for the garbage collection service from residents among the plurality of residents who wish to use the garbage collection service. [Appendix 8] A garbage transport robot that transports garbage, a server device; Including, The server device a storage means for storing biometric information and garbage collection service reservation information for each of a plurality of residents using a database; a first control means for acquiring biometric information of a user who intends to dispose of waste from the waste transport robot, and identifying the user who intends to dispose of waste by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information, and notifying the waste transport robot of successful authentication if the reservation information of the identified user is valid; A system comprising: [Appendix 9] The first control means instructing the garbage transport robot to move to a residence of a resident who has reserved the garbage collection service among the plurality of residents; The system of claim 8, wherein upon receiving a notification from the garbage transport robot that it has arrived at the designated residence, the system notifies the resident who has reserved the garbage collection service of the arrival of the garbage transport robot. [Appendix 10] receiving a first authentication request from a first authentication module installed in one of the plurality of residences, the first authentication request including biometric information of a resident attempting to enter or exit the one residence; The system described in Appendix 9 further includes a second control means that authenticates a resident attempting to enter or exit the one of the residences through an authentication process using biometric information included in the first authentication request and biometric information stored in the database, and stores the entry and exit history of the authenticated resident in the database. [Appendix 11] The first control means The system described in Appendix 10 determines whether the resident who booked the garbage collection service is at home based on the previously recorded exit history of the resident who booked the garbage collection service, and if the resident who booked the garbage collection service is at home, instructs the garbage transport robot to move to the residence of the resident who booked the garbage collection service among the multiple residents. [Appendix 12] The second control means receiving a second authentication request from a second authentication module attached to the garbage dump, the second authentication request including biometric information of a resident attempting to use the garbage dump; The system described in Appendix 11 authenticates a resident attempting to use the garbage dump through an authentication process using biometric information included in the second authentication request and biometric information stored in the database, and stores the authenticated resident's garbage dump usage history in the database. [Appendix 13] The system described in Appendix 12 further includes a third control means for extracting residents who have not used the garbage dump for a predetermined period of time based on the garbage dump usage history of each of a plurality of residents stored in the database, and controlling the provision of the garbage collection service to the extracted residents. [Appendix 14] The system described in any one of appendices 8 to 13, further comprising a fourth control means for accepting reservations for the garbage collection service from residents among the plurality of residents who wish to use the garbage collection service. [Appendix 15] a storage step of storing biometric information and garbage collection service reservation information for each of the plurality of residents using a database; a first control step of acquiring biometric information of a user who intends to dispose of waste from a waste transport robot that transports waste, identifying the user who intends to dispose of the waste by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information, and notifying the waste transport robot of successful authentication if the reservation information of the identified user is valid; A method for controlling a server device, comprising: [Appendix 16] The first control step includes: instructing the garbage transport robot to move to a residence of a resident who has reserved the garbage collection service among the plurality of residents; A control method for a server device as described in Appendix 15, wherein, when a notification is received from the garbage transport robot that the garbage transport robot has arrived at the designated residence, the server device notifies the resident who has reserved the garbage collection service of the arrival of the garbage transport robot. [Appendix 17] receiving a first authentication request from a first authentication module installed in one of the plurality of residences, the first authentication request including biometric information of a resident attempting to enter or exit the one residence; A control method for a server device as described in Appendix 16, further comprising a second control step of authenticating a resident attempting to enter or exit the one of the residences through an authentication process using biometric information included in the first authentication request and biometric information stored in the database, and storing the entry and exit history of the authenticated resident in the database. [Appendix 18] The first control step includes: A control method for a server device described in Appendix 17, which determines whether the resident who reserved the garbage collection service is at home based on the previously entered exit history of the resident who reserved the garbage collection service, and if the resident who reserved the garbage collection service is at home, instructs the garbage transport robot to move to the residence of the resident who reserved the garbage collection service among the multiple residents. [Appendix 19] The second control step includes: receiving a second authentication request from a second authentication module attached to the garbage dump, the second authentication request including biometric information of a resident attempting to use the garbage dump; A control method for a server device described in Appendix 18, which authenticates a resident who wishes to use the garbage dump through an authentication process using biometric information included in the second authentication request and biometric information stored in the database, and stores the authenticated resident's garbage dump usage history in the database. [Appendix 20] The control method for a server device described in Appendix 19 further includes a third control step of extracting residents who have not used the garbage dump for a predetermined period of time based on the garbage dump usage history of each of a plurality of residents stored in the database, and controlling information regarding the garbage collection service to the extracted residents. [Appendix 21] A control method for a server device described in any one of Appendices 15 to 20, further comprising a fourth control step of accepting reservations for the garbage collection service from residents among the plurality of residents who wish to use the garbage collection service. [Appendix 22] The computer installed in the server device a storage process for storing biometric information and garbage collection service reservation information for each of the plurality of residents using a database; a first control process for acquiring biometric information of a user who intends to dispose of waste from a waste transport robot that transports waste, performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information to identify the user who intends to dispose of the waste, and notifying the waste transport robot of successful authentication if the reservation information of the identified user is valid; A program to execute. [Appendix 23] The first control process includes: instructing the garbage transport robot to move to a residence of a resident who has reserved the garbage collection service among the plurality of residents; The program of claim 22, wherein upon receiving a notification from the garbage transport robot that it has arrived at the designated residence, the program notifies a resident who has reserved the garbage collection service of the arrival of the garbage transport robot. [Appendix 24] receiving a first authentication request from a first authentication module installed in one of the plurality of residences, the first authentication request including biometric information of a resident attempting to enter or exit the one residence; The program described in Appendix 23 further executes a second control process that authenticates a resident attempting to enter or exit the one of the residences through an authentication process using biometric information included in the first authentication request and biometric information stored in the database, and stores the entry and exit history of the authenticated resident in the database. [Appendix 25] The first control process includes: The program described in Appendix 24, which determines whether the resident who reserved the garbage collection service is at home based on the previously recorded departure history of the resident who reserved the garbage collection service, and if the resident who reserved the garbage collection service is at home, instructs the garbage transport robot to move to the residence of the resident who reserved the garbage collection service among the multiple residents. [Appendix 26] The second control process includes: receiving a second authentication request from a second authentication module attached to the garbage dump, the second authentication request including biometric information of a resident attempting to use the garbage dump; A program as described in Appendix 25, which authenticates a resident who wishes to use the garbage dump through an authentication process using biometric information included in the second authentication request and biometric information stored in the database, and stores the authenticated resident's garbage dump usage history in the database. [Appendix 27] The program described in Appendix 26 further executes a third control process that extracts residents who have not used the garbage dump for a predetermined period of time based on the garbage dump usage history of each of a plurality of residents stored in the database, and controls the provision of information about the garbage collection service to the extracted residents. [Appendix 28] The program described in any one of appendices 22 to 27 further executes a fourth control process of accepting reservations for the garbage collection service from residents among the plurality of residents who wish to use the garbage collection service.

[0216] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 7 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 above may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 8, 15, and 22 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 7. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 8, 15, and 22, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0217] The disclosures of the above-cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0218] 10 Server device 20. Garbage-carrying robot 21 Cabinet 22 Authentication Module 30 devices 100 Server device 101 Memory means 102 first control means 201 Communication control unit 202 Resident Management Department 203 Authentication Department 204 Reservation control section 205 Robot Control Unit 206 Guidance control unit 207 Memory section 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Movement control unit 303 Authentication control section 304 Cabinet Control Unit 305 Storage section 311 processor 312 memory 313 Input / Output Interface 314 Communication Interface

Claims

1. a storage means for storing biometric information and garbage collection service reservation information for each of a plurality of residents using a database; a first control means for acquiring biometric information of a user who intends to dispose of waste from a waste transport robot that transports waste, executing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information to identify the user who intends to dispose of the waste, and notifying the waste transport robot of successful authentication if the reservation information of the identified user is valid; A server device comprising:

2. The first control means instructing the garbage transport robot to move to a residence of a resident who has reserved the garbage collection service among the plurality of residents; The server device according to claim 1, wherein when the server device receives a notification from the garbage transport robot that the garbage transport robot has arrived at the designated residence, the server device notifies the resident who has reserved the garbage collection service of the arrival of the garbage transport robot.

3. receiving a first authentication request from a first authentication module installed in one of the plurality of residences, the first authentication request including biometric information of a resident attempting to enter or exit the one residence; The server device of claim 2, further comprising a second control means for authenticating a resident attempting to enter or exit the one of the residences through an authentication process using biometric information included in the first authentication request and biometric information stored in the database, and storing the entry and exit history of the authenticated resident in the database.

4. The first control means The server device of claim 3 determines whether the resident who reserved the garbage collection service is at home based on the previously entered exit history of the resident who reserved the garbage collection service, and if the resident who reserved the garbage collection service is at home, instructs the garbage transport robot to move to the residence of the resident who reserved the garbage collection service among the multiple residents.

5. The second control means receiving a second authentication request from a second authentication module attached to the garbage dump, the second authentication request including biometric information of a resident attempting to use the garbage dump; A server device as described in claim 4, which authenticates a resident who wishes to use the garbage dump site through an authentication process using biometric information included in the second authentication request and biometric information stored in the database, and stores the garbage dump site usage history of the authenticated resident in the database.

6. The server device described in claim 5 further comprises a third control means for extracting residents who have not used the garbage dump for a predetermined period of time based on the garbage dump usage history of each of a plurality of residents stored in the database, and controlling the provision of information about the garbage collection service to the extracted residents.

7. The server device according to claim 1 , further comprising a fourth control means for accepting reservations for the garbage collection service from residents who wish to use the garbage collection service among the plurality of residents.

8. A garbage transport robot that transports garbage, a server device; Including, The server device a storage means for storing biometric information and garbage collection service reservation information for each of a plurality of residents using a database; a first control means for acquiring biometric information of a user who intends to dispose of waste from the waste transport robot, executing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information to identify the user who intends to dispose of the waste, and notifying the waste transport robot of successful authentication if the reservation information of the identified user is valid; A system comprising:

9. a storage step of storing biometric information and garbage collection service reservation information for each of the plurality of residents using a database; a first control step of acquiring biometric information of a user who intends to dispose of waste from a waste transport robot that transports waste, identifying the user who intends to dispose of the waste by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information, and notifying the waste transport robot of successful authentication if the reservation information of the identified user is valid; A method for controlling a server device, comprising:

10. The computer installed in the server device a storage process for storing biometric information and garbage collection service reservation information for each of the plurality of residents using a database; a first control process for acquiring biometric information of a user who intends to dispose of waste from a waste transport robot that transports waste, performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information to identify the user who intends to dispose of the waste, and notifying the waste transport robot of successful authentication if the reservation information of the identified user is valid; A program to execute.

Images