Information processing system and control method

Abstract

To notify a robot administrator that a robot work schedule may be affected by inoperable period in which a robot cannot use an elevator, without delay.SOLUTION: An information processing system (100) includes: an acquisition unit (211) which acquires information indicating inoperable period in which an autonomous mobile robot (2) cannot use an elevator (3); a prediction unit (212) which predicts whether the robot can complete the work in the inoperable period without using the elevator, in a scheduled work period in which the elevator is to be used for the work; and a notification unit (213) which transmits predetermined notification information to a device (4) that an administrator of the robot uses, when incomplete work is predicted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system including a robot that uses an elevator, and a control method for the information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, autonomously moving robots have been using elevators to move between floors and perform their work. For example, if there is a period during which elevator use by robots is restricted, the robot's work efficiency may decrease.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an elevator system that notifies a robot of a robot call registration temporary limit time period and can adjust the robot call registration temporary limit time period in response to a robot call registration temporary limit wait request from the robot. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7151865 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The elevator control device accepts registration of elevator periodic inspection periods, out-of-service periods (e.g., periods including parking outages at night), and exclusive operation periods for designated users (e.g., VIPs and moving companies). These periods are unavailable periods when the elevator cannot be used by robots. It is generally difficult to adjust or change unavailable periods to fit the robot's work schedule, which often requires changes to the robot's work schedule.

[0006] The robot's work schedule is established by the robot manager who manages the robot, and the robot manager is responsible for carrying out the schedule. Therefore, if the original work schedule is affected by a period when the elevator is unavailable, the robot should notify the robot manager of this without delay, and the robot manager should decide to change or cancel the robot's work schedule.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention aims to realize an information processing system and information processing method that can promptly notify a robot manager of an unavailability period during which the robot cannot use an elevator, when the robot's work schedule is affected by such period. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating unavailable periods during which an elevator cannot be used by an autonomously traveling robot; a prediction unit that predicts whether the robot will be able to complete a task without using the elevator during the unavailable periods during a planned work period in which the task involves the use of the elevator; and a notification unit that notifies a device used by an administrator of the robot of specified notification information if it is predicted that the task will not be completed.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, a control method for an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring information indicating unavailable periods during which an elevator cannot be used by an autonomously traveling robot; a prediction step of predicting whether the robot will be able to complete a task without using the elevator during the unavailable periods during a scheduled work period in which the task involves the use of the elevator; and a notification step of notifying a device used by an administrator of the robot of specified notification information if it is predicted that the task will not be completed.

[0010] The information processing system according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the control program of the information processing system that realizes the information processing system on a computer by causing the computer to operate as each part (software element) of the information processing system, and the computer-readable recording medium on which it is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the work schedule of a robot is affected by a period during which the robot cannot use an elevator, the robot manager can be notified of this without delay. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of elevator information. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of schedule information. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of hall call information. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of car call information. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of robot call information. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of work information. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of processing performed in the information processing system. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between unavailable periods, scheduled work periods before a change, and scheduled work periods after a change. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the relationship between unavailable periods, scheduled work periods before a change, and scheduled work periods after a change. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] [Embodiment 1] <Information Processing System 100> An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 100 includes an elevator control device 1, a robot 2, an elevator 3, and a terminal device 4 (device). In the information processing system 100, the elevator control device 1 is a device that controls the elevator 3, the robot 2 is a robot capable of autonomous travel, and the terminal device 4 is a device used by a manager of the robot 2.

[0014] The information processing system 100 acquires information indicating unavailable periods during which the robot 2 cannot use the elevator 3. The information processing system 100 also predicts whether the robot 2 will complete the work without using the elevator 3 during unavailable periods during a scheduled work period in which the robot 2 is scheduled to perform work that requires the use of the elevator 3. If the information processing system 100 predicts that the work will not be completed, it notifies the terminal device 4 used by the manager of the robot 2 of predetermined notification information.

[0015] According to the above-described configuration, when it is predicted that the autonomously traveling robot 2 will not be able to complete a task without using the elevator 3 during an unavailable period when the elevator 3 is unavailable during a scheduled task period in which the autonomously traveling robot 2 is scheduled to perform the task, the information processing system 100 notifies the terminal device 4 used by the manager who manages the robot 2 of predetermined notification information. As a result, the information processing system 100 can promptly notify the manager of the robot 2 that the unavailable period will affect the work schedule of the robot 2, and urge the manager to change or cancel the work schedule of the robot 2.

[0016] <Elevator 3> As shown in Fig. 1, the elevator 3 includes a car 31 and a door 32. The elevator 3 also includes an operation panel (not shown) at the landing of each floor, for example, for users to register hall calls. The elevator 3 also includes an operation panel (not shown) inside the car 31 for users to register car calls.

[0017] The car 31 operates based on the control of the car control unit 114 of the elevator control device 1, and moves between floors. The door 32 opens and closes according to the control of the door control unit 113 of the elevator control device 1. Note that the landing door also opens and closes in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 32 of the car 31.

[0018] <Elevator control device 1> The elevator control device 1 accepts call registrations and controls the operation of the elevator 3 based on the accepted call registrations. For example, the elevator control device 1 controls the operation of the elevator 3 based on hall calls or car calls from human users. Furthermore, when a call is registered by the robot 2, the elevator control device 1 operates the elevator 3 in a robot-only operation mode and controls the elevator 3 based on the accepted call registrations.

[0019] Furthermore, the elevator control device 1 operates the elevator 3 in a special operation mode, which is an operation mode available only to specific users, based on the schedule information 122 registered in advance.

[0020] 1, the elevator control device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and an input / output interface 13. The input / output interface 13 is a communication module that enables the elevator control device 1 to communicate with the robot 2 and the elevator 3.

[0021] [Storage unit 12] The storage unit 12 stores various information used in the elevator control device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0022] (Elevator Information 121) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of elevator information 121. Elevator information 121 is information relating to the state of elevator 3. As shown in Fig. 2, elevator information 121 includes information indicating the current floor indicating the current position of car 31, the current movement direction of car 31, and the current operation mode of elevator 3. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the upward arrow "↑" indicates that the movement direction of car 31 is the direction of movement to an upper floor.

[0023] The operation modes of the elevator 3 include a normal operation mode and a robot-only operation mode. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the elevator 3 operates in a state in which it can accept hall calls and car calls from users, as well as calls from the robot 2. The robot-only operation mode is an operation mode when a call from the robot 2 is registered, in which it does not accept hall calls and car calls from users, and it operates in a state in which only the robot 2 can use the elevator 3.

[0024] Furthermore, the elevator 3 has a special operation mode. The special operation mode is an operation mode based on the schedule information 122, and is performed during a period from a start time to an end time pre-registered as the schedule information 122. During the special operation mode, only those scheduled to use the elevator 3 based on the schedule information 122, such as workers or specified users, can use the elevator 3 to move between floors. Hereinafter, those who can use the elevator 3 during the special operation mode are referred to as specified users. The period during the special operation mode is also referred to as an unavailable period, during which users other than specified users and the robot 2 cannot use the elevator 3.

[0025] (Schedule Information 122) The schedule information 122 is information relating to the planned use of the elevator 3. The schedule information 122 is registered, for example, by a worker who inspects the elevator 3 using a terminal device or the like that can give instructions to the elevator control device 1.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the schedule information 122. As shown in Fig. 3, the schedule information 122 includes items indicating the details of planned use and information indicating unavailable periods, which are periods during which a specific user who plans to use the elevator 3 will have exclusive use of the elevator 3 and during which other users cannot use the elevator 3. Here, the unavailable periods include at least either a period during which the elevator 3 is inspected or a period during which the elevator 3 is exclusively operated for use by a specific user.

[0027] 3, information indicating that an inspection of elevator 3 will be carried out and that the inspection is scheduled to start at 9:00 on March 1, 2024 and end at 9:40 on the same day is stored as schedule information 122. When such schedule information 122 is stored, the period of the inspection (inspection implementation period) is an unavailable period, and elevator 3 cannot be used by anyone other than the workers performing the inspection.

[0028] 3, information indicating that a specific user (particular user) is scheduled to use elevator 3 and that the period of use by the user is from 10:00 on March 1, 2024 to 10:10 on the same day is stored as schedule information 122. When such schedule information 122 is stored, only the specific user can use elevator 3 during the period of use by the specific user (exclusive operation period), and other users cannot use elevator 3.

[0029] (Call registration information 123) The call registration information 123 is information relating to calls made by users and the robot 2. The call registration information 123 includes hall call information 124, car call information 125, and robot call information 126.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of hall call information 124. The hall call information 124 is information related to hall calls made by users. As shown in FIG. 4, the hall call information 124 includes information indicating the floor where the hall call was made (hall call floor), i.e., the departure floor of the user, and the direction of travel specified by the hall call. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of car call information 125. The car call information 125 is information related to car calls made by users. As shown in FIG. 5, the car call information 125 includes information indicating the destination floor of the user (car call floor).

[0031] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the robot call information 126. The robot call information 126 is information related to hall and destination floor calls made by the robot 2. As shown in Fig. 6, the robot call information 126 includes information indicating the departure floor and destination floor of the robot 2.

[0032] [Control unit 11] The control unit 11 executes various processes performed in the elevator control device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0033] (Specific Section 111) The identification unit 111 identifies the schedule information 122 and transmits it to the robot 2. The identification unit 111 may transmit the updated schedule information 122 to the robot 2 every time the schedule information 122 is updated (changed or added). The identification unit 111 may also transmit the schedule information 122 at predetermined intervals, for example, every hour or every day. The identification unit 111 may also transmit the schedule information 122 when it receives information from the robot 2 requesting acquisition of the schedule information 122.

[0034] The identification unit 111 may transmit all or only a portion of the schedule information 122 stored in the storage unit 12. For example, the identification unit 111 may transmit schedule information 122 related to usage plans scheduled within a predetermined period, for example, one hour or 24 hours, from the time of transmitting the schedule information 122. Furthermore, when already transmitted schedule information 122 is updated, the identification unit 111 may transmit only the updated information of the schedule information 122.

[0035] (Reception Department 112) The reception unit 112 receives call registration requests from users and the robot 2. Note that a call registration request from a user can be made using an operation panel (not shown) provided at the elevator hall or in the car 31 of the elevator 3.

[0036] When a call registration request is received from a user, the reception unit 112 stores the user's departure floor and direction of travel, or the user's destination floor, in the call registration information 123 of the memory unit 12, and registers the user's hall call or car call.

[0037] When a call registration request is received from the robot 2, the reception unit 112 stores the departure floor and destination floor of the robot 2 in the robot call information 126 of the memory unit 12, and registers a hall / destination floor call for the robot 2. Furthermore, when a hall / destination floor call for the robot 2 is registered, the reception unit 112 outputs a signal to the switching unit 115 to instruct the start of robot-only operation. This starts robot-only operation, and the elevator 3 operates in robot-only operation mode. While in robot-only operation mode, the reception unit 112 does not accept call registration requests from users.

[0038] During the usage period indicated in the schedule information 122, the reception unit 112 does not accept call registration requests from users other than the specified user and from the robot 2.

[0039] (Door control unit 113) The door control unit 113 controls the opening and closing of the door 32 of the car 31. When the car 31 arrives at any floor, the door control unit 113 acquires information indicating that the car 31 has stopped from the car control unit 114. Upon acquiring this information, the door control unit 113 transmits a signal to the door 32 of the elevator 3 instructing it to open the door. As a result, the door 32 of the car 31 opens, and the landing door also opens in conjunction with the door 32 of the car 31. In addition, the door control unit 113 transmits a signal to the door 22 instructing it to close the door a predetermined time after the door opens (for example, 20 seconds after the door opening is completed). As a result, the door 32 of the car 31 and the landing door close.

[0040] In addition, when the elevator 3 is operating in the robot-only operation mode, if the door control unit 113 receives a door open hold command from the robot 2 while the door 32 is open, it holds the door 32 open.

[0041] If the door control unit 113 receives a boarding completion signal from the robot 2 within a predetermined time after receiving a hold-door-open command from the robot 2, the door control unit 113 sends a signal to the door 32 instructing it to close the door. If the door control unit 113 receives a boarding completion signal from the robot 2 within a predetermined time after receiving a hold-door-open command from the robot 2, the robot 2 has completed boarding into the car 31. Therefore, by instructing the door to close after receiving the boarding completion signal, the door control unit 113 can close the door 32 promptly after the robot 2 has completed boarding into the car 31. Furthermore, if the door control unit 113 receives a hold-door-open signal from the reception unit 112 and then does not receive a boarding completion signal, the door control unit 113 sends a signal to the door 32 instructing it to close the door.

[0042] After the doors have been closed, the door control unit 113 outputs information indicating that the doors have been closed to the car control unit 114. When the elevator 3 receives a hold-door-open command or a boarding completion signal from the robot 2, the car 31 moves to the destination floor of the robot 2 because the elevator 3 is operating in the robot-only operation mode.

[0043] In addition, the door control unit 113 may set the door open time when the elevator 3 is operating in the robot-only operation mode to be longer than the door open time when the elevator 3 is operating in the normal operation mode, for example, to about 3 minutes.

[0044] (Cage control unit 114) The car control unit 114 moves the car 31 based on the registered hall call, car call, and hall destination floor call by the robot 2. When the car 31 arrives at the departure floor of the robot 2, the car control unit 114 outputs information indicating the stopping floor of the car 31 to the door control unit 113.

[0045] The car control unit 114 determines the destination floor of the car 31 based on the departure floor and destination floor of the user and robot 2 recorded in the call registration information 123 and the operation mode of the elevator 3 .

[0046] For example, when the operation mode of the elevator 3 is the normal operation mode, the car control unit 114 determines the destination floor of the car 31 by referring to the hall call information 124 and the car call information 125, and transmits a signal to the car 31 instructing it to move to the determined floor. As a result, the car 31 of the elevator 3 moves to the destination floor based on the hall call and car call of the user.

[0047] Furthermore, when the operation mode of the elevator 3 is the robot-only operation mode, the car control unit 114 determines the destination floor of the car 31 by referring to the robot call information 127, and transmits a signal to the car 31 instructing it to move to the determined floor. As a result, the car 31 of the elevator 3 moves to the departure floor and destination floor based on the landing destination floor call of the robot 2.

[0048] When robot-only operation is started, the car control unit 114 may have the elevator 3 respond to a registered car call before instructing the robot 2 to move to the departure floor. This allows passengers who were in the car 31 when robot-only operation started to disembark before the robot 2 boards. When robot-only operation is started, the car control unit 114 may also delete registered hall calls, or may have the elevator 3 respond to registered hall calls after robot-only operation has ended.

[0049] Furthermore, when the operation mode of the elevator 3 is the special operation mode, the car control unit 114 determines the destination floor of the car 31 by referring to the hall call information 124 and the car call information 125, and transmits a signal to the car 31 instructing it to move to the determined floor. Here, when the operation mode of the elevator 3 is the special operation mode, the memory unit 12 stores information indicating the departure floor and destination floor of a specific user as the hall call information 124 and the car call information 125. Therefore, when the operation mode of the elevator 3 is the special operation mode, the car control unit 114 can move the car 31 to the departure floor and destination floor of a specific user.

[0050] (Switching unit 115) The switching unit 115 switches the operation mode of the elevator 3. For example, when the switching unit 115 receives a signal from the reception unit 112 instructing the start of robot-only operation, the switching unit 115 switches the operation mode of the elevator 3 stored in the elevator information 121 from the normal operation mode to the robot-only operation mode. This starts the robot-only operation of the elevator 3.

[0051] Furthermore, when the switching unit 115 receives a signal from the reception unit 112 instructing the end of robot-only operation, it switches the operation mode of the elevator 3 stored in the elevator information 121 from the robot-only operation mode to the normal operation mode, thereby ending the robot-only operation of the elevator 3.

[0052] Furthermore, when it is the start time of the planned use indicated in the schedule information 122, the switching unit 115 starts the special operation mode. Specifically, the switching unit 115 switches the operation mode of the elevator 3 to the special operation mode. Note that if the operation mode of the elevator 3 is the robot-only operation mode, the switching unit 115 switches the operation mode of the elevator 3 to the special operation mode after the robot 2 has completed using the elevator 3.

[0053] <Robot 2> The robot 2 is an information processing device capable of autonomous travel, and can move between floors using an elevator 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the robot 2 includes a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, and an operation unit 23. The operation unit 23 is a member such as a wheel, and operates under the control of an operation control unit 216 to move the robot 2 to a desired position. Furthermore, if the robot 2 is a robot that performs a predetermined operation, such as delivery, the operation unit 23 includes a member for performing that operation.

[0054] [Storage section 22] The storage unit 22 stores information used by the control unit 21. As shown in FIG.

[0055] The work information 221 is information indicating work scheduled for the robot 2. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the work information 221. As shown in Fig. 7, the work information 221 stores information indicating the work item, movement section, scheduled work time, and required time in association with each other.

[0056] The movement section is information indicating the range over which the robot 2 will move when the work involves movement. For example, when moving between floors using the elevator 3, information indicating the departure floor and destination floor is stored as the movement section. The planned work period is information indicating the period during which the robot 2 will perform work, and is specified by a start point and an end point. The robot 2 will start work after the start point of the planned work period and complete the work by the end point. Note that since work does not always progress as planned, the planned work period may be set to be longer than the time required for the work. The required time is the time expected for the robot 2 to perform the work.

[0057] The work performed by the robot 2 stored as the work information 221 may be a series of work including multiple actions. For example, the actions of using the elevator 3 to move from a standby position to a floor where the item is to be collected, collecting the item, using the elevator 3 again to move to a floor where the item is to be delivered, and then making the delivery may be stored as one work in the work information 221. Note that the action of using the elevator 3 to return to the standby position after making the delivery may be stored as the same work as the work including the series of actions, or may be stored as a separate work.

[0058] Furthermore, a task may be a part of a series of tasks. For example, the task of moving from a standby position using the elevator 3, the task of collecting at the destination floor, the task of moving using the elevator 3, the task of delivering at the destination floor, and the task of returning to the standby position using the elevator 3 after delivery may each be stored as a separate task.

[0059] Furthermore, the operation of using the elevator 3 to move from the waiting position to the floor where the item is to be collected, and the operation of carrying out the collection may be stored as one task in the memory unit 22. In this case, the operation of using the elevator 3 to move to the floor where the item is to be delivered and the operation of carrying out the delivery may be stored as separate tasks, and the operation of using the elevator 3 to return to the waiting position may be stored as yet another task.

[0060] Furthermore, the work performed by the robot 2 is not limited to collection and delivery. The work may be set according to the function of the robot 2. For example, if the robot 2 is a cleaning robot, the work may be an action of moving to a cleaning location and an action of cleaning at the destination.

[0061] [Control unit 21] The control unit 21 executes each process performed by the robot 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 21 includes an acquisition unit 211, a prediction unit 212, a notification unit 213, a change unit 214, a call request unit 215, and an operation control unit 216.

[0062] (Acquisition section 211) The acquisition unit 211 acquires information indicating unavailable periods during which the autonomously movable robot 2 cannot use the elevator 3. Specifically, the acquisition unit 211 receives schedule information 122 including information indicating unavailable periods from the elevator control device 1. Here, the unavailable periods include at least one of an inspection period for the elevator 3 and a dedicated operation period during which the elevator 3 is used by specified users. The acquisition unit 211 outputs the received schedule information 122 to the prediction unit 212.

[0063] The acquisition unit 211 may receive new schedule information 122 transmitted from the elevator control device 1 every time the schedule information 122 is updated in the elevator control device 1. Alternatively, the elevator control device 1 may transmit the schedule information 122 at predetermined intervals. Here, the predetermined interval may be, for example, one hour, 12 hours, or one day. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 211 may request the elevator control device 1 to provide the schedule information 122 at a timing such as before the start of work registered in the work information 221. In this case, the elevator control device 1 may transmit the schedule information 122 upon receiving the request.

[0064] (Prediction unit 212) When the prediction unit 212 acquires the schedule information 122 from the acquisition unit 211, it refers to the work information 221 in the storage unit 22. The prediction unit 212 predicts whether the robot 2 will be able to complete work without using the elevator 3 during periods when the elevator 3 is unavailable during a scheduled work period in which work involving the use of the elevator 3 is scheduled, and outputs the prediction result to the notification unit 213. The prediction unit 212 may predict whether all of the scheduled work can be completed, or may predict whether one upcoming work can be completed. An example in which the prediction unit 212 makes a prediction about one upcoming work among the works scheduled for the robot 2 will be described below.

[0065] The prediction unit 212 predicts that (1) the work will not be completed if it is predicted that if the work is started from the start point of the scheduled work period, the completion time of the work will exceed the end point of the scheduled work period. Also, the prediction unit 212 predicts that (2) the work will not be completed if it is predicted that the start time of the work will need to be earlier than the start point of the scheduled work period in order to complete the work by the end point of the scheduled work period.

[0066] The prediction by the prediction unit 212 will be explained using an example in which work is planned to move from the first floor to the fourth floor of a building, the planned work period for the work is between 10:00 and 10:20, and the required time is approximately 5 minutes.

[0067] In this example, if the unavailable period for elevator 3 is from 10:00 to 10:30, even if robot 2 starts work at 10:00, elevator 3 will be unavailable, and robot 2 will not be able to complete the work by 10:20. Even if robot 2 uses elevator 3 from 10:30, after the unavailable period ends, to complete the journey in five minutes, the work will be completed at 10:35, which is beyond the end of the originally scheduled work period. Furthermore, in the above example, to complete the work by the end of the scheduled work period, the work must start at 9:40 or earlier. In this case, the prediction unit 212 predicts that robot 2 will not be able to complete the work without using elevator 3 during the unavailable period during the scheduled work period in which the work is scheduled to involve the use of elevator 3.

[0068] On the other hand, in the above example, if the period during which the elevator 3 is unavailable is from 9:00 to 10:00, the elevator 3 will be available when the robot 2 starts work at 10:00, and the work can be completed by 10:20. In such a case, the prediction unit 212 predicts that the robot 2 will be able to complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period during the planned work period in which work involving the use of the elevator 3 is planned.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above example, if the unavailable period for elevator 3 is from 10:00 to 10:10, elevator 3 will be unavailable when robot 2 starts work at 10:00. However, because the required time for robot 2 to complete work is approximately 5 minutes, by using elevator 3 from 10:10 after the unavailable period ends, the work can be completed by 10:20. Even in such a case, the prediction unit 212 predicts that robot 2 will be able to complete the work without using elevator 3 during the unavailable period during the planned work period in which work is scheduled to involve the use of elevator 3.

[0070] (Notification Department 213) If it is predicted that the work will not be completed, the notification unit 213 notifies the terminal device 4 used by the manager of the robot 2 of predetermined notification information. Specifically, the notification unit 213 acquires information indicating the prediction result from the prediction unit 212. If the prediction unit 212 indicates that the work indicated in the work information 221 will not be completed, the notification unit 213 generates notification information for the terminal device 4 and notifies the terminal device 4 of the generated notification information.

[0071] The notification information is information regarding the relationship between the work of the robot 2 and the scheduled use of the elevator 3. For example, the notification information includes information indicating that at least a portion of the scheduled work period of the robot 2 overlaps with the unavailable period, and that it is predicted that the robot 2 will not be able to complete the work by the scheduled completion time of the work. The notification information may also include information indicating the work that is predicted to be incomplete, the scheduled use of the elevator 3 scheduled during the scheduled work period of the work, and the unavailable period corresponding to the scheduled use.

[0072] The notification information also includes proposal information that is a proposal for changing the work schedule. For example, the notification information includes, as proposal information, information indicating at least one of a proposal to advance the start point of the scheduled work period in accordance with the unavailable period, a proposal to delay the end point of the scheduled period in accordance with the unavailable period, and a proposal to cancel the work.

[0073] For example, the notification unit 213 determines, as the proposed information, to start work after the unavailable period ends, to finish work before the unavailable period starts, or to stop work. Specifically, if the work of the robot 2 is scheduled to start at 10:00 and be completed at 10:20, and the unavailable period of the elevator 3 is the period from 10:00 to 11:00, the notification unit 213 determines, as the proposed information, to include in the notification information information indicating at least one of the following proposals (1) to (3):

[0074] (1) Proposal to start work at 9:40 and finish at 10:00 (2) Proposal to start work at 11:00 and finish at 11:20 (3) Proposal to stop the work The changed scheduled work period indicated by the proposed information need not overlap with the unavailable period, or even if it does overlap, it is sufficient that the work can be completed during the scheduled work period, and is not limited to the above example. For example, if the start and end points of the scheduled work period are advanced, the start and end points of the changed scheduled work period may be earlier. Also, if the start and end points of the scheduled work period are delayed, the start and end points of the changed scheduled work period may be later.

[0075] Furthermore, the notification information may contain multiple proposals for changing the start and end points of the scheduled work period. For example, if the notification information contains the proposal (1) above, the notification information may also contain proposals for further advancing the start and end times of the work in addition to the proposal (1).

[0076] (Change section 214) The change unit 214 receives a change instruction signal from the terminal device 4. The change instruction signal includes information that instructs a change to the work included in the work information 221. Upon receiving the change instruction signal, the change unit 214 changes the work information 221 based on the instruction included in the change instruction signal.

[0077] For example, if the change instruction signal includes information instructing that the start point of a scheduled work period for a certain task be advanced by 10 minutes, the change unit 214 advances by 10 minutes the start point and end point of the scheduled work period for that task stored as the task information 221. As a result, the robot 2 starts that task 10 minutes earlier than planned.

[0078] (Call request unit 215) The call request unit 215 requests the elevator control device 1 to register a call based on the work information 221. Specifically, the call request unit 215 references the work information 221, and when it is time to start work using the elevator 3, generates a call registration request including information indicating the departure floor and destination floor of the robot 2, and sends it to the elevator control device 1. As a result, a call for the robot 2 is registered in the elevator control device 1, and the robot 2 can move between floors using the elevator 3.

[0079] If the work start time falls within the unavailable period and the elevator control device 1 does not accept the call registration request from the robot 2, the call request unit 215 waits for a predetermined period and then transmits the call registration request again.

[0080] (Operation control unit 216) The operation control unit 216 controls the operation of the operation unit 23. For example, the operation control unit 216 controls the operation unit 23 to cause the robot 2 to perform an operation scheduled for the robot 2, which is stored as the work information 221. For example, if the work information 221 stores a task of moving the robot 2 from the floor where the robot 2 is located to another floor, the operation control unit 216 operates the operation unit 23 to move the robot 2 to the elevator 3 landing. Furthermore, if the work information 221 indicates that a collection of goods is scheduled to be performed on a certain floor, the operation control unit 216 operates the operation unit 23 to move the robot 2 to that floor and then perform the collection task.

[0081] Furthermore, when the robot 2 is waiting for the elevator 3 and receives information from the elevator control device 1 indicating that the elevator 3 has opened its doors at the departure floor of the robot 2, the operation control unit 216 sends a door-open hold command to the elevator control device 1. The operation control unit 216 then operates the operation unit 23, causing the robot 2 to board the car 31. After the robot 2 has completed boarding the car 31, the operation control unit 216 sends a boarding completion signal to the elevator control device 1.

[0082] Furthermore, when the robot 2 is in the car 31 and receives information from the elevator control device 1 indicating that the door has opened at the destination floor of the robot 2, the operation control unit 216 transmits a door-open hold command to the elevator control device 1. The operation control unit 216 then operates the operation unit 23 to cause the robot 2 to dismount from the car 31. After the robot 2 has completed its dismounting operation from the car 31, the operation control unit 216 transmits a dismounting completion signal to the elevator control device 1.

[0083] <Terminal Device 4> The terminal device 4 is a device such as a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone used by the administrator of the robot 2, and is communicatively connected to the robot 2. As shown in FIG. 1 , the terminal device 4 includes a control unit 41, an output unit 42, and an input unit 43. The output unit 42 may be a display device such as a display, and outputs information under the control of the control unit 41. The input unit 43 may be a touch panel or the like that also has the function of the output unit 42, and receives input from the administrator and outputs a signal indicating the content of the received input to the control unit 41.

[0084] When it is predicted that the robot 2 will not be able to complete the task within the scheduled work period without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period, the control unit 41 receives notification information from the robot 2. Upon receiving the notification information, the control unit 41 causes the output unit 42 to output the notification information. The notification information includes information indicating that it is predicted that the task will not be completed within the scheduled work period, and proposal information proposing a change to the task. This allows the manager of the robot 2 to understand that the robot 2 will not be able to complete the task within the scheduled work period and the proposed scheduled work period. The proposal information may include at least one of a proposal to advance the start of the scheduled work period in accordance with the unavailable period, a proposal to delay the end of the scheduled work period in accordance with the unavailable period, and a proposal to cancel the task.

[0085] The input unit 43 accepts a change instruction input by the manager who has confirmed the notification information. The change instruction input is an input instructing a change to the work, and includes an input specifying the start point or end point of the changed scheduled work period. The manager may input a change instruction by entering any value indicating the start point or end point of the changed scheduled work period. The manager may also input a change instruction by selecting the desired start point or end point of the scheduled work period from options displayed as proposed information on the output unit 42.

[0086] The control unit 41 transmits a change instruction signal including information indicating the changed scheduled work period to the robot 2 based on the content of the change instruction input received by the input unit 43. As a result, when the manager inputs a change instruction to the input unit 43, the work information 221 is changed in the robot 2, and the robot 2 performs work based on the changed work information 221.

[0087] <Example of processing flow of information processing system 100> 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing performed in the information processing system 100. The flow of processing performed in the information processing system 100 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0088] First, the identification unit 111 of the elevator control device 1 refers to the storage unit 12 and acquires the schedule information 122 including information indicating the unavailable period. The identification unit 111 may acquire the schedule information 122, for example, at predetermined intervals, specifically, every hour or every day. The schedule information 122 may also be acquired every time the schedule information 122 is updated in the elevator control device 1. Furthermore, the schedule information 122 may be acquired when the elevator control device 1 receives a request for the schedule information 122 from the robot 2.

[0089] The identification unit 111 transmits the acquired schedule information 122 to the robot 2 (S1). As a result, the acquisition unit 211 of the robot 2 acquires the schedule information 122 including information indicating the unavailable period (S11: acquisition step). The acquisition unit 211 outputs the acquired schedule information 122 to the prediction unit 212.

[0090] When the prediction unit 212 acquires the schedule information 122, it refers to the work information 221 in the storage unit 22. Based on the schedule information 122 and the work information 221, the prediction unit 212 predicts whether or not work can be completed without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period (S12: prediction step). Note that when information on a plurality of works is stored as the work information 221, the prediction unit 212 may make a prediction for the most recent work that uses the elevator 3, or may make a prediction for all work that uses the elevator 3.

[0091] If the task can be completed without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period (YES in S12), the prediction unit 212 outputs a prediction result indicating that the task can be completed without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period to the notification unit 213. Upon acquiring the prediction result, the notification unit 213 ends the processing. If the result in step S12 is YES, the robot 2 can complete the task by the completion time without changing either the start time or completion time in the task information 221. Therefore, if the result in step S12 is YES, the robot 2 ends the processing without performing the processing from step S13 onwards, and starts the task when the start time arrives.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is predicted that if the work is started from the start point of the scheduled work period, the completion time of the work will exceed the end point of the scheduled work period, the prediction unit 212 predicts that the work cannot be completed without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period (NO in S12). Also, if it is predicted that the start time of the work must be earlier than the start point of the scheduled work period in order to complete the work by the end point of the scheduled work period, the prediction unit 212 predicts that the work cannot be completed without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period (NO in S12). If the result is NO in step S12, the prediction unit 212 outputs to the notification unit 213 a prediction result indicating that the work cannot be completed without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period.

[0093] When the notification unit 213 receives from the prediction unit 212 a prediction result indicating that a task cannot be completed without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period, the notification unit 213 generates notification information. The notification information includes information indicating that at least a portion of the scheduled work period for the robot 2 overlaps with the unavailable period, and that it is predicted that the robot 2 will not be able to complete the task by the completion time of the task. The notification information may also include information indicating the task that is predicted to be unable to be completed, the scheduled use of the elevator 3 scheduled during the scheduled work period for the task, and the unavailable period corresponding to the scheduled use.

[0094] Furthermore, the notification unit 213 determines suggested information to be included in the notification information to be notified to the administrator (S13). The suggested information includes information indicating at least one of a suggestion to advance the start point of the scheduled work period depending on the unavailable period, a suggestion to delay the end point of the scheduled period depending on the unavailable period, and a suggestion to stop the work. For example, the notification unit 213 determines, as suggested information, to start the work after the unavailable period ends, to finish the work before the unavailable period begins, or to stop the work. The notification unit 213 generates notification information including the suggested information and notifies the terminal device 4 (S14: notification step).

[0095] When the control unit 41 of the terminal device 4 receives the notification information, it controls the output unit 42 to present the information included in the received notification information (S21). This allows the manager of the robot 2 using the terminal device 4 to understand that the work of the robot 2 is predicted not to be completed as scheduled, and that a change in the scheduled work period is proposed to complete the work.

[0096] When the control unit 41 of the terminal device 4 receives a change instruction input to the input unit 43 instructing a change to the scheduled work period (YES in S22), it transmits a change instruction signal based on the input content to the robot 2. The change instruction signal includes information indicating the work to be changed, and information indicating the changed scheduled work period or information indicating that the work is to be stopped.

[0097] When the change unit 214 of the robot 2 receives the change instruction signal (S15), it changes the work information 221 based on the change instruction signal (S16).

[0098] Thereafter, the call request unit 215 and the operation control unit 216 of the robot 2 perform or cancel the work based on the changed work information 221. If the scheduled work period is changed, the changed scheduled work period is set so that the work can be completed within the scheduled work period without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period. Therefore, the robot 2 can start and complete the work as scheduled.

[0099] <Examples of forecasts and work changes> Below, using Figures 9 and 10, we will explain an example of predicting whether the robot 2's work will be completed without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period, and changing the planned work period if the work will not be completed.

[0100] 9 and 10 are diagrams showing an example of the relationship between unavailable periods, scheduled work periods before the change, and scheduled work periods after the change. In FIGS. 9 and 10, one scale represents five minutes. In the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the schedule information 122 indicates that inspection work is scheduled for the period from 9:00 to 9:40 on March 1st, and this period (reference numeral 901) is the unavailable period (first unavailable period). In addition, in the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the schedule information 122 indicates that use by a specific user is scheduled for the period from 10:00 to 10:10 on March 1st, and this period (reference numeral 902) is the unavailable period (second unavailable period). In addition, in the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the schedule information 122 indicates that inspection work is scheduled for the period from 10:00 to 11:00 on March 2nd, and this period (reference numeral 903) is the unavailable period (third unavailable period). The "planned work period before change" may be the original planned work period when the work was set, or may be the planned work period immediately before the current prediction is made.

[0101] (First example) First, using Figure 9, we will explain an example in which robot 2 is scheduled to use elevator 3 to travel from the first floor to the fourth floor of a building during a scheduled work period (symbol 904) starting at 10:00 and ending at 10:20, a task that takes 5 minutes.

[0102] If Robot 2 is scheduled to perform work on March 1st, as shown in FIG. 9, the first unavailable period (reference symbol 901) is a time before the start of Robot 2's scheduled work period (reference symbol 904). Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the second unavailable period (reference symbol 902) overlaps with Robot 2's scheduled work period. However, because Robot 2's work takes five minutes, by performing the work after the second unavailable period ends, it is possible to complete the work by the end of the scheduled work period.

[0103] Therefore, when work is to be performed on March 1st, the robot 2 can complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period. In this case, the prediction unit 212 predicts that the work can be completed, and the notification unit 213 does not notify the notification information.

[0104] (Second example) Next, a case will be described in which the same work as in the first example is scheduled to be performed on March 2nd. As shown in FIG. 9, when the work of robot 2 is scheduled to be performed on March 2nd, the third unavailable period (reference numeral 903) overlaps with the scheduled work period of robot 2 (reference numeral 904). Furthermore, the third unavailable period continues beyond the end of the scheduled work period. Therefore, if robot 2 starts the work as scheduled, elevator 3 will not be available during the unavailable period, and robot 2 will be able to use elevator 3 from 11:00 onwards, and the completion time of the work will be beyond the end of the scheduled work period. Furthermore, in order for robot 2 to complete the work by the end of the scheduled work period, it is predicted that the start time of the work will need to be earlier than the start time of the scheduled work period.

[0105] As described above, when work is to be performed on March 2nd, the robot 2 cannot complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period. In this case, the prediction unit 212 predicts that the work cannot be completed, and the notification unit 213 notifies notification information.

[0106] For example, the notification unit 213 notifies the user by including in the notification information a proposal to advance the start point of the scheduled work period. Specifically, the notification unit 213 notifies the user by including in the notification information a proposal to advance the start point of the scheduled work period to 9:40. If the manager inputs a change instruction to advance the start point of the scheduled work period based on the proposal, the work information 221 of the robot 2 is changed. As a result, the scheduled work period becomes the period from 9:40 to 10:00 (reference numeral 905), and the robot 2 can complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the third unavailable period.

[0107] Alternatively, the notification unit 213 notifies the user by including in the notification information a proposal to delay the end point of the scheduled work period. Specifically, the notification unit 213 notifies the user by including in the notification information a proposal to set the end point of the scheduled work period to 11:20. If the manager inputs a change instruction to delay the end point of the scheduled work period based on the proposal, the work information 221 of the robot 2 is changed. As a result, the scheduled work period becomes the period from 11:00 to 11:20 (reference numeral 906), and the robot 2 can complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the third unavailable period.

[0108] Alternatively, the notification unit 213 may notify the user by including a proposal to stop the work in the notification information. If the manager inputs a change instruction to instruct the user to stop the work based on the proposal, the work information 221 of the robot 2 is changed, and the robot 2 no longer needs to use the elevator 3.

[0109] (Third example) Next, using Figure 10, we will explain an example in which robot 2 is scheduled to perform work that takes 40 minutes, including traveling from the first floor to the fourth floor of a building using elevator 3, during a scheduled work period (symbol 1001) starting at 9:25 and ending at 10:25.

[0110] If Robot 2 is scheduled to perform work on March 1, as shown in FIG. 10 , the first unavailable period (reference numeral 901) and the second unavailable period (reference numeral 902) overlap with Robot 2's scheduled work period (reference numeral 1001). Furthermore, the time between the end of the first unavailable period and the start of the second unavailable period is shorter than the 40 minutes required for Robot 2's work. Therefore, if Robot 2 starts work as scheduled, Elevator 3 will be unavailable during the unavailable period, and furthermore, Elevator 3 will also be unavailable between the end of the first unavailable period and the start of the second unavailable period. Therefore, if Robot 2 starts work as scheduled, Robot 2 will be able to use Elevator 3 after 10:10, and the completion time of the work will exceed the end of the scheduled work period. Furthermore, in order for Robot 2 to complete the work by the end of the scheduled work period, it is predicted that the start time of the work will need to be earlier than the start time of the scheduled work period.

[0111] As described above, when work is to be performed on March 1st, the robot 2 cannot complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period. In this case, the prediction unit 212 predicts that the work cannot be completed, and the notification unit 213 notifies notification information.

[0112] For example, the notification unit 213 notifies the user by including in the notification information a proposal to advance the start point of the scheduled work period. Specifically, the notification unit 213 notifies the user by including in the notification information a proposal to advance the start point of the scheduled work period to 8:00. If the manager inputs a change instruction to advance the start point of the scheduled work period based on the proposal, the work information 221 of the robot 2 is changed. As a result, the scheduled work period becomes the period from 8:00 to 9:00 (reference numeral 1002), and the robot 2 can complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the first unavailable period and the second unavailable period.

[0113] Alternatively, the notification unit 213 notifies the user by including in the notification information a proposal to delay the end point of the planned work period. Specifically, the notification unit 213 notifies the user by including in the notification information a proposal to set the end point of the planned work period to 11:10. If the manager inputs a change instruction to delay the end point of the planned work period based on the proposal, the work information 221 of the robot 2 is changed. As a result, the planned work period becomes the period from 10:10 to 11:10 (reference numeral 1003), and the robot 2 can complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the first unavailable period and the second unavailable period.

[0114] Alternatively, the notification unit 213 may notify the user by including a proposal to stop the work in the notification information. If the manager inputs a change instruction to instruct the user to stop the work based on the proposal, the work information 221 of the robot 2 is changed, and the robot 2 no longer needs to use the elevator 3.

[0115] (Example 4) Next, a case will be described in which the same work as in the third example is scheduled to be performed on March 2nd. When the work by Robot 2 is scheduled to be performed on March 2nd, as shown in FIG. 10, the third unavailable period (reference numeral 903) overlaps with Robot 2's scheduled work period (reference numeral 1001). Furthermore, since the third unavailable period begins before the required time for the work has elapsed, counting from the start of the scheduled work period, Robot 2 cannot start the work from the start of the scheduled work period. Therefore, if Robot 2 starts the work as scheduled, Robot 2 will be able to use Elevator 3 from 11:00 onwards, and the completion time of the work will be beyond the end of the scheduled work period. Furthermore, in order for Robot 2 to complete the work by the end of the scheduled work period, it is predicted that the start time of the work will need to be earlier than the start of the scheduled work period.

[0116] As described above, when work is to be performed on March 2nd, the robot 2 cannot complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period. In this case, the prediction unit 212 predicts that the work cannot be completed, and the notification unit 213 notifies notification information.

[0117] For example, the notification unit 213 notifies the user by including in the notification information a proposal to advance the start point of the scheduled work period. Specifically, the notification unit 213 notifies the user by including in the notification information a proposal to advance the start point of the scheduled work period to 9:00. If the manager inputs a change instruction to advance the start point of the scheduled work period based on the proposal, the work information 221 of the robot 2 is changed. As a result, the scheduled work period becomes the period from 9:00 to 10:00 (reference numeral 1004), and the robot 2 can complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the third unavailable period.

[0118] Alternatively, the notification unit 213 notifies the user by including in the notification information a proposal to delay the end point of the scheduled work period. Specifically, the notification unit 213 notifies the user by including in the notification information a proposal to set the end point of the scheduled work period to 12:00. If the manager inputs a change instruction to delay the end point of the scheduled work period based on the proposal, the work information 221 of the robot 2 is changed. As a result, the scheduled work period becomes the period from 11:00 to 12:00 (reference numeral 1005), and the robot 2 can complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the third unavailable period.

[0119] Alternatively, the notification unit 213 may notify the user by including a proposal to stop the work in the notification information. If the manager inputs a change instruction to instruct the user to stop the work based on the proposal, the work information 221 of the robot 2 is changed, and the robot 2 no longer needs to use the elevator 3.

[0120] As described above, if the robot 2 cannot complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period, the information processing system 100 notifies the terminal device 4 of the notification information and proposes a change to the work schedule to the manager. Therefore, if the work schedule of the robot 2 is affected, the information processing system 100 can notify the manager of the robot 2 of this without delay. Furthermore, by receiving the notification information, the manager can understand that the work cannot be completed as planned and can change the work schedule as necessary. As a result, the robot 2 can perform the work without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period, or cancel the work, based on the changed work information 221.

[0121] [Modification] In the above-described embodiment, the notification unit 213 did not issue notification information if the robot 2 could complete the work during the scheduled work period, even if the scheduled work period overlapped with the unavailable period. Here, the notification unit 213 may issue notification information if the robot 2's scheduled work period overlaps with the unavailable period, even if the work can be completed during the scheduled work period. In this case, the notification unit 213 notifies the terminal device 4 by including in the notification information information indicating that the robot 2 can complete the work and that the scheduled work period of the robot 2 overlaps with the unavailable period.

[0122] 9, when the robot 2 performs work on March 1, the robot 2 can complete the work without using the elevator 3 during the unavailable period. In this case, the robot 2 does not use the elevator 3 from the start of the scheduled work period, but performs the work by using the elevator 3 after the second unavailable period has ended. In such a situation, the notification unit 213 may notify the terminal device 4 as notification information that the scheduled work period of the robot 2 overlaps with the second unavailable period, and that the robot 2 will actually start work at 10:10, after the second unavailable period has ended.

[0123] [Variation 2] In the above-described embodiment, the robot 2 includes the acquisition unit 211, the prediction unit 212, and the notification unit 213, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the information processing system 100 may include a management device that is communicatively connected to the elevator control device 1 and the robot 2 and manages the robot 2, and the management device may include the prediction unit 212 and the notification unit 213.

[0124] [Software implementation example] The functions of the information processing system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "system") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the system, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the system (particularly each part included in the control units 11, 21).

[0125] In this case, the system includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program, thereby realizing the functions described in each of the above embodiments.

[0126] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0127] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0128] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0129] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0130] 〔summary〕 The information processing system according to aspect 1 of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating unavailable periods during which an elevator cannot be used by an autonomously-traveling robot; a prediction unit that predicts whether the robot will be able to complete a task without using the elevator during the unavailable periods during a scheduled work period in which the task involves the use of the elevator; and a notification unit that, if it is predicted that the task will not be completed, notifies a device used by the manager of the robot of specified notification information.

[0131] In the information processing system according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in aspect 1, the prediction unit may predict that the work will not be completed if it is predicted that if the work is started from the start of the scheduled work period, the completion time of the work will exceed the end of the scheduled work period, or if it is predicted that in order to complete the work by the end of the scheduled work period, the start time of the work will need to be earlier than the start of the scheduled work period.

[0132] In the information processing system according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in aspect 1 or 2, the notification information may include at least one of a suggestion to advance the start of the scheduled work period in accordance with the unavailable period, a suggestion to delay the end of the scheduled work period in accordance with the unavailable period, and a suggestion to cancel the work.

[0133] In the information processing system according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 3, the unavailable period may include at least one of a period during which the elevator is inspected and a period during which the elevator is operated exclusively for designated users.

[0134] A control method for an information processing system according to aspect 5 of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring information indicating unavailable periods during which an elevator cannot be used by an autonomously-traveling robot; a prediction step of predicting whether the robot will be able to complete a task without using the elevator during the unavailable periods during a scheduled work period in which the task involves the use of the elevator; and a notification step of notifying a device used by an administrator of the robot of specified notification information if it is predicted that the task will not be completed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 2. Robot 3. Elevator 4 Terminal equipment (device) 100 Information Processing Systems 211 Acquisition Department 212 Prediction Department 213 Notification Department S11 Acquisition step S12 Prediction step S14 Notification step

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating an unavailable period during which the elevator cannot be used by the autonomously traveling robot; a prediction unit that predicts whether the robot will complete the work without using the elevator during the unavailable period during a scheduled work period in which the robot is scheduled to perform the work requiring the use of the elevator; and a notification unit that notifies a device used by a manager of the robot of predetermined notification information when it is predicted that the work will not be completed; An information processing system comprising:

2. The prediction unit If the work is started from the start point of the scheduled work period, the completion time of the work is predicted to exceed the end point of the scheduled work period, or If it is predicted that the start time of the work needs to be earlier than the start time of the scheduled work period in order to complete the work by the end time of the scheduled work period, predicting that the task will not be completed; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The notification information includes: a proposal to advance the start of the scheduled work period in response to the unavailable period; a proposal to delay the end of the scheduled work period in response to the unavailable period; and a proposal to discontinue said work; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. The unavailable period includes at least one of an inspection period of the elevator and an exclusive operation period during which the elevator is used by predetermined users. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. an acquisition step of acquiring information indicating an unavailable period during which the autonomously movable robot cannot use the elevator; a prediction step of predicting whether the robot will complete the work without using the elevator during the unavailable period during a scheduled work period in which the work is scheduled to involve the use of the elevator; a notification step of notifying a device used by an administrator of the robot of predetermined notification information when it is predicted that the work will not be completed; A method for controlling an information processing system, comprising:

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